The Ultimate Provence, France Guide

Provence may be my favorite region of France to visit on any occasion. A quintessential South of France destination, Provence takes countryside charm to a new level. After several trips, I’ve put together the ultimate Provence, France guide to help you plan your trip.

After extensive time in Provence, I’ve narrowed in on my favorites — you can find me in Gordes strolling the steep streets with views, eating my way through the markets of Saint-Rémy, and spending afternoons by the pool. I’m a sucker for the rolling hills of the Luberon, dotted with thimble-size villages and covered in vines, sunflowers, and lavender. With memorable hotels, incredible plein air restaurants, and slow days by the pool, what more could you ask for?

If you’re beginning to plan your time in Provence, just know you’ll have a full itinerary. But my suggestion is to take it in slowly because that really is the joy of this region. Savor the markets, hunt for antiques, taste wine, and explore more of Provence with this travel guide.

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for Where to Stay in Provence:

For a one-week stay, I recommend either Goult or Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, both of which offer a central location.

1. Goult (Staying at Domaine Les Petit Vaines), for the best private boutique hotel
2. Saint-Remy-de-Provence (Staying at Le Saint-Rémy), for the best upscale hotel in town

Things to Do

1. Chateauneuf du Pape Halft-Day Wine Tour to 4 Wineries
2. E-Bike Around Saint-Remy-de-Provence
3. Carrières des Lumières Immsersive Art Experience
4. Full-Day Lavender Tour from Avignon

Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip

For more on Provence, don’t miss my Provence itinerary, in-depth guides to the best villages to stay in Provence and best markets in Provence, and Luberon travel guide!

Travel Tip: The best way to explore Provence is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in France is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.

The Provence Travel Guide

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Helpful Tips Before Planning Your Trip to Provence

When is the Best Time to Visit Provence?

For Provence, if you want to see the lavender fields in full bloom, then mid to late July is the best time to see them. My favorite time of year to visit Provence has been either late spring or early fall — it’s before and after the peak seasons of heat and major crowds. I’ve heard winter months can also be nice, but more sleepy, and can run cold.

How Many Days Is Enough to Visit Provence?

I feel like a week is the best amount of time, which is what I recommend in my Provence 7-Day itinerary. It will give you time to see a handful of villages, schedule in a few markets, and even consider a day trip or two. Now it’s not always possible to spend a full week, so if it’s part of a larger France itinerary, then make the most with 3-4 nights.

Is Provence Expensive?

In comparison to other regions in France, I would say Provence runs on the more expensive side. It is certainly vacation prices, but you can find good brasseries and cafes for more affordable meals, for example. There are also wonderful chambre d’hotes as options for hotels, which are often cheaper than the luxury hotels.

What’s the Best Way to Get Around Provence?

Renting a car is a must for touring through Provence. It is so spread out, public transportation is quite limited, and the car will give you the best access for visiting.

Rental Car Tip: I use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.

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Where to Stay in Provence

I have an entire detailed guide on where to stay in Provence that details out the villages, hotels, and factors to consider. The short of it? For a one-week stay, my recommendation is either nearby Goult or Saint-Rémy-de-Provence for a central location. Both of these have been places I have stayed on previous visits.

There are also incredible luxury hotels in the countryside of Provence worth considering. For my next trip, I have my eye on Hôtel Crillon le Brave and Airelles Gordes, La Bastide in Gordes.

Where to Stay in Goult or Nearby

1. Domaine Les Petit Vaines, the best private boutique hotel (Goult)
2. La Bastide du Mourre, for the best nearby countryside affordable stay (Oppède)
3. Capelongue, for the best nearby design stay (Bonnieux)
4. La Bastide de Marie, for the best luxury countryside stay (Ménerbes)

Where to Stay in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

1. Le Saint-Rémy, for the best upscale hotel in town
2. Le Château des Alpilles, for the best luxury countryside stay
3. Hôtel de Tourrel, for the best boutique hotel in town
4. Mas Valentine, for the best traditional elevated stay

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The Best Places to Visit in Provence

Gordes

Gordes is a breathtaking hilltop village in Provence, France, known for its striking stone architecture and sweeping views over the Luberon Valley. Set dramatically atop the Monts de Vaucluse, the village is a maze of narrow cobblestone lanes, traditional stone homes, and historic landmarks like the Château de Gordes. Just a short drive away, the iconic Sénanque Abbey, framed by lavender fields in summer, offers a serene escape. Frequently listed among the most beautiful villages in France, this might be my favorite stop during a trip in Provence.

Favorite Things in Gordes

• Visit the Château de Gordes, a historic landmark at the heart of the village
• Walk through the Village des Bories, a collection of ancient stone dwellings
• Take a scenic drive to Abbaye de Sénanque, especially beautiful when lavender is in bloom
• Stroll the cobblestone streets and browse local shops
• Soak in the sunset From the Famous Town Viewpoint
• Enjoy a meal with a view at one of Gordes’ terrace restaurants, my personal favorite is La Trinquette

Travel Tip: Try to time your visit to Gordes on market day, every Tuesday morning. Arrive early in the morning for the first hours, and then get a coffee at Le Cercle Républicain and find the hidden terrace at the back.

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Roussillon

Another personal favorite is the village of Roussillon, renowned for its striking red ochre cliffs and vibrant, colorful streets that set it apart from other Provençal towns. Its warm-hued buildings, ranging from deep oranges to soft pinks, are unique. Spend an afternoon wandering through charming alleys, visit local artisan shops, or hike the nearby Ochre Trail.

Favorite Things in Roussillon

• Wander through colorful streets with vibrant ochre-hued buildings
• Hike the Ochre Trail (Le Sentier des Ocres) to see stunning red cliffs
• Visit local artisan shops for unique crafts — my personal favorite is Ocres Choses for watercolor paints
• Grab a lunch at La Grappe de Raisin
• Enjoy panoramic views from Roussillon’s high vantage points like Belvedere Basso

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Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Best known for its expansive weekly markets, Saint-Rémy is always a personal favorite. About a 40-minute drive in either direction to Avignon or the Luberon, it sits at the heart of Provence. It’s one of the larger towns, making it a wonderful base for those who plan to take a day trip to various destinations. You have incredible restaurants in town, and there’s a lot to enjoy while you’re there. Art and history enthusiasts can explore sites linked to Vincent van Gogh, who painted masterpieces like Starry Night while staying here, or visit the ancient Roman ruins of Glanum!

Favorite Things in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

• Take a visit out to the Monastery Saint-Paul de Mausole
• Don’t miss the Wednesday Farmer’s Market, this is a personal favorite!
• Visit Musée Estrine – Présence Van Gogh if you want to dive more into Van Gogh’s time in Provence
• Book an e-bike to visit nearby places

Travel Tip: If you’re looking to beat the heat, my favorite coastal trip from here is out to the small port town of Cassis. It’s the closest access to the ocean, and one of the most charming places to go!

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Lourmarin

I absolutely fell in love with Lourmarin, and it quickly became my favorite village in Provence. There is something about it that feels effortless, with its small streets and village center. It’s a touch out of the way, but it makes for a wonderful stop if you’re roadtripping through the Luberon. I have a handful of restaurants I love in town mentioned in my Lourmarin guide, and there are a dozen or so stores to enjoy.

Favorite Things in Lourmarin

• Dine at least once at Bacheto, a reservation is required
• Stroll the streets of Lourmarin and shop local at places like Atelier Buisson Kessler, Les Commissions du Moulin, and Boutique l’écrin.
• Visit Château de Lourmarin and go wine tasting here
• Catch the Weekly Market every Friday morning

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Avignon

The unsung hero of France when it comes to royal architecture, grand cathedrals, and an absolute foodie paradise. Avignon often gets overlooked as an “arrival” town because of its main train station that connects to Paris. But there is a lot to enjoy here — it’s home to several Michelin-starred restaurants, a gastronomic food hall, and a visit to the palace.

Favorite Things in Avignon

• Take a tour of the Palais des Papes, a 14th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Visit the Rocher des Doms gardens
• Eat your way through Les Halles d’Avignon after exploring the old town
• Take a side trip out to Pont du Gard, a 1st-century Roman aqueduct bridge

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L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

The “Venice of Provence”, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, is one of the best-known villages in Provence due to its weekly weekend market. It’s the largest antique market in the region, and every Sunday, the town shuts down for it. The market takes over most of it, and it is combined with several streets of farmers’ markets as well. L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue has so much charm that it’s worth visiting, whether you can attend a market or not.

Favorite Things in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

• Arrive early for the Sunday antique and farmer’s market
• Get a coffee or drink at Le Jardin du Quai
• Eat local at Café de France L’Isle sur la Sorgue
• Stroll around the pedestrian area for art galleries and shops

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The Hilltop Luberon Villages: Oppède le Vieux, Ménerbes, Lacoste, and Bonnieux

I always group these four villages together because they are all close to one another. I always recommend seeing them together as it’s quite convenient and more or less on the same road. If I had to pick favorites, I’d say Ménerbes and Lacoste are the two that I would prioritize. It’s good to know that Oppède does require a bit of a walk from the car parking lot to access. Bonnieux is a bit less convenient to visit, but it’s a good stop nonetheless. These are quintessential, very small Luberon villages.

Favorite Things in Oppède, Ménerbes, Lacoste, and Bonnieux

• Stroll through Jardins de Sainte-Cécile on the way to Oppède.
• Have a meal in Ménerbes at either Café du Progrès, La Cave à Manger, or Monsieur Tu Menerbes
• Take a sunset stroll through Ménerbes up to the Eglise Saint Luc for the best views of the valley
• Have a coffee or an aperitif at Café de France in Lacoste for incredible views
• See Château de Lacoste in Lacoste
• Eat a meal at La Bastide just outside of Bonnieux

Travel Tip: Oppède is often confused with Oppède le Vieux — the historic old village is indeed Oppède le Vieux. You park at the noted parking lot and then stroll into the small town.

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Other Things to Do in Provence France and More Cities

There is so much more of Provence to discover. From lavender fields to natural formations, alongside more villages and towns, the list is endless. I’m including a few more things to do in Provence while there.

Visit Gorges du Verdon

Tucked in Provence’s heart, a visit to Gorges du Verdon is one of the most iconic things to do, as it is known for its striking turquoise waters and steep limestone cliffs. You can kayak along the calm Verdon River or hike trails for sweeping views of the canyon. Near charming villages like Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, this natural gorge is something to see at least once.

See Carrières des Lumières

One of my favorite exhibits in the valley is just steps from the medieval charm of Les Baux-de-Provence. A visit to Carrières des Lumières transforms an old limestone quarry into a mesmerizing canvas of digital art. They project art like Monet’s Impressionist works onto the limestone walls, and it’s absolutely incredible. In the summer, be sure to book tickets in advance; it’s a great spot to cool off.

A Day in Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a classic larger town in the region. I typically recommend visiting it on the way out of Provence to the French Riviera, as it is one of the farthest places from the Luberon. There is a lot to do, like a wander down Aix’s elegant Cours Mirabeau, a visit to the serene Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, and a tour of Atelier Cézanne.

Market in Apt

Another very popular market and the biggest market is in Apt. It’s every single Saturday until about 1 pm, and it’s the spot for all things fresh produce and regional products.

See the Lavender Fields

If you’re on the hunt specifically to see lavender fields, a few iconic places to see them include:

• Valensole Plateau at Lavendes Angelvin (Tip: Head to fields near D6 or D8 roads for easy access; sunrise or sunset visits yield soft light and fewer crowds.)
• Sault Plateau
• Lavender fields near Oppede (can be seen everywhere with the eye)
• Terraroma near Valensole
• Consider booking a full-day lavender tour from Avignon

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

A further afield, well-loved village is Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, set along the Sorgue River. Tucked against the cliffs, there are a few things to enjoy here, like the iconic Restaurant Philip and some local shops.

Wine Tasting in Chateauneuf-de-Pape

For those who want to taste wine, the best cluster of wineries sits in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. There are dozens of wineries from Les Caves Saint Charles to Domaine de Beaurenard. But truthfully, for those who want to get local access, my recommendation is to hop on one of these tours from Avignon:

• Chateauneuf du Pape Halft-Day Wine Tour to 4 Wineries
• Afternoon Wine Tour to Chateauneuf du Pape
• Morning Wine Tour to Chateauneuf du Pape

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