Experience the timeless charm and rustic elegance of southern France with Isle Blue’s exquisite collection of Provence villa rentals. Nestled among rolling vineyards, lavender fields, and hilltop villages, our hand-selected Provence villas offer a luxurious escape steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty.
Whether you’re dreaming of a stone farmhouse in the Luberon, a refined estate in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, or a countryside retreat near Gordes or Aix-en-Provence, each Provence holiday rental in our portfolio meets the highest standards of comfort and style. Every villa is carefully curated for its character, location, and amenities, offering private pools, manicured gardens, and authentic Provençal architecture.
Your stay includes complimentary trip planning and personalized concierge services to elevate your experience. From arranging private chefs, wine tastings, and cycling tours to booking local markets, festivals, and cultural excursions, our team ensures a seamless and immersive getaway tailored to your preferences.
Our Provence villa specialists provide expert guidance to help you find the perfect property for your romantic escape, family holiday, or group retreat. All villas meet Isle Blue’s 4- and 5-star standards, ensuring a refined and unforgettable stay.
Guests also enjoy the benefits of our loyalty rewards program—earn points with every booking to use toward future travel or exclusive upgrades.
Embrace the art de vivre of Provence with Isle Blue, where luxury, authenticity, and curated experiences come together in one of the world’s most enchanting destinations.
Provence, a region steeped in timeless charm, offers a truly unforgettable escape into the heart of southern France. With its sun-drenched landscapes, fragrant lavender fields, and medieval hilltop villages, Provence has become one of the most desirable destinations in Europe for luxury holidays. This travel guide explores the best villages to visit, where to dine, what to experience, and the ideal times to plan your Provence getaway. Whether you’re staying in one of our handpicked Provence villas or searching for the perfect Provence holiday rental, this guide will help you curate an exceptional itinerary.
Provence is easily accessible by air, train, or car. The primary gateway airports are Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, and the seasonal Avignon-Provence Airport. High-speed TGV trains connect Paris to Avignon or Aix-en-Provence in just about three hours, making Provence ideal for combining with other French destinations. For maximum flexibility and to explore its iconic countryside and hidden villages, we recommend renting a car.
The best time to visit Provence depends on what kind of experience you’re seeking. Spring and early summer, especially May through early July, bring ideal weather, wildflowers, and the famed lavender blooms. Late summer and early autumn, particularly from late August to October, are perfect for wine and olive harvests, golden light, and fewer crowds. Provence also offers unique winter charm with its quiet villages, holiday markets, and truffle season.
Lavender Bloom: Mid-June to Mid-July
Sunflowers: Late June through July
Grape Harvest: Late August through September
Olive Harvest: November to December
Truffle Season: December through March
Almond Blossoms: February to March
Each village in Provence offers a unique blend of history, local culture, and scenic beauty. Here are the top villages and towns you should explore during your stay in a Provence villa or holiday rental.
Gordes is one of the most iconic villages in Provence. Set atop the Vaucluse plateau, this medieval village features narrow cobblestone streets, stunning stone architecture, and sweeping views of the Luberon Valley. It’s a must-visit for travelers staying in Provence villas near the Luberon. Visit the 12th-century Abbaye de Sénanque surrounded by lavender fields, stroll through the ancient Village des Bories, and enjoy fine dining at La Bastide de Gordes or L'Artegal.
Roussillon captivates visitors with its vivid ochre cliffs and red-toned buildings, giving it a uniquely colorful appearance. Located in the heart of the Luberon, it’s a short drive from many Provence holiday rentals. Take a walk along the Ochre Trail to admire the natural palette, visit the Conservatoire des Ocres, and dine at Le Piquebaure or David for a delicious Provencal meal.
Bonnieux is a picturesque hilltop village offering panoramic views over vineyards, lavender fields, and the valley below. It’s a fantastic stop for travelers seeking scenic drives and peaceful retreats. Climb to the old church at the top of the village for sweeping vistas, enjoy forest hikes in the nearby Cedar Forest, and indulge in gourmet cuisine at Le Fournil or L’Arome.
Lourmarin is an elegant and lively village that combines style with Provencal authenticity. Often considered one of the most beautiful villages in France, it’s perfect for a day trip or a luxury villa stay nearby. Visit the 15th-century Château de Lourmarin, enjoy the vibrant Friday market, explore designer boutiques, and dine at Café Gaby or Le Moulin.
Ménerbes is a quieter, artistic village with deep literary roots—best known from Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence. The village offers a tranquil escape with captivating views and charming architecture. Visit the Maison de la Truffe et du Vin for wine and truffle tastings, and savor a relaxed meal at La Veranda or Le Galoubet.
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Saint-Rémy is a lively market town brimming with culture and beauty. Birthplace of Nostradamus and a favorite of Vincent Van Gogh, the town is known for its tree-lined boulevards, charming boutiques, and historical sites. Explore the Roman ruins at Glanum, walk through Van Gogh’s former asylum at Saint-Paul de Mausole, and dine at L’Aile ou la Cuisse or Chez Xa. The town is a convenient base for those staying in Provence villas near the Alpilles.
Perched dramatically atop a rocky outcrop, Les Baux offers breathtaking views and a journey into medieval history. Visit the impressive ruins of Château des Baux, attend the immersive Carrières de Lumières art show held in a former quarry, and dine at the Michelin-starred L'Oustau de Baumanière for a culinary experience to remember.
Eygalières
Eygalières is a small and exclusive village tucked in the Alpilles hills, known for its understated elegance and discreet celebrity visitors. Wander through stone alleys, explore local art galleries, and enjoy Provencal cuisine at Maison Hache or Le Progrès. The surrounding olive groves and vineyards make it an ideal location for a tranquil Provence holiday rental.
Cotignac
Cotignac sits at the base of dramatic limestone cliffs and is rich in history and charm. With its vibrant village square, weekly market, and cool grottoes, it’s a lesser-known gem in the Var region. Dine at La Table de Colette or Cercle des Vignerons, and take in views from the troglodyte dwellings carved into the rockface.
Correns
Correns is notable as France’s first entirely organic village. Tucked away in the Green Provence region, it’s an off-the-beaten-path destination perfect for eco-conscious travelers. Wine lovers can explore the vineyards of Château Miraval, and kayaking down the Argens River offers a refreshing way to see the countryside.
Cassis
Cassis is a colorful fishing port along the Mediterranean, surrounded by towering white cliffs and turquoise waters. Visit this charming seaside village to enjoy boat tours of the Calanques National Park, explore local boutiques, and sample fresh seafood at Chez Gilbert or the Michelin-rated La Villa Madie. Many Provence villa guests include Cassis as a coastal day trip.
La Ciotat
La Ciotat blends authentic Provençal life with stunning coastal scenery. Once a shipbuilding hub, the town now offers beaches, botanical parks, and a slower pace. Enjoy scenic hikes along the Route des Crêtes, relax at Mugel Beach, and dine on fresh local cuisine at Le Saint Jean or Le Nautique.
Avignon
Avignon, a cultural and historic gem, is home to the grand Palais des Papes and the famous Pont d’Avignon. The city is vibrant and walkable, with a strong arts scene and a bustling food market. Visit during the Avignon Theatre Festival in July for an unforgettable cultural experience. Enjoy fine dining at Christian Etienne or La Fourchette.
Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is the elegant heart of Provence, known for its fountains, Cours Mirabeau boulevard, and connections to artist Paul Cézanne. Discover art museums, visit Cézanne’s studio, and unwind in the town’s thermal spas. Dine at Le Formal or La Petite Maison. Aix is also a transportation hub and a great base for villa stays.
Arles
Arles is rich in Roman history and was a muse for Vincent Van Gogh. The town’s ancient amphitheater, Roman baths, and twisting lanes offer endless exploration. Visit the Van Gogh Foundation and the Luma Arles contemporary arts center. Dine at Chardon Arles or Le Gibolin. Arles is ideal for travelers interested in both history and modern art.
Provence is one of France’s premier wine regions, especially celebrated for its rosé. Explore the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for complex reds, Côtes de Provence for refreshing rosés, and Bandol for bold Mourvèdre-based wines. Wine tastings and vineyard tours can be easily arranged through Isle Blue’s concierge team when booking your Provence villa.
Markets are central to Provencal life. Plan visits to these standout local markets:
Lourmarin (Friday)
Apt (Saturday, one of the largest)
Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (Sunday, antiques and food)
Saint-Rémy (Wednesday)
Arles (Saturday, very authentic)
Isle Blue offers an exclusive collection of luxury Provence villas and holiday rentals, perfectly located for exploring the region’s most iconic and hidden gems. Whether you are seeking a countryside estate with vineyard views or a historic villa in a charming village, our concierge team can help tailor your stay. From private chefs and wine tastings to
