Villas to Rent South of France
Kelly Bateman: Villa Rental Specialist
Meet Kelly Bateman
As a Villa Rental Specialist at Only Provence, Kelly brings more than two decades of travel experience in the South of France and an intimate understanding of Provence’s homes, landscapes, and way of life. Her long-standing relationship with the region allows her to thoughtfully guide guests toward the villa that best suits how they want to experience Provence, whether they’re drawn to quiet countryside settings, village life, or a balance of both.
Among the constellation of perched villages in the Luberon, Ménerbes holds a special place for Kelly, its timeless charm often associated with the writings of Peter Mayle. For lively towns, she is especially fond of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, often called the Venice of Provence, where canals and historic waterwheels wind through a vibrant town centered around one of the region’s most beloved open-air markets.
Q&A with Kelly
When did you first fall in love with Provence?
Kelly: My first introduction to the region was at a riverside home within walking distance of the town of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue 25 years ago. I was immediately taken by the moss-covered watermills, the colorful open-air marché which spills onto numerous streets, and the relaxed pace of life where you can linger at a café or restaurant as long as you like. In the daytime, cicadas sing, the sun shines, and the sky is the most beautiful shade of cerulean blue. At night, the dark sky is filled with shimmering stars above, while off in the distance, perched villages warmly glow.
Once I saw the Pont-du-Gard and then had a chance to visit Roussillon, Gordes and Ménerbes in the Luberon, as well as Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Eygalières and Les Baux in Les Alpilles, I knew without a doubt I would return. I certainly had no idea it would become a decades-long love affair; however, I am genuinely still as smitten with the region today as I was back in 2000.
No matter how many times I visit, I still have a long list of things to see and do. And yes, I still sigh at the view of Gordes on approach every single time. Provence is always a good idea!
What is your favorite hidden village in Provence?
Kelly: Some of the most memorable experiences are the unplanned, unexpected moments off the beaten path. I had the good fortune to have an incredible guide introduce me to the tiny medieval village of Brantes some years ago after an especially memorable lavender route excursion. I didn’t think the day could get any better. The picture-postcard scenery at every turn, breathtaking long-range views, cobblestone streets, and quaint pottery shops were so magical that I felt as though I were a character in a storybook. It’s not trendy or chic, but it spoke to me in a way no other village I’ve visited has, and I encourage anyone visiting Sault for lavender to continue on to Brantes for unforgettable vistas and authenticity. It’s also conveniently situated near Mont Ventoux, if that mythical mountain is on your list.
What’s your top “must do” experience in Provence for this summer?
Kelly: Fontaine de Vaucluse is a must for those who love water and nature. Minutes from the town of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, the source which feeds the Sorgue River, the fifth largest in the world, is worth the detour. Go early or much later in the day to avoid crowds and beat the heat in summer.
It’s an especially lovely stop in the early spring or in the autumn, where you can take a stroll along the river banks shaded by majestic plane trees.
For a more active visit, you can rent canoes and kayaks for a trip along the Sorgue from a historical monument, the Aqueduct of Fontaine de Vaucluse. For sunset seekers, I recommend a drive along Le Route du Destet in les Alpilles at the magic hour for an unforgettable experience.
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.