The Provence region in southern France is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Amidst its rolling vineyards, fragrant lavender fields, and sun-drenched coastline lie some of the most charming villages in the country.
We visited the Provence region for 1 week at the end of June to make sure we were also there for its world famous lavender season. I had always wanted to see these gorgeous lavender fields for myself so when dreaming about a relaxing summer holiday I immediately knew where to go.
Two years before we had already fallen in love with the charm of the South of France when visiting the French Rivièra. And this time we would also bring along César, who was 10 months by now.
Now, without further ado, below you can find my personal selection of the most beautiful and charming villages in the Provence. Including a couple of hidden gems, a ton of photos and a map to get a nice overview.
List of the most charming villages in the Provence
Les Baux-de-Provence
Les Baux-de-Provence is one of the most enchanting villages in the Provence region, renowned for its dramatic setting and rich history. Perched on a rocky outcrop in the Alpilles mountains, this medieval village offers stunning views and a ton of cultural experiences.
Explore the ruins of the Château des Baux, a fortress that dates back to the 10th century. The site offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Alpilles mountains.
🅿️ PARKING – There are several parking areas around the village, but they can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist season. Arriving early is recommended.
💡 TIP – Make sure to make a stop at Vue Sur Les Baux, an incredible viewpoint over Les Beaux-de-Provence.
Ansouis
Ansouis is a hidden gem in the Provence region, offering a serene and authentic Provençal experience. This medieval village, nestled in the Luberon mountains, is known for its charming streets, historic castle, and beautiful landscapes.
The Château d’Ansouis is a highlight of the village, dating back to the 10th century. Take a guided tour to explore its well-preserved interiors, including furnished rooms, historic artifacts, and beautiful gardens. The castle also offers stunning views of the Luberon Valley.
Ansouis is surrounded by vineyards producing excellent wines. Visit local wineries such as Domaine des Jardinettes and Château Turcan for wine tasting and tours, where you can sample renowned Luberon wines.
Lourmarin
Lourmarin is one of the most beautiful villages in the Luberon region of Provence and not that known with the tourist scene. here you’ll find locals and mostly French travelers. Lourmarin is the perfect town to explore in the late evening and then afterwards sit down for an aperitivo and dinner. We had dinner at LE BISTROT and enjoyed a delicious meal a little further down the main streets.
💡 TIP – Visit the lively market held every Friday morning. It’s one of the best in the region, offering fresh produce, local delicacies, handmade crafts, and more.
Oppède Le Vieux
Oppède Le Vieux is a hidden gem that attracts visitors seeking an authentic Provencal experience. The village boasts well-preserved medieval buildings, including stone houses, a castle, and remnants of ancient fortifications.
Oppède Le Vieux has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. It was a significant stronghold during various historical periods, including the Wars of Religion in France.The village has been carefully restored to preserve its historical and cultural heritage.
🅿️ PARKING – There’s a small parking lot at the entrance of the old town. Especially if you’re visiting early in the day you can skip the main parking lot which is way more down the hill. To reach the small town you have to do a short hike up. I’m sure it’s stunning but this holiday we didn’t bring César his baby carrier and an uneven hiking trail through a forest just wasn’t an option.
Lacoste
Lacoste has to be one of my personal favorite towns in the Provence that we visited! Its medieval character and rustic charm actually reminded me a lot of Eze, one of the most charming villages on the French Riviera. The village is dominated by the Château de Lacoste, a historic castle that once belonged to the infamous Marquis de Sade.
Lacoste’s narrow, cobblestone streets are lined with beautifully preserved stone houses, arches, and ancient buildings, creating a timeless atmosphere. The village’s architecture reflects its medieval origins, with several buildings dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
Goult
Goult is a charming and lesser-known village located in the heart of the Luberon region of Provence, France and offers an authentic Provencal experience away from the more tourist-heavy destinations.
The village square, Place de la Liberation, is the heart of Goult, where locals and visitors can relax at cafes and enjoy the laid-back vibe. Make sure to walk up the village through the narrow streets. At the top of Goult you’ll find an old windmill from where you’re treated to an incredible view over the Luberon valley.
Saignon
Overlooking the Luberon valley, Saignon is a lesser-known gem characterized by its medieval architecture and serene atmosphere. The village is smaller and more intimate than some of its neighbors, making it ideal for those seeking a quieter experience. Highlights include the ancient rock of Saignon, which offers breathtaking views of the area, and the charming village square, which features a beautiful old fountain.
💡 TIP – Have lunch at Au Comptoir de Balthazar. A charming bistrot where they only serve a handful of dishes, all made with fresh produce.
Gordes
Perched atop a rocky outcrop and encircled by lush valleys and fields of lavender, this picturesque village is renowned for its striking beauty and historical architecture. It’s a member of the “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” (The Most Beautiful Villages of France) association, a testament to its charm and appeal. This is also the reason why it’s one of the most touristic places in the Provence.
The village hosts weekly markets on Tuesday where fresh produce, cheeses, olives, and meats are available. If you can make sure to time your visit so you don’t miss it!
💡 TIP – Try to arrive around 8am and first make a stop at the picturesque viewpoint of the town called Town View Point Gordes before making your way towards the city centre.
Roussillon
Roussillon, nestled in the heart of Provence, France, is one of the most picturesque villages of the Luberon region, famed for its vibrant ochre cliffs and rich artistic heritage. It truly is a one of kind village thanks to its unique color palette. The village is situated in one of the largest ochre deposits in the world, and its distinctive red and yellow pigments paint the town in warm, glowing tones.
The Church of Saint-Michel, sitting at the village’s highest point, offers panoramic views and an example of simple yet elegant Provençal religious architecture.
💡 TIP – The Ochre Trail (Sentier des Ocres) is a must-visit for any traveler, providing a fascinating walk through natural ochre quarries and surreal landscapes that feel almost Martian.
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
Nestled in the heart of the Vaucluse you’ll find this quaint little town known by the name of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. It’s the perfect place to relax and have lunch if you’re also exploring other towns in the area. It is nestled at the foot of a steep cliff at the entrance to the Vaucluse Mountains and is named after the source of the River Sorgue, which is the largest spring in France and one of the largest in the world.
The main attraction of Fontaine de Vaucluse is the source of the Sorgue River, known locally as “La Fontaine.” The spring emerges from a deep underground network of water that flows down from the mountains, forming a pool that is strikingly clear and deep blue in color. The volume of water flowing from the spring varies with the seasons but is particularly powerful during the spring when the snow melts on the surrounding mountains.
Simiane-la-Rotonde
Simiane-la-Rotonde is one of those hidden gems in the Provence that almost no one knows about! It first caught my eye when researching for original and lesser known places to see the lavender fields. Enter the Vaucluse region and more specifically the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department.
When driving towards Simiane-la-Rotonde you’ll be greeted by tons of lavender fields. That is if you visit between mid June and mid July! We visited during the last week of June and were able to enjoy all of the colorful flower fields.
The village itself is tiny, with only one or two restaurants at the most. But it holds that typical charm that a beautiful town has in the Provence. And I’m just a sucker for those cobble stoned streets and pastel colored window shutters.
🅿️ PARKING – There’s a small parking lot right before you can walk up to the village.
Banon
Banon, a quaint village nestled in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region of southeastern France, is a delightful destination for visitors seeking an authentic Provencal experience. The village is particularly famous for its artisanal goat cheese, wrapped in chestnut leaves and tied with raffia, which has earned a protected designation of origin.
Make sure to visit the old city at the top of the village, otherwise you’re missing out on the best part of Banon!
💡 TIP – If you’re visiting during lavender season from mid June to mid July you can find a beautiful lavender field in front of the town of Banon.
Aurel
Aurel is a small village in the Drôme Provençale region, known for its peaceful atmosphere and scenic views. The village is characterized by its narrow, cobblestone streets and stone houses, creating a quaint and authentic Provencal feel. At the center of Aurel, you can find the Romanesque church, Église Saint-Agricol, which adds a touch of historical charm to the village.
The surrounding countryside offers several hiking trails through lavender fields, olive groves, and vineyards, providing a pleasant way to explore the area. Aurel is a great place for a quiet retreat, offering a simple yet charming Provencal experience.
💡 TIP – Stop for lunch at Le Relais Du Mont Ventoux and enjoy a delicious meal surrounded by greenery.
Eygalières
Eygalières is a picturesque village in the Alpilles mountain range of Provence, France. Known for its stunning landscapes, charming architecture, and relaxed ambiance. It’s also where we chose to base ourselves during our 1 week in the Provence and it was the perfect choice!
There are several good restaurant options, the town has a couple of cute shops but it’s not too big. Eygalières is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, including olive groves, vineyards, and the rugged Alpilles mountains. The village itself is perched on a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Visit on a Friday to experience the local market, where you can buy fresh produce, cheeses, olive oil, and other regional specialties.
Map of the most beautiful villages in the Provence
🗺️ How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and you will see this map on your list.
If you have any questions about how to visit the Provence or if you want to share your experience, comment below!
More information on the Provence
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Hi! We’re Charlotte, Christof & César!
Armed with our cameras & drone we’re always on the lookout for the next adventure!
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