Where to stay in Provence: the best regions for every traveller

Provence is considerably larger and more diverse than many travellers expect. Between Avignon in the west and Menton on the Italian border lie lavender fields, medieval villages, sophisticated coastal resorts and some of France’s most famous landscapes. Anyone planning a holiday in Provence should therefore first decide what sort of trip they are looking for: the tranquil backlands with its markets and vineyards, or the Mediterranean coast with its beaches, beach clubs and marinas. The key regions include the Luberon, the Alpilles around Saint-Rémy, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon and Vaucluse, the Saint-Tropez peninsula with the Var coast, and the Côte d’Azur. This guide will help you find the right base for your holiday home in Provence.

Provence has two completely different personalities. The backlands is dominated by lavender fields, vineyards and ochre-coloured villages such as Gordes, Bonnieux and Ménerbes. Around Saint-Rémy, olive groves and the landscapes of Van Gogh set the tone. Markets, long lunches and a leisurely pace define everyday life here. On the coast, however, Provence looks quite different: Saint-Tropez, Ramatuelle, Cannes and Antibes are synonymous with beach clubs, marinas and Mediterranean glamour.

It often takes between 1½ and 2 hours to drive between these two worlds. You can combine them, but if you’re staying in the Luberon, it’s a long drive to the sea – and vice versa. Aix-en-Provence offers a good middle ground between the two regions. At Casapilot, this distinction is clear: some guests are looking for a quiet stone house with a pool in the backlands, whilst others want a villa near Pampelonne or Cannes. This guide will help you match your preferred holiday style with the right region.

Provence stretches for around 250 kilometres from east to west. Most travellers therefore choose one half of the region and use it as a base. Combining the Luberon and Saint-Tropez in a single week means spending a lot of time in the car. Aix-en-Provence and the Var coast, on the other hand, can be combined in a much more relaxed way. Those wishing to explore the region in greater depth will find suitable accommodation among all our holiday homes in Provence, ranging from the backlands to the Mediterranean.

For couples and romantic getaways

Anyone who dreams of long dinners, vineyards and little stone cottages will feel right at home in the Luberon. Bonnieux, Ménerbes and Lacoste are among the most romantic villages in the south of France. The Alpilles around Saint Rémy, with their olive groves and quiet country lanes, also offer an almost cinematic backdrop. On the Côte d’Azur, Saint Paul de Vence and Mougins are ideal for couples who appreciate art and good food. Those looking to be close to Saint-Tropez should opt for holiday homes in Ramatuelle or holiday homes in Gassin rather than the bustling centre.

For families with children

Families in Provence are usually looking for space, unspoilt beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. Holiday homes in Sainte-Maxime and holiday homes in Les Issambres are particularly popular. Both locations offer wide sandy beaches, quiet coves and short walks to the sea. Hyères is also an excellent choice for a family holiday in Provence, particularly thanks to the ferries to the Îles d’Hyères. Those who prefer to stay in the backlands often opt for holiday homes in Provence with a pool. Morning markets and afternoons by the pool are a classic part of a family holiday here.

For gourmets and wine lovers

The Luberon is one of France’s finest regions for connoisseurs. Weekly markets in Apt, Coustellet and Lourmarin sell truffles, olive oil, goat’s cheese and regional wines. Some of the most famous Rhône wines are produced around Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Aix-en-Provence combines Provençal cuisine with elegant terraces lining the Cours Mirabeau. Those looking for top-class restaurants will find what they’re after on the Côte d’Azur. Mougins and Cannes, in particular, boast a thriving gourmet scene. For inspiration, check out our guide to the best restaurants on the Côte d’Azur.

For slow travellers and village lovers

Some visitors come to the south of France for the beaches. Others are looking for exactly the opposite: peace and quiet, cypress trees and small villages. The Luberon is perfect for this sort of trip. Gordes, Bonnieux, Ménerbes, Roussillon and Lourmarin are among the most beautiful villages in Provence. The Alpilles are smaller and often a little quieter than the much-visited Luberon. Anyone looking for the most authentic Provençal atmosphere should also consider the Var backlands around Cotignac or Lorgues. Particularly popular there are a villa in Provence or a traditional stone farmhouse with a pool.

For luxury travellers and beach club enthusiasts

Anyone travelling to the Côte d’Azur for glamour, yachts and beach clubs almost always ends up on the Saint Tropez peninsula. France’s most famous beach clubs are located around Pampelonne. Our guide to the beach clubs in Saint Tropez highlights the most famous venues. Holiday homes in Saint Tropez are particularly in demand, as are luxury villas in Ramatuelle or Gassin. Cannes and Antibes also offer an exclusive atmosphere with marinas and designer boutiques. Those seeking the utmost in comfort will find the perfect accommodation among luxury villas on the Côte d’Azur.

For first-time visitors to Provence

If you’re visiting Provence for the first time, you should try to stay somewhere central. Aix-en-Provence is an excellent choice, as both the backlands and the coast are relatively easy to reach. Our guide to the sights in Aix-en-Provence shows why the town is an ideal base. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence also works very well as a starting point for day trips. On your first trip, you should avoid staying exclusively on the coast or exclusively deep in the backlands if you want to experience both sides of Provence.

Luberon – Lavender, villages and stone houses

The Luberon is the classic Provence of Peter Mayle’s books. Some of France’s most beautiful villages are strung along the Luberon mountain range. Gordes is spectacularly perched on a hilltop, Bonnieux and Ménerbes boast narrow alleyways and small squares, whilst Roussillon is famous for its red ochre cliffs. The markets in Apt, Coustellet and Lourmarin are particularly popular. In summer, the lavender blooms from late June to early August, particularly around Valensole. The Luberon is ideal for couples, families and food lovers seeking peace and quiet. However, those who wish to visit the seaside every day should bear in mind that the coast is about 1.5 hours away.

The Alpilles and Saint-Rémy – Van Gogh’s Landscapes

The Alpilles lie between Arles and Avignon and are among the most elegant regions of Provence. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is the cultural centre of the area. Van Gogh lived and painted here, and Nostradamus was born in the town. The surrounding area is dotted with smaller villages such as Eygalières and Maussane-les-Alpilles, with their olive groves and stone houses. Les Baux-de-Provence is one of the region’s most spectacular villages. The Alpilles are ideal for travellers wishing to combine culture, scenery and good food. At the same time, the region remains on a manageable scale and is more relaxed than the heavily visited Luberon.

Aix-en-Provence and Sainte-Victoire – the cultured base

Aix-en-Provence combines urban culture with easy access to both the coast and the backlands. The elegant Cours Mirabeau, the fountains and the city’s connection to Cézanne lend the town a special atmosphere. Montagne Sainte Victoire is just a few minutes away and is ideal for hiking. Aix is also the best base for travellers who want to remain as flexible as possible. Both the eastern Luberon and the Mediterranean can be reached within 30 to 45 minutes. At the same time, the city remains lively and urban. Those looking for a more secluded village should opt for the Luberon or the Alpilles instead.

Avignon and Vaucluse – History and the Rhône Valley

Avignon was the seat of the Papacy in the 14th century and is now one of the most important cultural cities in the south of France. The Papal Palace and the famous bridge are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Our guide to the sights in Avignon highlights the main attractions. In July, during the theatre festival, the city is transformed into one of Europe’s liveliest cultural centres. Just a few kilometres to the north lies the Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine region. Avignon is particularly well suited to history buffs and travellers wishing to arrive by TGV. However, for a classic beach holiday, the coast is relatively far away.

The Saint Tropez Peninsula and the Var Coast – Beaches and Glamour

The Saint Tropez Peninsula is CasaPilot’s strongest coastal region. Holiday homes in the Var around Saint Tropez, Sainte-Maxime and Ramatuelle are particularly in demand. Pampelonne is the region’s most famous beach and is renowned for its beach clubs. Saint Tropez itself offers marinas, luxury boutiques and a vibrant nightlife. However, many travellers prefer quieter alternatives such as holiday homes in Grimaud or accommodation set above the coast in Gassin and Ramatuelle. Sainte-Maxime, on the other hand, is ideal for families. The region is perfect for beach holidays and the Mediterranean lifestyle, but less suitable for travellers who want to explore villages in the backlands every day.

Côte d’Azur – kosmopolitische Mittelmeerküste

Die Côte d’Azur erstreckt sich von Cannes bis Menton und verbindet Mittelmeerstrände mit urbanem Luxus. Cannes ist bekannt für die Croisette und das Filmfestival im Mai. Antibes kombiniert Altstadt, Picasso Museum und den riesigen Hafen Port Vauban. Saint Paul de Vence gehört zu den schönsten Künstlerdörfern Frankreichs, während Mougins vor allem für Gastronomie bekannt ist. Wer möglichst schnell vom Flughafen ans Meer möchte, ist hier richtig: Viele Orte liegen nur 10 bis 30 Minuten von Nizza entfernt. Besonders beliebt sind Ferienhäuser an der Côte d’Azur. Wer dagegen die ruhige, ländliche Provence sucht, empfindet die Côte d’Azur oft als zu urban und international.

The Verdon Gorge is one of the most spectacular natural destinations in the south of France. Europe’s largest canyon can be reached on a day trip from both the Luberon and the Var coast. Our guide to the Verdon Gorge day trip highlights the most scenic routes and activities.

Also famous are the lavender fields around Valensole, which bloom between late June and late July. From the Alpilles or Avignon, you can also quickly reach the Camargue, home to flamingos and white horses. To the west of Avignon lies the Pont du Gard, one of the most impressive Roman structures in France. Those staying on the coast can explore the Îles d’Hyères or the Calanques near Cassis. Both are among the most beautiful natural landscapes on the Mediterranean.

The choice of airport depends largely on your region. Marseille Provence is best suited for the Luberon, the Alpilles, Aix-en-Provence and the Var coast. Nice is ideal for the Côte d’Azur and the eastern part of the Var. Toulon Hyères is closest to the Saint-Tropez peninsula, whilst Avignon offers good seasonal connections to the backlands.

Outside major towns, a hire car is essential. Markets, villages, lavender fields and many beaches are virtually inaccessible without a car. The Avignon TGV and Aix TGV connect the region to Paris in around three hours. The most pleasant time to visit is between May and June and September and October. In July and August, it gets hot, expensive and very crowded, especially on the coast. Lavender blooms for just a few weeks between late June and late July. On the coast, the water temperature in high summer is usually between 22 and 25 degrees. The Mistral wind can be surprisingly cool, particularly in spring.

Provence rewards travellers who choose the right part of the region to suit their style. Some find their happiness amongst the lavender fields and village markets in the countryside, whilst others prefer a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean, with views of yachts and sunsets. It is precisely this diversity that makes the region so special. Discover all our holiday homes in Provence and find the perfect base between idyllic villages and the Côte d’Azur.