Sarah Pernet: Villa Rental Specialist - Only Provence

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Sarah Pernet: Villa Rental Specialist

Meet Sarah Pernet, Villa Rental Specialist

Some people visit Provence. Others let it change them entirely. Sarah Pernet belongs to the second group.

In 2001, Sarah arrived in Aix-en-Provence with a young family and a sense that something different was possible. What followed was a life built around the region — first through a holiday rental business, then through Discover Provence, a tour company she ran for a decade. Thirty years of deep immersion gave Sarah something no algorithm can replicate: an intimate, lived understanding of Provence and the people who fall in love with it.

Now based in her native London, Sarah remains firmly rooted in the region she knows best, bringing that rare combination of insider knowledge and outside perspective to every client conversation.

When asked about her favourite place in Provence, she doesn’t hesitate: the monastery of St Paul de Mousole in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where Van Gogh spent the final year of his life and produced more than 150 of his most celebrated works. “It’s a place full of atmosphere, passion, creativity, and beauty,” she says — which, really, could also describe Sarah’s approach to finding the right villa for every Only Provence guest.

Q&A with Sarah

What was the moment you fell in love with Provence — was it a place, a meal, a specific light at a certain hour?

Sarah: Moving to Aix-en-Provence from Paris with my young family in 2001 was a real turning point. We loved waking up to the unique natural light that energised us and pulled us outside to explore the stunning local nature. That, together with a slower pace of life, afforded us an authentic lifestyle I’d been seeking for my family.

What’s a hidden corner of Provence that most guests never think to ask about — but absolutely should?

Sarah: The lavender fields on the Valensole plateau — in bloom during July and August — and the Fête de Lavande. It’s a sensory and emotional experience that sums up the magic of Provence: strong local traditions, gently rolling hills of purple hues with the backdrop of the Alps, a heady perfume that engulfs everything you’re wearing, and generations of families coming together with pride in their work.

View our guide to Lavender Season in Provence.

What does Provence do to people — why do so many guests come back year after year?

Sarah: Provence has a way of getting under your skin. I think it’s the combination of the light, the landscape, the traditions, and the pace of life. It’s a place that slows you down, makes you appreciate the simple things — a sunset, a good meal, a lazy afternoon in the shade. Guests come back year after year because they feel like they’re coming home. It’s not just a holiday destination, it’s a feeling, a state of mind.   

How do you match a family’s personality to the right property — what are you really listening for in that first conversation?

Sarah: I’m listening for their vibe — are they lively and adventurous, or more laid-back and relaxed? If they’re foodies, I’ll suggest places with great local restaurants. If there are teenagers or young adults, I’ll look for a property with a tennis court or sports facilities and a short walk into town.

Clients often reveal a lot about what they’re looking for during a conversation, and often a suitable property will simply pop into my head mid-chat — and it’s usually a good fit. It’s about understanding their priorities and matching them to a property that feels like home, but better.

What has working in Provence taught you about how people travel — and maybe how they should travel?

Sarah: Working in Provence has taught me that people travel to connect — to experience a different place, culture, food, scenery. But often, travellers are so busy organising their time that they forget to slow down and pick up on a Provençal pace: long lunches, slowly wandering along medieval village streets, and letting the day unfold to reveal unplanned, rich experiences.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Provence Villa?

Whether you’re dreaming of a sun-drenched mas in the Luberon, a village house within walking distance of a Saturday market, or a grand estate for a multigenerational gathering, Sarah is ready to help you find it.

Reach out directly to begin the conversation:

Sarah Pernet — Villa Rental Specialist, UK & Europe

Or browse our full collection of Provence villas and let us know what speaks to you.

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Jumping the Picket Fence Light Through the Cracks

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.