The Best Walking Tours in Provence by Guides France

Walking tours in Provence are one of the best ways to discover the region’s historic cities, artistic heritage and distinctive Mediterranean character.

Guides France offers private guided tours with local, licensed tour guides throughout France.

With personalised itineraries adapted to your interests, we offer truly memorable experiences on our tours.

Walking Tours in Provence: Five Cities to Explore

From the ancient streets of Arles to the lively Old Port of Marseille, each destination offers a different perspective on the history, culture and character of Provence.

Marseille

Visiting Marseille should begin at the historic Old Port, which has been the heart of the city for more than two millennia.

A walking tour reveals how the port evolved from an ancient Greek settlement into one of the Mediterranean’s most important trading centres.

Along the way you’ll discover impressive architecture and have plenty of opportunities to sample local delicacies such as fresh seafood or traditional navettes (little boat-shaped biscuits).

Just a short walk from the Old Port lies Le Panier, Marseille’s oldest neighbourhood and arguably its most picturesque.

It’s the perfect place to find unique Provençal gifts and artisan products.

Towering above Marseille is the magnificent Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde.

Walking here (or combining the climb with public transport) brings you to an incredible viewpoint of the city.

Aix en Provence

Aix-en-Provence (nicknamed the City of a Thousand Fountains) is a picturesque town known for its elegant squares, fountains and artistic heritage – every corner truly feels like a postcard.

The perfect place to begin any walking tour is the magnificent Cours Mirabeau, the heart of Aix since the 17th century.

As you stroll down this street, you’ll notice several of Aix’s famous fountains, including the beautiful Fontaine de la Rotonde at one end, as well as the elegant Moss Fountain (Fontaine Moussue), where mineral-rich spring water has created a thick blanket of green moss over centuries. 

Aix is inseparable from its most famous resident, the artist Paul Cézanne.

A walking tour of Aix can take you past locations connected with his life, including his childhood neighbourhood, favourite cafés and places that inspired many of his paintings.

Art lovers will enjoy learning how the city’s unique light influenced one of history’s greatest Post-Impressionist painters.

Arles

Every corner of Arles seems to reveal another Roman monument, charming square or hidden courtyard.

A walking tour in Arles is undoubtedly the best way to experience the city because almost every major attraction lies within the historic centre.

Your first stop should be the magnificent Arènes d’Arles, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres anywhere in Europe.

Built around 90 AD, it once seated over 20,000 spectators who gathered to watch gladiator contests and chariot races.

Today it remains a living monument, hosting concerts and traditional events throughout the year.

Arles is also closely connected to artist Vincent van Gogh.

He arrived in 1888 and, despite staying for little more than a year, created around 300 paintings and drawings here.

The perfect walking tour is to follow the Van Gogh Trail, where reproductions of his paintings are displayed exactly where they were created.

One of the highlights is the famous Café Van Gogh on Place du Forum, instantly recognisable as the setting for Café Terrace at Night. 

Toulon

Toulon is one of the French Riviera’s most underrated cities.

The heart of Toulon is its Vieille Ville (Old Town), a maze of narrow pedestrian streets, colourful façades and hidden squares that reveal the city’s Provençal character.

Another highlight is Cours Lafayette Market, one of the largest and liveliest Provençal markets in southern France.

Place de la Liberté is Toulon’s elegant central square. Created in the 19th century, it’s surrounded by impressive Haussmann-style buildings, which give it a distinctly Parisian feel while maintaining the relaxed atmosphere of southern France.

The square’s centrepiece is the magnificent Fountain of the Federation (Fontaine de la Fédération), an elaborate sculpture symbolising unity and the strength of the Provence region. 

Finally, for fans of sport, visit Stade Mayol. This is one of France’s most iconic rugby stadiums and the proud home of RC Toulon (one of the most successful rugby clubs in Europe).

A unique attraction outside the stadium is the collection of handprints of famous rugby players who greatly contributed to the club’s history (for example, English rugby star Jonny Wilkinson).

Avignon

Surrounded by impressive medieval walls, Avignon (nicknamed the City of the Popes) feels like stepping into another era.

Once the centre of the Catholic Church, the city became home to seven popes during the 14th century, transforming it into one of medieval Europe’s most important cities.

The obvious highlight is the spectacular Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes). It’s the largest Gothic palace in Europe and takes over the city’s skyline.

Another unmissable spot is the Pont d’Avignon (officially called the Pont Saint-Bénézet).

This medieval bridge originally stretched across the Rhône before floods destroyed much of it.

Only four arches remain today, yet it remains one of France’s most recognisable landmarks thanks to the famous children’s song ‘Sur le Pont d’Avignon’.

Walking onto the bridge offers incredible views of both the palace and the river, so it’s the perfect place to fit into your Avignon tour itinerary. 

Why Choose Walking Tours in Provence?

Walking tours in Provence offer a more personal way to experience the region’s history, architecture and everyday character.

With a knowledgeable, licensed guide, the Roman monuments of Arles, the papal heritage of Avignon, the artistic streets of Aix-en-Provence and the maritime identity of Marseille and Toulon become far more vivid.

Whether you are visiting one city or planning a longer journey through southern France, a private walking tour helps you uncover stories, details and local places that are easy to miss when exploring alone.