Bienvenue en Provence! You’re planning a trip to the land of golden light, vineyard-covered hills, and villages that look like they stepped straight out of a painting. Whether you’re hoping to stay in a luxury villa with a private chef (oui, please!) or just road-tripping through olive groves with a baguette in hand, here are our essential tips to make your journey as effortless as a Provençal summer breeze.
1. Don’t Overstuff Your Itinerary—This is Provence, Not Paris
Provence is meant to be savored, not rushed. This isn’t the place for tightly packed itineraries or back-to-back sightseeing—rather, it’s a destination that invites you to slow down and truly live in each moment. Instead of trying to check off a dozen villages in one day, plan just one or two meaningful experiences: perhaps a morning wandering the cobbled streets of a perched hilltop village, and an afternoon wine tasting at a sun-drenched vineyard where time seems to stand still.
Leave room in your schedule for life’s simple pleasures—long, lingering lunches under plane trees, spontaneous visits to a local market where every stall offers a new delight, or quiet hours spent poolside with a good book and the scent of lavender in the air. In Provence, the art of doing nothing isn’t just encouraged—it’s a way of life, a gentle reminder that the most beautiful memories often come when we allow ourselves to simply be.
2. Market Mornings Are a Must
From Apt to Saint-Rémy to Lourmarin, village markets are the soul of Provence—colorful, bustling gatherings where the region’s rich traditions and seasonal abundance come alive. These markets typically run from 8am to 1pm, and arriving early is key to experiencing them at their best. As the morning sun warms the cobblestones, stalls brim with local treasures: wheels of fragrant cheese, jars of golden honey, vivid bouquets of lavender, hand-stitched linens, and sun-ripened produce that tastes like summer in every bite. The air is filled with the scent of herbs and roasted chicken, and the sounds of friendly banter between locals and vendors echo through the streets. It’s not just a place to shop—it’s where the rhythm of Provençal life plays out in full color.
Pro tip: Carry cash and bring a large basket or market tote—you’ll be surprised how quickly it fills up with irresistible finds, from olives and tapenade to fresh figs and artisanal soaps. Embrace the experience, chat with the vendors, and don’t be afraid to taste as you go—market mornings in Provence are as much about connection as they are about discovery.
3. Yes, You’ll Need a Car
Public transport is limited, and the real magic of Provence is tucked away in the countryside, far beyond the reach of train lines and bus stops. To truly experience the region’s charm, renting a car is essential—preferably a small one, as many village roads are delightfully narrow and winding. With your own wheels, you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace, stopping whenever inspiration strikes: a hidden chapel on a hill, a roadside stand selling homemade goat cheese, or a poppy-filled field begging for a photo. Scenic drives take you through waves of lavender, rows of ancient vines, and storybook villages where time seems to stand still.
Bonus points if it’s a convertible—there’s nothing quite like cruising with the top down, the scent of wild herbs in the air, and golden Provençal light dancing across the landscape.
4. Lunch is Sacred. Respect the Ritual.
Lunch in Provence is no quick bite—it’s an event, a cherished daily ritual that’s as much about connection and pleasure as it is about food. Most restaurants shut down after lunch service and won’t reopen until dinner, and even many shops close their doors for a few hours during the long pause déjeuner. Instead of rushing through your midday meal, embrace the local rhythm. Settle in at a shaded café terrace, order a carafe of chilled rosé, and prepare to linger over courses that unfold slowly: a crisp salade niçoise, a fragrant bowl of bouillabaisse, perhaps a tarte aux abricots to finish. Conversations stretch, time slows, and the world softens under the Provençal sun. Here, lunch is where the day breathes—and so should you. You’re on Provence time now.
5. Time Your Trip with the Seasons
When you visit Provence shapes your experience. Timing your trip well means catching Provence at its best for you.
- June–July: Lavender in full bloom. Pure magic.
- September–October: Quieter, golden vineyards, and grape harvests.
- May & Early June: Wildflowers, fewer crowds, perfect weather.
- August: Beautiful, but busier. Most locals take their own holidays.
For more details, visit our recent post When to Visit: Our Season-by-Season Guide.
6. Don’t Just Stick to the “Famous” Villages
Gordes and Roussillon are stunning—with their hilltop views and ochre-hued charm, they absolutely deserve their place on every Provence itinerary. But don’t stop there. The true soul of the region often reveals itself in the quieter corners—the lesser-known gems like Saignon, Joucas, or Oppède-le-Vieux. These smaller villages may not be splashed across postcards, but they offer something even more magical: authenticity. Let yourself get lost among their timeworn stone walls, winding alleys, and sun-dappled squares where locals gather for a game of pétanque or an afternoon apéritif.
Some of the best moments in Provence happen when you’re off the tourist trail, following your senses through sleepy lanes where lavender grows wild, shutters creak open in the breeze, and the only sound is the hum of cicadas and your footsteps on ancient cobblestones. It’s in these quiet places that Provence truly whispers to the soul.
7. Brush Up on Some French (Even Just a Little)
A cheerful “Bonjour!” goes a long way in Provence, where warmth and hospitality are woven into daily life. While many locals speak English—especially in popular tourist areas—making even a small effort to speak a few words of French is always appreciated and often rewarded with a smile. Don’t worry if your accent is a mess; it’s the attempt that counts, and your charm will carry you further than perfect grammar ever could.
Learn a few basics like “Merci beaucoup” (thank you very much), “S’il vous plaît” (please), and “L’addition, s’il vous plaît” (the bill, please). And for a touch of Provençal flair, try tossing in a regional greeting like “ça va, hein?” with a friendly shrug, or asking for the plat du jour at a village café.
Whether you’re complimenting a vendor at the market or ordering your morning café crème, these little gestures build connection—and add a layer of authenticity to your Provençal adventure.
8. Stay Like a Local—Not a Tourist
Skip cookie-cutter hotels and opt for a stay in a luxury Provençal villa with Only Provence—where your home becomes part of the experience. Our exceptional properties range from rustic-chic farmhouses with centuries-old beams and stone walls to sleek modern estates with floor-to-ceiling windows, infinity pools, and panoramic vineyard views. Whether you’re looking for old-world charm or contemporary elegance, the villas of Only Provence offer unmatched privacy, comfort, and a deep sense of place.
Best of all, expert local concierge services can take care of every detail—arranging everything from guided market tours and wine tastings to private yoga sessions and bike rentals. Staying in a villa isn’t just about where you sleep—it’s about living Provence from the inside out.
Connect with a Villa Rental Specialist today to start planning your next holiday in Provence.
9. Rosé All Day? Mais Oui.
Provence is the birthplace of rosé, and here, it’s not just a trend—it’s a way of life. Light, dry, and refreshingly crisp, Provençal rosé is best enjoyed chilled and savored slowly, preferably on a terrace at golden hour as the sky turns shades of peach and lavender. It pairs perfectly with everything from olives and tapenade to grilled seafood and lazy conversations that stretch into the evening. The region is dotted with stunning vineyards—many family-run for generations—that welcome visitors for tastings and tours.
Whether you’re swirling a glass at a centuries-old château or enjoying a casual apéritif at a local cave, sipping rosé while gazing out over the very vines that produced it is a true Provençal rite of passage. Don’t be surprised if you leave with a newfound appreciation for this elegant pink elixir—and a few bottles tucked into your suitcase.
10. Prepare for the Light to Change You
There’s something about the light in Provence—brilliant, golden, and utterly mesmerizing. It dances across olive groves and stone facades, softens the edges of hilltop villages, and makes even the simplest scene feel like a masterpiece. It’s this ethereal glow that drew artists like Van Gogh, Cézanne, Matisse, and Chagall, who came in search of inspiration and left behind legacies of color and light that still echo through the region today. But you don’t have to be an artist to feel it.
Whether you’re watching the sun rise over the Luberon or sipping rosé as it sets behind a lavender field, Provence stirs the soul in subtle, unforgettable ways. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself dreaming of lemon trees and crickets long after you’ve returned home—or secretly plotting your next visit before the first trip has even ended. That’s the Provence effect. It lingers.
Ready to Fall in Love with Provence?
Start planning your villa stay and experience the South of France like a true insider. From chef-prepared dinners to secret villages, Only Provence offers personalized service and the region’s finest luxury homes.
