Where To Stay In Provence: The Cutest Towns & Boutique Hotels
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Figuring out where to stay in Provence is one of the more crucial decisions when planning a trip to the South of France. I spent a month slowly exploring the nooks and crannies of Provence from my little home base town near Cotignac, and I have a ton of thoughts on what makes a good home base and why.
This post is dedicated to what staying in different parts of Provence would be like so you can decide what works best for you. Here’s what I thought through for every town I recommend:
✅ Convenient – Provence is a big ass region, and my recommendations are near major things to do, like lavender fields, Provençal villages, history and culture, beaches, etc.
✅ Authentically French – I looked for towns that had a bunch of local restaurants, shops, and cafes, a charming southern French atmosphere, and an overall good vibe. Hundreds of villages have no vibe, and only have one bakery and one bar – these are not practical.
✅ Cute Options – which means more boutique hotels, not the most expensive, but I’ll splurge on a good esthetic, cozy with great views, and uniquely Provençal.
QUICK GUIDE: WHERE TO STAY IN PROVENCE
📍Best Luxury Hotel in Provence – Cotignac – Lou Calen
(I lived near here for a month – gorgeous location!)
📍Best Spot for Provençal Villages – Gordes – La Bastide
(Only 13 rooms with a fabulous Michelin restaurant nearby, Les Bories ⭐️)
📍Best Spot for Lavander Fields – Moustiers-Sainte-Marie – La Bouscatière
📍Best Centrally Located Spot – Aix-en-Provence – Hotel Les Augustins
📍 Best Spot for Beaches – Cassis – Hôtel Les Roches Blanches Cassis
PRO TIP: My biggest recommendation before choosing where to stay in Provence is to figure out what kind of trip you want to have – this is my 10-day Provence Itinerary after a month’s travels in the region.
Let’s dive into some of my recommendations for the best places to stay in Provence for inspiration. And if you’re still lost at the end, I can help you plan your trip to the South Of France.
Where To Stay In Provence Deep Dive
Depending on what you’re looking to enjoy most when it comes to Provençal life, here are my recommendations for the best places to stay as a base – all with a great vibe, a charming French cultural atmosphere, and centrally located to a lot of fun stuff to do.
Where To Stay In Provence for Provinçal Villages
Literally in the heart of Provence, the village of Gordes is an ideal home base for exploring the super cute Luberon villages that the south of France is known for. A lot of the villages in the area are generally perched on a hilltop, which makes for great pictures and sunsets, but Gordes I think is the best!
GORDES IN MOVIES: Gordes is usually the village they showcase when filming movies and shows in Provence, like A Good Year with Russel Crowe and even a few episodes of Emily in Paris!
For a romantic night out, check out the Village des Bories, an open-air museum of ancient stone huts, offering a glimpse into the rural life of Provence from a really long time ago. You will also find an amazing Michelin restaurant called Les Bories ⭐️ in the village!
➡️ Don’t Miss Out: A short drive from Gordes (like 15 minutes), you’ll find the Abbey of Senanque, whose lavender fields are amazing in the summer. Also nearby is the iconic village of Roussillon with the famous Ochre Trail, which throws me back to a few hikes in Colorado.
📍Luxury: La Bastide
📍Mid-Range: Domaine de l’Enclos
Where To Stay In Provence for Lavander Fields
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a hidden gem that’s perfect for folks looking for a quaint and peaceful retreat. This charming village, with its winding streets and traditional Provençal architecture, is a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of anywhere else in Provence. It’s like stepping into a storybook!
What really makes Moustiers-Sainte-Marie stand out is its proximity to the Plateau du Valensole, renowned for its expansive lavender fields. Imagine rows upon rows of vibrant purple, stretching as far as the eye can see— especially in full bloom during the summer.
➡️ Don’t Miss Out: During my stay, I ventured out to explore the Gorge du Verdon (a 15-minute drive south of Moustiers) and Lac de Sainte-Croix. The turquoise waters of the gorge, set against the backdrop of dramatic cliffs, is just wow!
📍Luxury: La Bouscatière
📍Mid-Range: L’Escalo (great vacation home!)
Where To Stay in Provence Centrally Located
Aix-en-Provence, known simply just as Aix, is one of my favorite cities in Provence. It’s prettier than Marseilles in my opinion, full of culture, Provençal authenticity with markets almost every single day, and cute young French people all around town due to it being a university town.
As the former capital of Provence, it’s centrally located, on the train line, and only an hour’s drive to the Luberon villages, the Camargue area, and the Gorge Du Verdon. This means you can do little day trips, and come back to Aix for apéro and dinner and have a full French-ass day!
➡️ Don’t Miss Out: Summertime is all about festivals in Provence, and there’s a big one in July called Festival Aix – save the date and get tickets to operas, theater, etc.
📍Luxury: Hotel Les Augustins
📍Mid-Range: Suite Le CEZANNE
Where To Stay In Provence Without A Car
I spent a weekend in Arles during their fall Feria and famous Photography Festival days and absolutely fell in love with the town. At first glance, it’s famous for its Roman history and amphitheater, and the lesser-known Camargue region in which it’s located.
The town is centrally located, and on the main train line through the south of France, which is why it’s a great spot to base yourself in Provence without staying in one of the bigger cities. Arles is small enough to feel like a village, and large enough to have tons of options for food and nightlife.
What I really like about it is the vibe of the town – there are lots of boutique museums, art galleries, shops, bookstores, boogie hotels with fancy bars (like the L’Arlatan Hotel), and grungy little cafes where locals enjoy many a glass of pastis!
➡️ Don’t Miss Out: Arles is known for its association with Vincent Van Gogh, so don’t miss out on the photo opp of the cafe that inspired A Starry Night. Also nearby is the cutest little town to shop and wander in called Saint Remy de Provence!
📍Luxury: L’Hôtel Particulier
📍Mid-Range: Hôtel de l’Amphithéâtre
Where To Stay In Provence for Wildlife
I had never heard of this region in Provence until I actually stayed in Arles, and holy shit, what a gem. The Camargue is one of Europe’s largest river deltas, where the Rhône River meets the sea.
This area is famous for its salt flats, marshes, and lagoons, creating a habitat for a wide range of wildlife, most notably the pink-billed greater flamingo, tons of bird species, bulls (which are used in traditional bullfighting), and the iconic Camargue horse, an ancient breed known for their stamina, strength, and striking white coats. These horses are often seen roaming the marshlands!
The Camargue region has managed to preserve its traditions and simple way of life. This authenticity is a draw for many French people seeking a connection with nature and tradition. It’s also why I love and think it’s a great place to stay in Provence.
➡️ Don’t Miss Out: Spend a day in the Ornithological Park to really experience the flamingos and wildlife. Plus, there are tons of tours that take you through the park with 4-wheelers and off-road vehicles.
📍Luxury: Hôtel L’ Estelle en Camargue
📍Mid-Range: La Tramontane
Where To Stay In Provence for Beaches
Cassis combines the charm of a small Mediterranean fishing village with the beauty of its natural surroundings. It’s a perfect spot for people who want to enjoy the beach life, with a touch of French Riviera glamour. And don’t sweat it, it’s not as filled with tourists as Cannes or St.Tropez, so there is room to breathe.
Cassis is famous for its proximity to the Calanques National Park, a series of dramatic limestone cliffs (pictured above), and coves along the coastline. If you’re driving into Cassis, there’s a moment when you clear the top of a mountain and you see Cassis at the bottom amongst the cliffs – what a feeling to know that this is where you could stay for a week!
➡️ Don’t Miss Out: My favorite beaches are Calanque d’En-Vau, because of its crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounded by towering cliffs, and Plage de la Grande Mer, right in the heart of Cassis town.
📍Luxury: Hôtel Les Roches Blanches Cassis (omg!)
📍Mid-Range: Les Jardins de Cassis
Where To Stay In Provence for Adventure
The area around the Gorge du Verdon is all about hiking, biking, kayaking, and adventure. The calm parts of the river and connecting lake are perfect for swimming and relaxing. Staying near the Gorge du Verdon also means you’re close to several charming Provencal villages, my favorite of which is Moustiers-Sainte-Marie only 15 minutes away from this spot in the picture (also on this list for proximity to lavender fields)!
➡️ Don’t Miss Out: Kayaking costs about $15 per hour, and you can rent boats at Activité Nautique. Just bring your swimsuit and some water. There are options to have self-paddling boats which are easier to navigate.
📍Luxury: La lyalis
📍Mid-Range: Le Petit Fabre
Where To Stay In Provence For City Life
Marseille’s appeal lies in its contrasts—between old and new, tradition and innovation, grit and glamour. Known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and as a melting pot of traditions, Marseille has recently been undergoing a fascinating transformation – a hipster migration if you will!
In the last few years, Marseille has seen an influx of new money and businesses. Once considered grungy and rough around the edges, the city is now embracing a trendy, up-and-coming vibe. This shift has led to the opening of chic boutiques, hip cafes, and a burgeoning art scene, particularly in areas like the Cours Julien and La Plaine.
➡️ Don’t Miss Out: Marseille’s food scene is amazing – think Creole, French, Gypsy, African, Italian, and Spanish all in one city, meshing and complementing each other’s foods. The city is famous for its Bouillabaisse, a traditional fish stew, but there’s also this growing trend of fusion cuisine with tons of spices beyond salt, pepper, and paprika!
📍Luxury: Hotel C2
📍Mid-Range: Grand Hotel Beauvau Marseille Vieux Port
Where To Stay In Provence for Families
You can almost stay anywhere on this list with your family, especially the bigger cities like Marseilles and Aix-en-Provence. I love Avignon for a stay with kids because the old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s got history they can dive into, castles, tons of open-air markets to explore, and a lot of options for food beyond the traditional dishes.
Plus, in the summertime, the Festival D’Avignon takes over with a jam-packed schedule of theater and arts & crafts around the city.
➡️ Don’t Miss Out: My friends with kids recommended the Village of Automata for a day, and while I have not personally been, it looks like a ton of fun! Just an hour away from Avignon, and 30 minutes from Aix.
📍Luxury: La Mirande (OMG, ultimate boogie cuteness!)
📍Mid-Range: Le Prieure
Provence Map & Itinerary
I’ve put together a 10-day Provence Itinerary with some of my favorite spots. Here is the route I recommend for a road trip, plus a map to get your bearings.
- Day 1: Fly into Nice
- Day 2: Rivera – Eze & Villefrenche-sur-Mer
- Day 3: Riviera – Perfumery & Saint-Paul-de-Vence
- Day 4: Riviera – La Madrague Coastal Hike (Local Gem!)
- Day 5: Provence – Arles & Camargue Region
- Day 6: Provence – Gordes & Isle-Sur-la-Sorgue
- Day 7: Provence – Loirmarin & Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
- Day 8: Provence – Kayak Gorge du Verdon & Lavander Fields
- Day 9: Provence – Cooking Lessons & Avignon
- Day 10: Provence – Wineries & Aix-en-Provence
- Day 11: Fly Home
How do you get around in Provence?
I recommend renting a car in Provence. The South of France is just one of those places that’s perfect for a road trip. Plus, the best things to do like exploring Provençal villages, local hikes, lavender fields, and wineries are not accessible by public transportation.
While taxis can help, the most economical and smartest way to go about it is to just rent a car.
➡️ I use Discover Cars to check prices in France! ⬅️
PRO TIP: If you’re nervous about driving in France, don’t be. It’s pretty straightforward, similar to the US, and honestly very enjoyable along the smaller regional roads.
Travel Tips For Visiting Provence
Here are a few frequently asked questions and travel tips for visiting Provence once you’ve figured out where to stay.
How do I plan a trip to Provence?
Traveling in Provence can be a fantastic experience if you’re well-prepared. And a bit of a hellish, unwelcome one if you’re not.
Here are some practical tips to make the most of your trip:
✅ Transportation: Rent a car for the flexibility to explore small villages and remote countryside areas. Public transport will not reach all the hidden gems.
✅ Parking: 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.
✅ Accommodation: Book in advance, especially during the high season (summer). Consider charming bed-and-breakfasts for a more authentic experience.
✅ Dining: Reservations are recommended for restaurants, particularly in the peak tourist season. French culture eats a bit later, so lunch is at about 12 noon. Apéro happy hour is at about 6pm, and dinner is at about 8-9 pm.
Don’t miss out on the local cuisine at Bouchons (local French diners), where group seating is a thing, and the food is whatever they bring you!
STORY TIME: I once visited Provence in early summer, and the weather was absolutely terrible. The iconic ‘mistral’ wind was in full force, the rain would not stop, and to top it all off, we had not made any reservations to restaurants or vineyards. So alot of the places we thought we could just walk into were full. Lesson learned – plan ahead! 🙈
✅ Local Markets: Check the days for local markets in each town – you can Google or ask the locals; they are a treasure trove for regional products and a vibrant slice of local life.
✅ Apéro: Embrace the local tradition of apéro in the evenings; it’s a great way to mingle with locals and enjoy happy hour drinks and snacks.
✅ Pastis: Try pastis, the local anise-flavored aperitif, but remember to dilute it with water.
✅ Outdoor Activities: Take advantage of the region’s natural beauty with outdoor activities like hiking in the Luberon, kayaking in the Gorge du Verdon, or cycling through the countryside. Yes, rent you a bike!
✅ Festivals: Check the calendar for local festivals and events; it’s amazing to see the French go wild and party in the streets!
✅ Language: Learn a few basic French phrases. While many people in tourist areas speak English, an attempt at French is appreciated.
Remember, part of the charm of Provence is its relaxed pace of life, so take your time.
How many days is enough in Provence?
I recommend at least 7 -10 days in Provence at a minimum. What I didn’t realize at first was that Provence is quite large, and you have to drive to get anywhere, so everything becomes a day trip. So if you want to have a winery day, a cooking class, and a culture/history day, see a couple of villages and lavender fields, that’s already a week’s worth of things to do.
I honestly don’t know how people say they’ve been to Provence and have only stayed 3 days in one village. That’s not really ‘seeing’ Provence to me.
What is the best month to visit Provence?
I stayed in September and October, and it was magical. I heard the summer months are crazy busy and touristy, but each season has its pros and cons.
☀️ Visiting Provence in Summer
If you’re visiting Provence in the Summer, you’ll have the chance to see the lavender fields in their full glory and some amazing summer festivals in the cute little villages in the Luberon. The weather will be toasty, which for me is a bit of a con.
So in a nutshell, yes, it’s hot and crowded, and the prices spike, but the unique buzz of summer festivities and that purple bloom makes it worthwhile. Just be prepared for the tourist hustle and the heat.
🍁 Visiting Provence in the Fall
Visiting Provence in the fall, particularly in September, is a treat I personally recommend. The crowds thin out, the heat subsides, and the prices drop, making it the perfect time to leisurely explore the vineyards and villages.
You’ll miss the summer’s lavender bloom, but you’ll gain the rich colors of autumn, the grape harvest, and a more authentic local experience.
❄️ Visiting Provence in Winter
I don’t recommend Provence in the winter, because it’s cold, windy, and desolate looking compared to the other seasons. You can wander through traditional Christmas markets, eat your heart out in a few restaurants that are still open, and enjoy the Festival of Lights in Lyon nearby.
While it’s too cold for lavender, the region’s beauty is still there, just quieter and with a cozy charm (if you’re inside and bundled up).
🌸 Visiting Provence in Spring
Spring in Provence is a crapshoot season – who knows what weather you’ll get?
The value of visiting in the spring is that it’s less crowded than in summer, allowing for a more relaxed experience. The region’s markets also come to life with fresh produce, and it’s an excellent time for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. It’s like Provence is waking up from a winter hibernation.
However, early spring can still be a bit unpredictable weather-wise, and some attractions may have limited hours before the peak season kicks in.
What do I pack for a trip to Provence?
Traveling to Provence is a fantastic experience, but packing right is key to enjoying your trip to the fullest. Here’s a list of essentials considering you’ll be visiting either in the summer or fall season:
✅ Lightweight Clothing: Summers can be quite warm, so pack light and breathable clothing. Think cotton dresses, linen shirts, shorts, and skirts.
✅ Swimwear: Don’t forget your swimsuits for those beautiful Mediterranean beaches and hotel pools.
✅ Sun Protection: Sunscreen and sunglasses are a must to protect yourself from the strong sun. You can buy a wide-brimmed hat in France.
✅ Comfortable Shoes: Bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring cities and villages. Sandals or flip-flops are great for the beach. When you’re in Provence, look for La Torpeziene shoe brand.
✅ Cute Evening Attire: The French are chic – even in the villages of Provence, especially in the evenings. Pack a few smart-casual outfits for dinners and nightlife.
✅ Beach Bag and Towel: You can buy a tote bag for the beach in France, but a quick-dry towel will come in handy.
✅ Portable Charger & Adapters: To keep your devices charged during long days of exploring. And don’t forget the European adaptors.
Remember, while it’s important to be prepared, try to pack as lightly as possible, or you’ll be one of those tourists dragging a huge rolly suitcase up some cobblestone steps. Don’t be that tourist.
Still Not Sure Where To Stay In Provence?
In conclusion, there are quite a few places to stay in Provence depending on how you want your vacation to go.
