Why You Should Holiday in Provence

Revel in the unhurried pace of Provençal life as you discover the region’s diverse landscapes, endless lavender fields, cultural attractions and more.

Villas in Provence

Each of our Provence villas have been hand-picked for their luxurious amenities, picturesque setting and Provençal charm.
It’s the holiday home you think of, when you conjure up images of the perfect Mediterranean getaway: romantic decor, sun-dappled terraces and carefully manicured French garden complete with a sparkling private pool.

Family activities in Provence

The varied landscapes of Provence offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures with the whole family. There are underwater trails, climbing routes, hiking paths and the vast countryside to explore. Don’t worry about planning your itinerary—let your Provence villa concierge handle all the details.
Visit the Parque Natural Regional de Luberon, a sprawling 120,000-hectare nature reserve with rock formations, mountains, perched villages and diverse flora and fauna. Key attractions include Abbaye de Silvacane, the hilltop village of Gordes, and Ménerbes, which is widely considered as one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Or bring the kids for a treetop adventure at Gateways Cîmes. Located in Lagnes, the adventure park offers ziplining, tree-climbing and rope courses. It caters to kids of all ages: the circuits are divided by age groups, and there are zones for children aged two and above.
Take in the region’s breathtaking waterside scenery by picnicking along the Toulourenc River, touring the Calanques nature reserve by boat, swimming and paddle boating at the Lac de Sainte-Croix or cruising along the waters of the Gorges du Verdon.
You aren’t limited to outdoor and adventure activities. The little ones will also enjoy visiting Carrières de Lumières, an immersive art centre with spectacular light shows. There are also baking classes for kids, as well as cooking lessons and art workshops for the whole family. Your Provence villa concierge can help arrange group or private lessons, depending on your preference.

Activities and points of interest in Provence

Provence is known for its postcard-pretty lavender fields, and the best time to visit ranges from late June to early July, depending on the location and weather conditions.
Some of our favourite spots include the Valensole fields, Drome Provençal fields, the fields in the Luberon and Rhone valley region and the fields surrounding Sault. If you’re near the village of Coustellet, it’s worth visiting the Lavender Museum to learn all about the cultivation of the plant, as well as its uses in beauty and medicinal products.
The markets of Aix-en-Provence offer a treat for the senses. You’ll chance upon fresh produce of every colour—punnets of vibrantly red strawberries, bundles of leafy greens, baskets filled with zesty lemons and more. You can also sample a variety of artisanal food products, including bread, cheese, jams and cured meats. It’s a great place to stock up on groceries if you’re planning to self-cater at your Provence villa.
You’ll feel as if you’ve been transported back in time when you visit historical monuments like the Arles Amphitheatre. Inspired by the Colosseum in Rome, the amphitheatre is beautifully restored, and features over 120 arches, along with various staircases and galleries. From here, take a 30-minute drive to Château des Baux, a fortified castle that dates back to the 10th century. Set upon a rocky outcrop, the castle offers uninterrupted panoramas over the countryside.
Art lovers and culture buffs will appreciate the variety of museums that Provence offers. Visit Musée National Marc Chagall and Musée Matisse in Nice, Musée Granet in Aix en Provence, and Palais Longchamp and Mucem in Marseille.
There are more museums than we can list—and if you’re planning to visit a number of museums, consider purchasing a museum pass, rather than paying for an entrance ticket individually. If you need recommendations or further information, feel free to reach out to your Provence villa concierge.

Provence’s restaurants, cafes & bars

There’s no shortage of excellent dining venues across the region. There’s the famed Chez Bruno, a Michelin-starred restaurant that specialises in truffles. The ever-changing menu features crowd favourites alongside innovative seasonal creations—and just about every dish contains white or black truffles.
La Table de Sorgues is set in a beautiful mansion. The restaurant offers an extensive wine collection and contemporary dishes made from fresh, quality produce. L'Agape, located in Avignon is one of those places that are perennially popular—so it’s best to ask your Provence villa concierge to make a reservation on your behalf. It features degustation menus and an industrial-chic setting.
Gastronomical experiences in Provence aren’t limited to the dining table. Your Provence villa manager can help organise a variety of guided tours, including visits to olive groves, where you can learn about the production of olive oil.
Or join in a guided tour of a vineyard, where you’ll get to visit the cellars, sample a variety of wines, and even try stomping on the grapes yourself. Or try hunting for truffles during your visit to a truffle plantation. You’ll also learn about how truffles are stored and prepared, and get to sample different types of this sought-after delicacy.