Before we moved to France in 2018, my husband and I would spend two weeks in France every Spring (which felt like such a long vacation, by American standards). We’d split our time between Paris and Provence, where my mother-in-law lived in charming stone house in the center of St Michel l’Observatoire (one of the favorites on this list).

Now that we call Paris home, we travel to Provence every chance we get to explore more of this dreamy region. The magic never fades.

But — Provence is massive, and planning a trip can be daunting if you don't know the lay of the land. Here, I'm sharing everything I've learned over the past decade to help you navigate, explore, and fall in love with the real Provence. On y va…

Essential Provence Travel Tips

When to go
Provence really shines in Spring and Summer — May and June are the perfect time, in my opinion. The sun is nearly guaranteed and the fields are alive with coquelicot (red poppies) and lavender (full bloom is June and July). August is high season, when you’ll have the most crowds and difficulty securing lodging and restaurant reservations.

Getting there
The fastest and easiest way to reach Provence from Paris is by taking the TGV train to Arles, Avignon or Aix-en-Provence. From there, rent a car, and you'll be in the heart of the Luberon countryside within an hour or so.

Getting around
A car is essential! Provence's most charming villages and hidden gems are scattered across the region, and having your own ride allows you to explore at your own pace.

Where to stay
Choose a village as your home base and venture out from there. There’s no shortage of charming rental homes, or gîtes as they’re called in France, offering an authentic French experience. Personally, I recommend Forcalquier. It’s a lively yet charming and walkable village, making it a perfect starting point for your adventures.

What to bring
If you’re visiting Provence in it’s prime, between May and September, be sure to pack:

• A wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen (the Provençal sun is no joke, especially in July and August!)

• Comfortable athletic shoes for hikes

• A swimsuit for refreshing dips in lakes or rivers

Pro tip: If you're visiting during peak summer, having access to a pool for an afternoon dip can be a lifesaver.

Where to eat
Each village on this list typically has a few restaurants, but keep in mind that most close between 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM. If you get hungry during those hours, a boulangerie sandwich can save the day. Restaurant reservations are recommended, even if you book the same morning.

Budget tips
Provence is refreshingly more affordable than Paris, though a few upscale villages (ahem Gordes) can get pricey. But don’t worry—2€ rosé is still very much a thing. Santé!

Craving Provence's charm and a chance to recharge? Join us for Reboot Retreat this May 22-26, 2025!

Provence Village Guide

Provence is a big tapestry of tiny villages, each with its own charm — though, some deliver on the quintessential Provence vibes more than others. Each of the villages below has a little something special that makes it worth the detour, whether it's a fantastic market, a hidden hiking trail, or that picture-perfect village square. Villages are listed in order from east to west, for easy planning and navigation.

1. Greoux-les-Bains

What’s not to love about a thermal spa town near the lake? Greoux-les-Bains is all about wellness and outdoor recreation. The gorgeous Lac d’Esparron is a must for swimming, kayaking, and electric boat rentals, while the town's thermal baths have been drawing crowds since Roman times. Plan to spend an entire day at Lac d’Esparron, and be sure to reserve your electric boat in advance and bring a picnic to enjoy while cruising through the gorges.

2. Montjustin

My favorite sleepy Provence village to stroll around and dream of living the slow life. There’s no major attraction in Montjustin except for it’s low-key authenticity and picture-perfect hillside homes. There’s a nice hike you can do along the ridge, and a sweet community watering hole in town called L’ecole Buissonniere — a great place to refresh yourself on the terrace, with a 2 euro wine or 1 euro beer (as of 2024)!

3. Reillanne

We never miss the Sunday market in Reillanne — known colloquially as the “marché bisous” (because of all the locals greeting each other with kisses). On market day, the village that comes alive with local vendors selling produce, cheeses, honey, and crafts. The vaulted passageways and ancient doors make a dreamy backdrop for market day.

4. Forcalquier

One of the most bustling villages in the Luberon, Forcalquier makes a great home base with plenty of commerce and cultural activities. The Monday market is one of the largest in Upper Provence, and transforms the medieval streets into a vibrant maze of local produce, artisanal crafts, and regional specialties. There are two equally exceptional ice cream shops in town: Flazzi and Chez Emee (try the lavender!) Don’t miss the chance to walk up to the citadel, which crowns the city and offers stunning views and photo opps.

5. St Michel l’Observatoire

A quaint, walkable village where you can get a feel for traditional Provençal life. St Michel is famous for it’s Astronomy Center, one of the best in Europe. They offer tours and educational events during summer and school holidays, where you can view the cosmos through their state of the art telescopes — I highly recommend it, especially for families. Even if you don’t visit the observatory, you can hike to the top of the village where there’s a lookout point with 360 views of the Luberon. Follow signs for the old church.

6. Mane

Home to the impressive Château de Mane and the Musée des Huiles Essentielles, this lower-lying village is the place to learn about Provence's essential oil production. Be sure to visit the garden for an aromatic tour of hundreds of regional plants. The town center is a sweet, sleepy village to walk through and La Manne Celeste is a locally loved pizzeria with charming back patio.

7. Oppedette

This tiny village is known for the spectacular gorges, carved by the Calavon River. Follow signs for the Gorges d’Oppedette for stunning (steep!) hiking trails that take you down through the gorge and into the village— it’s a paradise for nature enthusiasts and hiking fanatics. The village of Oppedette, with fewer than 100 inhabitants, has at least one restaurant that serves cheese and charcuterie platters to reward yourself afterwards.

Pro tip: Eat in the nearby village of Valsainte, at the restaurant of the Abbey of Valsainte (pictured above) — a true farm to table experience and a jaw-dropping view from their terrace!

8. Banon

Worth the trip for their namesake cheese alone — “Banon” a fresh goat cheese wrapped in chestnut leaves is a must-try. Like the other villages on this list, Banon offers the right mix of medieval architecture and panoramic views of lavender fields and mountains. It’s also home to Le Bleuet, one of the largest independent bookstores in France (open 365 days a year — unheard of in France, and especially in rural Provence!)

9. Saignon

Perched high above Apt, Saignon embodies quintessential Provence with its vine-covered stone buildings and panoramic views of the Luberon. Stroll the narrow cobblestone streets leading to a 12th-century church and a distinctive rock formation that serves as a natural viewing platform (and concert space in summer time). Saignon has a couple of bistros where you can enjoy a class of rosé overlooking the valley.

10. Buoux

You likely won’t read about Buoux in any tourist guides, but I’ll let you in on a secret — there is one of the worlds most stunning B&Bs tucked into the limestone cliffs, L’Auberge des Seguins. They offer stone cottages for rent, a restaurant on site, pool and buvette (bar). It’s a hikers heaven, with trails starting right from your backyard. A real hidden gem!

Ready for a Provence getaway with a wellness twist? Reboot Retreat awaits, May 22-26, 2025

11. Bonnieux

This is where Provence gets a little more chi-chi. Bonnieux is another good home base for exploring villages to the east and west. You’ve got amazing views of the Luberon Valley and Mont Ventoux, winding cobblestone streets and a few of the region’s top rated restaurants: La Table des Amis, La Bastide, and JU. Sipping rosé while watching the sunset from Bonnieux is an experience itself!

12. Lacoste

Once home to the infamous Marquis de Sade, Lacoste has some of the most dramatic views in the Luberon. You’ll also notice a unique international ambiance thanks to the Savannah College of Art and Design, which has had a satellite campus there since 2002 making Lacoste a lively hub for arts and culture, with exhibitions and events throughout the year.

13. Roussillon

Often called the "Colorado of Provence," Roussillon is known for its orange cliffs and terra cotta buildings to match. The town has at least two Michelin recommended restaurants (Omma and Le Piquebaure) making it more of a tourist hot spot — but for good reason. Roussillon one of the most colorful and photogenic settings in Provence, no doubt.

bon voyage!

I’d love to hear what you discover and love during your tour de Provence. Comments welcome!