10 Storybook Villages in Provence That You'll Fall in Love With

The village of Gordes in Provence, France, sits high on top of a hill with picturesque views of the valley below.

These 10 storybook villages of Provence, feel like a dream: sun-drenched vineyards, rolling lavender fields, ochre-tiled rooftops, and charming markets that seem to slow time. Whether you’re wandering cobblestone streets or browsing antiques at an open-air market, each village in Provence has its own unforgettable story.

If you’re planning a trip to southern France, these 10 villages and towns in Provence will make you fall in love with the region. From hilltop hamlets to riverside towns, they are among the most beautiful villages in France. It’s no wonder artists like Picasso, Van Gogh, and Cézanne found endless inspiration here.

Each village is steeped in history and filled with bakeries, bistros, galleries, and the occasional Michelin-starred restaurant. And if you’re feeling adventurous, day trips to the French Riviera or the sparkling Mediterranean Sea are just a scenic drive away.

We first visited Provence when Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence was published. We’ve been returning ever since and no matter how often we visit, we always seem to discover something new.

Getting to Provence

You have several options for reaching the south of France. You can fly into Marseille from Paris or other major European cities and rent a car. Another popular option is taking the TGV train from Paris to Avignon and renting a car there. Hertz, Avis, and other agencies are conveniently located at the train station.

We usually drive from Paris, making stops in Lyon and Beaune to treasure hunt for vintage finds for our online shop. If we weren’t on a vintage mission, we’d happily take the train. It’s such a relaxing way to travel, especially after a red-eye flight.

Don’t miss the local markets

Nearly every village in Provence hosts a local market. And it’s one of the best ways to experience everyday life in this region. Each market is a celebration of fresh produce, handmade goods, Provençal textiles, and local delicacies. They are perfect for finding a unique souvenir or two.

10 storybook villages in Provence to explore

1. Aix-en-Provence

Large sunflowers and lettuce for sale on market day in Aix-en-Provence.

Locals are shopping the markets in Aix-en-Provence.

This vibrant town is an ideal base for exploring Provence. Its walkable streets are lined with cafés, fountains, and bustling markets. Evenings are lively and safe, making it perfect for late-night gelato strolls. Market days occur regularly but double-check online before your visit.

Different scented soap bars are for sale at the market.

Locals are buying fresh fruit from the region at the market in Aix-en-Provence.

Parking is tricky here, so we recommend the centrally located underground parking garage and walking from there.

2. Avignon

An empty cobblestone street after a summer rain in Avignon, France.

Plants and flowers are in the window of this apartment in Avignon, France.

Located on the Rhône River, Avignon is both romantic and historic. Inside its medieval walls lies the stunning Palais des Papes (Pope’s Palace), a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can walk the city wall’s perimeter in about an hour—or take your time wandering the cobbled lanes and relaxing at a café.

3. Bonnieux

This is the garden fo the estate where the movies "A Good Year" was filmed.

Above the vineyards on a hilltop is an old church in Bonnieux, France.

Set in the heart of the Luberon, Bonnieux is one of Provence’s most picturesque hilltop villages. If you loved A Good Year, you’ll enjoy seeing the estate where it was filmed. The house is private, but the surrounding vineyards and paths are accessible.

Pair a visit to Bonnieux with neighboring Lacoste, often referred to as its twin.

4. Lacoste

An archway in the village streets of Lacoste, France.

One cobblestone street leads up the hill and another one leads down the hill in Lacoste, France. An apartments is in the middle of the two paths.

Renowned for its “pure light,” Lacoste has long been a haven for artists. With narrow cobblestone paths and panoramic views, it’s a delight to explore. The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) now runs a study-abroad program here, and its creative presence is felt throughout the village.

Savannah College of Art and Design occupies most of the village of Lacoste these days.

A fountain with small yellow flowers sits alongside the cobblestone street.

5. Cucuron

A rectangular pool sits in the middle of the town square in Cucuron, France.

A gelateria with pink and yellow tables and chairs in the small town of Cucuron, France.

The centerpiece of this village is the Bassin de l’Étang, a peaceful, tree-lined reflecting pool surrounded by restaurants and cafés. A memorable scene from A Good Year was filmed here, and it’s just as charming in person.

There is a Michelin-starred restaurant in the town center of Cucuron, France.

A small shaded street with bright blue sky in the background in Cucuron, France.

We stumbled upon Le Cercle de Cucuron, where we had one of our favorite meals in Provence. Don’t miss a post-lunch stroll through the boutiques and beautifully restored streets.

6. Ménerbes

The sun is setting on the small stoned walkway in Menerbes, France.

Perched on a rocky outcrop with sweeping views of the Luberon, Ménerbes is a quiet gem. We found a simple café at the back of a newspaper shop and ended up on a peaceful terrace overlooking the vineyards—a perfect place to relax and soak in the magic of Provence.

Several vineyards sit below a restaurant on a hill in Menerbes, France.

A cold beer and glass on a table overlooking some vineyards below.

7. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Saint-Remy-de-Provence is best known for its shops and markets.

Saint-Rémy is a lively town known for its colorful markets and its connection to Vincent Van Gogh, who painted Starry Night here. A free Van Gogh walking tour is available, but we especially loved browsing the market for lavender, olive oil, and other Provençal specialties.

Tables and chairs are in the small courtyard of this bistro in Saint-Remy.

A store in Saint-Remy that sells straw bags and all the tourist favorites like olive oil, herbs de Provence, and cheeses from local producers.

8. Gordes

The village of Gordes in Provence sits high on a hill.

Colorful umbrellas a vintage Renault car sit in the courtyard of a local restaurant.

Gordes is perhaps the most iconic of all Provence’s hilltop villages. With sweeping views, stone houses, and a Renaissance-era castle at its heart, it’s endlessly photogenic. The castle now hosts art exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year.

9. Arles

The ancient Roman coliseum in Arles, France.

The ancient coliseum in Arles, France with light clouds and blue sky in background.

One of France’s oldest cities, Arles sits along the Rhône and is home to a Roman amphitheater that’s still in use today. From concerts to cultural festivals and even bullfights, the city is alive with history and creativity.

In addition to exploring the town, we also went for a long walk on the pathway that runs along the Rhone River. Afterward, we stopped in at one of the local cafes for a drink and a snack.

A restaurant in a small alley with tables and chairs.

An old-fashioned Monoprix is a must-see in Arles, France.

On our stroll through the town, we also discovered an old Monoprix (the French version of a small department store and grocery under one roof). You can find a Monoprix in almost every town in France – sometimes several. We always stop and take a look. And sometimes we find something fun to bring home with us.

10. Grignon

Looking down from the hilltop are the streets of the tiny village of Grignon in the Provence region.

There is one main street in Grignon that is full of small bistros and bars and a couple of gelato stands.

About three kilometers away from where we stayed on one of our trips to Provence is the charming little town of Grignon. There are a few stores, restaurants, gelato shops, an ancient castle, and an old church at the top of the hill. It’s a bit of a hike, but the views of the landscapes and surrounding villages from the top are stunning. You get a 360-degree view of the surrounding area. It’s such a beautiful place, especially at sunset.

A few final thoughts on visiting the Provence region

Provence is more than just a destination—it’s a feeling. From sipping a drink in the market squares to discovering a tucked-away atelier or bakery, every village brings a new perspective on what it means to slow down and live well.

Whether you base your trip in Aix, wind your way through the Luberon, or spend lazy afternoons shopping local markets, you’ll leave with your senses full and your heart already planning the next visit.

This is by no means a complete list of beautiful Provencal villages, but hopefully, it gets you started on your next adventure. And if you discover some favorites that we haven’t included, we’d love to hear from you, and we’ll put them on the list for our next trip.