Whatever you choose to do, we recommend you take it slow. While Peter Mayle might have made a bit of fun of the pace in Provence, there is much to learn from it— the long hours spent over meals appreciating food, time, and conversation; meandering through the cobblestone streets during market day; napping under a shady tree; and taking in the history found in the ancient sites and monuments.

There are two distinct regions with Inland Provence: Les Alpilles and the Luberon. If you rent a villa in one area, make sure you explore the other as well, as they are under an hour from one another and have distinct spirits.

We kindly advise you to contact our partners well before your holiday to plan your day tours and itineraries.

Our “must-do” list while in the region.

Visit Morning Markets  

Find all the delicious regional specialties and more at these markets.

Wine Tasting at Renowned Local Wineries

Many produce olive oil as well. (See our “All Things Wine” page for more info)

Spend a Day Touring the Villages of the Luberon

You don’t need to see them all, but within a day, you can visit two or three villages in any given area. The most famous villages are Lourmarin, Bonnieux, Ménerbes, Lacoste, Goult, Gordes, and Roussillon, but they also draw the most visitors. Also, consider visiting the smaller, quieter villages of Ansouis, Vaugines, La Tour D’Aigues, Lauris, Saignon, Rustrel, Saint Saturnin… the list goes on.

Explore the Alpilles Region

Spend a day visiting the main villages in this region (approximately 45 minutes from the Luberon). The main villages to see are Eygalières, Les Baux, Maussane-les-Alpilles, and the larger town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. 

Enjoy Authentic Restaurant Experiences

Visit the Only Provence villages pages for the best restaurants in each village.

Get on the Trails to Take in the Nature

Take in the scents, flowers, vineyards, and groves of the region. No matter what the season, there is beauty to be found on the trails. Rent some bikes and explore the backroads. Rent a bike yourself or arrange to deliver bikes to your villa (book here).

Stretch Out to One of the Larger Cities 

Spend a day exploring Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, or Arles.

Arrange a Private Chef to Cook in Your Villa

Book here.

Visit Top Historical Sites in the Region

Luberon

• Abbey of Senanque: Gordes
• Village de Bories: An ancient hamlet of Gordes
• Sentier des Ocres: Ochre hills of Roussillon
• Le Petit Colorado: Yellow & red rock formations in former ocher-mining quarries

Alpilles

• The Glanums: Roman Ruins outside Saint-Rémy
• Van Gogh’s Asylum in Saint Remy
  Les Baux de Provence: Castle ruins overlooking the plains to the South
• Les Carrieres de Lumières: Amazing art and sound exhibit in a quarry – not to be missed!
• Abbaye de Montmajour: Founded in 948 by Benedictine monks.
• Pont du Gard: An awe-inspiring ancient Roman aqueduct built over 2000 years ago and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Swim in the clear waters of the river Gardon—canoe or kayak under the bridge.
• Arles: The Roman Amphitheatre offers traditional shows and cultural events throughout the year set in the stunning Roman arena in the town center.
• Van Gogh Route: Walk in the footsteps of Van Gogh.

A Day on the Coast

Spend a day along the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea, either in the Calanques or Cassis. Please note that Cassis gets quite crowded in the summer months but is a beautiful place to do boating and hiking in the off-season months.

Day Trips to Other Interesting Places

• Camargue: Experience a bull “manade” visit, a visit to the salt mines, and/or a day at the beach – inquire about access to private beaches.
• Les Gorges du Verdon with its beautiful lac of “Sainte Croix”
• Les Gorges de l’Ardéche