Far from the crowds and excitement of the Mediterranean coasts, explore and visit the most beautiful villages of Provence in the Provençal countryside.
If you have planned a holiday in Provence, here is a non-exhaustive list of the most beautiful Provençal villages, sometimes still little known, that we recommend for your stay in the sun.
Les Baux-de-Provence | The eagle's nest
The closest to Marseille as the crow flies is Les Baux-de-Provence. In addition to its narrow streets, charming squares and fountains, the perched village has an exceptional panoramic view and a very rich heritage: there are no less than 22 listed monuments! For more information click here.
Séguret | Vineyards and medieval remains
The medieval village of Séguret is located at the foot of the Massif des Dentelles de Montmirail. You can follow the signposted visit which will take you to see the Reynier gate, the remains of the fortifications, the Mascarons fountain... And why not take advantage of this visit to taste the wine from the vineyards of Seguret?
Venasque | The medieval
The Cathedral Church of Notre-Dame de Vie, the remains of ramparts and Saracen towers remind us that Venasque is an ancient medieval city. At the bend of the steep alleys you will discover golden stone houses and a magnificent view of the surrounding vineyards and cherry trees.
Gordes | A rich medieval heritage
Discover the magnificent castle of Gordes built in the 10th century, the cellars of the Palais Saint Firmin, the two abbeys and the mills... Soak up the historical lifestyle of Provence by visiting the village of the Bories, made of dry stone huts. If you want to know more about Gordes, it's here !
The Grave | In the mountains
A renowned spot for mountaineering, La Grave is the gathering place for the crazy skiers who have been coming to melt on the snow-covered slope of the Derby de la Meije for 28 years. Just a stone's throw from Briançon, La Grave will provide you with beautiful hikes and breathtaking landscapes.
Ménerbes | In the Luberon park
The village is located in the wild landscape of the Luberon Natural Park. There are narrow streets, squares, old houses, a dolmen but also the corkscrew museum! It is the perfect place if you want to escape to a quiet place, in the countryside, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Find more information on our page dedicated to the village of Ménerbes.
Roussillon | The flamboyant ochre
In the heart of the largest ochre deposit in Europe, Roussillon is decorated with the nuances of this mineral. For the curious, the village houses the conservatory of ochres and applied pigments.
Gassin | A magnificent view of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez
The pastel walls will make you forget your leg pain when you climb the flowery alleys of Gassin. On the Deï Barri square, enjoy the view of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and the Maures massif!
Lourmarin | The Provençal way of life
Barely arrived, you will already be amazed by olive trees, almond trees and vines. In its heart, Lourmarin conceals beautiful houses, fountains, narrow alleys but also an old castle. Lourmarin is a Provencal village just the way we like it! It would be a real shame to visit Provence without going through this little Provencal treasure! Click here to learn more about Lourmarin.
Ansouis | Viewpoint on the Grand Lubéron
Ansouis dominates the plain of the Durance and contemplates from its heights the Grand Luberon. On a hillside sheltered from the Mistral, the city is home to many craftsmen and shops. A thousand-year-old castle obstructs the pretty alleys of Ansouis. If you visit the most beautiful villages of Provence during your next holiday, you can find all the information on our page dedicated to Ansouis..
Gourdon | From the top of the cliff
At an altitude of 760m at the top of a cliff, Gourdon looks out over the Gorges du Loup and the Mediterranean. Craftsmen give life to this village in the Alpes-Maritimes.
Coaraze | The village of the Sun
Close to the Mercantour National Park, the "village of the Sun" shelters cobbled streets, stone houses colored yellow, pink or blue.
Bargème | The highest village in the Var
At an altitude of 1097 m, the 12th century medieval village offers a breathtaking view of the valley. Castle, ramparts, towers and church take you back to the Middle Ages.
Sainte-Agnès | The highest "coastal" village in Europe
Sainte-Agnès is the highest "coastal" village in Europe. Two legends are competing for the creation of the city. Can you guess which one is the most plausible? It is also a former defence post of the Maginot Line. It is quickly forgotten when you stroll through its pretty cobbled streets or admire the view of the Côte d'Azur from the village.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie | Fault and Earthenware
The locals built their village between two rocky escarpments. Located at the gates of the Grand Canyon du Verdon, the Provençal village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is famous for its earthenware. You can meet craftsmen who practice this art. Take advantage of our detailed itinerary to hike among Moustiers-Sainte-Marie..
Seillans | The typical Provençal village
With its cobbled streets, fountains, vineyards and olive groves, Seillans has everything to please! The village has even attracted artists and gallery owners who present their original creations.
Saint-Véran | The highest village in Europe
Located at 2042 m, Saint-Véran is the highest residential area in Europe! Wooden and stone cottages, fountains and bread ovens feed the charm of this village in the Queyras Regional Natural Park.
Tourtour | Its village festivals
The village of Tourtour is located between the Gorges du Verdon and the Côte d'Azur. Every 1st weekend in August, go to Tourtour to celebrate in the village (Provençal dances, petanque competitions...). The egg festival takes place every Easter weekend. The village also offers a magnificent panorama of the Sainte-Victoire. If you want to stop at Tourtour, go here..
If you are planning to visit Provence, our selection of the most beautiful Provencal villages should help you plan your activities and perhaps choose your next holiday home, holiday residence or hotel rental location. By the way, for your holiday rental, have you thought about renting a hotel apartment in Marseille?
