Hilltop village Hilltop house in Venasque. Shuttered windows, cobblestone streets, soft pastel tones and climbing plants. Explore

The 5 Most Charming Villages in Provence

Provence Explore:

Sitting atop rocky hillsides or spread across quiet valleys, these five villages captivate with sunlit cobbled streets, markets abundant in colour and smells, and views over lavender fields, orchards, and distant peaks. Come discover each of them, with their own distinct blend of allure, heritage, and Provençal splendour.

1:

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, it charms with winding, flower-lined streets, waterfalls running through its middle, and inviting little shops.

Village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, with yellow and green façades. Shuttered windows.

Built into the back of a cliffside, Moustiers opens onto the vast valley views, retaining inside a quietness that pairs perfectly with its most picturesque corners. When visiting, do not miss Atelier Bondil, an icon for the local faïence, and go for a most delicious icecream at L'Étoile Givrée.

Hilltop village in Provence. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
Local and handmade ceramics in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Provence.
Village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, with yellow and green façades. Shuttered windows.
2:

Lourmarin

On the southern side of the Luberon massif, Lourmarin rests on a gentle plain, its sunlit streets lined with cafés, boutiques, and local delicacies.

Cobblestone street in Lourmarin at night, with climbing plants, pastel-toned shuttered windows, and a lively restaurant with outdoor seating.

As if it did not have enough beauty, on Friday mornings, the market fills the village with colour, flavour, and scents. In the Summer evenings, the restaurant terraces take over the small squares, and the whole village boils with an unhurried energy.

Cobblestone street in Lourmarin with climbing plants and pastel toned shuttered windows.
Cobblestone street in Lourmarin with climbing plants.
Local wooden bistrot in Lourmarin. cobblestone streets.
3:

Gordes

Located on the north side of the luberon valley, gordes is an icon in the luberon.

Street in Gordes with ligh blue shutters, a Ladurée location, outdoor iron sitting and market baskets.

Its small cafés, welcoming bistro bars, and restaurants offer the perfect pause for relaxation, while the narrow alleyways lead to magnificent views of the Luberon valley towards the massifs.

Woman in blue shirt, walking in picturesque village.
A cobblestone house with light-blue shuttered windows and four birds flying.
Secluded outdoor coffee space with wooden chairs, striped pillows, and climbing flowers.
4:

Lacoste

Cobbled lanes lead to galleries, ateliers, and views over the lavender fields, making it one of the region's hilltop gems.

Cobblestone street in Lacoste.

The climb all the way to its summit, at the château of the Marquis de Sade, despite being strenuous on hot Summer days, is absolutely rewarding, for you will have some of the most panoramic views over the Luberon.

Cobblestone street in Lacoste with shuttered windows.
Cobblestone street in Lacoste with iron furniture, greenery and a vase.
Cobblestone corner in Lacoste with blue door.
5:

venasque

A charming medieval village sitting on a cliff top, gazing over the iconic Mont Ventoux and the quiet plains down below.

Cobbled stone street, with flowers and a church bell in Venasque

Lesser known than the Luberon villages, but only a few minutes north of Gordes, Venasque seems to stand still in time. Within its narrow streets, the details tell its story. From time-worn wooden doors to pastel-hued shutters and gates, each lends character to this tranquil hilltop escape.

Hilltop house in Venasque with views over the fields, with pastel blue shuttered windows and ivy climbing up the limestone wall.
A woman wearing a white linen dress, in front of a charming blue gate in Venasque, surrounded by lush green ivy.
Charming fountain in Venasque. Shuttered windows, cobblestone streets, soft pastel tones and climbing plants.
Provence Explore:

Discover the Guide

A Guide to Provence - the cover page, by Simply Slow Traveler

The valleys of Provence are a haven of picturesque villages, dreamy lavender fields, and charming local markets.

Discover all the most quaint villages and cities on my Guide to 7 Days in Provence, and spend a charming week in this most inspiring region.

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