Most Beautiful Villages of Provence

Gordes is to Provence what St-Emilion is to Bordeaux: a gorgeous, hilltop stone village with incredible views of the surrounding countryside. The name is thought to derive from the Celto-Ligurian Vordenses; the village has played a pivotal role in French history, having been occupied by the Romans, the Franks, and subsequently, the Nazis, before attracting famous artists Chagall and Jean Deyrolle. Utterly gorgeous, it’s hard for anyone to resist its charms. We advise visiting early in the morning or late evening – wandering through its labyrinthine “calades” (narrow cobblestone streets) is such a pleasure, especially when a glass of Provencal rosé is waiting for you at a terrace cafe.

Roussillon is a ‘poster boy’ for ochre – the extraordinary natural pigments that wash its cliffs and buildings in shades from bright yellow to deep red. Situated east of Avignon, Roussillon is a marvel to explore, with spellbinding views across the Luberon Regional Natural Park and its small, close-knit community. It has inspired numerous writers, including Samuel Beckett and film director Henri Colpi, who shot a movie in Roussillon in the 1970s. After spending just a day here, we understand why. It is a charm that almost defies words, a magic that fully expresses itself during sunrise and sunset when the light shimmers on the gorgeous ochre colors of orange, yellow, and brown. You must see it for yourself.

Impossibly beautiful, Seillans is the idealized medieval village – a tourist’s fantasy. But what distinguishes this gorgeous hilltop village from the surfeit of hilltop villages in Provence is its art legacy: many artists took up residence here, and the surrealist painter Max Ernst spent his final years in Seillans. The village’s cobblestone streets, squares, castle, chapel, and views of the surrounding landscape inspire hushed awe from visitors. Spring and fall are the optimum times to enjoy Seillans – high summer can bring unbearable heat and crowds.

One of Provence’s less instantly famous villages, Biot, is worth a day trip. Its history is fascinating: from the 16th to the 18th century, this lovely hillside village was renowned in France for the exceptional quality of its olive oil jars distributed across the Mediterranean. Sadly, this industry has faded, yet today Biot is equally famous for its bubbled glass. Biot’s famous bubbles are produced by rolling molten glass in baking soda to create a chemical reaction, trapping the bubbles with a second glass layer. The end product is distinctive and beautiful, and so too is the timeless Place des Arcades Biot. Even if designer glass doesn’t interest you, the medieval streets and charming squares certainly will.

History comes alive in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon: Villeneuve (new city) became known as the city of Cardinals in the 14th century, as many archbishops built splendid residences in the town, which remain today. Affiliated with the papal court, the French authorities established a garrison to monitor the Papacy’s ambitions! Today it is one of the area’s most charming historic towns, an open-air museum full of winding streets, historic buildings, and pretty squares. Located 3km from Avignon, Villeneuve also offers the added bonus of being easy to reach on foot. Provencal panoramas are obligatory when you visit the majestic 14th-century Fort St-André.

It is almost too beautiful. Crowded in the summer months, Vaison-La-Romaine is the quintessential Provencal village, split by the waters of the River Ouveze into a lovely pedestrianized center. Overhead is the walled, cobbled street of the Cité Médiévale on the hilltop. Strolling through the old city is like a remarkable history lesson; the ruined remains of the Roman town – Vasio Vocontiorum – have been meticulously preserved, a monument to a Gallo-Roman city that prospered after the Roman conquest and reached its height under the Empire. Our favorite spots for views are the pretty Pont Romain (Roman Bridge) and the 12th-century Chateau built by the Counts of Toulouse. The thriving Tuesday market is the icing on the cake.

The Friday produce market at Carpentras is the stuff of foodie legends. The streets are bursting with more than 350 stalls laden with freshly baked bread, olives, Provencal cheeses, nuts, fruit, locally made honey, farm produce, nougat, and other delights. In winter, the focus shifts to truffles, their heady scent filling the market square as hushed transactions pass between foragers and chefs. Beyond Carpentras’ incredible food scene and scenic beauty, it also boasts a unique and heady history. It became the capital of the papal territory of the Comtat Venaissin in the 14th century. Pope Clement V was a frequent visitor – the 14th-century synagogue is the oldest in France. History comes alive in Carpentras.

Les Baux-de-Provence is a leading contender for France’s prettiest village title. Located at the heart of the Alpilles region, it is a precious gift to Instagram lovers. Here, you’ll discover ancient stone houses spectacularly perched above rolling hills of vineyards, orchards, and olive groves in the center of bucolic bliss. Van Gogh immortalized the surrounding Alpilles landscape, and it remains one of France’s most visited today. The undisputed highlight is the Château des Baux, which clings precariously to a 245m-high grey limestone rocky spur. It dates back to the medieval period, though the fortress was largely dismantled after a siege ordered by Louis XIII in 1632. Offering breathtaking views of the valley below, Les Baux-de-Provence is rarely deserted. Aim to visit late evening or at sunrise for some peace and quiet.

The epitome of a sleepy town, Apt is ideal for escaping it all. Unspoiled, untouched, and isolated, Apt nonetheless comes alive with its Saturday morning market, brimming with local specialties and fresh produce. The heady sights and smells, along with the pretty medieval streets and squares, are unmissable. The town’s festive spirit also peaks during its summer wine and cheese festival. Over 25 chateaux advertise their wares, to the delight of Apt’s numerous visitors. It offers a veritable slice of the Provencal dream – visit in winter to have it to yourself.

Famous for its thermal waters, Digne-les-Bains has long been known as a spa destination. Today its thermal center offers medically prescribed treatments focused particularly on rheumatology and respiratory and ENT conditions. But aside from its fame as a medical retreat, Digne-les-Bains is a charming provincial town, less tourist-centric than other parts of Provence. It retains a sleepy provincial quality – an increasingly rare commodity – and a relaxed friendliness that is rare in many parts of the world. The lavender fields surrounding Digne-les-Bains in the summer are idyllic: an intense shade of purple not seen anywhere else. Little wonder that French explorer Alexandra David-Néel settled here in search of splendid isolation.