If you are a keen traveller, you might think you know the French region of Provence, but there’s far more to this vast region than Peter Mayle ever told you about. Certainly, the undulating hills, lavender fields and air heavy with the scent of herbs and sun are all there, and luxury holiday villas in Provence enjoy all these in abundance. However, the area is enormous, taking in some of the Alps, the glitzy Côte d’Azur and numerous bustling towns, too, so there is something for everyone.
Provence’s Cultural Importance
There’s lots here for art lovers in Provence, France. The natural beauty of Provence has attracted artists from every corner of Europe, from the Bloomsbury set to Van Gogh to Cezanne and Renoir, and you will see when staying in a luxury villa in Provence why the region has been a muse for many renowned painters.
Cezanne’s home in Aix is well worth a visit – all is just as he left it, even his hat remains on the table. Culturally, Provence has it all, from Roman ruins in Arles to the Papal Palace of Avignon.
And foodies will find plenty to feast on in the many village markets. Almost every town in Provence has its own market day where you can lose yourself among stalls of lavender soap, antiques and cloth, as well as gastronomic delights from truffles to bull steak.
When to Visit Provence
May or June are lovely months to visit as the temperatures have not reached their peak. July and August see warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. If you want to see, (and smell!), the famous lavender fields in full bloom, the last week of June to the beginning of August are the months to visit. September and October are quieter, more relaxed and the temperature remains pleasant.
What We Love About Provence
We love the mediaeval stone village of Le Baux near St-Rémy-de-Provence. The views from the castle ruins at the top out over the olive groves are pure Provence.
Getting to Provence
Nice and Marseilles airports are the main airports servicing Provence and Eurostar also goes to Avignon.
Best Places To Eat and Drink in Provence
When dining out of your luxury villa in Provence you will find that food is high on flavour and making excellent use of local produce. The cuisine in Provence is as delicious at the Michelin-starred end as it is at the eat-it-hot-off-the-market-stall end.
If you’re looking for somewhere for a once-in-a-lifetime meal, Le Petit Nice in Marseilles has three Michelin stars and seafood that is only outshone by the stunning sea views.
Further inland, L’Estagnol in St-Rémy-de-Provence does robust cuisine really well, including jars of foie gras and thick slices of Provençal lamb.
To sample some of the area’s best wines, plan a trip to Chateau La Dorgonne, where you can learn all about the processes of wine-making while you drink.
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