Villas to Rent South of France
Introducing “The Art of Retreat” by Only Provence
Twenty years in the making.
A new collection of luxury small-group retreats — a natural evolution of the local connections we have built over more than two decades.
Only Provence began more than twenty years ago with a small idea and a deep love of place. What started as a handful of carefully chosen properties across inland Provence grew, slowly and intentionally, into one of the region’s most trusted names in luxury villa rental.
Somewhere along the way, an important truth surfaced. Guests would write to us afterward, raving about the beautiful villas they stayed in, yet sharing that it was the experiences that left the deepest impression— the unhurried encounters, the chance to live, even briefly, the way Provence has always lived. That is what people had been seeking all along: the real, the authentic, a return to the natural. “The Art of Retreat” is a natural continuation of that lesson.
We are excited to announce four luxury, all-inclusive small-group retreats in 2027, carefully curated, planned, and guided from the moment you arrive to the moment you depart — each rooted in the land, the table, and the living traditions of Provence.
The Spirit of the Retreats
The art of living well that Provence knows so well.
Every retreat is drawn from personal relationships we have made over the years with the winemakers, farmers, chefs, artists, and families who make inland Provence what it is — so you can simply experience Provence as it has always lived, and still lives today.
Guided by the seasons, our six-night, seven-day retreats are a thoughtfully balanced blend of enriching experiences, personal freedom, cultural discovery, exceptional food and wine, and opportunities for genuine connection — with the region and its people.
The days move between vineyards, ateliers, hilltop villages, private estates, and moments of quiet for oneself. Garden-to-table meals are shared — though not all — at long tables in candlelit courtyards. One of our retreats, offered in the crisp air of autumn, involves long, leisurely days of walking from village to hilltop village, discovering Provence one step at a time.
Each retreat offers the opportunity to slow down and connect with the seasons — getting our hands into it, from picking grapes at harvest time to drying herbs, to learning to cook Provence’s slow-cooked meals. Why? Because this is what we have learned connects us to place, and to ourselves.
Wellness isn’t the focus – it’s the foundation
Retreats are so often associated with wellness, and many market mainly to women. For us, wellness is not the singular focus — it’s foundational. A retreat, at its heart, is not about stepping away from life; it is about stepping more fully into it — into beauty, taste, history, rest. Into the art of living well.
2027 Retreats
Small groups. Limited availability. Now registering interest.
Preferential pricing applies for clients of Only Provence.
May 02–08, 2027
The first markets of the year, waking vineyards, wild herbs, aromatherapy, and long walks through blossoming orchards. A gentle beginning — space to breathe, eat well, and begin again.
June 13–19, 2027
The very best of inland Provence in a single extraordinary week — hilltop villages, Roman traces, ateliers, and private estates, in the company of local historians, artists, and vintners.
September 19–25, 2027
Harvest season at its richest — hands-in-the-vines mornings, private dining in a centuries-old château, foraging, preserving, and unhurried lessons in the kitchens and wine cellars of the region.
October 02–08, 2027
An ancient walking route reimagined with luxury at its edges — days on foot through autumn light, evenings of refined accommodation, farm-to-table meals, and rest.
Where you will stay - An 18th century luxury bastide
Set on 57 hectares of working vineyards in the Luberon countryside, this luxury estate and farmhouse offers an authentic expression of the Provençal art of living. Centuries-old stone buildings, elegant interiors, antique furnishings, and beautifully landscaped gardens create an atmosphere that is both refined and welcoming. The property remains deeply connected to the land, with organic vegetable and herb gardens, farm-to-table cuisine, and a long-standing agricultural tradition at its heart.
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© 2026 Only Provence
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.