11 Most Beautiful Villages In Provence

Planning your trip to France and zeroing in on the most beautiful villages in Provence?

I got you! And no, I’m not sending you to Cannes, Nice, or St. Tropez, because while pretty, they are a bit overtouristed… and technically not in Provence.🙈

So what the heck do I know? I spent the whole month of September exploring the less traveled areas of the region guided by my local host and the adventures from Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence – and I found some true standouts.

With this guide, I’m hoping to cut through the noise of endless lists of travel options – and just give you the gems. I’ll share practical tips like where to find the best gelato in each village, my favorite eating spots, and what to do around the town for a little outdoorsy escape.

TIPS WHEN VISITING PROVENCE

👉 Always park slightly outside of each village to avoid getting your car stuck on tiny French roads. There are parking lots around each village – easily searchable on Google.

👉 Reservations are key, especially in the summertime for wineries and restaurants. Call a couple of days in advance, even for the smallest of spots.

👉 Apéro is Provence starts around 6 pm where locals and tourists alike ‘happy hour’ and people-watch at little cafes. Highly recommend!

👉 Make sure to try the local booze called “pastis”. Pastis is an anise-flavored aperitif in France, usually diluted by water – don’t drink it straight like an animal!

👉 Go to the village market days – it’s such a French thing to do and a great place to get local goodies. I’ve added when they happen for each village below!

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11 Most Beautiful Villages In Provence

When I think of Provencal villages, I think of little mountain towns surrounded by vineyards, the intro song to Beauty and the Beast, olive trees and lavender fields, and little old men biking home with a baguette in their basket and a beret on their heads.

And that’s exactly my criteria for curating this list. If you hit all these villages, you’ll feel and see the Frenchiest of French things.

⭐️ My Personal Faves: Arles, Gordes, and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. ⭐️

1. Moustiers-Saint-Marie

Located in the Verdon Natural Regional Park and surrounded by some pretty insane-looking limestone cliffs, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a place I visited multiple times during my stay – it’s one of my favorites.

The village itself has a couple of little highlights. You can hike to the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel (you can’t miss it, it’s right at the top of the town) or see the Moustiers-Sainte-Marie Star that hangs between the cliffs.

If you’re low-key like me, walking around the streets, popping into all the shops, enjoying gelato on a shaded bench in the town square, and doing a little shopping here and there – well that’s what visiting Provence is all about – and that’s what I recommend!

Moustiers-Saint-Marie’s location is also a big draw because there are so many iconic and adventurous things to do.

Here’s how I would spend a day around this village:

• The Gorge du Verdon, popular for kayaking and hiking, is only 15 minutes away and how I would start my day. You can rent a kayak for a couple of hours for about 30.
• Then I would grab lunch & gelato in Moustiers-Saint-Marie. I love Cafe Gourmandises and L’Etoile Givreé for gelato after.
• Just a 20-minute drive away is Plateau du Valensole, known for its summer lavender fields. I would spend the afternoon driving around and frolicking, taking pretty pictures in between Moustiers-Saint-Marie and the village of Puimoisson.
• Then back to the village of Moustiers-Saint-Marie for apéro (French happy hour), dinner, and sunset.

Moustiers-Saint-Marie Events:
✔️ Fête de la Saint-Jean in June
✔️ Pottery Market in July
✔️ Local Market Day is every Friday

If you’re planning a trip to southern France and want to see one of the most beautiful villages in Provence, this one is worth adding to your list, especially if you’ll be there during the summer or fall season.

3. Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Saint-Paul de Vence is another standout, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department.

I spent a couple of days here with a girlfriend taking photos of the charming streets and eating our way through the town, trying local dishes like ratatouille and bouillabaisse.

Pro Tip: This is a great village for a home base to see a lot of the southeast side of the region, like St. Tropez, Cannes, and Nice while still feeling like you’re tucked away in a cute little Provencal village.

Saint-Paul-de-Vence is very well known for its quality wine production, a serious business in this region of France, so of course we took an afternoon to visit a proper vineyard nearby – Domain Saint Joseph – don’t forget to call ahead and make reservations for tastings, as walk-ins are not usually accepted.

If you’re short on time or super lazy after lunch, there’s a cute little wine-tasting room right in town, La Petit Cave of St. Paul.

Saint-Paul-de-Vence Events:
✔️ “Nuits de la Courtine” music festival in July.
✔️ Art exhibitions run from June to September.
✔️ Grape Harvest & Chestnut Festiva in August.
✔️ Local Market Day is every Wednesday and Friday.

I recommend visiting in the late spring (like June when the rains have stopped) and early fall when the weather is good and there are fewer crowds.

There are several walking trails around the village that have some stunning views of the surrounding countryside. What’s more, the little medieval town of Vence is just a short drive away and makes for a great combo day trip.

The village is on a hillside, but overall super walkable. While French is the primary language, most locals speak English, so you won’t have much trouble getting around.

All that to say, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is popular for good reason and a great addition to my list of most beautiful villages in Provence.

4. Saint-Remy-de-Provence

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is situated in the Alpilles region of Provence, and I cannot stress how cute it is and how good the shopping is – probably the best of all the small villages I visited. I loved this little local cheese shop: La Cave aux Fromages.

Fun Fact: The village is famous for its Roman ruins and the Saint-Paul Asylum, where Vincent van Gogh once stayed.

If you’re outdoorsy, the Alpilles Mountains offer excellent hiking trails, and the area is also popular for cycling – I mean gangs of bikers on the serpentine roads, which in my mind only heightens the charm.

Saint-Remy-de-Provence Events:
✔️ Market day is every Wednesday (highly recommend)
✔️ “Fête de la Transhumance” Festival in May, where you can witness a traditional sheep parade.
✔️ “Feria” in August, which is basically a huge fair featuring bullfights and local music.

If you’re looking to explore beyond Saint-Rémy, the nearby villages of Les Baux-de-Provence, and a cute Le Chateau des Alpilles are a short drive away.

So, if you’re into random art history, boutique shopping, and local culture, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is your village.

5. Loirmarin

Nestled in the Luberon region of Provence, Loirmarin is a village that effortlessly captures the essence of southern France.

Known for its Renaissance château and charming streets spilling over with coffee shops, little bistros, and boutiques, it’s a spot that invites leisurely exploration.

Outdoorsy people – this is also a village for you! The Luberon Natural Regional Park nearby offers a range of hiking trails that promise stunning views of the Provençal landscape. Cycling is another popular activity, with several scenic routes passing through or near Loirmarin.

If you’re looking to expand your journey, consider a little side trip to the nearby village of Saignon. It’s a short drive out from Loirmarin, a little more quiet, and with an absolutely dreamy town center. I recommend Un Jardin Sur Le Toit for dinner around sunset. And don’t hesitate to take a walk to the top of the mountain for some really ‘wow’ views of the Luberon region.

Now back to Loirmarin.

Loirmarin Events:
✔️ Market day is every Thursday.
✔️ Antique Book Fair – August
✔️ Loirmarin Jazz Festival is in September.

The summer months are particularly lively, featuring art exhibitions and music festivals. For such a little village, I would say it’s pretty hip.

6. Gordes

Right next to Loirmarin is the famous and stunning Gordes. All the French people I met also told me to come here, and it’s well worth a visit.

Situated in the Luberon region, Gordes is often hailed as one of the most beautiful villages in all of Provence. With its stone buildings perched on a rocky cliff, the village offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. I liked walking around the outside of the village on foot, aiming for this viewpoint.

For those who love the great outdoors, the nearby Luberon Natural Regional Park offers a variety of hiking trails. Cycling routes are also abundant, providing another way to take in the stunning scenery.

Fun Fact: The village was featured in the 2006 movie A Good Year, starring Russell Crowe and Marion Cotillard. The film is based on a novel by Peter Mayle who also wrote A Year in Provence, which I think is required reading while exploring this region. 🤓

If you’re keen on exploring more of what Provence has to offer, the villages of Roussillon and Ménerbes are excellent add-ons to a visit to Gordes. Both are within a 20-minute drive from Gordes and offer their own unique attractions, from Roussillon’s ochre cliffs to Ménerbes’ historic charm.

If you’re visiting in the summer, I also recommend a stop at Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque about 15 minutes away for a lavender photo shoot.

Gordes Events:
✔️ Market day falls on Tuesdays.
✔️ Gordes Music Festival in July.
✔️ Summer Evening Festival in August

As for annual events, Gordes hosts several festivals throughout the year. The summer season is particularly vibrant, featuring art exhibitions and live performances at the Théâtre des Terrasses.

7. Bormes les Mimosas

Bormes-les-Mimosas is located in the Var area of Provence, closer to the Mediterranean coast, and the medieval village is known for its mimosa trees, which bloom spectacularly in the spring.

The village itself is a maze of narrow streets filled with boutiques and cafes. The Fort de Brégançon, a former presidential retreat, is a local highlight. It’s now open to the public and offers panoramic views of the sea and surrounding hills.

If you’re up for more exploration, the coastal town of Le Lavandou is just a 10-minute drive away. I loved spending a lazy morning at Plagge de l’Estangol – it’s inside a reserve and there’s a small fee to park your car. Come early in the summer, because the little beach gets busy!

Bormes-les-Mimosas Events:
✔️ Market day is on Wednesdays
✔️ Mimosa Festival in February, celebrating the mimosa flower with parades.

Bormes-les-Mimosas serves as a picturesque base for exploring both the hills and the sea, and it’s a good place to home base outside the more touristed areas.

8. L’Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue

L’Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue is located in the Vaucluse area of Provence very near Gordes. Often referred to as the “Venice of Provence” due to its canals, the village is a magnet for antique lovers.

It’s home to France’s second-largest antique market, a detail that might interest both history buffs and collectors alike.

The village is a visual treat with its water wheels and moss-covered canals. The Church of Saint-Antoine is a notable landmark, featuring a blend of Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements. As for me, I posted up at Monsier Tu and read my book after a lap around all the little streets and shops.

Fun Fact: For literature fans, the poet René Char, a member of the French Resistance, was born here, adding a layer of historical depth.

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, a nearby village, is just a 15-minute drive away and is known for its impressive spring. It’s an ideal addition to your day if you’re based in L’Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue.

L’Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue Events:
✔️ Market day takes place on Sundays.
✔️ Annual Antique Fair around Easter.

As for festivals, the floating market in August is a unique experience. Local producers navigate the canals on flat-bottomed boats, selling produce and crafts.

9. Cassis

Cassis is one of the only seaside towns on my list, and it sits right along the Mediterranean coast.

The village is best known for its cliffs and sheltered inlets called calanques. It’s more popular than most of the other villages on this Provençal list, but I want to include it because I absolutely loved it, I bought a cute little silk dress from this shop, and it captures that southern Provence style.

The harbor area, lined with cafes and boutiques, is the heart of Cassis. I loved a relaxing lunch at Restaurant Le Bonaparte before walking around the little streets.

The Château de Cassis, now a private residence overlooking the sea, adds a touch of history to the scenic views. The nearby Route des Crêtes offers panoramic vistas and is a popular spot for hiking. I think the best views of this village are actually as you come down into town from above – simply pull over (but not like a crazy French driver) and snap a few photos.

If you’re looking to explore beyond Cassis, the city of Marseille is just a 30-minute drive away. It offers a stark contrast with its bustling urban atmosphere and historic sites like the Old Port.

Pro Tip: If you’re deciding where to stay near the Marseille area, I recommend Cassis over Marseille because it’s smaller, more quaint, and there is still a lot to explore, restaurants to try, shops to pop into, nightlife and beaches you can walk to.

Cassis Events:
✔️ Markets on Wednesdays and Fridays.
✔️ Fête de la Mer et des Pêcheurs (Sea & Fishermen) is every August. The event includes a procession of boats and a blessing of the sea, a tradition that dates back to 1720.
✔️ Les Nuits Vagabonds in August
✔️ Wine Festival in Septemeber
✔️ Potters Market in September

Cassis offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, making it a must-visit for those exploring Provence.

10. Roussillon

Roussillon is located in the Luberon region of Provence. The village is basically red – renowned for its ochre cliffs and rich, earthy pigments. These natural colors have been used in art and construction for centuries, making Roussillon a unique blend of nature and culture.

PRO TIP: The Ochre Path, a walking trail through the Ochre formations, is a must-visit. Once you are in the village center, there are clearly marked signs where to go. There are two paths you can take around the canyons. The longer one takes about 45 minutes, and the shorter one takes around 30 minutes.

The village itself is a labyrinth of red and orange buildings, a testament to the local ochre. For a touch of history, the clock tower and the 19th-century Church of Saint-Michel are worth a visit.

Gordes, another stunning village on this list, is just a 20-minute drive away and can easily be combined with a trip to Roussillon.

Roussillon Events:
✔️ Market takes place on Thursdays
✔️ Fête de l’Ocre is in July
✔️ International Festival of String Quartets in August
✔️ Book Fair in September

Roussillon stands out for its vibrant natural colors and rich history, making it a unique little destination in Provence.

11. Menerbes

Last but not least, we have Ménerbes, situated in the Luberon region of Provence. This hilltop village gained fame through Peter Mayle’s book A Year in Provence, making it a popular destination for literary enthusiasts and those curious about Provençal life.

The village has panoramic views of the Luberon Valley, and it’s super well-preserved.

Highlights include the 16th-century Saint-Luc Church and the Maison de la Truffe et du Vin, a haven for wine and truffle enthusiasts. The Dora Maar House, named after the artist and former lover of Picasso, serves as an artist retreat and museum.

Nearby, you’ll find the villages of Lacoste and Bonnieux, each about a 15-minute drive away, making them easy additions to your day.

Ménerbes Events
✔️ Market day is on Thursdays.
✔️ Winegrowers’ Festival is in July
✔️ Fête de la Saint-Marc is in April
✔️ Ménerbes Music Festival in July and August, which showcases classical and jazz performances.

Ménerbes offers a mix of literary history, scenic beauty, and local culture, making it a worthwhile stop in your Provence journey. Plus, it’s so near all the other villages, why not?

Map: Most Beautiful Provence Villages

Here is the Google Map version of all 11 of the most beautiful villages in Provence, according to me. This will be useful for planning your road trip.

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Where Is Provence?

Provence is located in the southeastern part of France, stretching from the lower Rhône River on the west to the Italian border on the east.

It’s a bit tricky to define its exact boundaries because “Provence” is more of a historical and cultural region than a precise geographical area. That said, here’s a general idea:

• Western Boundary: The western edge is around the city of Avignon, near the Rhône River.
• Eastern Boundary: The eastern limit could be the area around Nice and the beginning of the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur).
• Northern Boundary: The region extends up to the lower parts of the Alps, so towns like Digne-les-Bains could be considered the northern edge.
• Southern Boundary: The southern boundary is the Mediterranean Sea, including coastal cities like Marseille and Toulon.

So, if you’re planning a trip, you’ll find that Provence covers a pretty large area with a lot of diversity, from beaches and vineyards to mountains and beautiful historic villages.

Regions of Provence

Provence is more than just a single destination – it’s a bunch of diverse regions, each with its own little charm.

Before you get lost in the logistics of regions and departments, French bureaucracy when labeling and structuring their country, here’s the gist:

• Regions are the big areas that cover a lot of ground, and how I talk about cultural areas – it’s also how the locals refer to different places in Provence.
• Departments are smaller spots within those regions, more carved out for administrative & government purposes. Don’t worry so much about these names.

So when you hear names like Luberon or Alpilles, these are regions that people love for their unique vibes and culture. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the key regions within Provence:

✔️ Luberon (My Favorite Region!)

Nestled between the Alpes and the Mediterranean, Luberon is known for its hilltop villages, lavender fields, and vineyards. It also happens to be the region where a lot of the most beautiful villages of Provence are located. Beyond that, It’s a haven for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, and it’s also home to the famous Colorado Provençal, with its striking ochre cliffs.

✔️ Camargue

One of the more underrated regions when it comes to tourism, it also happens to be home to one of my favorite towns – Arles. Situated along the Mediterranean, Camargue is known for its marshlands, salt flats, and wild horses. It’s a great spot for bird-watching and is also famous for its bullfighting culture (not my cup of tea, but part of the local culture).

✔️ Vaucluse

Located in the heart of Provence, Vaucluse is rich in history and natural beauty. The region is famous for the Palace of the Popes in Avignon and the iconic Mont Ventoux, a haven for cyclists from around the world.

✔️ Alpilles

This is the region where you’ll find Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. The Alpilles are a small mountain range – but also think olive groves and vineyards, hiking and biking, and general prettyness.

✔️ Var

This coastal region is home to some of Provence’s most famous beaches, including Saint-Tropez. It’s a great area for water sports and also offers beautiful inland villages like Cotignac.

✔️ Côte d’Azur

Also known as the French Riviera, this glamorous region is famous for its azure waters, luxury yachts, and expensive nightlife. Cities like Nice and Cannes are the main attractions here, but there are also plenty of quieter spots like Eze and Villefranche-sur-Mer (which are more my vibe).

Each of these regions offers a different slice of Provençal life, from the laid-back rural landscapes of Luberon to the uppity glamour of the Côte d’Azur. It would take a year at least to really dive in and explore all of Provence.

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Best Place To Stay As Home Base

If you’re looking to visit all the villages I’ve outlined, the three best towns to consider as a home base in Provence are Arles, Gordes, and Aix-en-Provence.

Arles

Arles is one of those places you could visit and also live in – at least I could. This is probably my first choice of where to stay for a longer trip to Provence.

✅ PROS

• The town is bigger than a village, but not as overwhelming as Marseille or Avignon.
• There are restaurants, bistros, cafes, and tons of museums to explore on a rainy or chill day.
• The town itself hosts tons of festivals – so even if you don’t leave your town, you still get a taste of the Proveçal life.
• It is also well-connected by train and close to the Camargue region – which is great for those nature lovers out there.

❌ CONS

• It can get busy during the festival season, but speaking from experience, that’s a good and fun thing for any traveler.
• Additionally, it’s a bit smaller and therefore has fewer amenities than Aix-en-Provence or Avignon. That said, it has everything you need for a week of vacation through the region.

Gordes

This is a great option if you really want to stay in one of the most beautiful villages in Provence. It’s where movies are filmed, so you know it’s iconic and looks the part, and it’s a quick drive from a lot of the villages mentioned above.

✅ PROS

• The scenery is unmatched, with stunning views of the Luberon valley from the village walls.
• Gordes maintains a traditional Provençal charm, so if you’re looking for authentic, this is your spot.
• It’s super close to other picturesque villages like Roussillon and other beautiful villages in Provence, lavender fields, hikes, and lakes.

❌ CONS

• Housing and dining can be on the higher end.
• Gordes is popular with tourists, especially in the summer.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is often dubbed the “Paris of the South,” and for good reason. This vibrant city is a cultural hub, steeped in history and the arts. It’s home to the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture, and the Cours Mirabeau, a bustling avenue lined with cafes and boutiques.

Fun Fact: The city was the birthplace of Post-Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne, and the town looks just like his paintings.

✅ PROS

• Probably the widest range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options – it’s the biggest town among my recommended home bases.
• Known for its historical sites and museums. And the cafe culture is wonderful!
• Close to the Luberon region, making day trips easy.

❌ CONS

• Being a larger city, you might encounter more traffic. And parking will be a bit tougher.
• Generally more expensive in terms of accommodation and dining. But also, more options to choose from.

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Best Way To Explore Provence

The most efficient way to explore the villages we’ve discussed is by renting a car. Having your own vehicle gives you the flexibility to visit multiple villages in a single day and discover hidden gems at your own pace. It’s the go-to option for maximizing your time and experience in Provence.

➡️ I Recommend DISCOVER CARS – It’s What I Use! ⬅️

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Where Is The Prettiest Place In Provence?

Determining the prettiest place in Provence is obviously subjective, but many travelers love Gordes because of the epic views of the Luberon Valley and the fact that it maintains a traditional Provençal charm. For me, the list of the most beautiful villages in Provence above is a good start.

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Where Is the Charming Countryside of Provence?

The ‘charming’ countryside of Provence is primarily found in the Luberon and Vaucluse regions. These areas are dotted with picturesque beautiful French villages, lavender fields, and vineyards. They live up to the hype of the idyllic Provençal experience many travelers seek, complete with scenic beauty and local culture.

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Final Thoughts: Most Beautiful Villages In Provence

So there you have it—my curated list of the most beautiful villages in Provence, each with its own unique vibe and little bistros and gelato spots to try.

We’ve tackled the dilemma of where to go and what to see, hopefully making your trip planning a breeze. Whether you’re drawn to the artsy streets of Arles or the vistas of Gordes, Provence is a region that is truly magical, and I think it’s at least a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Ready to get your butt to Provence? Head over to Plan My Trip and let’s get started on crafting your perfect itinerary.