The charm of the best villages to visit in Provence

the most beautiful villages in provence

From Isle sur la Sorgue, a flea market paradise, to Apt, the capital of candied fruit, and Gordes and its castle, the Luberon is full of some of the best villages to visit in Provence, each one more charming than the next. One of our favourite things to do in Provence is to go through the Luberon on our Provence holiday, and discover this land of culture that has attracted visitors since the dawn of time.

Coming from Paris, you arrive at the Avignon train station, where just 2 hours by car separate you from this French paradise. Your journey through the best villages to visit in Provence begins along country roads and continues into the charming Luberon, hidden in the prairies and perched on their rocky peaks. First stop: l'Isle sur La Sorgue.

L'Isle sur la Sorgue: provence fishing town

L'Isle sur la Sorgue, an old fishing town on the riverside, retains its old-fashioned charm with its peaceful canals. Stroll along the main streets along the Gothic and Renaissance facades. L'Isle sur la Sorgue is also a paradise for antique dealers, and has been famous for more than 60 years for its antique fair.

Thouzon Cave

While passing through Isle sur la Sorgue, make sure to make a detour to the Thouzon Cave. Discovered in 1902, the cave is a real underground treasure. This natural cave, adapted for tourism, is an enchanting sight. Here, the water has left its mark and created amazing golden yellow stalactites. Visiting this site is a must for Provence holidays in the Luberon.

Mas des Platanes

Enjoy the peace and quiet under the hundred-year-old plane trees of this traditional farmhouse. On sunny afternoons, enjoy the stone swimming pool and its ancient fountain. Have one of our chefs prepare meals in the kitchen worthy of a great restaurant and share them with your loved ones in the large dining room. At the end of the day, discover the wine cellar of Mas des Platanes where you can try the best bottles of the region.

a day trip to Fontaine de Vaucluse

A stone's throw from Isle sur la Sorgue, Fontaine de Vaucluse is a small, peaceful and sunny village nestled at the foot of the cliffs. After lunch, take a stroll along the riverside to the source of the Sorgue and enjoy the refreshing atmosphere. On the way back to the village, stop for a drink at the Hostellerie Le Château which overlooks an old waterwheel.

A fly fishing trip

A paradise for fly fishing, Fontaine de Vaucluse is the ideal place to discover this great activity. Accompanied by a professional fisherman on a flat-bottomed boat called nego-chin, learn the rudiments of the trade. Prepare to catch some trout, grayling and eels. Bring your prize home and let the chef create a whole meal around your catch of the day.

Bastide des Poètes 

At the end of a private path lined with plane trees, Bastide des Poètes embodies the modern and chic style of the region, with its stunning hangings and designer furniture. Isolated in the midst of the fields, the Bastide is the perfect place to recharge your batteries. In the evening, gather everyone in the pool room for a cocktail and a family competition.

visit the hilltop village of Gordes

Clinging to the heights of a rocky peak, Gordes is considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. This picturesque village has many historical monuments: two abbeys, water and windmills and hundreds of dry stone huts. It is also a cultural mecca in Provence with many museums, exhibitions, concerts and festivals. Visit the Cellars and Garden of the Palais Saint Firmin, little known to the general public. This semi-troglodyte site was built by man more than a century ago to work in the cool of the hottest months.

Notre Dame de Sénanque

Founded in 1148, the abbey is a Cistercian monastery and the pride of the region. Go back in time to the 12th century. Discover how priests still live there today with a visit to the cloister, the abbey church and the dormitories. After the visit, enjoy the surrounding lavender fields for an olfactory and visual experience. Visit the abbey of Notre Dame de Sénanque, it is a must during your Provence holidays.

Hameau de Gordes

Hameau de Gordes, as its name suggests (Hamlet of Gordes), is a small group of rural houses outside the village. It is a gem of Provencal architecture with its inner courtyard and fountain, its arches and its facade made of old stones typical of the region. In the morning, hop on one of the bikes at your disposal to pick up croissants in the nearby village of Les Martins.

Roussillon

Roussillon, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, is situated on the edge of the largest ochre deposit in Europe. Walk along the ochre path and discover a Wild West landscape in the depths of the vibrant cliffs. To learn more, take a tour of the ochre and colour conservatory at the former Mathieu factory.

A hot-air balloon flight

In the early morning, dare to soar over the Luberon. Admire the landscapes under your feet, the Vaucluse mountain and the Luberon villages scattered across the plain. Enjoy the peace and quiet. The mild weather of Provence is great for flying all year round. The conditions are perfect in summer: light wind and few clouds make for an unforgettable flight over the Luberon.

Mas Flavia

The wrought iron gate, the ancestral fountain and the facade of old stones of Mas Flavia are the embodiment of Provence. Inside, the exposed beams and the cabochon tiles give this authentic dwelling a touch of character. It's the perfect place for family reunions. In the morning, play a game of tennis, and when the day gets warmer, laze by the large swimming pool. In the evening, settle down in the cosy cinema room while enjoying a glass of wine from the estate.

the cobbled streets of Lourmarin

At the foot of the Luberon, the village of Lourmarin is a green paradise. Renowned for its restaurant "Le Moulin" which has 2 stars in the Michelin guide, it is an unmissable stop for gourmets who want to discover typical Provencal dishes. On Friday morning, come and stock up on local produce in one of the most beautiful markets in the region. This is a must for barbecues on your trip to Provence and it's best villages.

Gliding over the vineyards and wine tasting

As the sun sets at the end of the day, glide over the vines in a transparent cockpit. Upon returning to land, discover the different grape varieties used in the region, such as the Syrah of Greek origin or the Spanish Grenache. Enjoy this moment with your family and friends and finish the tasting with a great wine from the Côtes du Rhône. If you are travelling with friends, this is one of the experiences not to be missed during your tour of the best villages to visit in Provence.

Domaine Champêtre

Fields of organically grown lavender, olive and cherry trees stretch as far as the eye can see over the Domaine Champêtre. Nestled in the heart of the magnificent estate, the farm has been transformed into an idyllic holiday home. In the morning, pick your vegetables in the vegetable garden, then have lunch on the terrace surrounded by the hills, enjoying dishes prepared by Laure, one of our favourite chefs. In the afternoon, relax in the shade of the round sun-beds by the pool.

Apt, a quiet postcard of the south of france

Capital of candied fruit, the city of Apt is a whirlwind of colours and aromas. In the heart of the Luberon, the city is surrounded by vineyards, lavender and cherry fields. On the last Sunday of July, don't miss the feast of Saint-Anne, an offering of bunches of grapes to the town's patron saint. Apt is also famous for its fine earthenware. Take a trip to faïence d'Apt to discover this magnificent craft on your next Provence holiday.

In the kitchen of Reine Sammut

Provence is a region rich in culinary traditions. How about a private lesson with Reine Sammut, starred chef and papess of gluten-free cuisine? Learn how to cook good and healthy food by reinterpreting typical Provencal dishes. From ratatouille to pistou soup and salade niçoise, discover your hidden talents alongside this charming chef and her cuisine.

Domaine des Jardins

Surrounded by a formal garden and Mediterranean plants, this 16th century building is a haven of peace. In the morning, wake up to the gentle sun rays touching your skin. Have breakfast in the garden, surrounded only by the peace and quiet, and birdsong. At the end of the day, gather your friends around a glass of local wine on the terrace of the Domaine des Jardins. This is the perfect place to spend your Provence holidays in the Luberon.

Want to discover more houses for your next Provence holiday? Explore our most beautiful Provence villa rentals.