Stretching from the sunny shores of the Mediterranean to the snow-capped peaks of the French Alps, Provence might just be France’s most alluring region. This amazingly diverse landscape is dotted with attractive little villages, each with its own distinct character and unique history. Here, we round up Provence's 10 most picturesque villages you must visit!
DK Provence and the Cote d'Azur
View BookMoustiers-Ste-Marie
At the entrance to the Verdon gorges, Moustiers hangs like a pendant from the rock face soaring above. The glorious tangle of vaulted streets and tiny squares are soundtracked by the swift-running stream which flows through the middle of the village. High above, tucked against the rock, is the Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir chapel, which rewards those who can face the climb with a superb view of the Gorges du Verdon.
At the entrance to the Verdon gorges, Moustiers hangs like a pendant from the rock face soaring above. The glorious tangle of vaulted streets and tiny squares are soundtracked by the swift-running stream which flows through the middle of the village. High above, tucked against the rock, is the Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir chapel, which rewards those who can face the climb with a superb view of the Gorges du Verdon.
Les-Baux-de-Provence
Emerging dramatically from its crag on the edge of the Alpilles hills, Les Baux is one of the most striking fortified villages in Provence. This majestic village, with its labyrinthine streets and breathtaking views over mountains and plains, is crowned by a ruined castle with walls that date from the 10th century.
Sisteron
At the northern gateway to Provence, Sisteron’s miniscule vaulted streets and unexpected staircases climb the vast sentinel rock overlooking the Durance river. Up top, the 14th-century citadel affords unbeatable views over the rugged landscape and, in the summer, hosts the Nuits de la Citadelle, a festival of music, theatre and dance.
Séguret
Séguret encircles its hillside like a belt, staring out from the edges of the Dentelles de Montmirail mountains across the nearby wine plain. It’s an almost impossibly pretty spot of tiny, pedestrianised streets, mediaeval edifices and contemporary artists and artisans.
St-Paul-de-Vence
Set in alpine hinterland with panoramic views of the Riviera coast, St-Paul-de-Vence sits in a stunning location. Once a quiet farming community, it became a fashionable haunt for creatives after it was discovered by the Côte d'Azur artistic community (Picasso, Matisse, Léger) in the 1920s. Its tiny mediaeval streets are full of modern and contemporary art galleries and workshops.
Bormes-les-Mimosas
Dazzlingly colourful in spring, Bormes-les-Mimosas unravels down a hillside in a cascade of little streets, stairways, terracotta-tiled rooftops and flowers. Almost 100 different species of mimosas can be found here. Walk to the top of the village’s ruined mediaeval castle to enjoy splendid views of the Mediterranean.
Roussillon
Roussillon is perched magnificently above an extraordinary landscape. The mining of ochre and subsequent erosion have sculpted the red-and-gold earth into cliffs, canyons and weird formations. Villages have applied the local red, yellow and brown ochre to their houses, to enchanting effect.
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin is a winning partnership of the sort only found on the Côte d'Azur. Austere yet romantic, Roquebrune, with its winding streets, vaulted passageways and 10th-century châteaux, said to be the oldest feudal castle in France, is the original village. Beneath, the grandiose belle epoque villas of the super-rich unfurl along the Cap-Martin peninsula, looking out on the clear blue water of the Mediterranean.
Cassis
Cassis is overseen by France’s highest coastal cliffs, whose scale reinforces the intimacy of the narrow little harbour and old town centre below. With its clear light, vivid blue water and brightly coloured boats, this pretty fishing port was a favourite with painters such as Dufy, Derain and Matisse. The unspoiled rocky coves of Les Calanques are within walking distance, and beaches include the sweeping sandy crescent of Plage de la Grande Mer.
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
Downstream from Europe’s most powerful spring, this village is spectacularly located. It was once home to the Italian poet Petrach, who lived here in the 14th century. One of the houses he lived in is now a museum and there is also a fascinating museum on World War II.
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