Situated close to Mont Ventoux, Banon reveals all its splendour in summer when the surrounding lavender fields are in full bloom. It is renowned for its goat's cheese, which bears its name. Visiting Banon is also a bath in history, thanks to its 15th-century fortified keep overlooking the village and the ancient churches dotting its picturesque streets.
The 15 most beautiful villages in Provence
Provence is a land of lavender and olive trees, where the sun shines all year round. Every year, the region attracts millions of visitors who come to discover its colourful countryside, the wonderful smell of flowers and the lilting accents of its inhabitants. But Provence has something else going for it too: dozens of picturesque little villages! Roussillon, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Gordes and Cotignac are just some of the names that immediately transport you to the South of France! You'll discover these charming villages as you stroll through their winding cobbled streets, accompanied by the song of the cicadas. You can't help but be charmed by their typical architecture and the bucolic atmosphere that reigns there... So get out your pétanque balls and your glass of pastis, and let us introduce you to the 15 must-visit villages of Provence for an introduction to the Provençal art of living.
© Feel good studio / Shutterstock
Summary
- 1. Banon, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
- 2. Seillans, Var
- 3. Brantes, Vaucluse
- 4. Roussillon, Vaucluse
- 5. Gordes, Vaucluse
- 6. Les Baux-de-Provence, Bouches-du-Rhône
- 7. Ménerbes, Vaucluse
- 8. Lourmarin, Vaucluse
- 9. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Alpes-Maritimes
- 10. Bonnieux, Vaucluse
- 11. Cotignac, Var
- 12. Séguret, Vaucluse
- 13. Venasque, Vaucluse
- 14. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
- 15. Gigondas, Vaucluse
1. Banon, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
Fields of flowers with the small village of Banon in the background.
- © ecstk22 / Shutterstock
Montsalier
Booking.com
Valentine's house in Provence - Montsalier
Less than 5 kilometres from Banon, this 70 m² gîte sleeps up to 8 people in the heart of Provence.
9.1
From
£128
/ night
2. Seillans, Var
The small Provencal village of Seillans, in the Var.
- © Christian Müller / 123RFPerched on its hillside, Seillans is packed with historic sites to visit: the fortified walls and their 12th-century Saracen gate, theancient fountain, the chapel and, above all, the 11th-century château. With magnificent views over the vineyards and olive groves, it's no surprise that painter Max Ernst chose this spot to spend the last years of his life.
⭐ Where to stay in Seillans?
Seillans
Booking.com
Hotel Restaurant des Deux Rocs 3* - Seillans
Right in the heart of Seillans, this 4-star hotel-restaurant offers typical Provencal rooms and a fabulous breakfast.
8.4
From
£107
/ night
3. Brantes, Vaucluse
An alleyway in the village of Brantes, Vaucluse.
- © Dzinnik Darius / 123RFSituated in the north of the Vaucluse, the pretty village of Brantes will delight gourmets with its delicious cheeses, honey, almonds and aromatic plants. It's also a favoured spot for artists and craftspeople, whose workshops and galleries can be admired as you stroll through the village's narrow streets and vaulted passageways.
⭐ Where to stay near Brantes?
Reilhanette
Booking.com
L'Oustau de la Font 3* - Reilhanette
Just 10 minutes from Brantes, this 3-star hotel is the ideal base for exploring Provence.
8.9
From
£72
/ night
4. Roussillon, Vaucluse
The hilltop village of Roussillon in the Vaucluse.
- © Martin M303 / ShutterstockMainly famous for its iconic ochre stone, which is used throughout the region, Roussillon is perched on a hill and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Luberon countryside and the surrounding ochre quarries. Its colourful houses and picturesque streets have earned it a well-deserved title of "Most Beautiful Village".
⭐ Where to stay in Roussillon?
Roussillon
Booking.com
La Maison des Ocres 3*
This 3-star hotel in the heart of Roussillon has it all: outdoor pool, restaurant, family rooms and much more!
8.5
From
£109
/ night
5. Gordes, Vaucluse
The typical Provencal village of Gordes, in the Vaucluse.
- © trabantos / ShutterstockAt the heart of the Luberon Regional Park, Gordes is a must-see village in Provence. Surrounded by lavender fields, it attracts visitors by the hundreds thanks to its many historic buildings to visit, including a palace, a 16th-century château, an old wash-house, an ancient mill and several chapels. But it is best known for being home to the famous Sénanque Abbey.
⭐ Where to stay in Gordes?
Gordes
Booking.com
Le Mas de la Beaume - Gordes
With its outdoor swimming pool and typically Provencal architecture, this mas offers an enchanted interlude in Provence.
9.1
From
£212
/ night
6. Les Baux-de-Provence, Bouches-du-Rhône
La Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs in Les Baux-de-Provence.
- © trabantos / ShutterstockLes Baux-de-Provence is a small medieval town in the Alpilles mountain range, world-famous for its castle and ramparts. The town has even been voted "Most Beautiful Village in France" thanks to its exceptionally rich cultural heritage, with no fewer than 22 historic monuments to discover.
⭐ Where to stay in Les Baux-de-Provence?
Les Baux-de-Provence
Booking.com
Benvengudo 4*
Book your stay at the Benvengudo 4* on Booking.com!
8.8
Superb
From
£189
/ night
7. Ménerbes, Vaucluse
The hilltop village of Ménerbes in the Luberon massif.
- © Begir / ShutterstockIn spring, the streets of the picturesque village of Ménerbes are decked out in Provençal flowers, much to the delight of walkers. Highlights include its belfry, mill, 18th-century citadel and dolmen. Over the course of its history, Ménerbes has played host to such great names in the arts as painters Picasso and Nicolas de Staël and British author Peter Mayle.
⭐ Where to stay in Ménerbes?
Ménerbes
Booking.com
Hôtel particulier de Tingry - Ménerbes
This luxurious bed and breakfast will delight travellers with its Provençal decor, outdoor pool and sumptuous buffet breakfast.
8.3
From
£281
/ night
8. Lourmarin, Vaucluse
The charming Vaucluse village of Lourmarin.
- © Nikolay Dimitrov - ecobo / ShutterstockTo the south of the Lubéron, Lourmarin is one of Provence's most famous villages. With its picturesque streets, 15th-century château, Protestant church and temple, it attracts many tourists in the summer months. It's also the ideal pied-à-terre from which to explore the Luberon and discover the true Provençal art of living.
⭐ Where to stay in Lourmarin?
Lourmarin
Booking.com
La Maison de Lourmarin 4*
This modern 4* hotel-restaurant is well worth a visit!
8.8
From
£145
/ night
9. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Alpes-Maritimes
Saint-Paul-de-Vence dans les Alpes-Maritimes.
- © fviolin / 123RFA favourite destination for artists, Saint-Paul-de-Vence has been the home of Matisse, Picasso and Chagall, who is buried in the village cemetery. Its charming winding streets, preserved ramparts, 16th- and 17th-century houses and contemporary art centre make it a must-see in Provence.
⭐ Where to stay in Saint-Paul-de-Vence?
Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Booking.com
Domaine du Mas De Pierre 5* - Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Book your stay at Domaine du Mas De Pierre 5* on Booking.com!
9.3
From
£223
/ night
10. Bonnieux, Vaucluse
The Provencal hilltop village of Bonnieux.
- © Gordon Bell / ShutterstockPerched on the Luberon massif, Bonnieux offers a breathtaking view of the region, from the Vaucluse mountains to Mont Ventoux. Take a stroll along the steep, narrow streets and you'll discover a church with century-old cedar trees, the remains of ramparts, fountains and wash-houses. Lingering on a restaurant terrace, you can also appreciate its authenticity and conviviality.
⭐ Where to stay in Bonnieux?
Bonnieux
Booking.com
Capelongue, a Beaumier hotel
Book your stay at Capelongue, a Beaumier hotel, on Booking.com!
8.4
Very good
From
£262
/ night
11. Cotignac, Var
The troglodyte village of Cotignac, in the Var.
- © barmalini / 123RFAs the gateway to the Verdon Regional Nature Park Cotignac is a picturesque village overlooking an impressive rocky cliff from which a waterfall falls. The village was built around this cliff and today boasts numerous troglodyte dwellings, as well as grand mansions from the 16th and 17th centuries and refreshing fountains.
⭐ Where to stay in Cotignac?
Cotignac
Booking.com
Lou Calen - Cotignac
An outdoor swimming pool, a bar-restaurant and comfortable rooms await you at this superb Provencal hotel.
9.1
From
£213
/ night
12. Séguret, Vaucluse
The small Vaucluse village of Séguret.
- © znm / 123RFDominated by an ancient feudal castle in ruins, the Provencal village of Séguret lies at the foot of a hill to the west of Mont Ventoux. Strolling through its cobbled streets, you'll come across pretty fountains, bucolic squares and vine-walled houses. The village also offers magnificent views of the verdant vineyards and the Cévennes.
⭐ Where to stay in Séguret?
Séguret
Booking.com
Domaine de Cabasse 3* - Séguret
Set in the heart of the vineyards, this 3-star estate is a haven of peace. Special mention should be made of the large outdoor swimming pool!
8.5
From
£128
/ night
13. Venasque, Vaucluse
The historic village of Venasque, Vaucluse.
- © marketa1982 / ShutterstockSituated on a rocky spur overlooking the Gorges de la Nesque, Venasque is encircled by cherry trees and climbing vines. It well deserves its title of "Most Beautiful Village" thanks to its rich historical and religious heritage, which can be discovered through the town's many monuments such as theRomanesque church, the 4th-century baptistery, the chapel and the priory.
⭐ Where to stay in Venasque?
Venasque
Booking.com
Les Remparts - Venasque
The terrace of this hotel-restaurant offers a breathtaking view of Provence and is well worth a visit in itself!
7.8
From
£156
/ night
14. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
The village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie in the Gorges du Verdon.
- © Luboslav Tiles / ShutterstockIn the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, at the gateway to the Grand Canyon du Verdon, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie became famous in the 17th century for the production of delicate earthenware. Today, as well as its church, ramparts, chapels, aqueduct and fountains, it's also the ideal starting point for trying your hand at canyoning or rafting in the Verdon gorges.
⭐ Where to stay in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie?
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Booking.com
La Bastide De Moustiers 4*
Book your stay at La Bastide De Moustiers 4* on Booking.com!
9
From
£369
/ night
15. Gigondas, Vaucluse
The Provencal village of Gigondas, Vaucluse.
- © imageBROKER.com / ShutterstockBacked by the impressive Dentelles de Montmirail mountain range, Gigondas is surrounded by ancient medieval ramparts, bearing witness to its historic past as part of the Principality of Orange. It produces an excellent wine and its natural surroundings are perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking or climbing.
⭐ Where to stay in Gigondas?
Gigondas
Booking.com
Les Florets 3* - Gigondas
With its outdoor swimming pool, restaurant and typically Provençal rooms, this 3-star hotel is sure to please!
8.9
From
£92
/ night
Need a hand? take a look at our guide
Provence
The Gorges du Verdon
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, the most beautiful village in the Gorges du Verdon
Provence is full of colourful little villages, each more picturesque than the last, and all well worth a visit. But Moustiers-Sainte-Marie has something different, an inimitable cachet,...
Provence
Provence: what's on in and around Gordes?
On a slope of the Vaucluse plateau, overlooking the Cavaillon plain, Gordes is one of those villages clinging to its rock. There are many perched villages in Provence, due to the many...
Provence
10 bastides and mas where to stay in Provence
Walking through the lavender fields, olive groves and pine forests of Provence, it's easy to see that the region boasts a distinctive architecture. Whether in small, typically Provençal...
Provence
Ochre in the Luberon: the Ochre Trail and the Provencal Colorado
Since the 18th century, the Vaucluse region has been renowned for its many ochre quarries. The exploitation of the rock from the Rustrel deposit has left behind a sumptuous landscape...
Latest news
Ireland
Stepping into a fairytale: exploring the Rock of Cashel
Ireland
Iveragh Peninsula
Ireland
Coming face to face with nature at Killarney National Park
Ireland
Exploring Ireland’s most northerly point at Inishowen Peninsula
Read more articles
Top destinations
