Villas to Rent South of France
Florence Ferri: Portfolio Development Lead
Meet Florence Ferri
As Portfolio Development Lead at Only Provence, Florence Ferri oversees the growth and care of our villa collection, ensuring every property meets the highest standards of beauty, comfort, and Provençal charm. Her thoughtful approach guarantees that each home in our portfolio offers guests an authentic and refined experience of the region.
Born and raised in Paris, Florence lived in the capital until 2021 before relocating to the South of France near Avignon. Her career began in fashion, followed by roles in logistics and marketing with an American FMCG company, before she transitioned into hospitality management in Paris. Outside of work, Florence enjoys long walks, ballet, and visiting new exhibitions, and she values time spent sharing meals in good company. She is also the mother of two daughters, both currently studying in Paris.
Q&A with Florence
When you visit a property for the first time, what are some key elements that you look for that tell you a villa is truly “Only Provence” material?
Florence: Every villa is unique, but for me, a true Only Provence property combines a great location near popular villages, stunning views, peaceful gardens, and essential comforts. That means air conditioning in all bedrooms, high-quality linens, ample seating both inside and out, reliable internet, and a secure pool. Bonus points for features like a heated pool, play space for children, abundant shade, ensuite bathrooms with separate WCs, large American-sized beds, and a well-stocked kitchen. And, of course, it must have the charm and authenticity of Provençal style.
What are a few red flags that might keep a property from making it into the portfolio?
Florence: The biggest barriers we usually encounter are no air conditioning, poor maintenance, outdated décor, or too few bathrooms for the number of bedrooms. We favor properties with ensuite layouts, so multiple rooms without private baths can be a drawback. A lack of essentials, such as a pool, parking, or flexible booking terms, is another concern we always take into consideration. Finally, while we truly love discovering hidden gems, we prioritize homes in or near the most sought-after Provençal villages, where guests usually want to spend the majority of their time.
If you were planning to rent a villa in Provence for you and your family, what would be your five must-haves?
Florence: For me, comfort and location are key. I prefer a secluded location close to nature, with a pool, and a well-equipped kitchen where we can cook and enjoy meals together. I’d also look for homes with easy access to charming villages that offer good markets, cafés, and restaurants, as well as nearby walking or cycling paths to explore the area.
Stay in Provence: Your Villa Awaits
Only Provence offers the largest curated collection of luxury villas in the region, from historic stone farmhouses to contemporary estates with sweeping views. Each property is hand-selected for character, comfort, and authenticity, with concierge services available to arrange everything from private chefs to guided tours.
Ready to experience the magic of Provence for yourself? Contact a Villa Rental Specialist today to begin planning your stay and find the perfect villa from which to explore.
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Only Provence co-founder Lydia Dean writes about their experiences raising a family, building a business in Provence, and later combining the love of travel with giving back in "Jumping the Picket Fence". In 2021, she published "Light Through the Cracks," a continuation of her journey, much of which has been based in Provence. Both books are available Amazon, Amazon.uk, and Amazon.Fr.