Provence
Provence is France at its most effortlessly beautiful — a region of sun-soaked villages, lavender fields, olive groves, vineyards and long, lazy lunches. From the colourful markets and historic towns to the dramatic landscapes of the Luberon and the scent of lavender filling the countryside in summer, Provence invites you to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of travel.
Explore hilltop villages such as Gordes and Roussillon, wander through bustling local markets, discover Roman history in places such as Avignon and Arles, or simply find a sunny terrace and settle in with a glass of something local.
For me, Provence is about beautiful scenery, wonderful food and taking your time — a perfect destination for a relaxed tailor-made escape.
🌿 Lavender & the Provençal Countryside
Few images capture Provence quite like rows of lavender stretching across the countryside beneath the summer sun. Around Valensole, Sault and the Luberon, the landscape comes alive with purple fields, traditional villages and fragrant lavender farms.
Lavender generally blooms from June to early August, with the exact timing varying according to location and weather. If seeing the fields in full bloom is an important part of your trip, when you travel really does matter.
Follow dedicated lavender routes, stop for photographs and visit local farms and distilleries to discover how the flowers are harvested and transformed into oils, soaps and other Provençal products.
Combine the lavender fields with a visit to a hilltop village, a local market or a leisurely countryside lunch, and you have one of the quintessential Provence experiences. 💜
🏘️ Hilltop Villages & the Luberon
The Luberon is where Provence really comes to life — a landscape of limestone hills, vineyards, olive groves, lavender fields and some of France’s most beautiful villages.
Spend a day village-hopping, taking your time to explore narrow lanes, local markets, cafés, galleries and spectacular viewpoints.
✨ Gordes – Dramatically perched on a hillside, with stone houses cascading down the landscape. One of Provence’s most recognisable villages.
🌺 Roussillon – Famous for its distinctive red and ochre buildings, surrounded by the spectacular landscapes of the Luberon.
🌿 Bonnieux – A charming hillside village with wonderful views across the surrounding countryside.
🍷 Ménerbes – Elegant and atmospheric, with stone houses, winding streets and a strong connection to Provençal food and wine.
🌸 Lourmarin – One of the most picturesque villages in the region, known for its Renaissance château, cafés and relaxed atmosphere.
🏰 Lacoste – A beautifully preserved hilltop village with spectacular views across the Luberon and a fascinating historic character.
🚗 The perfect village-hopping adventure
These villages are ideal for a self-drive itinerary, but you don’t have to hire a car. Private tours and organised day trips can make it easy to explore several villages in one day — particularly if you’d like to combine them with lavender fields, wineries or local food experiences.
