For centuries, France’s southeastern Provence region has captured the imagination with its charming towns, stunning landscapes, and fragrant lavender fields. A center of power in the Middle Ages and again in the Renaissance, this region of France is also home to a rich history that has imparted it with beautiful architecture, narrow streets, and fascinating stories. But with so much to offer, you may be wondering where to stay in Provence, especially if you’re renting a villa. The answer depends on what you’re looking for and what kind of traveler you are.
Where to Stay near Aix en Provence
Ansousis
Aix-en-Provence, often simply called Aix, offers a perfect mix of history and natural beauty. The surrounding landscapes were a constant inspiration to Cezanne, while the tree-lined Cours Mirabeau continues to inspire countless visitors to this day. Additional sights like the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral and the Musée Granet make Aix a must-visit destination.
If you’re wondering where to stay near Aix-en-Provence, Ansousis is a great choice. A picturesque village just 30 minutes from Aix, Ansousis offers tranquility, scenic beauty, and historic charm. It dates back to the Middle Ages and has narrow winding streets and a 10th-century chateau. It’s also in the Luberon Valley, where you’ll find vineyards, olive groves, and lavender fields.
Pros of Staying in Ansousis
- Historic charm
- Authentic Provençal atmosphere
- Scenic beauty
- Tranquility
- Proximity to Aix-en-Provence
Cons of Staying in Ansousis
- Limited dining and shopping
- Dependence on rental car
- Distance to Avignon, Arles, and the coast
Aix en Provence Villa Pick
15 bed, 15 bath
Sleeps 30
€6,125-€9,553/ night
Nestled in the charming village of Ansousis, Chateau du Moulin combines 17th-century architecture with 21st-century comfort to create something wholly unique. The French garden, estate vineyards, romantic ponds, and three pools (including a vine-covered indoor pool) evoke a completely unique atmosphere. The interior, meanwhile, has been masterfully renovated, including in each of the 15 bedrooms. This is luxury living, Provençal style.
Chateau Du Moulin – Aix en Provence
Where to Stay in Provence for Lavender
Luberon Valley
Lavender season in Provence runs from June to August, imparting Provence’s fields with wonderful sights and smells. To best enjoy these lavender fields, stay in Luberon Valley villas. Luberon features rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves, all set against the picture-perfect background of those purple lavender fields. It’s also replete with historic and charming villages, like Gordes, Lourmarin, and Ménarbes. This is where you can discover the true essence of Provençal life.
Pros of Staying in Luberon Valley
- Scenic beauty
- Stunning lavender fields
- Charming villages
- Great outdoor activities
- Tranquility
Cons of Staying in Luberon Valley
- Fewer services
- Fewer villa choices
- Rental car is essential
- Travel time to the coast
- Lack of nightlife
Luberon Valley Villa Pick
13 bed, 11 bath
Sleeps 24
Starting from €4,450/night
Located in the picturesque village of Lauris, Bastide de St. Martin is surrounded by stunning lavender fields. Featuring a neo-classical façade, a tennis court, and a heated pool, this 18th-century Bastide transports you to another era while providing modern comforts. It also includes a private chef to enjoy true Provençal cuisine. And with mountain views of the Grand Luberon, you’ll always have something beautiful to look at as you eat.
Bastide de St Martin – Luberon Valley
Where to Base Yourself in Provence
Avignon
Avignon villas make great bases from which to explore the rest of Provence. The city itself is home to many of Provence’s top sites, including the Palais des Papes, a UNESCO Heritage Site known for its medieval Gothic architecture. There’s also the Pont d’Avignon, medieval ramparts, and a ton of churches and chapels to explore. Couple this with the city’s collection of museums and galleries, its many festivals, and its accessibility by train, and you have the perfect base from which to explore the rest of Provence.
Pros of Staying in Avignon
- Rich history
- Plenty of museums and festivals
- Central location in Provence
- Well connected by train
- Dining, nightlife, and shopping options
Cons of Staying in Avignon
- Tourist crowds, especially during peak season
- Limited parking
- Less tranquil than other Provençal destinations
- Less natural scenery
Avignon Villa Pick
6 bed, 6 bath
Sleeps 12
From €1,244/night
Spread out over 15 acres, this former Cardinal residence is a restored beauty. Touches like a pool surrounded by Mediterranean gardens and a tennis court make this villa as impressive on the outside as it is on the inside. And with 6 well-appointed bedrooms, there’s plenty of room for up to 12 guests.
Le Viguier – Avignon
Where to Stay in Provence with a Car
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
If you have a car to get around, then Saint Remy villas make perfect places to stay. The town itself has a vibrant cultural scene thanks to its winding streets, lively markets, and scenic beauty. In terms of history, Saint Remy was built on the ancient Roman city of Galum, whose ruins are a major attraction. And it’s also known for being the place where Van Gogh painted many of his most famous works, including “Starry Night.” Plus, there are plenty of scenic drives nearby, including through the Alpilles Natural Park and the lavender fields.
Pros of Staying in Saint Remy
- Roman ruins and the Van Gogh trail
- Charming narrow streets
- Scenic beauty
- Near the Alpilles Regional Natural Park
- Proximity to Avignon, Arles, and the Luberon Valley
- Good dining and wine
Cons of Staying in Saint Remy
- Peak tourist crowds in the summer
- Dependency on a rental car
- Higher costs than other towns
- Limited nightlife
Saint Remy Villa Pick
7 bed, 6+1 bath
Sleeps 14
From €3,309/night
A restored 19th century Mas, Villa Serenite lives up to its name by evoking that effervescent Provençal charm. It combines local materials, antique furnishings, lavender views, a modern kitchen, and a large pool to create an experience that is at once modern and timeless. And at just a few minutes from the center of Saint Remy, its location is second to none.
Villa Serenite – Saint Remy de Provence
Where to Stay in Provence without a Car
Cassis
If you prefer not to rent a car, Cassis villas offer plenty of adventure opportunities close by. The town of Cassis sits on the Mediterranean Sea and is known for both its beaches and its harbor. The city center is very walkable. There are also plenty of opportunities for boat charters and kayak rentals to explore Calanaques National Park, a series of narrow, steep-walled inlets with crystal-clear water. And if you want to see the rest of Provence, Cassis is just a 20-minute train ride from Marseille, where you can then connect to the rest of the region.
Pros of Staying in Cassis
- Beautiful coastal town
- Compact and walkable
- Great beaches
- Great boat charters
- Lots of dining and shopping options
Cons of Staying in Cassis
- Can be crowded in peak season
- Limited number of accommodations
- A short taxi is needed to get to the train station
Cassis Villa Pick
12 bed, 10 bath
Sleeps 26
From €17,235/night
Laid out over 150 acres and gazing across the Mediterranean Sea, this beautiful villa is just 300m from the beach. It features 11 bedrooms, a heated pool, and a modern design meant to take advantage of those unparalleled views at every turn. One of the best beach villas in Provence.
Bastide de Cassis – Cassis
Summary of Where to Stay in Provence
- Where to stay near Aix en Provence: Ansousis
- Where to stay in Provence for Lavender: Luberon Valley
- Where to base yourself in Provence: Avignon
- Where stay in Provence with a car: Saint Remy
- Where to stay in Provence without a car: Cassis
Still Wondering Where to stay in Provence?
Hopefully, this post gives you a better idea of where the best place to stay in Provence is for you. If you’re still wondering where to stay in Provence, though, then let one of our Villa Specialists help. Just let them know your travel dates, who you’ll be traveling with, and what you’re hoping to do in Provence, and they’ll be happy to suggest the best place to stay. Contact us today!
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