Bonjour! If you dream of exploring charming villages, discovering historic towns, and enjoying some of the most beautiful landscapes in southern France, Provence is the place for you. This sunny region is full of character, from ochre-colored villages and ancient stone streets to lavender fields, vineyards, and spectacular viewpoints.
We’ve spent quite a lot of time exploring Provence and visited all the places featured in this post, so we’re excited to share our favorites with you. Ready to discover them all? Let us show you the most beautiful places in Provence!
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Best places to visit in Provence
Lacoste
Lacoste is one of the most atmospheric hilltop villages in Provence. Located in the heart of the region, it’s small, quiet, and wonderfully authentic. With its well-preserved medieval architecture, winding cobbled streets, and wonderful views over the surrounding countryside, it feels like a place frozen in time. If you’re looking for a peaceful village away from the crowds, Lacoste is a perfect choice. It’s a destination that instantly captures your heart!
Arles
Arles is one of the most beautiful cities in southern France, where ancient Roman wonders meet remarkable artistic heritage and timeless Provencal charm. This is a place where gladiators once fought in a majestic amphitheater and where Vincent van Gogh found his inspiration. With several UNESCO World Heritage sites, medieval streets, and numerous locations connected to Van Gogh’s paintings, Arles offers an unforgettable journey through history and art. It’s definitely one of the most interesting places in Provence you can visit.
Saint Saturnin Les Apt
Saint Saturnin les Apt is one of the most scenic places in Provence. While nearby villages steal the spotlight, this charming destination offers just as much beauty, history, and character – but without the large crowds. Here, you can wander through quiet streets, admire breathtaking views, discover the ruins of an ancient castle, and relax beside surprising landmarks. Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt is sure to win you over!
Colorado Provencal
If you’re looking for one of the most unique places in Provence, the Provençal Colorado should be at the top of your list. Located near the village of Rustrel, this site is famous for its colorful ochre formations shaped by both nature and centuries of mining. Walking through its winding trails feels like stepping into another world filled with striking rock formations, dramatic viewpoints, and vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow around every corner.
Aix en Provence
Aix-en-Provence is a vibrant city in the heart of Southern France, known for its charming streets lined with pastel houses, countless fountains, and a rich artistic heritage. Aix perfectly blends history and elegance with an unmistakable Provençal charm. Here, every corner feels alive – from colorful markets filled with local produce to sunny terraces where you can sip a glass of wine.
Le Baux de Provence
Perched high on a rocky hill in the heart of the Alpilles mountains, Le Baux de Provence is a place where medieval charm, scenic views, and Provençal beauty come together perfectly. With its impressive castle ruins, charming stone streets, and immersive art shows, Les Baux is a truly magical place that has rightfully earned its spot among one of the most enchanting places in Provence. It’s a postcard-perfect stop that you won’t easily forget!
Valensole
Valensole is often called the lavender capital of Provence, and it’s easy to see why! This pretty village turns into a purple paradise every early summer when dozens of lavender fields transform the landscape into one of the most stunning natural spectacles in Southern France. But Valensole offers more than just Instagram-worthy lavender fields! The village itself is a delightful maze of narrow streets, local shops, and Provençal charm that still feels untouched by mass tourism.
Gordes
If you’re dreaming of a postcard-perfect village with breathtaking views, Gordes should be at the very top of your Provence bucket list. Dramatically perched on a rocky outcrop and surrounded by vineyards and rolling countryside, it instantly will capture your heart. Add ancient stone houses cascading down the hillside, an iconic abbey set among lavender fields, and a fascinating open-air museum of dry stone huts, and you’ll quickly understand why Gordes is one of the most beautiful places in Provence.
Roussillon
Roussillon is another of the most beautiful and unique Provence villages. Here, every building glows in shades of deep red, burnt orange, vibrant yellow, and soft pink, beautifully contrasted by lush green pine forests surrounding the village. If you’re looking for landscapes with dramatic ochre cliffs, streets with vibrant-colored houses, or simply a place to enjoy slow travel moments, Roussillon is exactly the place you’re looking for.
Saint Remy de Provence
With its pretty streets, impressive 2000-year-old Roman city, and beautiful landscapes that inspired Van Gogh’s most famous paintings, Saint Remy-de-Provence has a kind of magic that is hard to resist. It’s one of those places where everything feels beautiful, calm, and effortlessly French. Saint-Remy is a truly delightful place to visit in Provence that you definitely don’t want to miss.
Bonnieux
Located above the Luberon Valley, Bonnieux is best known for its postcard-perfect views, steep cobblestone streets, ancient stone buildings, and peaceful atmosphere. Pleasantly away from the crowds, it’s an ideal destination for travelers looking for charming streets, spectacular panoramas, and the slower pace that makes Provence so magical. With so much charm and beautiful scenery, you’ll quickly understand why Bonnieux is considered by many one of the most beautiful villages in Luberon!
Avignon
Avignon is a UNESCO-listed city full of medieval charm, remarkable landmarks, and vibrant Provencal life. From the iconic Papal Palace and ancient ramparts to a half-bridge that inspired a beloved French song, and lively squares filled with cafés, Avignon perfectly blends rich history with the relaxed lifestyle. It’s definitely one of the most unforgettable cities in Southern France.
Oppede-le-Vieux
Oppede-le-Vieux is one of Provence’s most atmospheric and underrated villages. Tucked away in the heart of the region, this medieval gem feels frozen in time, with stone houses, winding streets, and beautiful views over the surrounding countryside. Quiet, less polished, and wonderfully authentic, Oppede is perfect for slow exploration and enjoying Provençal charm away from the crowds. If you love hidden gems, scenic walks, and a touch of history, you’re going to fall for this fascinating place in Provence.
Lourmarin
Lourmarin is a picturesque village in the heart of Provence, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and almond trees. With its impressive castle, cobblestone streets lined with boutiques and cafes, and peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds, it’s the perfect destination to slow down and enjoy Provençal charm. What’s more, Lourmarin is officially recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in France!
Chateauneuf du Pape
Chateauneuf-du-Pape is a tiny village in Provence that punches well above its weight. Surrounded by a sea of vineyards and crowned by the ruins of a medieval papal castle, this little gem produces one of the finest red wines in the world! So, if you’re a wine lover, you’ve just found your paradise! But even if wine isn’t your thing, there’s plenty to enjoy here. Think picturesque streets, scenic vineyard landscapes, cozy cafés, and a laid-back atmosphere.
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Beautiful places to visit in Provence – Summing up
And that’s a wrap on our favorite places in Provence! As you can see now, this region has no shortage of incredible towns and villages just waiting to be explored. Some are famous and bustling with tourists, while others remain wonderfully peaceful gems, almost untouched by tourism.
No matter which places you choose to visit, we’re sure you’ll quickly understand why Provence captures the hearts of so many travelers.
We hope this list of the best places in Provence helps you plan an unforgettable trip to the South of France. Bon voyage & enjoy exploring!
