Visiting the charming small towns in Provence, France brings the chance to be surrounded by stunning landscapes. A well-known artist’s hideout, dramatic mountains, lush river valleys, and breathtaking coastline inspire many creative types. In the summer, it’s even more enchanting as blankets of purple appear with lavender bursting into bloom.
Here, natural wonders of Provence meet rich culture. Discover an array of art museums, mouthwatering cuisine, and delicious rosés. While the more well-known cities like Marseille and Nice are worth visiting the best small towns in Provence are incredibly picturesque and overflow with charm.
In many Provence towns, you can still see traces of their ancient roots, with much of the region inhabited since Neolithic times. It was a home base for everyone from the Ligures, Celts, and Greeks to the Romans.
Around the 2nd century BC, Provence was originally known as Provincia Romana, or Roman Province. As this part of modern-day France was one of the earliest established in Europe, its towns have fascinating pasts just waiting to be explored.
With so much to see and do, if if you’re considering a getaway to Provence but aren’t sure where to go, we’ve got you covered. Our list of the best towns to visit in Provence can provide the perfect start to your trip planning.
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence looks like it just leaped out of the pages of a fairytale. A must-visit town in the Provence region, it’s perhaps best known as the former home of Vincent Van Gogh. The artist stayed at the Saint Paul Asylum when creating some of his most famous works, including The Starry Night. It’s picture-perfect, with chalky stone buildings featuring pastel-painted shutters lining the streets, and small shops and cozy cafes crowd winding alleyways.
Check out the ancient Roman ruins at Glenum just outside of town, relax outdoors in the main square, visit one of the local markets offering everything from fresh produce to art, or pay your respects to Van Gogh at his statue, and explore his old room at the asylum.
Aix-en-Provence
A small town tucked into the foothills of the Alps, Aix-en-Provence is a great place to experience the classic French lifestyle. Hang out with locals in the charming squares, wander the Cours Mirabeau, and admire all the grand mansions. Don’t miss Cézanne’s last studio, not far from the city center. Whatever you do here, it’s best taken in at a slower cadence. Soak up the little moments that provide a respite from the fast-paced modern life.
But before you visit Aix-en-Provence, you might want to know about its rich history. Founded by the Romans in 123 BCE, the Visgoths moved in and were followed by the Saracens. However, it was the 13th century that the town experienced its true heyday, thanks to its thriving art scene. The result today is a dynamic local culture that makes it one of the best towns to visit in Provence.
Gordes
Gordes is one of the loveliest small towns in the area of Provence, located at the point where three mountain ranges meet. This ancient hamlet spills across a hilltop and is often called one of the most beautiful towns in all of France. It’s an artist hub with cultured folk flocking here for the art galleries and festivals. But you might want to plan a trip around one of the local favorites. The Gordes Summer Nights Festival features intimate evening concerts hosted in a magical venue cut right into a cliffside.
Be sure to visit the 10th-century chateau-turned-museum, displaying paintings from the contemporary Flemish artist Pol Mara. You might also head to the cellars of Saint Firmin Palace. They were dug in the Middle Ages, along with the church of the same name. Alternatively, check out nearby highlights like the Bories Village built entirely of stone, or the iconic Abbey of Sénaque.
Roussillon
Roussillon, with its ochre buildings and cliffs, is a sight to behold. Walking around the town, you’ll be treated to an ever-shifting palette of oranges, pinks, and reds. A visual feast, just wandering is enjoyable here, popping into little shops, cafes, and art galleries. At the Thursday morning weekly market, you can pick up some fresh, local produce for a picnic too.
Ménerbes
Many call Ménerbes the most beautiful village of the Luberon. With the competition quite steep, that says a lot! The village is particularly impressive when approaching from the north. Watch the hamlet slowly rise out of the horizon like a mirage the closer you get. Visit the town’s citadel, check out the Corkscrew Museum, or head to the House of Truffles and Wine to learn about local culinary products.
Lourmarin
Lourmarin is an ideal location to discover the charms of the outdoor cafe culture France is known for. Here, restaurants and cafes are everywhere, and time seems to move at a slower pace. Admire Lourmarin Castle, sip wine at the Chateau Constantin winery, or simply walk around the town. You might stop here and there for a snack, a meal, or a drink in one of the cafes.
Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Riverside Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is known as the antiques capital of Provence. While it may be a small town, there are more than 300 antique dealers to explore. It’s known as the “Island on the Sorgue” due to its many waterways. Some go as far as comparing it to Venice in Italy. But you can decide for yourself when you visit. Explore every inch by walking across the bridges and alongside the canals. Perhaps browse the flea markets and marvel at the many grand villas, many now housing art galleries.
The villages and towns in Provence are truly some of the most beautiful in France. You won’t want to miss them!
Let Us Show You the Towns of Provence
At LuxEurope, we call upon decades of in-depth experience to put together customized itineraries in some of Europe’s most beautiful destinations, including Provence. If you’re thinking about visiting the area but aren’t sure where to start, get in touch! We can have a conversation about what you’re looking for and create a bespoke itinerary based on your interests to help you make the most of your time.