Provence, the region in the sun-soaked corner of the South of France, is a charming destination that should be on every traveller’s bucket list. From romantic hilltop villages to family-friendly escapes to the Mediterranean coast, there is something for everyone in this guide to the best places to stay in Provence.
This region’s enchanting beauty is characterised by rolling hills, fragrant lavender fields, ancient olive groves, sprawling vineyards, and charming villages perched high on the hilltops. A living tapestry of colours, where vibrant markets, bustling cafes, and lively festivals take over the mediaeval cobbled streets all summer long.
With so much to see and do, how does anyone decide where to stay in Provence? There is something for everyone in this varied region, so we will break down the best village to help you decide on where to base yourself during your trip to Provence.
Table of Contents
Best Towns to Stay in Provence
Aix-en-Provence – Best Area for Couples
Aix-en-Provence is the old capital of Provence, the beating heart of the region. This city is bursting with charm making it a popular destination for all sorts of travellers.
Known for its elegant boulevard, beautiful squares, and graceful fountains, Aix-en-Provence exudes a refined ambience. The city is renowned for being the birthplace of post-impressionist painter Paul Cézanne, and his influence can be seen throughout.
Wander through vibrant daily markets, visit the stunning Cours Mirabeau, explore the narrow streets lined with boutiques and art galleries, and indulge in the local gastronomy.
Aix is a destination in its own right, but it is also the perfect place to base yourself in the heart of Provence. Its central location and excellent transport links make this city the catch-all location, possibly the best town to stay in Provence.
You can easily reach the must-see destinations around Provence within one hour from Aix, whether you have a car or rely on public transport. Allowing you to explore by day and then relax in the city, enjoying local cuisine and wine by night. Aix is easily in the running for the best area to stay in Provence for couples, but it will also suit families and solo travellers.
This elegant city will suit couples and families and could easily be adapted to suit a range of budgets but it is especially suited to those looking for a luxurious getaway. With plenty of boutique accommodation options, spa hotels and three Michelin Star restaurants to choose from, this is the ideal destination for a special occasion.
Where to Stay in Aix-en-Provence
Hôtel Le Mozart – Mid-range visitors to Aix-en-Provence will love this 3-star hotel. Located in the centre of the city within easy reach of the top sites, they have a range of lovely rooms to choose from and a hearty breakfast available each morning.
Hôtel Cézanne – This luxury, boutique hotel is perfect for those looking for a plush stay while basing themselves in Aix. Offering an array of gorgeous rooms, they have a great location along with a delightful terrace and bar on site.
Aparthotel Adagio – If you’d like to have your own flat while visiting Aix, then this aparthotel is the perfect choice. They have several different, fully-furnished apartments on offer and a great location for seeing all the city has available.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Aix-en-Provence hotels!
Avignon – Best Area for Families
Another hotspot for history devotees, Avignon is steeped in history and brimming with cultural richness. Most famous for the Palais des Papes (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), a grand medieval fortress and papal residence, Avignon showcases its architectural splendour and is a testament to its significant role in European history.
The city’s ancient walls, charming cobbled streets, and bustling squares offer a captivating atmosphere for exploration.
This Provencal gem is well suited to families, with plenty of entertaining activities to suit all ages. The museums and galleries are immersive and provide an excellent learning experience for children and adults alike. If you are looking for the best area to stay in Provence for families, Avignon is a real crowd-pleaser.
Transport links in and around Avignon are excellent, and staying here will give you the opportunity to explore further afield via public transport if you do not have access to a car.
Avignon is located on the northwestern side of the region, so travel times to attractions such as the Verdon Gorge or the lavender fields may take a little longer than if you were to base yourself out of the more central Aix-en-Provence.
Where to Stay in Avignon
Hotel Boquier – This cosy hotel is perfect for mid-range visitors to Avignon. Offering a range of comfortable rooms to choose from, there is also parking available a breakfast on offer for guests each morning.
Hotel De Cambis – Those who are looking to splurge on an upmarket stay in Avignon will love this luxury hotel. Located in the centre of this Provencal city, there are several plush rooms to choose from and an array of amenities for guests to enjoy.
Chapelle du Miracle – These apartments are a good option if you’d like to have your own flat in Avignon. There have a range of fully-furnished flats to choose from, all completely equipped with everything you may need along with an excellent location for seeing the city.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Avignon hotels!
Marseille – Best Area for a Big City Feel
As France’s second-largest city, Marseille offers a rich tapestry of history, art, and culinary delights. Visit the Vieux-Port, the city’s bustling heart, where colourful boats and vibrant markets create a lively atmosphere.
Discover architectural gems like the iconic Notre Dame de la Garde and the modern MuCEM museum. Spend your evenings sampling some of the city’s renowned seafood cuisine, wander through vibrant street markets, and relax on Marseille’s beautiful beaches as the sun sets into the Mediterranean Sea.
Marseille may not suit everybody’s taste, it is a significant city and comes with busy streets and increased traffic so may not be best suited to young families. However, if you are a city-hopping couple or solo traveller, you’ll thrive on the hustle and bustle and nightlife, so the vibrant city streets make the perfect base.
As you would expect from a city of this size, the transport links are excellent. Marseille has its own international airport, so onward travel is just as convenient as day trips to explore the rest of Provence.
Marseille is on the very edge of the region, however, so bear in mind if you want to reach the further-flung corners of Provence, such as the Verdon Gorge, you will need to allocate an entire day.
Where to Stay in Marseille
Hôtel Life Marseille VP – Those who’ve chosen to visit Marseille will love this centrally-located 3-star hotel. Offering a myriad of rooms to choose from, it also has a great location for seeing all of the top attractions in the city.
La Residence Du Vieux Port – Located in the Old Port area of Marseille, those looking for luxury will love this opulent boutique hotel. They have countless sophisticated rooms on offer, plenty of amenities for guests to enjoy and a perfect, central location for exploring the best of the city.
Vertigo Vieux-Port – Solo and budget travellers will love this highly-rated hostel in Marseille’s Vieux-Port area. Offering both dorms and private rooms, they also have great common areas and self-catering facilities.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Marseille hotels!
Luberon Villages – Best Area for Lavender
For our next destination, we are heading high up into the hills to the Luberon villages. Nestled in the most picturesque landscapes of Provence, the Luberon villages offer a glimpse into the timeless beauty and tranquillity of the region.
These enchanting hilltop villages, several of which have been included in the official ‘France’s most beautiful villages’ list, captivate visitors with their medieval charm, cobblestone streets, and breathtaking views.
Explore narrow alleyways, discover ancient stone houses, and wander through vibrant markets where local artisans showcase their crafts. If you want to tour the iconic lavender fields during the summer, basing yourself in one of the Luberon villages will mean you are only a short drive away from the most iconic photography spots, such as the Valensole plateau.
Despite their similarities, each village has its own unique charm. Gordes is the most famous of the bunch, having featured in the 2006 romantic comedy ‘A Good Year’. The striking chateau makes this village the perfect picture-postcard Provencal scene.
Roussillon is another captivating village renowned for its unique ochre cliffs and vibrant colours. This is the home of the famous Ochre Trail, so if you are hoping to explore on foot, this is the village for you.
Other options include Cadenet, Bonnieux, Ménerbes and Lacoste. These are among the best villages to stay in Provence and will fill your camera roll with scenic views across the French countryside.
The Luberon villages are visited as part of guided day tours from larger towns and cities, but the lack of public transport links means you would need a hire car to make the most of the area if you chose to stay here.
The villages are incredibly peaceful and are surrounded by some of the best scenery in the region, making them the perfect option for those wanting to surround themselves with nature. The accommodation options range from quaint bed and breakfasts to countryside estates and rustic farmhouses with hiking trails directly from your doorstep.
Where to Stay in the Luberon Villages
Luberon L’hôtel – This little hotel is a great base for mid-range visitors to the Luberon Villages. Located in the town of Apt, they have delightful rooms to choose from and there is also an adjoining restaurant offering regional cuisine.
Le Petit Palais D’Aglae – This gorgeous boutique hotel in the village of Gordes is a perfect place for those looking for luxury in the Luberon Villages. They have a range of opulent rooms to choose from along with an on-site pool and sun terrace to enjoy!
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Luberon hotels!
Arles – Best Area for History Buffs
Arles, a historic bohemian city, carries an air of timeless beauty and artistic inspiration. Its rich heritage is evident in the well-preserved Roman ruins, including the impressive Amphitheatre and Theatre Antique.
Arles was a muse to Vincent van Gogh, who captured its charm in his renowned artworks. Explore the winding streets, visit the Van Gogh Foundation, and soak in the vibrant energy of the city’s festivals, such as the Rencontres d’Arles photography festival.
This city is the perfect base for those who want to discover the history of the region. Some of the most significant historical sites are located in and around Arles, including the Roman Amphitheatre, the Barbegal Aquaduct, the ancient city of Galnum and the mediaeval castle of Le Baux De Provence. If you are a history buff looking for the best town to stay in Provence, Arles is the destination for you.
Arles is another city with excellent transport links, making it a better option for those travelling without the use of a vehicle. This city also acts as the gateway to the Camargue national park, where you can find some of Europe’s best wildlife watching.
Where to Stay in Arles
Hôtel de l’Amphithéâtre – Set in a historic 17th-century building, this is one of the best hotels in Provence for mid-range travellers wanting to base themselves in Arles. They have lovely rooms to choose from and a great location for exploring the city.
Maison Volver – This luxury hotel is a great option for those after an upmarket hotel in Arles. Located in the centre of the city, they have an array of great rooms to choose from and plenty of amenities for guests to enjoy.
Appartement du Théâtre Antique – Those after their own flat in Arles will love these fully furnished apartments in the heart of Arles. There are many flats to choose from, ranging in size, and they’re all fully equipped with everything you may need.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Arles hotels!
Cassis – Best Area for the Seaside
Next, we are moving down the coast to the quaint fishing portside town of Cassis. No trip to Provence would be complete without dipping your toes in the Mediterranean Sea, but if you want to focus your trip around the white sandy beaches, secluded coves, and towering limestone cliffs, Cassis is the destination for you.
With its picturesque harbour, pastel-coloured houses, and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Cassis is a paradise for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Take a boat tour to explore the breathtaking Calanques, towering cliffs that plunge into the sea, or wander through the narrow streets lined with boutiques and seaside restaurants. Sample fresh seafood, indulge in local wines, and soak up the laid-back ambience that makes Cassis a genuinely idyllic destination on the Provencal coastline.
Cassis is suitable for both couples and families, but the sandy beaches, such as Plage de la Grande Mer, make this destination particularly popular with those travelling with children.
This port town is also the gateway to the Calanques National Park, with plenty of hiking trails perfect for day trips and picnics along the coast. The coast can also lend itself to those on a couple’s break; the hidden coves provide the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway.
Marseille is just around the corner, so transport links in this area are excellent. If you do not have access to a car, this is an excellent place to escape the hustle and bustle without straying too far from civilisation.
Where to Stay in Cassis
Le Jardin d’Emile – Set in a typical Provence-style house, this hotel is perfect for mid-range visitors to Cassis. They have several great rooms to choose from, a lovely outdoor terrace to enjoy along free parking and breakfast each morning.
Hôtel Eden Cassis – This is another excellent hotel choice if you’ve decided to base yourself in Cassis. They have an array of clean and comfortable rooms available, a location within a stone’s throw of the sea and an on-site pool for guests to enjoy.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Cassis hotels!
Côtes du Rhône – Best Area for Wine Lovers
If you enjoy a glass of red wine, there’s no doubt you will have heard of our next destination. Côtes du Rhône is a renowned wine appellation in the Rhône Valley. It encompasses a collection of picturesque villages known for producing exceptional wines.
These villages, such as Cairanne, Rasteau, and Seguret, benefit from their unique terroir, characterised by rocky soils, Mediterranean climate, and abundant sunshine. The wines from the Côtes du Rhône villages are known for their rich flavours, depth, and complexity.
If you plan on touring some sprawling vineyards during your trip to Provence, it makes sense to use this area as a base.
The Côtes du Rhône villages are located just north of Avignon, so if you want to base yourself in a city and simply visit this wine appellation, then you’ll want to skip ahead to our next destination, Avignon.
However, as an avid wine enthusiast, picking one of the villages in the Côtes du Rhône gives you the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy countless wine tastings alongside your evening meals.
It doesn’t get more romantic than road-tripping through the vineyards with your other half; this is the perfect place for couples. Transport is not as efficient in the quintessentially French vineyards, so if you don’t have a car, you may want to base yourself closer to Avignon to make use of the transport links opening up easy access to the rest of Provence.
Where to stay in Côtes du Rhône
Hotel Bellerive – This charming hotel in the village of Rasteau is the perfect place for a wine lover’s escape. They have gorgeous rooms to choose from, an on-site restaurant serving regional cuisine and a location surrounded by vineyards.
Domaine de Cabasse – This hotel located in the village of Seguret is another excellent choice in the Côtes du Rhône. They have an array of lovely rooms, a buffet breakfast each morning, an outdoor swimming pool and they even offer local wine tastings.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Côtes du Rhône hotels!
The Alpilles – Best Area to Get Off the Beaten Path
Looking to embrace the outdoors, go horse riding, climbing or backpacking and watch the sunsets from high up in the mountains? Our next destination is an adventurer’s dream. The Alpilles is a captivating mountain range nestled in the heart of Provence.
With its rugged limestone peaks, rolling hills, and picturesque landscapes, the Alpilles offer a breathtaking natural setting.
This enchanting region is dotted with charming Provencal villages like Les Baux-de-Provence and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where history, culture, and art blend seamlessly. Ancient ruins, olive groves and vineyards, surrounded by endless hiking and biking trails.
The Alpilles is the wild card destination, it is more off the beaten path than our other options, but this hidden gem is the perfect destination for couples or families who want to get out and embrace the golden sunshine and fresh air.
If you don’t have a car, you may feel isolated out in the wilderness, but there are three major bus routes through the mountains, so reaching Arles, Avignon or Aix is not impossible but does require some pre-planning.
Where to Stay in the Alpilles
Hôtel Gounod – Situated in the village of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, this is an excellent place to base yourself if you’re looking to escape to the Alpilles. They offer delightful rooms, a gorgeous location and plenty of plush amenities for guests to enjoy.
Mas Valentine – Also located in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, this hotel makes for another great base if you’ve chosen to stay in the Alpilles. They have great rooms available along with a spa and wellness centre and a swimming pool for guests to use.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Alpilles hotels!
Isle-sur-la-Sorgue – Best Area for Antique Collectors
An unassuming village in Provence at first glance, Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is world-renowned for its antique treasures. This town draws in antique collectors and enthusiasts from all over the world.
Stroll along the quays, explore the narrow streets lined with art galleries and boutiques, and visit the renowned Sunday market, where you can find a treasure trove of antiques, vintage items, and local produce.
Even if you aren’t hunting for vintage gems, Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a quaint, picturesque town situated on the Sorgue River, often referred to as the “Venice of Provence” due to its numerous canals and bridges. It is ideally suited to couples with a romantic vibe, especially when the bridges are lit up at night.
Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is between Avignon and the Luberon villages, so if you are hoping to explore the entire region as part of a road trip, you could easily base yourself here for the entire stay. If you are relying on public transport, staying in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is entirely possible due to its proximity to Avignon.
There are direct trains between the two several times per day, but if you want to visit the off-the-beaten-path attractions or road trip through the lavender fields, then you may want to book a guided tour from Avignon as public transport can be fragmented around the remote villages.
Make sure you leave plenty of space in your suitcase if you decide to stay in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue; it’s almost impossible to leave without taking some antique treasure home with you!
Where to Stay in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Hotel Les Nevons – This hotel makes for a great base for those who’ve decided Isle-sur-la-Sourge is the village for them. They have comfortable rooms to choose from along with a great homemade breakfast available every morning.
Le Clos Violette et Le 11 D’Aglaé – Those looking for luxury in Isle-sur-la-Sourge will love this opulent hotel. Whether you’re after a double room, a suite or a villa, there is something for everyone here along with a range of fantastic amenities for guests to indulge in.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Isle-sur-la-Sorgue hotels!
Camerauge – Best Area for Nature Lovers
The last destination in this guide is the wildly beautiful Camerauge National Park, where the Rhône River meets the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its unique natural beauty and diverse wildlife, the Camargue is a haven for nature enthusiasts.
This vast wetland is home to an array of bird species, including flamingos, herons, and egrets. The region is also famous for its iconic white horses and black bulls, which roam freely across its marshlands. If you are a nature lover looking for the best places to stay in Provance, this is your dream destination.
Arles is a popular base for those wanting to explore the Camerauge, but if you want to experience the untamed beauty of this extraordinary region and avoid the city, you can opt to stay in the villages of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, Les Saintes Maries de la Mer or one of the farm stays in the heart of the national park. Explore on horseback, go birdwatching, hire bikes or take a boat tour of the area.
Families will love spotting flamingos in the marsh and can safely explore on two wheels on the numerous bike trails. There is not a huge amount to do in the national park itself beyond wildlife watching, and transport links are not excellent, so if you don’t have a car, the Camerague may be more suited as a day trip from a nearby city.
It’s possible to drive to Verdon Gorge and back in one day, but if you have set your sights on some of the activities on the eastern side of Provence, the Camargue is not the ideal place to stay.
Where to Stay in Camerauge
Mas Des Salicornes – Featuring a lovely swimming pool, plenty of bright and comfortable rooms and an unbeatable countryside location, this is an excellent hotel to stay in if you’re basing yourself in Camerauge. They also offer breakfast and have an on-site bar.
La Tramontane – This is another excellent option in the Camerauge area located in the village of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. They have a range of great rooms to choose from along with a swimming pool, a bar, breakfast and free parking.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Camargue hotels!
Wherever you decide to stay, Provence is guaranteed to enchant you with its unique blend of Mediterranean cultures, captivating charm, beautiful villages and fairytale chateaus. Relax in the Provencal sunshine and enjoy the joie de vivre this region is famous for.
Are you wondering where to stay in Provence? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!
