There’s something timeless about Provence. Maybe it’s the scent of sun-warmed lavender or the sound of cicadas echoing through the olive trees. Maybe it’s the cobbled streets of tiny villages, the farmer’s market still going strong after 400 years, or the way the light wraps itself around everything in gold. One thing is certain: there’s no better way to experience Provence than from the comfort of your own private villa.
But with so many beautiful corners to explore and hundreds of villas available, how do you choose the right one? At Only Provence, we’ve spent over 15 years helping guests uncover the perfect setting for their stay—whether they’re planning a family reunion, romantic escape, or creative retreat. Here’s what we’ve learned about finding that just-right villa in this magical part of France.
Begin With the Feeling, Not the Filter
Before narrowing things down by number of bedrooms or distance to town, we always invite guests to start with the feeling they want their trip to evoke. Are you imagining lazy mornings with coffee overlooking the vines? A home that comes alive with laughter and shared meals for a group of friends? Or complete silence and solitude, with only the mistral wind and your thoughts for company?
Your vision will lead the way. Once you have that, we can help refine it—translating emotions into real spaces that exist, and choosing from properties we know personally.
Where You Stay Shapes What You Experience
While Provence as a whole is spectacular, each subregion offers something unique. If you’re drawn to old-world charm and perched villages with lavender all around, the Luberon might be your match. If you crave art, history, and access to some of the region’s most stunning olive groves, the Alpilles and the village of Saint-Rémy are hard to beat. For those seeking a slower pace and fewer tourists, areas near Mont Ventoux and the Vaucluse countryside offer peace, space, and authenticity.
Choosing a location isn’t just about geography—it’s about choosing your rhythm. Do you want to walk to the market each morning, or be nestled far from the nearest road with vineyards in every direction? We’ll guide you through the subtle nuances that shape your days.
A Provence villa is more than a place to sleep—it’s the stage for your entire experience. That’s why we only work with villas that meet our high standards of charm, comfort, and authenticity. From restored stone farmhouses to modern estates built for entertaining, we’ve curated a portfolio of over 200 villas that reflect the very best of Provençal living.
Some guests prioritize ensuite bedrooms and air conditioning throughout the house, while others care most about a chef’s kitchen, a heated pool, or expansive gardens for yoga and gatherings. For group stays and retreats, details like privacy, flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, and the number of gathering areas become essential.
That’s where our team shines—matching what matters to you with homes we’ve walked through, stayed in, and loved ourselves.
Timing Is Everything
When you visit Provence can dramatically shape your experience. Spring brings wildflowers, fresh produce, and ideal weather for cycling and outdoor adventure. Summer offers that quintessential Provençal buzz—lavender in full bloom, night markets, and long sunny evenings. Autumn slows the pace, revealing golden vineyards and quieter villages. Even winter, often overlooked, offers cozy fireplaces, festive traditions, and great value.
There’s no wrong season—but there may be a perfect one for you. We’ll help you choose the time that aligns with your group, goals, and interests.
In the age of glossy listings and generic booking platforms, working with a team that knows Provence intimately makes all the difference. At Only Provence, we don’t just show you photos—we offer guidance rooted in years of local experience and meaningful relationships with villa owners.
When you book with Only Provence, you gain access to more than a beautiful property. You receive concierge-level support, honest insights, and thoughtful recommendations. From the moment of your first inquiry to your last sunset in Provence, we’re here for every step.
Let Your Stay Be More Than Just a Stay
A villa in Provence is a dream. But add a private chef preparing a multi-course meal under the stars, or a guided wine tasting on a 17th-century estate, or morning massages followed by a market walk with a local expert—and that dream deepens.
Our concierge services are designed to turn your trip into a curated experience. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, hosting a retreat, or simply recharging, we’ll help you make it special in ways you hadn’t even considered.
Finding the perfect villa in Provence isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about choosing the setting that supports your joy, your rest, your gathering. And when you get that part right, the rest flows easily.
Reach out to our team and let’s start imagining what your Provence experience could look like. The villa is waiting. The light is golden. And your story in Provence is just beginning.
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.
