Last year, one of my best girlfriends from college got married in Megeve, France. After the wedding, a friend and I traveled to Provence, and it remains in my memory today as one of the most charming places I have ever visited. We spent the first day in Aix, getting lost in the the winding streets, purchasing lavender-scented items and admiring the flower markets. I also had a taste of my first "French Cheeseburger" from a farmers market, which is cured meat covered in melted cheese on a french baguette. Later, we sat down for an al-fresco late lunch of oysters and white wine at La Rotunde. It was lovely.

While in Aix, we learned that it was lavender season and that we absolutely had to spend a day driving through the lavender fields and visiting some of the many historic villages in the surrounding countryside. The next day, we rented a car and drove into the countryside, with a list of recommended villages in hand. Some of my favorite villages were Roussillon, Gordes, Saint Remy de Provence, and Bonnieux. Outside the village of Gordes is the Senaque Abbey, where you'll take the obligatory photo of the lavender fields in front of the Abbey. However, I would advise that you be open to anything that catches your eye. We randomly pulled into a small, family-run lavender farm for no reason other than their adorable donkeys. We ended up chatting with the owners and purchasing some lovely homemade lavender oils there.

We spent our final day in Cassis, a picturesque waterfront village a few hours drive from Aix. We took a boat out to see the Calanques, incredible rock formations along the cliff, and the driver of the tour boat put his microphone in front of me and made me sing for the entire tour group. We then had one of the most delicious meals of my life at Villa Madie, a Michelin starred restaurant with stunning views of the water and rusty cliffs.

A trip to Provence during lavender season (June to August) is a bucket list-worthy adventure full of gorgeous scenery and delicious food, an unexpected and delightful alternative to the typical southern France beach weekend.