Most Beautiful Villages in Provence (Outside of the Luberon)
Picture Provence, lavender fields and sunny stone houses also, think endless vineyards and some of the most beautiful villages in France. Tourists flock here year after year. Many want to stay in a stone house with great views near one of these charming villages.
Provence is a big, varied place in south-east France. It has beaches, hills, and pretty towns. It’s part of a larger area that goes from Italy to the Rhone river. This big region has many different sights and cultures.
When most think of Provence, they picture the inland area. This includes towns like Avignon and special villages. People started calling some villages the “Golden Triangle” in the 1970s.
Provence has always been magical. However, it’s even more popular now. In summer, it gets very crowded with visitors.
Cassis
Cassis, often praised as one of Provence’s best villages, attracts many visitors. Although it’s the only seaside village mentioned here, Cassis keeps its quaint charm despite being more commercial than some others.
Surrounded by Cap Canaille and the impressive Calanques, Cassis’s tricky location prevents over development. Instead, ancient vines cover nearby hills, producing the region’s famous wines. You could easily spend a whole day or more discovering this lovely place.
Beautiful beaches offer perfect morning swims, while the cafe-lined quay is ideal for people-watching. Meanwhile, old town lanes burst with boutiques selling fine linens and local artisan creations.
For the best village views, carefully pull over as you approach from above. Once there, stroll behind the tourist office along the pier to see pastel-coloured buildings from a different angle.
Most Beautiful Villages in Provence: Cassis, Events and Festivities
Market Day Friday & Wednesday Mornings
Spring Festival April May
Festival of fishermen and the Sea June
Les Nuits Vagabonds August
Potters’ Market September
Wine Festival September
Comedy Festival November
Booking.com accommodation: Cassis, Provence
Cotignac
In Eastern Provence’s Var region, you’ll find Cotignac, a medieval village. It nestles against an imposing cliff, watched over by two square stone towers from the Middle Ages.
The cliff holds traces of past habitation, with caves serving as reminders of the town’s turbulent history. Explore these troglodyte dwellings via stairs carved into the rock face.
In the village, tall stone houses from the 16th and 17th centuries line cobbled streets. Plane trees shade café terraces, while boutiques offer local art and rosé wine.
Cotignac buzzes with life, especially during summer markets and events. However, in quieter seasons, locals reclaim their village.
A short walk from the centre leads to Vallon Gai, the town’s famous waterfall. Be aware that the track might close in winter. If visiting in spring, wear waterproof shoes for the journey.
Most Beautiful Villages in Provence: Cotignac, Events and Festivities
Market Day Tuesday
Rosé Festival July
Jubilé Festival August
Potter’s Market August
Booking.com accommodation: Cotignac, Provence
Eygalières
In the Alpilles’ heart, near bustling Saint Rémy de Provence, lies Eygalières, a lively village with a dark past. Like many Provençal villages, it dates back to medieval times, bearing marks of past wars, the French Revolution, and even the Great Plague.
Reportedly a second home to movie stars, Eygalières offers a quiet retreat from busy Luberon villages in summer. It has a creative, artsy, and upscale atmosphere.
The beautifully maintained centre boasts one of Provence’s prettiest town-halls. Additionally, its monthly antique market ranks among the region’s best.
Don’t miss the Saint Sixte Chapel and hermitage, located 1km outside the village. Immortalized by Van Gogh, it presents a picturesque scene with cypress trees and pastoral surroundings.
Explore the streets, perhaps enjoying lunch on a café terrace. Afterwards, take a gentle uphill stroll to the château ruins and clock tower.
Most Beautiful Villages in Provence: Eygalières, Events and Festivities
Saint Laurent Feast August
Market Day Friday
Brocante Monthly
Booking.com accommodation: Eygalières, Provence
Moustiers Sainte Marie
Near the Lac de Sainte Croix’s northern tip, Moustiers Sainte Marie nestles against towering limestone cliffs in the Verdon Natural Regional Park. Its location on the Valensole plateau’s edge makes it popular for lavender field tours.
Beyond natural beauty, architectural wonders also captivate visitors. The Notre Dame de Beauvoir Chapel overlooks the village from the mountain folds.
Climb an ancient path to reach it and enjoy stunning views of the village and plateau.
Look up to spot the mysterious Star of Moustiers suspended between cliffs. Its meaning remains unknown, though it’s been replaced several times throughout history.
The village itself, recognized as one of France’s most beautiful, brims with historical features. Appreciate the medieval Church of Notre Dame de l’Assomption.
Famed for faïence ceramics, many boutiques sell these traditional wares. After sightseeing, relax at a well-placed café terrace.
Most Beautiful Villages in Provence: Moustiers Sainte Marie, Events and Festivities
Market Day Friday
Celebration of Notre Dame de Beauvoir Early September
Lavandevasion Late June to Early July
Evening Markets Wednesday Nights in Summer
Booking.com accommodation: Moustiers Sainte Marie, Provence
Sainte Croix du Verdon
Perched above Lac de Sainte Croix, this hillside village offers one of Provence’s most breathtaking views. Though small, with just a few winding streets, Sainte Croix du Verdon’s picturesque setting makes it one of Provence’s most beautiful villages.
Here, you can stroll through quiet village streets one moment, then swim or enjoy water sports on the vast lake the next. While the beach is the main draw, hiking enthusiasts also flock here for numerous lakeside trails.
After a day of lakeside fun, return to the village for dinner on a restaurant terrace. Watch as the horizon transforms into pastel pinks and purples before the sun finally sets for the night.
Most Beautiful Villages in Provence: Sainte Croix du Verdon, Events and Festivities
Market Day Tuesday
Boating Regatta June
Village Festival August
Booking.com accommodation: Sainte Croix du Verdon, Provence
Les Baux de Provence
In the Alpilles’ rocky landscape, rising above olive and almond trees, Les Baux de Provence stands out with its impressive ruined château.
Les Baux shares beauty with nearby Luberon villages, yet remains uniquely captivating. This hilltop village brims with ancient treasures, including chapels, the town hall, and old hospital. The tourism office provides a mapped route for leisurely exploration.
Its reputation as one of southern France’s best villages has a drawback: it’s become more of a tourist attraction than a true representation of Provençal life. However, it’s still very much worth visiting.
The château, perhaps Provence’s most famous castle, is certainly the most impressive! Spend a day exploring caves, climbing exposed staircases, and watching scheduled demonstrations at Château des Baux de Provence.
Nearby, another unique attraction awaits at Carrières de Lumières – a multimedia show in a quarry beneath the Alpilles mountains.
Most Beautiful Villages in Provence: Les Baux de Provence, Events and Festivities
Winegrowers Fair May
Saint John’s Feast Day June
European Nude Photography Festival May
Music Festival des Alpilles June to August
Stone & Heritage Fair September
Ceramics & Glass Festival September
Santon Exhibition October
Booking.com accommodation: Les Baux de Provence
Aiguines
Overlooking Lac de Sainte Croix, opposite Sainte Croix du Verdon, Aiguines may seem like just another Provençal hilltop village. However, it holds several surprises.
First, there’s the austere-looking château, unlike others in the region. Its elaborate roof tiles, colourful appearance, and prime position overlooking the lake make it a photographer’s favourite. Unfortunately, this privately owned castle isn’t open to the public.
Surprisingly, quality brasseries and boutiques dot the town’s two main streets. A quirky Museum of Woodturners reveals this craft’s importance to the village.
Lastly, the small Saint Pierre chapel offers an orientation table and unmatched views of the village and beyond.
Be sure to visit before or after driving through the Verdon Gorge.
Most Beautiful Villages in Provence: Aiguines, Events and Festivities
Market Day Tuesday
Woodturning Days August
Potters Market July
Booking.com accommodation: Aiguines, Provence
Mérindol
Mérindol is a magical place where time appears to stand still. In the evenings, as the deep blue South of France sky turns pastel, swallows dance, swooping between rooftops.
This small village is surrounded by olive groves, still pressed annually in the traditional way. During summer, you can watch demonstrations at the old olive mill. The Southern Luberon embraces Mérindol, and you can step directly from the town centre onto one of the Grandes Randonnées (GR Trails) leading into the mountains.
Even if you’re not up for a long hike, it’s worth following the trail to “old Mérindol”. Though little remains of the village destroyed in religious wars, you can visit a ruined Protestant church. The view over the Durance and beyond rewards your effort!
Most Beautiful Villages in Provence: Mérindol, Events and Festivities
Market Day Wednesday Mornings
Booking.com accommodation: Mérindol, Provence
Find Your Favourite Village in Provence
Provence offers countless villages to explore, each with unique charm. Some may captivate you more than others. Perhaps you’ll be drawn to Goult, where houses seem to grow from the rock. In Ménerbes, the gentle scent of lavender might enchant you as you stroll. Or maybe Cassis’s seaside allure will win your heart.
Whatever you seek, Provence’s villages are sure to leave you smitten. Each place offers its own special magic, waiting to be discovered. As you explore, you’ll likely find a village that resonates with you, creating lasting memories of your Provençal journey.
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Buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Therefore, enjoy your holiday in France stress-free with one of my favourite providers, Visitors Coverage Insurance.
Renting a Car in France
Indeed, renting a car in France is easy and is a great way to explore the South of France freely. Consequently, I recommend booking yours with Rentalcars.com – they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.
Finding the Perfect Accommodation
When it comes to lodging, the best time to visit France can affect your accommodation options and prices. The best way to book your accommodation in France is with Booking.com. In fact, it’s my favourite platform to compare and also reserve places to stay each night, from affordable guest houses to luxury hotels.
Booking Flights to France
Lastly, for air travel, I recommend booking your flight with Omio. Moreover, it has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights to visit the most beautiful villages in Provence.
