Provence is one of those places that looks beautiful in photos but, trust us, feels and looks even better in real life. In fact, the photos just don’t do it justice. Problem: there are so many villages to choose from. If you’re planning to visit Provence France and don’t know where to start, this list is for you. These are 7 villages in Provence France you have to visit. Some famous, some quieter, but all worth adding to your route.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Aix-en-Provence
- Tourtour
- Gordes
- Avignon
- Arles
- Les Baux de Provence
- Moustiers-Sainte-Maire
- Best places to stay in Provence
1. Aix en Provence France
Elegant but relaxed, Aix-en-Provence France is known for its fountains (over 200 of them), vibrant outdoor markets, and café culture.
A bit of history…
Founded by the Romans in 123 BC, it later became the hometown of painter Paul Cézanne.
Top things to do in Aix en Provence:
- Walk along Cours Mirabeau
- Explore the old town
- Visit Cézanne’s studio
- Browse local food and flower markets
- Day trip to the famous Valensole lavender field
If you want all the details of our time in Aix-en-Provence (including what we did and what we’d actually recommend), you’ll find them in this post.
2. Tourtour France
Often called the “village in the sky,” (le village dans le ciel) Tourtour is small, quiet, perfect if you want to escape the crowds (and easily one of our favourite villages in Provence.
A bit of history..
The village has roots going back to Roman times and has kept its medieval layout.
Top things to see in Tourtour Provence
- The main square
- Stone houses, small cafés and hidden alleys
- Panoramic views over Provence by the church at the top of the hill
If you want all the details of our time in Tourtour (including the beautiful house we stayed in, what we did and what we’d actually recommend), you’ll find them in this post.
3. Gordes France
One of the most photographed villages in Provence, Gordes sits high on a hill and looks stunning from every angle. Keep reading to find out where you can see Provence’s iconic lavender fields close to Gorges.
A bit of history…
Gordes has been settled since Roman times and later became a fortified village.
Top things to see in Gordes
- Gordes Castle
- Village viewpoints
- Sénanque Abbey nearby (especially during Provence lavender season)
If you want all the details of our time in Gordes (including what we did, what we ate and what we’d actually recommend), you’ll find them in this post.
4. Avignon France
Best known for its impressive palace and medieval walls, Avignon is a must-visit and full of history.
A bit of history…
In the 14th century, the Popes moved here from Rome, making Avignon one of the most powerful cities in Europe at the time.
Things to do in Avignon
- Visit the Palais des Papes
- Walk across Pont d’Avignon
- Wander the old town streets
- Enjoy views over the Rhône
If you want all the details of our time in Avignon (including what we did and what we’d actually recommend), you’ll find them in this post.
5. Arles France
A historic town known for its well-preserved Roman ruins and influence on post-impressionist art (can you guess who lived here?).
A bit of history…
Arles was an important Roman city and later became closely linked to Vincent van Gogh, who lived and painted here in the late 1800s. Here he painted over 300 works, including Café Terrace at Night and Starry Night Over the Rhône.
Top things to see in Arles
- The Roman Arena
- The ancient theatre
- Van Gogh walking route
- Riverside walks along the Rhône
If you want all the details of our time in Arles (including what we did and what we’d actually recommend), you’ll find them in this post.
6. Les Baux de Provence France
Dramatic, rocky, and full of character, this village feels almost unreal.
A bit of history…
Les Baux-de-Provence served as a powerful military stronghold and a refined cultural center for troubadours, ruled by an independent noble family that controlled much of Provence throughout the Middle Ages.
Top things to see in Les Baux
- Château des Baux ruins
- Village lanes and viewpoints
- Carrières de Lumières immersive art show
If you want all the details of our time in Les Baux (including what we did and where we had a delicious meal with the most incredible view), you’ll find them in this post.
7. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie France
One of the most scenic villages in Provence France, set between cliffs near the Verdon Gorge. It’s calm, charming, and very unique.
A bit of history…
Moustiers dates back to the Middle Ages and became famous for its faience pottery in the 17th century.
Top things to see:
- The star suspended between the cliffs
- Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel
- Pottery workshops and small village streets
If you want all the details of our time in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and the history (including what we did and where we ate), you’ll find them in this post.
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Best places to stay in Provence
Aix-en-Provence
- Budget-friendly: Séjours & Affaires Aix-en-Provence Mirabeau
- Medium budget: Hôtel Boutique Cézanne centre Aix-en-Provence
- Luxury stay: Hôtel Saint Christophe Aix en Provence Centre Ville
Tourtour
We highly recommend staying where we stayed. A charming guesthouse called La Charmante by Lovenests, just a short walk from the main square. It’s central but peaceful, and it really gave us that classic Provence feel. For more info, read here.
Gordes
- Budget friendly: Les trois gites
- Medium budget: Les Chambres du Hameau
- Luxury stay: Lou Karo two-bedroom house
Avignon
- Budget friendly: L’Oriflamme
- Medium budget: Hôtel Le Bristol
- Luxury stay: Hotel De Cambis Best Western Premier Collection
Arles
- Budget friendly: La Bastido
- Medium budget: Hôtel Amphithéâtre
- Luxury stay: Holiday in Arles -Appartement du Théâtre Antique
Les Baux de Provence
- Budget friendly: Appartement l’Oustallet dou Pastre
- Medium budget: MAS DE LA FADETO
- Luxury stay: Domaine De Manville
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
- Budget friendly: Gaïa, maison d’hôtes Verdon, vue féerique
- Medium budget: Domaine de Cruvelet Petit gite
- Luxury stay: Maison Le Balcon du Lac
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