Villages in Provence & Luberon
Saint-Rémy-De-Provence
In the majestic heart of the Alpilles, between Avignon and Arles, lies a veritable treasure trove: Saint-Rémy de Provence. The winding streets of the historic centre are dotted with beautifully restored houses, Renaissance and 18th-century town houses, chapels and convents. Shady boulevards, squares embellished with ancient fountains and café and restaurant terraces invite you to take full advantage of the Provencal art of living.
Saint-Rémy de Provence is home to a rich heritage, highlighted by the Glanum archaeological site and the Antiques. The Arc de Triomphe and the Mausoleum of Julius bear exceptional witness to High Antiquity, adding an extra touch to this unique experience.
All in all, this charming town offers a harmonious blend of historical heritage and contemporary lifestyle, making it an absolute gem to discover.
Eyaglières
Eygalières is a charming village nestling at the foot of the Alpilles mountains. Its cobbled streets, stone houses and Provençal atmosphere offer you an authentic experience of country life in France. Surrounded by vast fields of olive trees and vineyards, the picturesque Mediterranean landscape adds to its charm.
The village is renowned for its historic heritage, including a church dating back to the 12th century and a medieval castle towering above it all. Stroll through the narrow streets and you'll discover local craft shops, art galleries and traditional restaurants serving delicious Provençal cuisine. Eygalières is truly a place where history and culture blend harmoniously in an enchanting setting.
Les-Baux-De-Provence
The village of Les Baux-de-Provence, perched on a rocky outcrop, boasts an incredibly rich architectural heritage. Its citadel overlooks natural sites of extraordinary beauty.
Come and explore one of France's most beautiful villages and discover places steeped in history.
Les Bau-de-Provence is one of the most beautiful villages in Provence.
Avignon
The historic centre of this former city of the popes has UNESCO World Heritage status.
The square, a meeting place, is lined with café and restaurant terraces and is always bustling with activity. Just above, the vast esplanade of the Place du Palais hosts street performers in summer. And as its name suggests, the formidable Palais des Papes is here, emblem of the city and monumental testimony to Avignon's importance in the Christian world in the Middle Ages.
Arles
Arles, a City of Art and History, is brimming with ancient remains. Nestling on the banks of the Rhône in the enchanting Provence region of southern France, it is famous for having inspired Van Gogh's paintings, leaving a profound imprint on contemporary art, now on show at the Vincent Van Gogh Foundation.
The former provincial capital of ancient Rome, Arles is also renowned for its many remains from that glorious era, including the Arles amphitheatre. Once the scene of gladiatorial combat, this historic amphitheatre now hosts plays, concerts and bullfights, offering a unique immersion in the past while keeping pace with modern cultural life.
Nimes
The city of Nîmes was remarkably built around and with its Roman monuments. This ancient architecture, developed over the centuries, has shaped the identity, personality and uniqueness of the city, giving it exceptional universal value.
Nîmes evokes the very image of the Roman city par excellence, as much for the wealth of its monuments inherited from Antiquity as for the originality of its urban fabric, which has integrated them harmoniously over time. Every street corner and square reveals a piece of the city's glorious history, taking visitors on a journey through the ages. It is this unique ability to preserve its heritage while thriving in the present that makes Nîmes such a priceless world heritage treasure.
Fountain of Vaucluse
The charming commune of Fontaine de Vaucluse is nestled around its famous chasm, in a valley at the foot of a majestic cliff in the Monts de Vaucluse. In fact, it was this fountain that gave the Vaucluse department its name - Vallis Clausa or the Close Valley.
This small, sunny village lends itself wonderfully to a pleasant "Sunday stroll". At your own pace, you can stroll through the cool spring, marvel at the historic remains and small monuments, and visit the local craft shops selling glass and crystal, stationery, confectionery, jewellery and pottery. The santon eco-museum is also a worthwhile stop-off.
After a gentle climb to the source of the Sorgue, you can relax on the terrace of one of the restaurants or ice-cream parlours, taking full advantage of the peaceful, picturesque atmosphere of this enchanting place. Fontaine de Vaucluse is an ideal destination for relaxing, discovering local crafts and connecting with the natural beauty of the region.
L'Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue
Nicknamed "Venise Comtadine", L'Isle sur la Sorgue is undoubtedly one of the most attractive towns in the PACA region, thanks to its exceptional living environment. What makes this attraction so special is the presence of the Sorgue, a river with inexhaustible springs that gives the strange impression of a miraculous suspension of time.
Antique shops, unique boutiques, art galleries and the Campredon Art Centre, a veritable cultural mecca, are all ingredients that perpetuate the myth of "L'Isle sur la Sorgue". This magical town embodies a fascinating phenomenon and leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of those who visit it.
Gordes
Gordes, a superb hilltop village in the heart of the Luberon, is renowned for its picturesque beauty. Nestling on the edge of the Parc Naturel Régional du Luberon, in the heart of the Monts de Vaucluse, it perfectly embodies the spirit of Provençal hilltop villages. Described, photographed and admired a thousand times, Gordes owes its aura to the illustrious artists who once extolled its charms and left a cultural imprint that is still vibrant today.
Gordes was recently voted "Most beautiful village in the world" by a famous American magazine.
La Camargues
The Camargue, a vast wetland area in the Rhône delta, is an exceptional region offering a wealth of biology, a diversity of flora and fauna, a variety of landscapes, and a grandeur and history steeped in Provençal culture.
From the coastline to the sandy beaches to the reed beds, from the rice fields to the wheat fields, from the salt marshes to the Grande Bleue, the Camargue Regional Nature Park reveals a multitude of faces to visitors. This land, born of the age-old struggle between the Rhône and the Mediterranean Sea, is one of the most biologically rich regions in Western Europe. As a major migration route for birds travelling from northern Europe to Africa, the Camargue is an essential stopover. It is also the only breeding ground in France for pink flamingos, the region's world-famous emblems.
Uzès
Uzès nestles in a triangle formed by the towns of Nîmes, Alès and Avignon. Although discreet, this elegant town is a treasure trove of evidence of its rich past. Surrounded by the Boulevard Gambetta, the medieval town reveals a maze of picturesque lanes and shady squares, lined with mansions dating from the 17th and 18th centuries.
The lively soul of Uzès lies in the arcades of the Place aux Herbes and the surrounding streets, where a renowned market is held every Saturday, whose reputation has long since spread beyond the borders of the region. As you stroll through the market, you'll be immersed in a profusion of local produce, in the warm, colourful atmosphere typical of the markets of Provence.
Uzès offers a journey through time, gracefully combining history, culture and Provencal tradition. A visit to this enchanting town is a real invitation to discover France's heritage, while letting yourself be seduced by the authentic charm of the region.
Marseille
Marseille, a Mediterranean city, offers an unforgettable experience with its shopping pleasures, its rich historical heritage, the pleasure of lounging on a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, and its magnificent architectural beauty. At the heart of this metropolis lies Le Vieux Port, the very heart of Marseille. In the 18th century, the Vieux Port was at its peak, bustling with activity: ships pouring in, quays overflowing with goods, carpenters, sailors, shipowners and even convicts at the Arsenal. The forts of Saint-Nicolas and Saint-Jean guarded the entrance to the port, offering reassuring protection to the people of Marseilles.
What's more, Marseille is packed with fascinating islands, such as Les Goudes, each offering treasures to discover and typically Provençal flavours to savour. From the bustling life of the Vieux Port to the hidden corners of its islands, Marseille offers a kaleidoscope of Mediterranean sensations to explore. A visit to this enchanting city is an adventure that promises to capture the heart of any traveller in search of authenticity and wonder.
