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Top towns and villages in Provence

Stretching from the sparkling shores of the Mediterranean to the foothills of the Alps, Provence unfolds a landscape of exceptional variety. This legendary region stands out for its subtle balance between glittering coastlines, forested mountains, and sun-drenched hills perfumed with thyme and lavender. More than just a region, Provence is a patchwork of territories, each with a strong identity — from the glamorous Côte d’Azur to the authentic, unspoiled inland villages.

The coastline, stretching over 150 kilometers from Toulon to Menton near the Italian border, offers a mosaic of long sandy beaches, secret coves, turquoise calanques, and bustling marinas where luxury yachts sit alongside colorful fishing boats. Behind this seaside façade lies a hinterland of rugged hills, pine forests, aromatic scrubland, and iconic massifs such as the Estérel, famed for its fiery red rocks, and the Mercantour, a pristine national park of alpine peaks.

Further inland, Provence reveals a quieter, more secret face. The Luberon, Alpilles, and the valleys tracing the course of the Durance river form a gentle, sunlit landscape dotted with hilltop villages, lavender fields, cherry orchards, and centuries-old olive groves. Each season paints the scenery in a new light — spring’s wild blooms, summer’s sun-baked stone and purple lavender, autumn’s golden vineyards, and winter’s mist-shrouded hills.

Here’s a closer look at the towns and villages that shape Provence’s extraordinary character:

 

Nice - The unofficial capital of the French Riviera, Nice charms visitors with its elegant Promenade des Anglais, vibrant pebble beaches, and lively Old Town with ochre façades and colorful markets. Don’t miss the flower market on Cours Saleya, the Matisse Museum, and panoramic views from Castle Hill.

nice

Marseille - France’s oldest city, Marseille pulses with energy and Mediterranean color. Its bustling Vieux-Port, iconic basilica Notre-Dame de la Garde, and the secret calanques just beyond the city make it an irresistible stop. The MuCEM and the nearby If island, made famous by The Count of Monte Cristo, reveal its rich maritime heritage.

marseille

Cannes - Synonymous with glamour, Cannes dazzles during its famous film festival and year-round along the Croisette promenade lined with luxury hotels. Beyond the glitter, Le Suquet, the old medieval quarter, and the vibrant Forville market reveal a more authentic side. Offshore, the Lérins Islands promise natural sanctuaries just minutes from the mainland.

cannes

Saint-Tropez - From humble fishing village to global icon, Saint-Tropez combines narrow alleys and historic naval shipyards with celebrity-filled beach clubs and luxury yachts. Highlights include the maritime museum housed in the Citadel and the lively Place des Lices, where locals still gather for pétanque under ancient plane trees.

Saint_Tropez_Ville

Menton - Tucked against the Italian border, Menton boasts a famously mild microclimate, lush tropical gardens, and pastel-colored façades. Its annual Lemon Festival transforms the city into a citrus wonderland each February. Must-sees include Serre de la Madone and Val Rahmeh exotic gardens.

menton

Antibes - Balancing tradition and modernity, Antibes features ancient Vauban ramparts, a bustling Provençal market, and one of Europe’s largest marinas. The Picasso Museum, housed in the former Grimaldi Castle, pays tribute to the artist’s love for these luminous shores.

antibes

Èze - Perched high above the Mediterranean, the medieval village of Èze captivates with flower-filled lanes, artisan shops, and an exotic garden offering panoramic views from Nice to Cap d’Ail.

eze

Gordes - The gem of the Luberon, Gordes is famed for its blonde stone houses and winding cobbled streets. Its Renaissance castle and sweeping views over olive groves and lavender fields, particularly at sunset, make it a Provençal classic.

gordes

Roussillon - Known as the village of ochres, Roussillon’s vivid red, orange, and yellow façades mirror the cliffs and former quarries surrounding it. The Ochre Trail offers a striking walk through these fiery landscapes.

Roussillon01

Les Baux-de-Provence - Clinging to a rocky spur, Les Baux is a listed Plus Beau Village de France. The ruins of its medieval castle overlook the Alpilles plain, while the monumental Carrières des Lumières project immersive art shows within ancient stone quarries.

Les-Baux-de-Provence_2

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence - A charming village beloved by artists, Saint-Rémy is home to Roman ruins at Glanum and sites linked to Van Gogh’s most famous works. Its galleries and weekly markets preserve a timeless Provençal spirit.

france-saint-remy-de-provence

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue - Dubbed the "Venice of Provence," this picturesque market town is known for its antique shops, canals, and mossy water wheels. Its international antique fairs attract collectors from across Europe.

isle sur la sorgue

Ménerbes - Perched on a ridge, Ménerbes offers superb views over the Calavon valley. This peaceful haven is home to the Maison de la Truffe et du Vin and attracts lovers of fine food and local wines.

Le_château_de_Ménerbes

Manosque - Surrounded by lavender hills, Manosque remains closely tied to novelist Jean Giono. Its old town, medieval gates, and the L’Occitane en Provence factory and museum reveal a deep connection to local nature and crafts.

manosque

Digne-les-Bains - A spa town nestled in the mountains, Digne-les-Bains is renowned for its lavender, thermal waters, and the Alexandra David-Néel Museum, dedicated to the famous explorer. It marks the start of the celebrated Lavender Route.

dignelesbains

Entrevaux - A medieval stronghold on the Var river, Entrevaux retains its 17th-century ramparts and Royal Gate. It’s best reached aboard the Train des Pignes, a scenic railway linking Nice to the Hautes-Alpes, with rafting and canyoning nearby.

Entrevaux


Provence is dotted with discreet treasures:

- Saignon, with its hilltop views of the Luberon.
- Oppède-le-Vieux, a medieval hamlet reborn as an artists’ retreat.
- Eygalières, favored by celebrities for its old-world charm.
- Simiane-la-Rotonde, famous for its aromatic gardens and Romanesque rotunda.


From tranquil hilltop hamlets to the lively quays of Marseille, from lavender fields to red-ochre cliffs, Provence offers an unrivaled variety of landscapes, where every village and alley whispers its own story and reveals a singular character. To wander these places is to discover a radiant, generous, and endlessly captivating region.

Sélection

  • Villa Sublimes Alpilles

    Villa Sublimes Alpilles

    Villa Sublimes Alpilles is a luxury rental villa in Provence that sleeps 12. This luxury air-conditioned villa is one of a kind, with breathtaking mountain views, a fabulous pool and six en-suite bedrooms. Soak up the sunshine and scenery by the pool or venture out to explore the Alpilles and Luberon countryside; this is slow living at its finest!

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  • Le Chateau Millenaire

    Le Chateau Millenaire

    Chateau with pool, luxury rental. At the heart of a small village in the Minervois, totally integrated into the "Causses" landscape, "Le Château Millénaire" has stood through ten centuries of history. It has survived assaults and fires, particularly in the 13th century during

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  • Les Hauts de Provence

    Les Hauts de Provence

    A former sheepfold restored by enthusiasts, the property "Les Hauts de Provence" offers a beautiful panoramic view over the hilltops of Haute Provence.

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  • Spirit of Provence

    Spirit of Provence

    The idyllic Spirit of Provence is a luxury rental villa in Provence. This beautiful old farmhouse exudes French country chic inside and out, with its honey-coloured walls, wooden shutters and an elegant pool. A boules pitch and shady spots under the leafy trees complete the picture-perfect setting. Welcome to life in the Luberon!

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  • Villa Provence Alpilles

    Villa Provence Alpilles

    Pack your bags and escape to Provence to stay at this beautiful holiday villa with a pool that sleeps 10. Chic Villas brings you Villa Provence Alpilles, an idyllic country home between the Alpilles mountains and the Luberon in the South of France. A wisteria-covered terrace and luxuriant garden complement its pale stone walls and arched windows. Situated between Avignon and Aix-en-Provence, it’s ideal for exploring Provence and the Mediterranean coast.

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  • Provence  ou Luberon

    Provence ou Luberon

    This fine property for rent in provnce combines everything you need for a successful stay.

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    Provence ou Alpilles

    Provence ou Alpilles is a prestigious property standing in extensive wooded grounds between yew trees and olive groves. This superb rental property is situated near a charming village renowned for its authenticity, which is lively all year round... It enjoys an outstanding natural setting, with the Alpilles forming a fitting backdrop reaching out to the horizon

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  • Divine Provence

    Divine Provence

    Divine Provence is a luxury villa to rent in South of France at the doorstep of Provence. Is is the work of a passionate enthusiast whose outstanding renovation project has made this a property unique of its kind. Unstructured, extremely original and elegant, it offers seven luxurious and spacious suites, an underfloor cooling system and an outdoor private pool.

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  • Lavandes du Luberon

    Lavandes du Luberon

    Discover the beauty of the Luberon region in this lovely Provençal rental villa, Lavandes du Luberon. This holiday home with swimming pool has an authentic and stylishly decorated interior in a calm and well-preserved setting.

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  • Esprit Luberon

    Esprit Luberon

    Esprit Luberon is a lovely holiday villa for rent in Provence, situated opposite Mont Ventoux. Set amid beautiful countryside three kilometres outside the village, this villa offers excellent amenities.

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