| FR
Why we love to fly
Provence is one of our favourite year-round destinations. Its essence is that of the emblematic French lifestyle: classic hilltop villages, mouth-watering food, special wines, and buzzing markets. There are endless ways to arrive in this special region, but we prefer to arrive for our holiday to Provence by air then make our way to our destination by driving.
Whether you'd like to visit the Luberon, Alpilles, or Marseille, it all depends on how far you'd like to travel once you land. If you love long drives, and like to see the countryside on your drive, or if you just want to get settled as soon as possible.
From wherever, whenever
There are multiple airports in Provence, and all serve different locations as well as airlines, and we know it can be a bit confusing. Depending on where you'll be flying from, and where you'll want to go, each airport has its pros and cons.
- The Marseille Provence Airport serves year-round flights from Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, the United States, and Canada.
- The Nice-Côte d'Azur Airport has year-round flights to and from Canada, the United States, the Middle east, North Africa, and Europe.
- Aéroport de Nîmes Alès Camargue Cévennes is mostly just for Ryanair flights, from London Stansted, Fez, and Brussels.
- Toulon-Hyères Airport has daily flights to and from Paris, Copenhagen, Rotterdam, Geneva, Brussels, London and Southampton. The airport also serves seasonal flights to Lyon, Bordeaux, Brest, Strasbourg, Bastia, and Ajaccio.
LUBERON
Luberon is the land where red cliffs intermingle with the tan shades of scenic villages. You can lose yourself in Roussillon, the most famous hilltop village that offers its visitors views of typical architecture of the region. Or visit Gordes or Ménerbes, both perched on hilltops with picturesque stone houses as well. A must-see in the region is the Provençal Colorado, one of the geological features that one must see at least once in his life that amaze all who visit with its dazzling colours and geological shapes.
If you have your eye on Luberon for one of your next Provence holidays, check out this article.
ARRIVING IN LUBERON, PROVENCE BY AIR AND LAND:
1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Marseille Airport
2 hours by car from Aéroport de Nîmes Airport
2 hours and 30 minutes by car from Toulon-Hyères Airport
3 hours by car from Nice-Côte D'Azur Aiport
Mas des Lavandes
Mas des Lavandes is nestled in the heart of the peaceful countryside around Gordes, surrounded by fields stretching as far as the eye can see. This Provençal farmhouse combines rustic simplicity with refined comfort, featuring a swimming pool, a pétanque court and a private gym. Throughout the day, enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside before gathering round the barbecue for an al fresco dinner under starry skies.
ALPILLES
Located between Arles and Avignon, the Alpilles chain is the geological extension of the Luberon; it is divided into Alpilles des Baux to the west, and Alpilles d'Eygalières to the east. The villages all have scents of thyme, rosemary and lavender wherever you go. Between the vines and the oil mills, the colourful markets exude all the scents of Provence.
ARRIVING IN ALPILLES, PROVENCE BY AIR AND LAND:
55 minutes by car from Aéroport de Nîmes Alès Camargue Cévennes
1 hour and 10 minutes by car from Marseille Airport
2 hours and 15 minutes by car from Toulon-Hyères Airport
2 hours and 30 minutes by car from Nice-Côte D'Azur Aiport
Mas Lou
Guarded by tall cypress trees, the pool of Mas Lou sparkles under the afternoon sun. In the morning, share breakfast in the bright kitchen, then play a game of football with the kids. As the sun sets, gather on the terrace and share a bottle of fine Provençal wine while the children giggle and plan the sleepover in their shared bedroom.
MARSEILLE
Marseille is one of the most invigorating cities in France, offering an infinite number of cultures and races, and some of the best restaurants in France. We love Marseille for the new-found culture, the buzz of a big port city, the music, the bombast and so much more. We love to try to get up early enough to catch the renowned daily fish market at the Vieux Port. After that, we always find hidden gems when exploring the crooked, narrow streets of the Quartier du Panier.
ARRIVING IN MARSEILLE, PROVENCE BY AIR AND LAND:
25 minutes by car from Marseille Airport
1 hour and 15 minutes by car from Aéroport de Nîmes
1 hour and 20 minutes by car from Toulon-Hyères Airport
2 hours by car from Nice-Côte D'Azur Aiport
Villa La Corniche
Villa La Corniche has one of the most stunning views of the water in Marseille. It is a retro-themed house, with panoramic views of the sea beyond. Refreshing, and oh so fun, it's a place that will always have you smiling as you get back from a long today of discovering Provence.
CASSIS
Cassis is always buzzing, as several lively events take place in the city throughout the year. However, we a few that we think are particularly worth keeping note of if you are planning a trip outside the high season. In mid-May there's a wine festival called Cassis Fête son Vin and, for ten days at the end of June, the Fêtes de la Mer feature a number of sea-themed celebrations. These are likely to include marine jousting, folk dancing, a regatta, a procession and a sardinade (sardine feast).
ARRIVING IN CASSIS, PROVENCE BY AIR AND LAND:
50 mins by car from Marseille Airport
1 hour by car from Toulon-Hyères Airport
1 hour and 35 minutes by car from Aéroport de Nîmes
2 hours by car from Nice-Côte D'Azur Aiport
Domaine des Crètes
Domaine des Crètes blends the character of a Provençal estate with the wild beauty of the Mediterranean coast. Surrounded by pine trees and sweeping views over the Cassis landscape, the property feels wonderfully secluded yet close to the sea. Inside, traditional details meet a refined, contemporary style, while outside, terraces and gardens invite you to slow down and soak up the sunshine. Each space has its own character, making the whole estate feel like a private retreat in the heart of Provence.
AIX-EN-PROVENCE
Aix-en-Provence is one of the enchanting spots in the South of France. In this city, there are as many markets as days in the week. From fruit and vegetables to antiquarian books, the markets of Aix-en-Provence fill the city with buzzing sound and rich colour. History is also the setting for everyday life here, as it has the third-largest collection of Baroque architecture in the country, just after the grand Versailles and Paris.
ARRIVING IN AIX-EN-PROVENCE BY AIR AND LAND:
30 mins by car from Marseille Airport
1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Toulon-Hyères Airport
1 hour and 45 minutes by car from Nice-Côte D'Azur Aiport
2 hours and 30 minutes by car from Aéroport de Nîmes
Villa Garence
A contemporary take on the classic Provençal bastide, Villa Garence brings a fresh, playful energy to the countryside around Aix-en-Provence. Inside, warm colours, characterful details and carefully chosen pieces give every room its own personality, while large windows open onto the surrounding landscape. It’s a house that feels rooted in Provence, but with a distinctly modern point of view.
ST TROPEZ
The St Tropez peninsula is outstanding, with the views that stretch across the sea to the mountains. It disguises a multilayered vibe, from villa evenings with moguls through to locals going to the market with baskets to do their daily shopping.
ARRIVING IN ST TROPEZ BY AIR AND LAND:
1 hour by car from Toulon-Hyères Airport
1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Nice-Côte D'Azur Aiport
2 hours by car from Marseille Airport
3 hours by car from Aéroport de Nîmes
Villa Splash
Villa Splash is a playful take on Riviera living, where bold design meets effortless elegance. From its striking architecture and vibrant outdoor spaces to its contemporary interiors, every corner brings a little surprise. Sleek lines, statement pieces and pops of colour give the house a joyful energy that feels perfectly at home on the Saint-Tropez peninsula.
With Le Collectionist, renting a villa in Provence has never been easier. Explore our collection to discover our luxury Provence villas and other extraordinary experiences.
