![\"where](\"https:\/\/provencelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/where-to-go-Provence-best-destinations.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nThis guide is completely independent<\/strong>, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n Provence is a region of great diversity: hilltop villages, Mediterranean coastline, iconic seaside resorts, mountainous areas, breathtaking gorges, dreamy islands… You’ll need time to explore all its facets. We’ve selected our five favorite destinations for you, the ones we think are the most varied and representative of what the region has to offer. For each, you’ll find below the must-see places, the main things to do<\/a>, practical advice and our suggestions for accommodation.<\/p>\n\n Our 5 favorite destinations, which we find the most varied, are:<\/p>\n\n But there are also the great classics:<\/p>\n\n To help you find your way around, here’s an overview of destinations in Provence.<\/p>\n\n Luberon embodies the very essence of authentic Provence. This hilly region between Avignon and Aix-en-Provence<\/a> will seduce you with its blond stone villages<\/strong> clinging to the hills, colorful markets<\/strong> and lavender fields<\/strong> that set the landscape ablaze in summer. We particularly appreciate the peaceful pace of life in this region. The villages retain their Provencal soul, with shady squares, ancient fountains and narrow streets scented with thyme and rosemary. The region offers a perfect balance between nature<\/strong> and cultural heritage<\/strong>, without the tourist hustle and bustle of some neighboring destinations. Local producers perpetuate traditional know-how. You’ll discover wineries<\/strong>, century-old oil mills and artisan workshops.<\/p>\n\n It’s one of Provence’s must-sees<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Or, if you’ve chosen your destination, our selection of the best hotels<\/strong> in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perched on a rocky promontory, Gordes is one of the most beautiful villages in Provence<\/a> and France. Its limestone houses are set in an amphitheatre facing the Vaucluse plateau. The village is home to the Abbaye de S\u00e9nanque, a jewel of 12th-century Cistercian architecture surrounded by lavender fields, which create a striking picture in June and July. The cobbled streets lead to artists’ studios and art galleries.<\/p>\n\n Immerse yourself in the beauty of Provence with an organized tour that includes Gordes!<\/a><\/p>\n\n The village of Roussillon<\/a> owes its fame to its ochre cliffs, with their flamboyant hues ranging from pale yellow to blood red. The Sentier des Ocres (Ochre Trail) lets you discover these spectacular geological formations, the result of millions of years of erosion. We recommend a visit in the late afternoon, when the low-angled light magnifies the colors. The village itself features colorful facades that reflect the palette of surrounding ochres.<\/p>\n\n Take a guided tour of the Ochre Trail, Roussillon and other villages!<\/a><\/p>\n\n This dynamic village at the southern foot of the Lub\u00e9ron mountain range exudes the gentleness of the good life. Its Renaissance ch\u00e2teau, lively caf\u00e9 terraces and Friday morning market make it a popular stopover. We have learned that the French writer Albert Camus spent his final years here. He is buried in the village cemetery. The surrounding area is ideal for hiking through vineyards and olive groves.<\/p>\n\n Ideas for organized tours that include Lourmarin here!<\/a><\/p>\n\n Nicknamed the Venice of the Comtadine, this lively town is criss-crossed by the arms of the Sorgue, whose limpid waters still drive ancient paddlewheels. We found this little town quite picturesque. On Sundays during the high season, over 300 antique and second-hand dealers take to the streets for one of France’s biggest antique markets. The atmosphere is particularly lively, with riverside restaurants and art galleries.<\/p>\n\n Opt for an electric bike tour and a guided visit of Le Thor and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue!<\/a><\/p>\n\n Clinging to the hillside overlooking the Lub\u00e9ron, Bonnieux offers exceptional panoramic views over the Calavon valley. The climb up to the high church rewards the effort with a 360-degree view. We were blown away. Below, the Pont Julien, a 2,000-year-old Roman structure, bears witness to the region’s long history of human occupation.<\/p>\n\n Ideas for organized tours that include Bonnieux here!<\/a><\/p>\n\n We advise you to allow at least 4 to 5 days to discover the Luberon without hurrying. One week allows you to alternate cultural visits, nature walks and moments of relaxation. <\/p>\n\n The car remains indispensable, as villages are scattered and public transport is limited. Distances between the main sites vary from 15min to 45min by car. Find all our tips for renting a car in Provence here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n You can also opt for organized tours<\/a> that allow you to discover the region with a guide.<\/p>\n\n In our opinion, the best period is from April to June and from September to October, when temperatures are pleasant and visitor numbers moderate. Lavender blooms from mid-June to mid-July, but this period attracts more visitors. In July and August, it’s best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds. Winter offers a different, quieter atmosphere, although some establishments close from November to March.<\/p>\n\n See our tips<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n The Luberon offers a wide range of accommodation, from charming hotels to guest houses and village rentals. We advise you to book in advance, especially in high season. Find the best establishments in Luberon here<\/a>. We also enjoyed the Gordes offer<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n Here’s a list of our favorite hotels:<\/p>\n\n The Alpilles is a regional park made up of a small limestone mountain range<\/strong> between Avignon and Arles. We loved the region’s exceptionally rich heritage and unspoilt landscape. Enjoy the light that inspired Van Gogh during his stay in Saint-R\u00e9my-de-Provence. Here, Provence is mineral and wild, punctuated by centuries-old olive trees and towering cypresses. The massif is home to villages full of character<\/strong>, where Provencal architecture is expressed in all its simplicity. Last but not least, local gastronomy features Vall\u00e9e des Baux PDO olive oil<\/strong>, olives and lamb. A real treat! Compared to neighboring Lub\u00e9ron, the Alpilles are less affected by mass tourism, although some sites such as Les Baux-de-Provence attract many visitors.<\/p>\n\n Listed as one of France’s most beautiful villages, Les Baux<\/a> crowns a rocky spur overlooking the valley. We enjoyed strolling through this perfectly restored medieval village, home to Renaissance mansions and Romanesque chapels. The Ch\u00e2teau des Baux<\/a>, a ruined fortress on the summit, offers a breathtaking panorama of the Alpilles and Camargue. Down below, the Carri\u00e8res de Lumi\u00e8res<\/a> feature monumental projections of works of art onto the walls of ancient quarries, a unique immersive experience that transported us. Beware: Baux-de-Provence is very busy all year round. We suggest you go early in the morning or late in the afternoon.<\/p>\n\n Let us guide you on an organized tour to discover Les Baux-de-Provence in a different way.<\/a><\/p>\n\n In our opinion, this elegant city<\/a> combines a historic heritage with a modern lifestyle. The archeological site of Glanum is a must-see. It reveals the remains of a remarkably well-preserved ancient Gallo-Roman city. A visit to Saint-R\u00e9my also means following in the footsteps of the famous painter Van Gogh<\/a>. Nearby, the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole Monastery, where he stayed in 1889, houses the painter’s cell and displays reproductions of his works. Don’t miss Wednesday morning, when the market invades the streets of the center in an explosion of colors and scents.<\/p>\n\nProvence’s most beautiful destinations – summary<\/h2>\n\n
The most beautiful regions<\/h3>\n\n
![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/n-rGbRdb\/Porquerolles\/i-RbBBkVg\/0\/NPVbzcpPzn9pGjHcvg7JTJKmwWWGwcNb5jLgfZppv\/L\/porquerolles-21-L.jpg\")
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![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/Saint-Tropez\/n-qRB2K2\/Ville\/i-VTWWkTj\/0\/LBLfZRWrb9Q7cKZm3BtwcsqC2KrQhjqDWMFC8rKxn\/L\/rue%20saint%20tropez-L.jpg\")
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Where to go in Provence – Destination maps<\/h3>\n\n
![\"map](\"https:\/\/provencelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/map-where-to-go-Provence-best-destinations-1024x683.png\")
The Luberon: hilltop villages and Provencal markets<\/h2>\n\n
Why we love the Luberon<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Gordes](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/Gordes\/n-LCJHw4\/Village\/i-KPjBz9L\/0\/LJ3Bp6Pg75LWgwf7DgFntfQGbbLfpgwmc4hrR9M63\/L\/village-gordes-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWHERE TO STAY IN Provence<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Hotel](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/Aix-en-Provence\/H%C3%B4tels\/n-zLnqkV\/Autres-h%C3%B4tels\/i-PWv3jGR\/0\/K9mrc6VTMzcxk94wmLrj23C6nwcLX3ZW6cRx3pJjK\/L\/hotel-restaurant-le-pigonnet-aix-en-provence-1-L.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
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![\"Hotel](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/Saint-Tropez\/Hotels\/n-BJBJzx\/H%C3%B4tel-le-Pr%C3%A9-de-la-Mer\/i-fWFWc4P\/0\/710f0c9d\/L\/hotel%20pre%20mer%20saint%20tropez-3-L.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\nGordes<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Gordes\"\/](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/Gordes\/n-LCJHw4\/Village\/i-MRM4TXD\/0\/LvLVGr9zJjxvH6SvbvFFvDK8J7mTNwZzNSHpnkFPN\/L\/Gordes_001-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nRoussillon<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
![\"Luberon](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/Roussillon\/n-vbQph4\/Best-of\/i-HKdWQzm\/0\/KhSggZrwfz2fCb3rKd6zNsmN2ZL8Xt5TbZWCVvbTf\/L\/roussillon%20-%20senier%20des%20ocres-2-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nLourmarin<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Lourmarin\"\/](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/n-rGbRdb\/Lourmarin\/i-bJNGTcn\/0\/NRmLgb9dd6sMDtv99tcx5NfkJJ6NXz4Sd6gh4GTcw\/L\/alpilles-lourmarin-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nL’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
![\"River](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/Isle-sur-la-Sorgue\/n-4Tjj7c\/Ville-et-rivière\/i-K32G7cj\/0\/LFtM4CfsRzHDm8BcLMNfqHr5KCGttpNt23rcJ466N\/L\/alpilles-isle-sur-la-sorgue-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nBonnieux<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
![\"Bonnieux\"\/](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/Bonnieux\/n-74HV6R\/Village\/i-WtGVRH6\/0\/LnSW2Z9mWJZDMMR4VN9tFw3P6BJb4HDrM4FHvrb6w\/L\/vue%20village%20bonnieux%20provence-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nPractical advice<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Gordes,](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/Gordes\/n-LCJHw4\/Village\/i-WWLMvz6\/0\/MpPNP5CpcNgr7XCPTjdmMgfcxDdPBGkdgvqtkFX8L\/L\/Gordes_002-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nOUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN \nProvence<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/provencelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Vieux-Nice-ruelle-L.png\" "\\"\\"")
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<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWhere to stay<\/h3>\n\n
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![\"Hotel](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/Gordes\/n-LCJHw4\/Village\/i-4Cgf66w\/0\/NNz2FSVdTwPvqvVVkbp5hz65gCvHnBKf9p8phsfT6\/L\/camargue-hotel-jas%20de%20gordes-L.jpg\")
The Alpilles: olive trees and Romanesque heritage<\/h2>\n\n
Why we love the Alpilles<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Alpilles,](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/Baux-de-Provence\/n-M5J7zf\/Que-faire-village\/i-xLmxQPX\/0\/MvqKGRHvJRT77znQvbRD6cd2db9KSx7JHKQ7WqbHk\/L\/que-faire-village-beaux-de-provence-23-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nLes Baux-de-Provence<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
![\"Les](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/Baux-de-Provence\/n-M5J7zf\/Village\/i-F4cTnTs\/0\/MLPJHX8tkxnc9qf5XxT8SWbWHRvZgv7qzQsjXPFCD\/L\/paysage%20village%20Baux-de-Provence%20-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nSaint-R\u00e9my-de-Provence<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
![\"Rue](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/Saint-Remy-de-Provence\/n-kcDSfm\/Ville\/i-VSVJqW8\/0\/Mn7twgRP6f3WHZD74wZgcSW9CLdh56t8FsjxmKN7D\/L\/que-faire-village-saint-remy-provence-05-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n![\"Olive](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/Saint-Remy-de-Provence\/n-kcDSfm\/Ville\/i-rSvFBhJ\/0\/MD4ds7kkrZF8WjKQPptZM2JMvD8FZ2sK6dmLGLw5M\/L\/que-faire-village-saint-remy-provence-15-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n![\"Route](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/Baux-de-Provence\/n-M5J7zf\/Que-faire-village\/i-48mGhRQ\/0\/MTZg5xP7TGHCfRnJNDBCt5jZcsRZwgtGvhX5Jf2bn\/L\/que-faire-village-beaux-de-provence-03-L.jpg\")
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