The ten most beautiful villages in Provence and the Côte d'Azur

Provence and the Côte d'Azur are among the most popular regions in France. This is a region of scents, colours and contrasts: lavender fields in the Luberon, beautiful medieval villages on the hills and winding roads along the coast. Those who spend their holidays here will soon discover that each village has its own character, from quaint alleys to lively market squares and breathtaking views. During your holiday in the South of France you need to visit these unique places. Many of them are a short drive from FranceComfort's holiday parks, making them ideal for a day trip. In this article you will read about ten villages that are among the most beautiful in Provence and the Côte d'Azur.

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1. Roussillon – the village of ochre colours

Roussillon is known for its unique colors. The houses are built with ochre, which makes the whole village glow in warm shades of red, orange and yellow. The main attraction is the Sentier des Ocres, a hiking trail through the former ochre mines. The landscape looks like a miniature version of the Grand Canyon, with steep rock walls and winding paths. It is a fun and accessible walk, even with children. In the center of Roussillon there are cozy shops, small galleries and restaurants with Provencal dishes. The village is located in the middle of Luberon Regional Natural Park.

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2. Gordes – one of the most beautiful villages in France

Gordes is located in the heart of the Luberon, on a hill overlooking the valley. The sand-colored houses seem to blend into the rock face on which they are built. Gordes is on the list of les plus beaux villages de France and for good reason. The village is best known for its narrow streets, its imposing castle and the weekly market where local products are sold. From the edge of the village, you have a magnificent view over the landscape with lavender fields, olive groves and vineyards. Abbaye de Sénanque, one of the most photographed places in France, is located nearby.

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3. Saint-Paul-de-Vence – artists' village in the hills

On the Côte d'Azur, near Nice, lies Saint-Paul-de-Vence. This walled village is world famous for its artistic past. Painters such as Chagall and Matisse liked to come here, and the village still attracts many artists and art lovers. Within the city walls, you can stroll along cobbled streets past galleries, studios and boutiques. A game of jeu de boules, a real southern French tradition, is often played in the village square. A visit to the Fondation Maeght, just outside the village, is highly recommended. This museum of modern art is located in a beautiful garden with sculptures.

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4. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie – gateway to the Gorges du Verdon

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie lies in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department. This village is built against a rock face. Above the village hangs a golden star, attached to a chain between two rocks. Moustiers is famous for its pottery, the so-called faïence de Moustiers. The nearby located Gorges du Verdon is one of the most beautiful gorges in Europe, where you can go hiking and go kayaking or sailing on the Lac de Sainte-Croix. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie has some excellent restaurants and terraces. The village is ideal for a day trip from, for example, the holiday parks of FranceComfort in Provence.

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5. Port Grimaud – the Venice of the South of France

Port Grimaud is located on the Côte d’Azur near Saint-Tropez. Port Grimaud is often called the Venice of France due to the canals, bridges, terraces, colourful houses along the water and narrow streets full of flowers. You can rent boats, go shopping or have lunch on the water with a view of the marina. This is a nice destination for families: safe, well-organized and with the beach of the Mediterranean Sea within walking distance. From your holiday home in Provence, Port Grimaud is easily accessible. Combine it with a visit to Saint-Tropez or a road trip through the coastal region.

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6. Lourmarin – culture and conviviality in the Luberon

In the south of the Luberon you will find Lourmarin, a village with a lively atmosphere. The white limestone houses and the olive groves surrounding the village give this place a unique feel. Visit the Château de Lourmarin and visit the local village market on Friday morning. This is one of the most popular markets in the region with local cheeses, honey, lavender products and Provencal fabrics. Lourmarin is a great day out from your luxury villa in Provence for those who love culture, gastronomy and shopping. There are several restaurants with terraces where you can sit in the shade. In the summer months live music is often played on the squares.

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7. Tourrettes-sur-Loup – village of violets and artists

Between the coast and the mountains, not far from Grasse lies Tourrettes-sur-Loup. This village is built on a rocky plateau with a view over the hinterland of the Côte d'Azur. Tourrettes-sur-Loup is also known as the Village of the Violets because violets have been cultivated here for centuries. Fête de la Violette is celebrated every spring with markets, music and decorated streets. In the village there are small craft shops, workshops and some excellent restaurants. Hikers can follow routes from the village through the surrounding hills with beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea.

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8. Les Baux-de-Provence – history in the rocks

In the heart of the Les Alpilles nature reservelies Les Baux-de-Provence. The village is built against a cliff face and is dominated by the ruins of a medieval castle. From the castle you have a beautiful view over the Provencal landscape: olive groves, vineyards and the plain towards Arles. In the Château you will see old weapons, towers and an interactive exhibition about the Middle Ages. Just outside the village is the Carrières de Lumières, an underground quarry where works of art are projected onto large rock walls, accompanied by music. During your holiday in Provence, we recommend visiting Les Baux.

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9. Cotignac – the village at the foot of the cliff

In the green interior of the Var lies Cotignac, a picturesque village known for its impressive rock face that towers over the houses. Caves and old living rooms have been carved into this cliff, which you can visit. The town square with plane trees, fountains and terraces, is the center of village life. On Tuesdays there is a market selling local products. Cotignac is a place where you can easily spend a whole day. The village is about an hour's drive from the coast, making it easy to combine with a stay in one of the FranceComfort Holiday Parks on the Côte d'Azur or in Provence.

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10. Biot – glassblowers and art on the Côte d'Azur

Between Antibes and Valbonne lies Biot, one of the most beautiful villages on the Côte d'Azur. It is known for its glassworks and is where the famous verre bullé, glass with small air bubbles in it, is made. You can walk into the workshops to see the craft up close or buy a glassware as a souvenir. Biot has a beautiful centre, with cobbled streets, blue shutters and cozy terraces. The Musée National Fernand Léger is located just outside the village. As Biot is only a few kilometers from the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, you can combine a visit to the village with an afternoon at a beach in Antibes or Juan-les-Pins.

Practical tips for your visit

Most of these tourist villages in Provence - Côte d'Azur are a short drive from each other. From the holiday parks of FranceComfort, you can easily visit them for a day trip. For example, plan one or two villages a day: a walk in the morning, lunch on a terrace and time for a market, museum or viewpoint in the afternoon.
Many villages are car-free or have limited parking space in the center. It is convenient to arrive early, especially in the summer months.
In Provence, the best time to visit these villages is in spring (May and June) or in autumn (September and October). The temperatures are pleasant; nature is in bloom and there are less crowds compared to July and August.

Food, drinks and atmosphere

The villages of the South of France are not only beautiful to see, but also the perfect place to treat your taste buds. Restaurants serve local dishes such as: salad with goat cheese, tapenade, ratatouille or a piece of pissaladière.
The local wines – often rosé from Provence – are light and fresh, perfect for a sunny lunch. On hot days, a glass of sirop de lavande or a scoop of lavender ice cream is a real treat.
In the evening, the atmosphere changes: village squares fill with soft music, the sound of crickets and the laughter of people who linger a little longer. That's what makes these villages so popular among visitors – they offer the tranquility of the French countryside with the warmth of Mediterranean life.

 

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about the 10 most beautiful villages in Provence - Côte d'Azur

1. What is the best time to visit these villages?
Spring and autumn are ideal. In July and August, it can be very hot, however during this time the atmosphere is lively and summery.

2. Are these villages suitable for families with children?
Yes, most villages are car-free and well-organized. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and Port Grimaud are good fun for families as are Èze and Cannes.

3. How much time do I need per village?
We recommend allocating half a day per village. Many travelers combine two villages in one day, especially if they are close to each other, such as Gordes and Roussillon.

4.Where is the best place to stay to be able to visit these villages?
FranceComfort's holiday parks in Provence and Côte d'Azur are centrally located, with good connections to both the coast and inland.
FranceComfort - Vallée de la Ste. Baume
FranceComfort - Jardin du Golf
FranceComfort - Résidence de Salernes
FranceComfort - Domaine de Castellane

5.Are these villages also worth visiting outside the high season?
Yes for sure. In spring and autumn, the villages are quieter, and the colors of nature are at their best.

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