Indoor activities in Provence

You can find indoor badminton courts in many of the sport centres all around Provence.

Many of the sport centres around Provence have facilities to play basketball.

Catch the latest films and releases in Provence on your holiday. Look out for VOST for English speaking films.

There are modern gyms in Provence to try and keep fit while on vacation. Many hotels also offer fitness facilities.

There are indoor football courts in many of the sport centres around Provence for you to organise a friendly match.

There are bowling alleys in Provence to keep you entertained on bad weather days, or if you're looking for something to do with a group.

Provence has a wide range of museums and galleries to keep visitors entertained. From historical buildings and churches to very important art collections, including those dedicated to artists that lived locally like Fernand Léger, Cezanne or Van Gogh. The region also offers archaeological sites, prehistoric caves and exhibitions dedicated to typical products like wine, lavender, soap or even fruit and vegetables.

The most popular sport in Provence is the game of Petanque - a form of boules played on a dirt or gravel surface in towns and villages throughout the region. The essence of the game is to throw metal balls (boules) towards a target (normally a small wooden ball) with the aim of landing the boules as close as possible to the target.

The game is played in teams or individually, and points are awarded for each boule that is closest to the target before the best placed opposing side's boule. The team who reaches 13 points first is the winner. If the target is knocked out of play then no points are awarded unless a team has boules left to play, in which case they receive points for each boule remaining. Boules are thrown from a standing position (different versions of Boules allow a run up) and the target must be thrown six to ten metres away from the player.

In many villages throughout Provence you'll be able to find indoor petanque grounds.

Provence is famous for its traditional local produce and industry. First and foremost are cosmetics and perfumes, mostly those made with lavender. The famous 'savon de Marseille' soap is another popular item to take home. Provençal linens are aldo a popular choice with holiday makers, as well as antiques. And, of course, wine and food!

If it is calm and relaxation you are after then head to a luxury day spa or book in for massage therapies and beauty treatments. A day spa is also the perfect activity when the weather turns. You can revive aching muscles in saunas, steam rooms and jacuzzis, try out the latest beauty treatments or take a refreshing dip in a swimming pool.

Play squash whilst you're in Provence either during winter or summer. Normally located in the main sports centre, you should be able to rent all you need on site. Alternatively some of the hotels or spas have their own squash courts too.

If you'd like to take a dip indoors, you'll be able to find somewhere to go for a swim in Provence. Most hotels have their own swimming facilities, however there are also municipal swimming baths that you can visit. In summer and winter, you should be able to find somewhere to take a dip, so don't forget your towel and your swimming costume or shorts.

There are multiple places where you can practice yoga in Provence. From sports centres to spas and fitness facilities, you're sure to find a place to relax, stretch and find your balance.