The Most Beautiful Villages in Provence
Published on June 23, 2025 | Reading time: 13 min
By Charlotte - HOMANIE
Sommaire
Why Visit the Villages of Provence?
The villages of Provence are brimming with charm and attractions, no matter which département they grace. Steeped in history, gastronomy, and traditions, they attract both French travelers and international visitors, especially in the warmer months.
Authentic, Picturesque Charm
Perched villages like Gordes, Roussillon, Lourmarin, or Les Baux-de-Provence have preserved their traditional architecture, with blonde stone buildings, cobbled streets, and brightly painted shutters. This setting creates a timeless atmosphere and undeniable appeal.
A Rich Cultural and Historical Heritage
Each village has its own story to tell, proudly showcasing traces of its past. From Roman ruins to French papacies, from noble lords to powerful abbeys, every era has left its mark. Many museums recount historical events or celebrate renowned artistic talent. Van Gogh, Cézanne, Picasso, and others drew inspiration from the Provençal light and landscapes. Today, villages still host galleries, artists’ studios, and exhibitions.
Exceptional Natural Landscapes
Provence offers a stunning variety of scenery: lavender-covered hills, vineyards, olive groves, ochre cliffs, sweeping views of the Luberon and Alpilles and of course, the deep blue Mediterranean. These often hilly landscapes are best explored on foot or by bike, though a car is usually essential to visit several villages in a day.
A Flavourful Gastronomy
Local markets are brimming with regional specialties: tapenade, goat cheese, olive oil, lavender honey, Southern wines… From Michelin-starred chefs to charming countryside inns, Provence restaurants offer a culinary experience that delights all the senses.
A Distinctly Provençal Way of Life
Whether it's playing pétanque under the plane trees, enjoying music or theatre festivals, or simply embracing the slow rhythm of daily life, Provence offers a cherished sense of tranquillity, far removed from the bustle of the city.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Provence?
Bathed in sunshine much of the year, Provence is especially attractive in spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to early October). Spectacular blooms, poppies, cherry blossoms, and above all, lavender, draw countless travellers and photographers. To witness the lavender at its peak, plan your trip between late June and mid-July, especially around Valensole, Sault, or the Abbey of Sénanque. Temperatures during these months are pleasant (15–25°C), and the crowds are thinner.
Summer also has its charms, with lively villages and a rich calendar of festivals but be prepared for intense heat.
Autumn is quieter and still warm, showcasing golden stone villages and the harvest season for wine, figs, and truffles.
Winter appeals to a different kind of visitor: though some activities are closed and the weather more variable, the Provençal Christmas traditions offer a magical and authentic experience.
The Most Beautiful Coastal Villages of Provence
Cassis, Between Calanques and Colorful Streets
Cassis is a picturesque small fishing port located just near Marseille, renowned for its seaside restaurants. Nestled between the majestic white limestone cliffs of Cap Canaille, one of the highest in Europe, and the famous turquoise-water calanques, Cassis offers a breathtaking natural setting.
The village is famous for its colorful narrow streets, Provençal markets, shaded terraces, and its quintessential Mediterranean atmosphere. Its lively little harbor is lined with cafés and restaurants where fresh fish and local specialties can be savored, often accompanied by the AOC Cassis white wine, one of the first wines in France to receive this appellation.
Cassis is also the perfect starting point to explore the Calanques National Park, which can be discovered on foot, by boat, or by kayak. These spectacular coves, nestled between sea and cliffs, attract visitors from all over the world and are now protected.
Bormes-les-Mimosas, a Living Postcard
Bormes-les-Mimosas, a medieval village perched on the hills of the Massif des Maures, is ranked among the most beautiful flower-adorned villages in France. Its name comes from the abundance of mimosa trees that bloom here starting in winter, painting the landscape in vibrant yellow.
The old village, with its cobblestone streets, stone staircases, ochre rooftops, and pastel shutters, offers exceptional panoramic views of the Golden Isles and the Mediterranean Sea. Every corner reveals stunning viewpoints, shaded squares, and artists' galleries.
A few kilometers down below, the commune extends to the sea with beautiful beaches and coves of crystal-clear waters, including the famous Estagnol beach, lined with umbrella pines.
Bormes-les-Mimosas is also known for housing the Fort de Brégançon, the summer residence of the Presidents of the French Republic, situated on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea.
Saint-Tropez, the Fishermen’s Village Turned Icon
Saint-Tropez, famous worldwide, is an icon of the Côte d’Azur located in the Var department. This small fishermen’s village, now legendary, is synonymous today with glamour, parties, and luxury, while still preserving its authentic Provençal charm.
The old port, with its gleaming yachts moored in front of colorful façades, is the vibrant heart of the town. Lively cafés, art galleries, and designer boutiques line the quays, where you can soak up the chic yet relaxed atmosphere unique to Saint-Tropez.
Just a few steps away, the historic center reveals its cobbled streets, the Provençal market at Place des Lices, and the citadel offering breathtaking views of the gulf. Art lovers visit the Annonciade Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Fauvist and Pointillist works.
By the sea, the legendary Pampelonne beaches attract visitors from around the world with their famous beach clubs, turquoise waters, and festive atmosphere.
Le Castellet, Perched Just Steps from the Mediterranean
Le Castellet is a stunning medieval village perched on a hill, surrounded by vineyards and olive trees, in the heart of the Bandol wine region.
From the moment you arrive, you’re charmed by its ramparts, 12th-century castle, and cobbled streets lined with tastefully restored stone houses.
A favorite spot for lovers of Provence, Le Castellet is also known for its proximity to the famous Paul Ricard racing circuit, which attracts motorsport enthusiasts and international events.
Typical Provençal Villages to Discover
Lourmarin, Between Galleries and Shaded Terraces
Nestled at the foot of the Luberon in Vaucluse, surrounded by vineyards, olive trees, and cypresses, Lourmarin is a charming Provençal village, ranked among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France.”
The village center is a maze of cobbled streets lined with old houses featuring blonde façades and pastel shutters. One of Lourmarin’s jewels is its magnificent Renaissance castle, the first of its kind in Provence, which overlooks the surrounding landscapes and regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and concerts.
Lourmarin is also a place of literary memory: Albert Camus, Nobel Prize winner in literature, lived here and is buried in the village. His spirit still lingers in this inspiring setting, where nature and culture meet.
Every Friday, the Provençal market colors the streets with local scents and flavors, making Lourmarin a must-visit for lovers of terroir and the Provençal art of living.
Where to stay? At Homanie Lourmarin’s luxury wine estate.
Roussillon, the Ochre Village in the Luberon
Perched in the heart of the Luberon, Roussillon is renowned for its incredible ochre cliffs and vibrant landscapes. Ranked among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France,” this unique Provençal village enchants visitors with its warm color palette, ranging from golden yellows to deep reds, reflected both in the façades of its houses and the surrounding pathways.
Roussillon is built on one of the largest ochre deposits in the world. The Ochre Trail, a true walk through a surreal landscape, allows visitors to explore these former quarries transformed by nature and time into a spectacular site.
Within the village, winding streets lined with artists’ studios, galleries, and local shops are bathed in an exceptional light that has inspired numerous painters.
From the village heights, the panoramic views over the Vaucluse Mountains, the Apt Valley, and the Luberon massif are breathtaking.
Where to stay? At the Renaissance château in Homanie Luberon’s luxury estate.
Eygalières, Authenticity at the Foot of the Alpilles
Eygalières is a charming hilltop village nestled in the Alpilles, just a few kilometers from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, and fragrant scrubland, it embodies the very essence of authentic Provence, far from the tourist hustle and bustle.
Its historic center, composed of cobbled streets, stone houses with light-colored shutters, and small shaded squares, invites leisurely strolls. Visitors can enjoy magnificent views of the Alpilles and a peaceful, refined atmosphere. At the top of the village, the Saint-Sixte chapel and the ruins of the old keep offer exceptional panoramas of the surrounding valley.
Highly prized by artists, nature lovers, and epicureans alike, Eygalières also captivates with its Friday Provençal market, gourmet restaurants, art galleries, and nearby vineyards.
Where to stay? In the charming luxury bastide of Homanie Eygalières, perfect for a stay with the whole family.
Cucuron, an Open-Air Film Set
Nestled on the southern slope of the Luberon, Cucuron is a quintessential Provençal village—authentic, peaceful, and full of charm. Surrounded by vineyards, cherry trees, and olive groves, it offers a picturesque setting that has captivated many filmmakers, featuring in movies such as The Horseman on the Roof and A Good Year.
The heart of the village revolves around its iconic Étang basin, a large pond lined with centuries-old plane trees, where the Provençal market takes place every Tuesday morning. This serene, shaded spot is one of the most photogenic locations in the Luberon.
Cucuron’s narrow streets, bordered by stone houses and small fountains, lead to medieval remnants like the Clock Tower and old ramparts. The village also hosts artisan workshops, galleries, and several excellent restaurants celebrating local products.
Where to stay? At the Renaissance château within Homanie Lubéron’s luxury estate.
The Most Beautiful Medieval Villages of Provence
Les Baux-de-Provence, Fortress and Panoramas
Perched on a rocky outcrop in the heart of the Alpilles, Les Baux-de-Provence is ranked among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France" and stands as one of Provence’s unmissable gems. Rich in history, surrounded by wild landscapes and bathed in light, it offers a breathtaking journey through time and stone.
Dominated by the majestic ruins of its medieval castle, the village overlooks stunning panoramas of olive groves, vineyards, and the plains of the Crau stretching to the Camargue. Its cobbled streets, lined with Renaissance buildings, artisan workshops, galleries, and boutiques, invite a leisurely stroll full of authenticity.
Les Baux is also famous for the Carrières de Lumières, an exceptional immersive art site located in old stone quarries, where famous artworks come to life through monumental projections accompanied by music.
Venasque, a Village Enclosed by Ancient Ramparts
Perched on a rocky outcrop at the gateway to the Luberon, Venasque is listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France” and exudes timeless charm. Encircled by its ancient stone ramparts, the village captivates with its harmonious medieval architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
Among its historic treasures are the stunning Notre-Dame church and the remarkable Merovingian baptistery, one of the oldest in France, offering a rare glimpse into early Christian heritage in Provence.
Le Poët-Laval, a Hidden Gem in the Drôme Provençale
Ranked among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France,” Le Poët-Laval is a hilltop village founded in the 12th century by the Knights Hospitaller of Saint John of Jerusalem. Towering above the surrounding wooded hills, its medieval keep offers breathtaking views of the Jabron Valley.
Cobblestone alleys and stone houses reflect a rich history, notably its Protestant heritage, highlighted by the Museum of Dauphiné Protestantism housed in a former 17th-century temple.
Encircled by fields of lavender and wheat, the village is also the starting point of the “In the Footsteps of the Huguenots” long-distance trail, which retraces the journey of Protestant exiles after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes.
From March to September, the Raymond du Puy Art Center hosts rotating exhibitions and concerts. Each summer, the Poët-Laval Jazz/s Festival celebrates musical diversity in this enchanting Provençal setting.
Where to stay? In one of the eco-designed homes of the luxury estate Homanie Drôme Provençale.
Entrevaux, Between Citadel and Drawbridge
Located between Digne-les-Bains and Nice, at the gateway to the Verdon Gorges, Entrevaux is a medieval town perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Var River. Listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France,” it captivates visitors with its remarkable historical heritage and unspoiled natural setting.
Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the royal gate, flanked by twin towers and a drawbridge spanning the Var, a powerful reminder of its defensive past. Towering 156 meters above the village, the Entrevaux Citadel, reinforced by Vauban in the 17th century, can be reached via a zigzagging cobbled path. The 30-minute climb is rewarded with stunning panoramic views over the Var Valley and surrounding mountains.
At the heart of the village, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, built between 1609 and 1630, combines Gothic architecture with Baroque interior decor. Built into the ramparts, it reflects Entrevaux’s former status as the seat of the Bishopric of Glandèves.
Entrevaux also preserves its traditional oil and flour mills, charming fountains, and a motorcycle museum that showcases a collection of vintage models, a testament to the village’s eclectic heritage.
The village is served by the scenic Train des Pignes, a railway line connecting Nice to Digne-les-Bains. This tourist train offers a unique and picturesque way to explore the region, with breathtaking views along the route.
Haute-Provence’s Most Beautiful Villages
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Suspended Between Two Cliffs
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, nestled against a steep cliff at the entrance to the Verdon Gorges, is listed among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France."
The village appears to be literally suspended between two limestone cliffs, above which a mysterious golden star dangles from a chain, glittering above the pink-tiled rooftops. According to legend, it was offered as an ex-voto by a knight returning from the Crusades.
Moustiers is also the perfect starting point to explore the nearby Sainte-Croix Lake, the Verdon Gorges, and the lavender fields of the Valensole Plateau.
Simiane-la-Rotonde, at the Heart of the Lavender Fields
Simiane-la-Rotonde is a hilltop village, listed among the "Villages and Towns of Character", located between the Mont Ventoux, Luberon, and Lure mountain ranges. Crowned by its feudal castle, it offers breathtaking views over the surrounding landscapes.
The village center is an open-air museum, with cobbled streets, stone houses, 16th-century covered market halls, and artisan workshops.
Surrounded by lavender and olive fields, Simiane-la-Rotonde is also near the Luberon Regional Natural Park, offering numerous opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities.
Lurs, a Secluded Escape in the Mountains
Located between Forcalquier, Sisteron, and Manosque in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Lurs is a picturesque village perched on a rocky spur, offering panoramic views over the Durance Valley. Surrounded by one of the most beautiful olive groves in Provence, it stretches between the ruins of its northern castle and the former seminary to the south.
Founded in the 9th century under the reign of Charlemagne, Lurs was long the summer residence of the bishops of Sisteron. The village still bears many traces of its past, including the Church of the Invention of the Holy Cross, documented as early as the 9th century, and the "Promenade des Évêques", a path lined with fifteen oratories leading to the chapel of Notre-Dame de Vie.
Forcalquier, a Peaceful Hilltop Village
A former comital city, Forcalquier preserves a rich heritage from its past. The historic center, stretching at the foot of the citadel hill, features the co-cathedral of Notre-Dame-du-Bourguet, dating from the 13th century, a remarkable example of Gothic architecture in the Pays d’Oc.
Among its natural wonders, the Rochers des Mourres offer a surreal landscape of oddly shaped rock formations, the result of a unique erosion process.
Visiting Provence: Our Tips
Do you need a car to explore Provence?
While Provence’s major cities are well connected by train and/or bus, having a car quickly becomes essential to truly enjoy the region’s many treasures. Once you leave city centers like Aix-en-Provence or Avignon, public transportation becomes scarce. Even by bike, many of the most beautiful villages, often perched on hilltops, are hard to reach.
That said, it all depends on the length of your stay and your plans: some tourism agencies offer themed tours (such as the Painters’ Route or the Mimosa Route) and half-day minibus excursions from cities like Salon-de-Provence.
Pick your favorite Provençal spot and start exploring! A few suggestions:
• The Alpilles: Arles, Saint-Rémy, Les-Baux-de-Provence, and the regional natural park
• The Verdon: the gorges, the lavender fields around Valensole, and the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
• The Lavender Route: Valensole, Pont du Gard, Nîmes and Avignon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
• The Luberon: Lourmarin, Gordes, Sénanque, and of course the surrounding lavender fields
Where to Stay to Easily Explore Multiple Villages ?
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