The Best Villages to Stay in Provence (Where to Base Yourself)

When it comes to deciding where to base yourself in Provence, there are several villages to consider. After several trips to Provence, I’m going to share some of my insights for the best places to stay in Provence for your trip.

Provence is a large region — for example, if one looks at the map with sights set on visiting Avignon and Aix-en-Provence, you can see just how far apart the two are. I’ve done a few trips now to Provence, and always aim to base myself as central as possible to the main villages to visit to help cut down on drive times.

It’s a hard task, and I think there are a few ways to go about it depending on the length of the trip. I find that staying centrally in the Luberon will give you easy access to most destinations through the Provence region. And if you have a lot of time, you could consider breaking up the trip across two areas.

Over the years, my favorite places to stay have been St. Remy de Provence and the hidden gem of quiet Goult. And on my most recent trip, I fell in love with Lourmarin, wishing we had stayed a few nights there ourselves. So with this in mind, I’m going to break down places I would consider as a home base. I have a few recommendations for memorable places to stay in Provence, along with some tips to help plan your trip.

Provence is a destination in France (much like the Dordogne) worthy of exploring slowly. A proper week will give you an intimate introduction to the hilltop villages, historical sights, and iconic towns. Here are the best towns to base yourself.

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

1. Lourmarin (Staying at Le Moulin), for the best undercover village
2. Saint-Remy-de-Provence (Staying at Le Saint-Rémy), for the best central location

Travel Tips

1. Rent a Car — 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.
2. Get Cell Data Before You Arrive — We use Holafly unlimited data eSIMs (5% off!) for all international travel.

Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip

For everything you need to know to visit the region, don’t miss my in-depth Provence guide, 7-Day Provence itinerary, Luberon Valley travel guide, and recommendations for the best markets in Provence!

Where to Stay in Provence: Best Villages to Base Yourself

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The Best Places to Stay in Provence (For 4-7 Days)

I typically always recommend two locations to my friends and family in Provence for where to stay. Both of these places are great for a first-time trip, with 4-7 days to visit the region as a home base. With the central location of either of these places, you’ll be in the range of over a dozen half-day and full-day trips.

There is something about settling into a single place for a stay that I prefer. With this in mind though, you could consider one of the central locations, and then add on to it with more time in another village if it piques your interest. You’ll never have to twist my arm to spend more time in the South of France like our most recent trip to the Provence.

Travel Tip: When picking an accommodation, look for hotels with outdoor pools if visiting in the summer. You’ll be surprised by how hot it can get, and swimming pools are your best friend this time of year.

Best Central Provence Location: Goult or Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

I go back and forth on which one is better. Both Goult and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence offer an incredible experience and both are wonderful in their own right. Let’s talk Goult — this summer I spent a week in this quiet village right in the heart of the Luberon. It was a bit of a secret spot, not overfilled with tourists, quiet, and limited in accommodations (you may have to stay nearby). But, it was within 15-20 minutes to a half-dozen villages, within range of Avignon, Aix, and more.

Now Saint-Rémy-de-Provence — a bustling village, well known for its weekly markets, art galleries, incredible accommodations, and well-rated restaurants. It has a lot more going on. I’d akin it to a “large town” while Goult is your “small village.” From St-Remy, you’ll be within striking distance of the Luberon, closer to places like Nimes, and Arles, and even within day-trip range of the coast like Cassis.

Which to choose? The small central village in the Luberon, or a larger, bustling town closer to the larger sights. Well worth considering which places you want to see and go from there. You can’t go wrong with either, just keep in mind how much driving you want to do in the region.

Recommended Time: 5-7 Nights in Either Goult or Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Where to Stay in Goult or Nearby

Hotels

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)

Airbnbs

1. 3 Bedroom Former Castle Outbuilding Home, for the most beautiful home stay
2. 4 Bedroom Fully Renovated Bastide, for the best large-group stay
3. 2 Bedroom Stone Village House, for the best couples’ stay

Where to Stay in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Hotels

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

Airbnbs

1. 2 Bedroom Mazet with Pool, for the best relaxing stay
2. 2 Bedroom Cottage with Terrace, for the best stylish stay
3. 2 Bedroom Stone House with Pool, for the best designed stay

Helpful Saint-Rémy-de-Provence Guides to Plan Your Trip

• A Quick Guide to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Best Luberon Location: Lourmarin

Set just through the cut of the Luberon Mountains, Lourmarin is one of the best villages right now in the region. I think it’s a total gem offering a very intimate village experience, but home to a lot of things happening with new restaurants and hotels. It’s chic, elevated, and makes for a great base to explore the Luberon.

You’ll find yourself happy to sit and do some people-watching, spend the afternoon strolling town, and enjoy the private terraces found at the accommodations. The mainstay of this village is the Beaumier Hotel group which has opened not one, but two hotels to choose from.

Recommended Time: 4-5 Nights

Where to Stay in Lourmarin

Hotels

1. Le Moulin, for the best in-village, luxe stay
2. Le Galinier, for the best countryside luxe stay

Airbnbs

1. 2 Bedroom 17th Century Home on Vineyard, for the best modern historic stay
2. 3 Bedroom Charming Townhome, for the best spacious stay
3. 2 Bedroom Farmhouse Guesthouse with Pool, for the best relaxing stay

Best Location Close Without a Car: Avignon

If you find yourself taking the direct train from Paris to Avignon and want to skip the car, you can easily do so by staying in Avignon itself. While you’ll have some limits on where you can go, you can certainly get a taste of Provence from here. Home to the grand Palais des Papes, Michelin-starred restaurants, and luxury hotels, Avignon has a lot going on itself.

You’re within reach as well to the Luberon Valley’s first villages which you can utilize the train or bus to get there. It may take a bit of effort to visit the region, but it is very much possible without a car from Avignon.

Recommended Time: 4-5 Nights

Where to Stay in Avignon

Hotels

1. Hôtel d’Europe, for the best hotel for foodies (great restaurant inside)
2. N°15 – Les Confidences, for the best chic guesthouse
3. Hôtel La Mirande, for the best luxury hotel
4. Le Prieure, for the best nearby countryside stay

Airbnbs

1. 3 Bedroom Luxury Home with Private Garden, for the best elevated stay
2. 1 Bedroom Apartment in 17th-Century Mansion, for the best modern stay
3. 4 Bedroom Home with Courtyard and Indoor Pool, for the best group stay

Helpful Avignon Guides to Plan Your Trip

• Avignon For the Afternoon in Photos

Best Location Close to the South: Aix-en-Provence

If you’re still wanting that countryside experience where you’re in a large town, but closer to the coast, Aix-en-Provence is a good consideration. You’re under an hour to Cassis and its famous calanques, as well as Marseille. Aix itself is a very large bustling town, offering shops, cafes, and more. My one recommendation if considering Aix-en-Provence is to combine it with another more northern location like Avignon, L’isle sur la Sorgue, or even Gordes.

Recommended Time: 3 Nights

Where to Stay in Aix-en-Provence

Hotels

1. Villa Gallici Relais & Château, for the best luxury countryside stay
2. Le Pigonnet, for the best modern stay
3. Hôtel Aquabella & Spa, for the best in-town charming hotel
4. Bastide Saint Jérôme, for the best intimate countryside stay

Airbnbs

1. 2 Bedroom Charming Apartment, for the best comfortable stay
2. 2 Bedroom Luxury Apartment, for the best designed stay
3. 3 Bedroom Apartment with Pool, for the best luxury group stay

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Other Great Villages in Provence to Stay In

L’Isle Sur la Sorgue

The famous “Venice of Provence”, mostly for its canals that run through, Isle Sur la Sorgue is one of those gems of a village. It makes for a good home base if you want to be in a village within earshot of lavender fields, close to Avignon, and near the Luberon run.

The village itself draws in thousands of visitors each weekend for its famous market. The stalls are set up with impressive art collections and antiques for sale, as well as a large produce market. It feels like a proper town with lots of restaurants, boutiques, and several home stores that are open weekly.

Recommended Time: 3-4 Nights

Where to Stay in L’Isle Sur la Sorgue

Hotels

1. La Maison Sur La Sorgue, for the best luxury boutique hotel in town
2. La Chapelle sur la Sorgue, for the best modern chic stay

Airbnbs

1. 4 Bedroom Luxury Home, for the best designed stay
2. 2 Bedroom Charming Apartment, for the best walkable stay
3. 3 Bedroom 18th Century Townhouse, for the best quintessential stay

Gordes

Olive trees for as far as the eye can see, and amidst it, the iconic village of Gordes. This is one village that for me always wins me over. It’s home to some incredible hotels that in my opinion are a destination themselves. The village is thimble-sized but has great restaurants to choose from, and you’re close to a lot of great sights and villages.

One of those you can’t miss is the Senanque Abbey just down the street, known for its lovely lavender fields. You’ll also be close to villages like Rousillon and can easily make the journey over to Avignon or more south to Saint-Rémy.

Recommended Time: 2-3 Nights

Where to Stay in Gordes

Hotels

1. Airelles Gordes, La Bastide, for the best luxury hotel in town
2. Ferme Oleicole Les Callis, for the best farm stay
3. Hôtel Les Bories & Spa, for the best spa stay
4. Hôtel Le Jas de Gordes, for the best countryside stay

Airbnbs

1. 3 Bedroom 17th-Century Provençal Stone House with Pool, for the best overall stay
2. 2 Bedroom Hillside Home with Pool, for the best views
3. Studio in Stone Tower, for the best romantic stay

Arles

Arles, France, is a picturesque town in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, renowned for its rich history and Roman heritage. It boasts well-preserved ancient ruins, including a majestic amphitheater and a Romanesque church. Arles also gained a lot of fame as a muse for Vincent van Gogh, who created many of his iconic works there. So this is a great spot for those looking to visit historic sights and be near the region, and there are a handful of spectacular hotels.

Recommended Time: 2-3 Nights

Where to Stay in Arles

Hotels

1. L’Hôtel Particulier Arles, for the best-elevated stay in town
2. L’Arlatan, for the best-designed hotel in town
3. Le Collatéral, for the best chic stay

Airbnbs

1. 2 Bedroom Luxury Apartment with Rooftop, for the best elevated stay
2. 2 Bedroom Townhouse with Private Courtyard, for the best private stay
3. 2 Bedroom Stone Townhouse, for the best architectural stay

Crillon-le-Brave

Crillon-le-Brave is a charming village nestled in the Vaucluse department of Provence, France. Perched on a hilltop, it offers stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and the Mont Ventoux. The village is known for its narrow, winding streets, traditional stone houses, and peaceful atmosphere. But what I think draws visitors to this northern part of Provence is that it’s home to a very famous hotel.

Recommended Time: 2-3 Nights

Where to Stay in Crillon-le-Brave

Hotels

1. Hôtel Crillon le Brave, for the best luxury hotel

Airbnbs

1. 1 Bedroom Charming Bastidon with Pool, for the best stay for couples
2. 4 Bedroom Luxury Villa with Pool and Views, for the best luxury group stay
3. 3 Bedroom Stone Home with Pool and Views, for the best traditional stay

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Other Helpful Provence Planning Tips

What is the Best Area of Provence to Stay In?

The Luberon Valley is undoubtedly the most iconic and stunning area. The landscape is dramatic, rolling hills of vineyards and olive trees, speckled with hilltop villages. You’ll find many of the “les plus beaux villages” here to explore, plus weekly markets. The Provençal lifestyle is very alive here, and there are many ways to experience it. My recommendation is Goult, Lourmarin, or Gordes.

How Many Days Should I Spend in Provence?

You can spend easily over a week visiting this region as there is so much to do. I think a minimum of 4 to 5 nights will give you a good taste. But don’t shy away from staying over a week, as you will not run out of things to do.

Do You Need a Car in Provence, France?

The short answer is yes. While you can utilize public transport, the car will give you much easier access to explore the villages. Driving in Provence is quite easy, and slow-going, and lots of countryside roads.

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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