Many visitors to Provence have the region's emblematic lavender fields on their bucket list. Drive the winding roads of the Provencal countryside to immerse yourself in their beauty. Lavender fields unfurl near the perched villages of Roussillon, Lacoste, Bonnieux, and Saignon as well as the Claparèdes and Valensole plateaux further east. To learn more about Provence's 'blue gold,' we recommend visiting the Lavender Museum in Cabriéres d'Avignon near Gordes or a company that distills lavender to produce essential oils. To combine sport and culture, enjoy a bicycle tour of the lavender fields and stop for a picnic amid the fragrant flowers. This region offers the perfect touch of nature for peaceful strolls and stunning panoramic views.
Luberon Regional Nature Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, features over 1000 km of signposted trails to explore by foot, bike, or horseback. The villages in the Luberon rank among the most beautiful villages in Provence. Famous for its panoramic views from its hillside perch, Gordes charms visitors with cobblestone streets and historic architecture. Lourmarin offers a chic atmosphere with lively cafés and boutiques, while Ménerbes has welcomed prominent artists like Picasso and Nicolas de Staël.
Curious why the buildings in Roussillon are orange? The village is perched above vast ochre quarries and former extraction sites, now partly preserved as trails and a museum. Explore the Ochre Trail (Sentier des Ocres) or visit the Colorado Provençal at Rustrel — once a bustling industrial quarry, now a surreal landscape of red, orange and gold hues, shaped by erosion and human activity.
Vineyards dominate the Provencal countryside, producing the region's emblematic wines. Take a personalised vineyard tour at Villa Baulieu, perched on dormant volcanic slopes near Aix-en-Provence, enhancing their superb wines. At Château La Coste, join an organic wine tasting workshop to intimately discover Provence's rich terroir—and world-class sculptures between the vines. For more inspiration, check out our detailed list of the best vineyards for wine tastings in Provence. Learn about biodynamic winemaking at Château Romanin in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, whose cathedral cellar, one of France’s architectural gems, was designed with astronomical influences.
French gastronomy is renowned worldwide. Taste it authentically in Provence, France’s breadbasket, where farms, vineyards, and artisans thrive under the sun-soaked terroir. Provencal cuisine features fresh ingredients: pistou soup, ratatouille, and aioli, a delicious garlicky mayonnaise. Visit local markets to meet the locals behind the produce. Book a cooking class via Villanovo’s concierge to learn regional recipes. Go truffle hunting from November to March for Provence's famed black gold. In Les Alpilles, savor AOC-certified olive oil in Mouriès or visit Fromagerie Les Cabres d'Or to meet the goats behind their superb goat cheese. Provence offers dining for every taste—from casual outdoor cafés to Michelin-starred meals like L'Ousteau de Baumanière, one of the best things in Provence. Some experiences may come at an extra cost.
The Luberon is a hiker’s paradise, with trails winding through breathtaking landscapes. Start from the small hilltop village of Oppedette for a stunning panoramic view of the Gorge d'Oppedette. Take an electric bike tour through olive groves, vineyards, and pristine nature. Kayak in the breathtaking Verdon Gorge, Europe’s largest canyon. Don’t miss the charming village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, accessible via scenic hikes. Marseille, France's second-largest city, hosts Calanques National Park—limestone fjords and turquoise coves perfect for hiking, boating, or kayaking in the blue of the Mediterranean. Near the Rhone’s mouth, Camargue Regional Natural Park features white horses, pink flamingos, rice fields, and salt flats—truly a unique experience in the south of France. For bird lovers, the Ornithological Park of Pont de Gau offers the chance to see flamingos and other species up close in a preserved natural setting.
One reason people love Provence is its living history. Near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the Glanum archaeological site dates to the Hellenistic era. Arles boasts Roman ruins like a majestic amphitheatre and burial grounds, transporting visitors 2000 years back. Avignon is home to the Pont d'Avignon and the Palace of the Popes, the world’s largest Gothic palace, a family-friendly highlight thanks to its interactive Histopad guide. The summer Festival d'Avignon enlivens the old town with plays and shows. For unforgettable concerts, visit the Orange Theatre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with impressive acoustics.
Provence has attracted artists for centuries with its unique light and landscapes. Follow the Cézanne trail to visit key spots like his atelier in Aix-en-Provence. Van Gogh painted over 150 works in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, one of France’s oldest cities. Their masterpieces and others come alive on the walls of Carrières des Lumières in Les Baux-de-Provence—a multimedia show for all ages. Explore contemporary art at Fondation Vasarely or Marseille’s MUCEM, a cultural gem by the sea. In Marseille, the basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde offers panoramic views over the city and the Mediterranean, making it a must for first-time visitors. For the best in contemporary art, visit Château la Coste and Villa Datris in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a small town lined with water wheels and antique markets.
With so many best things to do in Provence, plan at least four days—though a week is ideal to savor the region like the locals. Each season offers a different touch: spring brings flowers and outdoor activities, while the iconic lavender fields bloom from May to early August, peaking mid-June to mid-July. Summers in Provence host vibrant festivals and warm weather, making it one of the best times to visit Provence despite the crowds in villages in the Luberon. Escape the bustle by renting a secluded Villanovo villa. Wine lovers should visit in autumn for the grape harvest. Winters are mild, perfect for festive markets and mulled wine, with the sound of cicadas replaced by cozy indoor moments.
Villanovo presents a handpicked collection of luxury villas in Provence, many with private swimming pools, tennis courts, full house staff, and private chefs for a truly memorable summer holiday.
Our properties are located in some of the region’s most sought-after destinations, including villas in Aix-en-Provence, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence in the heart of Les Alpilles, Uzès, Avignon, and charming villages in the Luberon such as Gordes. Discover also our range of exceptional homes along the French Riviera (Côte d'Azur), from Cannes to Saint-Tropez.
Our attentive concierge team takes care of every detail, letting you focus on your holidays in Provence. This personalised service arranges private tours, day trips, unique experiences, childcare, and more. Each stay includes a beautiful travel diary with tips on the best things to do, where to eat, local food specialities, shops, and hidden gems in Provence-Alpes Côte d'Azur, ensuring your trip leaves a lasting impression.
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