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Many visitors to Provence have the region's emblematic lavender fields on their bucket list. Drive the winding roads of the Provencal countryside to immerse in their beauty. Lavender fields unfurl near the perched villages of Rousillon, Lacoste, Bonnieux, and Saignon as well as the Claparèdes and Valensole plateaux further east. To learn more about Provence's 'blue gold', we recommend visiting the Lavender Museum in Cabriéres d'Avignon near Gordes or a company that distills lavender to produce essential oils. To combine sport and culture enjoy a bicycle tour of the lavender fields and stop for a picnic in the middle of the fragrant flowers.
Luberon Regional Nature Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve has over 1000 km of signposted trails for you to visit by foot, bike, or even horseback. The villages in the Luberon have been voted some of the most beautiful villages in Provence. Famous for its panoramic views from its hillside perch, Gordes charms with its cobblestone streets and historic architecture. Lourmarin is a chic village filled with lively cafés and boutiques while Ménerbes has been home to prominent artists like Picasso and Nicolas de Staël. Wonder why the buildings in Roussillon are orange? The unique village rises from the heart of a vast ochre deposit, which you can experience up close at the Ôkhra museum or Colorado Provençal. The latter, home to one of the top 5 hikes in the Luberon, evokes the famous landscapes of the American West.
A prominent part of the Provencal countryside, the endless rows of vines feed the region's emblematic bottles. Take a personalised vineyard tour at Villa Baulieu, whose location on the slopes of a dormant volcano near Aix-en-Provence enriches their superb wine. At Château La Coste, participate in an organic wine tasting workshop to intimately discover Provence's rich terroir - as well as world-class sculpture between the vines. Learn about biodynamic winemaking at Château Romanin in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, whose cathedral cellar - one of the architectural greats in France - was designed with astronomical influences.
French gastronomy is globally-renowned. Taste it at its most authentic in Provence, the breadbasket of France whose farms, vineyards, and food artisans benefit from the sun-soaked terroir. Provencal cuisine is highlighted by farm-fresh ingredients: pistou soup, ratatouille, and aioli, a delicious garlicky mayonnaise. Visit local farmers' markets to meet the people behind the produce. Have your Villanovo concierge book a cooking class to learn regional recipes. Go truffle hunting between November and March to discover Provence's famous black gold. In Les Alpilles, taste AOC-certified olive oil in Mouriès or visit Fromagerie Les Cabres d'Or to meet the adorable goats behind their fantastic cheese. Provence has dining options for every craving, from casual outdoor cafés to Michelin-starred meals like L'Ousteau de Baumanière one of the best restaurants in Provence. Note that restaurants can be closed during off season.
With its bevy of hiking trails through breathtaking landscapes, the Luberon is a hiker's dream. Head out from the small hilltop village of Oppedette for stunning views of the Gorge d'Oppedette. Take an electric bike tour through villages, vineyards and olive groves. Go kayaking in the breathtaking Verdon Gorge, Europe's largest canyon. Also accessible by hikes that offer amazing views, be sure to make a pit stop in the charming village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
Though France's second-largest city, Marseilleis home to the spectacular Calanques National Park. One of the most unforgettable things to do in Provence, these limestone fjords and turquoise coves can be explored on foot, or via boat, paddle board, or kayak in the Mediterranean Sea. Where the Rhone River spills into the Mediterranean Sea, the Camargue Regional Natural Park is known for its unique mix of white horses, pink flamingos, rice fields, and salt flats - one of the not-to-be-missed experiences in the south of France.
One of the main reasons why people love Provence is that the region is a living history book. Near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the Glanum archaeological site is an ancient city that dates back to the Hellenistic Era. The heritage of Provence is at its height in Arles, whose Roman ruins - a majestic amphitheatre and burial grounds - take you back 2000 years. Avignon is home to the Pont d'Avignon at the banks of the Rhone River and the Palais des Papes. The world's largest Gothic palace is a highlight for families thanks to the interactive Histopad guide. In the summer, every inch of the old town hosts plays and shows at the popular Festival d'Avignon. For unforgettable concerts, head to another Roman monument, the Orange Theatre. This UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts impressive acoustics due to its sloping shape.
Provence has lured artists for centuries with its magnificent light and landscapes. Follow the Cézanne trail to visit key places like the painter's atelier in his hometown of Aix-en-Provence. Van Gogh painted more than 150 works in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, one of the oldest cities in France. These famous artists, and many others, are projected onto the sky-high walls of the historic quarry Carrières des Lumières in Les Baux-de-Provence. This multimedia show is sure to please the whole family, who will also enjoy discovering the father of Op Art at the Fondation Vasarely. Head to Marseille's MUCEM to discover history, culture, and Mediterranean heritage in an architectural masterpiece by the sea. For the best in contemporary art in Provence, take an art walk at Château la Coste to see big-name works set among sprawling vineyards or visit Villa Datris for contemporary sculpture. The latter is in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a charming village lined with water wheels and antique markets.
With so many things to do in Provence, visitors should try to come for at least four days - a week is ideal so you can leisurely enjoy the region like the locals do. Each season has its perks. Spring is ideal for flowers and enjoying outdoor activities and alfresco cafés. The iconic lavender blooms from May to early August, with the peak from mid-June to mid-July. Cultural festivals abound in the summer months. The season's warm temperatures and ample daylight make it one of the best times to visit Provence. Expect a lot of tourists - particularly in the villages in the Luberon - but you can also rent a secluded Villanovo villa to beat the crowds. Wine aficionados should come in autumn to witness the annual grape harvest. Cooler than the coast, winter in Provence is perfect for festive holiday traditions like craft markets and mulled wine.
Villanovo offers a prime selection of luxury villas in Provence with private swimming pools, tennis courts, a full house staff, a private chef, and other amenities to ensure a fantastic Provence holiday.
Set in the best places to stay in Provence, our prestige villas can be rented in Uzès, Avignon, villages in Les Alpilles (like Les Baux-de-Provence and Saint-Remy-de-Provence) and villages in the Luberon (like Gordes) and beyond.
Our attentive concierges take care of all the details so you can focus on your Provence holidays. This personalised service adapts each trip to your needs, booking everything from private tours, unique experiences, and childcare. Last but not least? Villanovo offers you a beautiful travel diary for each stay in one of our villas. You'll find all our tips for the best restaurants, shops and places to visit in Provence for great times guaranteed.
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