My road trip through Provence: 15 favourite spots to discover

There are some destinations that leave a lasting impression. Provence is definitely one of them.

Last year, I went on my very first trip to Provence, even though I’ve been living in the Alpes-Maritimes since 2013! It’s never too late, and I must admit I do regret a little not having done it sooner! And yes, I simply fell head over heels in love with this region in the south of France. Between the hilltop villages, the Provençal markets, the lavender fields, the beauty of the landscape, the vineyards and that very special light, I knew straight away that I’d be back. A year on, here I am back for another road trip through Provence. This year, I’ve chosen to revisit some of my favourite spots, but also to discover new villages that were still on my list. And just as I expected, the magic has worked its spell once again. Although the Alpes-Maritimes remain just as magnificent, with their incredible hilltop villages on the French Riviera offering sea views, it’s true that in Provence, the atmosphere is particularly ma-gi-cal.

So if you’re planning a road trip through Provence or looking to visit the most beautiful villages in the Luberon and the Alpilles, I’d like to share with you my 15 favourite spots that I absolutely loved visiting. From breathtaking panoramic views to charming narrow streets, rich historical heritage and a relaxed way of life, I’ll take you with me on a journey of discovery through this region that I never tire of exploring.

1. The village of Lourmarin, with a quintessentially Provençal atmosphere

Last year, I stayed in the very charming village of Goult; this year, we decided to explore a completely new Provençal village and chose Lourmarin. We’d popped in briefly last year and were captivated by the charm and atmosphere of the place. So it was a no-brainer to go back and stay there like a true Lourmarinoise 🙂

Listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, this little Provençal village has a truly lovely atmosphere. I loved strolling through its flower-lined alleyways before visiting its magnificent Renaissance-style château, built in 1480. It’s one of the first Renaissance châteaux in Provence, and I highly recommend a visit. I was dazzled by the loggia and, above all, by that magnificent staircase known as the ‘Grand escalier d’apparat à vis’ , a sort of spiral staircase.

I also loved the atmosphere at its Provençal market, where local producers and craftspeople mingle in a warm and welcoming setting. I think it’s one of the best markets I’ve ever visited. A must-visit every Friday.

Lourmarin is also the perfect village for having a drink on a terrace, particularly at Gaby’s or at the restaurant L’Ormeau. Sitting right in the heart of the village, we loved watching all the passers-by without realising how time flew by. And to top it all off, it’s the only village where you’ll find a coffee shop serving flat whites, haha. So if you’re American or British, this village is made for you!

2. The village of Bonnieux, a real balcony overlooking Provence

Perched on a hillside, Bonnieux offers one of the most beautiful views of the Luberon. It was one of the first villages we visited last year, and we wanted to go back this year because the atmosphere is so magical! We’re particularly big fans of the restaurant “Les Terrasses de Bonnieux”, which offers an incredible panoramic view of the sunsets and the Luberon. It’s become something of a ritual for us every time we visit Provence.

On top of that, the village is steeped in history and full of monuments, just like all the other villages. There’s an old church perched at the top of the village, which stands at an altitude of 429 metres; to reach it, you’ll need to climb a few cobbled streets (86 steps in total), and you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view. If you head further down, you can visit the new church in Bonnieux, built before the 1900s.

3. Cucuron, a real favourite

Cucuron was one of my absolute favourites. This village has incredible charm. Its huge pond, lined with plane trees, offers a sense of total tranquillity. The cafés dotted all around invite you to have lunch or simply soak up the peaceful atmosphere. It really is a place that left a lasting impression on me for its beauty and relaxed way of life.

We took the time to wander through the village’s narrow streets, visiting the craft shops and potters’ studios, before reaching the church. We then climbed up to the viewpoint overlooking the whole village to take in an exceptional panorama of the surrounding countryside. Finally, we decided to sit down for a drink by the pond to cool off.

4. Roussillon and the famous Ochre Trail

If there’s one village that takes your breath away from the very first moment, it’s Roussillon.

Its red, orange and yellow façades seem almost unreal. The whole village is built using natural pigments extracted from the old ochre quarries. Once again, there are some lovely shops and superb art galleries. Right at the top of the village, there’s another breathtaking panoramic view. What sets it apart from other villages is a walk that is, to say the least, unusual and unique: the Sentier des Ocres.

I’d seen this walk time and time again on social media and always told myself that one day I’d do it, even though I was a bit wary of it being a purely Instagram-worthy spot. In the end, I found the place even more amazing in real life than in the videos! I’m relieved to say that, haha. The Sentier des Ocres is an unmissable walk in Provence. In about thirty minutes, you discover a landscape straight out of the Wild West, with its colourful cliffs sculpted by time. It’s even known as the ‘Little Provençal Colorado’. The walk offers two routes: a short one and a longer one. Naturally, we chose the longer route so we could admire the truly unique landscape for longer, even in 36-degree heat.

Important note: remember to wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty – unless you fancy having orange shoes ^^ Well I guess it’s quite fashionable, innit ?!

5. Lacoste: a blend of history and panoramic views

The village of Lacoste is a stone-built village situated opposite the village of Bonnieux. Its cobbled streets, ancient stone buildings and views over the Luberon make it an unmissable stop. I loved the authentic atmosphere here, which is quite different from the busier villages. This village is particularly well known for having been home to the Marquis de Sade in the 18th century, a writer with a scandalous reputation who left a lasting impression during that period. In fact, you’ll find several restaurants and shops named after him in this village, although I still find it hard to understand how we can ‘celebrate’ this horrific figure who committed serious crimes against children and women.

You can also visit his castle, perched high above the village and dating back to the 11th century. Unfortunately, both the castle and the village fell into ruin after the French Revolution, but were more or less restored by the fashion designer Pierre Cardin, who bought the castle. From the top, you can admire the view of the village of Bonnieux, which lies opposite.

6. Goult, the Luberon’s hidden gem

Although less well-known than its neighbouring villages, Goult is a real gem. Last year, we stayed in this very village. We booked an Airbnb with a swimming pool, which really made our stay in Provence even more enjoyable. When it’s 35 degrees and you’re hopping from village to village, a swimming pool becomes almost essential!

In this village, there are no crowds – almost exclusively locals (1,100 in total) – pretty, flower-lined alleyways, beautiful stone houses, a few craft shops and that typically Provençal laid-back way of life. At the top of the village, the view is always spectacular, and to top it off, you’ll find the 17th-century Jérusalem windmill.

We rounded off our stay in style with the Fête de la Musique in a warm and friendly atmosphere, with a local DJ. We could have stayed on that magical note, had it not been for the horde of police, helicopters and journalists we had to face the following day, following a shooting at a wedding that left two people dead and three injured. A shock for this village, renowned for its discretion… It’s worth noting that neither the bride and groom nor the guests were from Goult!

7. Gordes, the most famous of the Provençal villages

It’s impossible to talk about Provence without mentioning Gordes. It is the best-known village in Provence and certainly the most visited. It’s the village you’ll find featured everywhere on official websites, Instagram accounts, guidebooks and so on…

Built on the side of a cliff, it boasts a spectacular silhouette that attracts photographers from all over the world. Although it gets very busy in summer, its charm remains undiminished. The cobbled streets, craft shops and views over the valley are well worth a visit. Don’t forget to stop at the viewpoint at the entrance to the village: it’s probably the best photo you’ll be able to take home.

8. Notre Dame de Sénanque Abbey, an iconic site in Provence

Just a few kilometres from Gordes lies one of Provence’s most iconic sites: the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Sénanque. I visited it last year and it was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited in Provence. Surrounded by fields of lavender in summer, Sénanque Abbey offers an absolutely magical setting. It is a monastery that is still in active use. I was lucky enough to visit the interior, which is very well presented. We’re given a mini tablet with headphones so we can follow the history of each room. This allows us to discover the monks’ monastic life, the garden, the dormitory, the prayer hall… The atmosphere is simply peaceful. I have wonderful memories of the place because of the serenity it exudes.

9. L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, the Venice of Provence

This year, I finally got to visit L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a place I’d been wanting to see for ages. Contrary to the image of a simple village, it’s a charming little town on a human scale. What gives it its charm is the River Sorgue, whose waters flow through the streets, creating a peaceful and unique atmosphere. It’s also impossible to miss its famous water wheels, true symbols of the town. In the last century, they powered the paper mills, spinning mills and watermills using the force of the current. Today, they represent the industrial heritage of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and are an integral part of its identity.

Added to this, its canals, narrow streets, the church in the central square, its plane trees, its waterside terraces and its many antique shops create a unique atmosphere. I was struck by the way people take the time to savour the moment by the water’s edge and in the park. It’s something I’ve noticed a lot in villages too. Perhaps that’s why it feels so good to be there. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to explore the Sunday market, but I promise I’ll come back just for that.

10. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the Provençal way of life

Saint-Rémy has a unique charm. It’s a village within a town. The atmosphere here is livelier, which is something I particularly enjoyed.

Its pretty, shaded squares, street singers, elegant shops, restaurants and bustling alleyways make you want to spend a whole day there. You quickly realise why so many artists have fallen in love with this town.

A special mention for the concept store near the village, which we loved visiting. It’s full of items for home décor, the garden, the living room, the kitchen…

11. Les Baux-de-Provence, a unique village that’s an absolute must-visit

There are some villages that are truly unique to visit, and Les Baux-de-Provence is one of them. Perched on a rocky outcrop, much like the village of Gourdon in the Alpes-Maritimes, Les Baux-de-Provence makes a striking impression from the moment you arrive, with its imposing view of the castle ruins.

Its medieval castle, cobbled streets and spectacular panoramic views of the Alpilles offer a true immersion in history. It was love at first sight. I didn’t have time to explore the whole village, but I’ll be back – that’s for sure.

12. Wine tasting at Château La Canorgue and an incredible tour of the vineyard

The estate is situated above the village of Bonnieux, and if it looks familiar to you, that’s no surprise. Château La Canorgue served as the setting for Ridley Scott’s film *A Good Year *. The entrance to the estate is truly regal, with that avenue of cypress trees – I could never tire of it. I stumbled across it on Google Maps by chance whilst looking for a wine tasting, and didn’t hesitate for long before driving over to the estate. We arrived just in time for the last session and were able to taste four wines produced right here on the estate.

After the tasting, we went for a stroll in the little garden to round off the day. Surrounded by vineyards and olive trees, this family-run wine estate has become a true haven of peace. What a lovely, unexpected experience. Sometimes, the best places aren’t always the ones you expect, are they?

13. The Bories: a unique part of the Luberon’s heritage

A friend had told me about these stone structures in Provence. I simply couldn’t go there without paying them a visit; I absolutely had to see them in the flesh, as they fascinate me so much. These bories are stone structures built in the 17th century to provide shelter for shepherds. To me, they’re a true work of rural art, a symbol of the Luberon. Perfect for when it gets really hot ! I highly recommend it !!

14. The Forest of the Cedars, a well-deserved break in nature

After visiting several hilltop villages, I fancied getting a bit higher up and enjoying a moment in the heart of nature. So off I went to the Forêt des Cèdres, situated in the hills of the Petit Luberon.

I hadn’t expected to discover such a breathtaking landscape. This vast forest, made up of majestic, centuries-old cedars, offers numerous walking trails suitable for everyone. Even in the height of summer, it remains pleasantly cool, making it an excellent choice for a walk when temperatures rise.

From the various viewing points, the view over the Luberon is magnificent. If you enjoy alternating between visiting villages and walks in the great outdoors, I’d really recommend stopping off here.

15. Fontaine de Vaucluse, an unexpected favourite

You simply can’t leave Provence without visiting Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, one of the region’s most impressive natural sites. It was a place that did me a world of good, as I was able to dip my feet in the water there. Hopping from village to village in 35-degree heat is no walk in the park. So a quick dip or a refreshing swim is well deserved!

The village is also crossed by the River Sorgue, whose emerald-green water is simply mesmerising. A pleasant walk takes you along the river to the famous spring at Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, considered one of the most significant resurgences in Europe.The setting is spectacular, surrounded by high limestone cliffs that make the landscape even more impressive.

I really enjoyed strolling through the village’s narrow streets, taking the time to have lunch by the water’s edge and simply soaking up the peaceful atmosphere. It’s the perfect stop to round off a road trip through Provence in style.

And that’s a wrap! 15 favourite spots – that’s not bad at all, is it? 😉

I hope my post has inspired you to explore this magnificent region of France.
And as you know, I plan to go back there as soon as possible, so please do share your top tips and favourite villages with me!
With all my love,

Van from love-ly-south x