The Ultimate Provence Travel Guide: Where to Stay, Eat, and Explore in 2026 - Only Provence

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The Ultimate Provence Travel Guide: Where to Stay, Eat, and Explore in 2026

A complete guide to experiencing the magic of southern France—where to stay, what to eat, and how to explore—with villas curated by Only Provence, the region’s most trusted luxury rental specialists.

A Timeless Destination with a Fresh Allure

There’s never a wrong time to visit Provence—but 2026 brings new energy to this storied region. Michelin-starred chefs are embracing farm-to-table simplicity, historic estates are unveiling new art exhibitions, and cycling and hiking trails connect some of France’s most beautiful villages. Yet, through all this evolution, the essence of Provence remains untouched: golden light, lavender-scented air, and a rhythm that reminds you to slow down and savor.

Whether you’re returning for another season or planning your first Provençal escape, this guide will help you experience the very best of the region—from where to stay in one of Only Provence’s private villas to where to eat, explore, and unwind.

Where to Stay: Choosing Your Home Base

Every corner of Provence tells a different story. The secret to an unforgettable trip is choosing a villa that matches your pace, personality, and passions. The Only Provence collection spans every landscape—from secluded vineyard estates to elegant village bastides—each one personally inspected, perfectly maintained, and ready to welcome you.

1. The Alpilles: Sophistication & Provençal Soul

Centered around Saint-Rémy and Eygalières, the Alpilles region embodies the refined charm of southern France. Expect olive groves, limestone cliffs, and stylish villages where art, history, and gastronomy meet. Only Provence’s villas here range from centuries-old stone farmhouses with manicured gardens to modern architectural estates designed for entertaining.

Ideal For: Couples, art lovers, wine enthusiasts, and families wanting village life with luxury.

2. The Luberon: Lavender Dreams and Storybook Villages

Perched hilltop villages like Gordes, Bonnieux, and Ménerbes define the Luberon’s cinematic beauty. This is the Provence of endless lavender fields, vineyard lunches, and open-air markets. Only Provence’s Luberon villas often feature panoramic terraces, large swimming pools, and shaded outdoor kitchens—perfect for long family lunches or sunset rosé.

Ideal For: Families, photographers, food lovers, and anyone craving a slower pace with breathtaking views.

images of only provence villas

3. Ventoux: Tranquility, Space, and a Slower Pace

For those drawn to peace and open skies, the Ventoux region delivers a quieter kind of luxury with less tourists. Vineyards roll toward the horizon, medieval villages cling to the hillsides, and every turn feels undiscovered.

Ideal For: Writers, extended families, wellness retreats, and travelers seeking tranquility off the beaten path.

4. The Riviera: The Sun, the Sea, and the South

Provence stretches toward the Mediterranean, where Cassis, Bandol, and Hyères shimmer with seaside beauty. Move a bit further West, and we are in a region of Provence known as the Riviera or the Côte d’Azur, where you find a bit more glitz, glam, and multi-million dollar yachts.

Note: The villas in our portfolio do not extend to this region. If the Riviera rhythm is what you are looking for, we suggest contacting a rental agency specializing in that region.

Where to Eat: Provence’s Ever-Evolving Table

Provençal cuisine celebrates the land. It’s simple, sensual, and deeply seasonal—olive oil from the neighbor’s grove, tomatoes still warm from the sun, a glass of chilled rosé that tastes like the afternoon itself.

Michelin-Starred Excellences – here are just a few of the many starred restaurants in Inland Provence.

Village Favorites and Market Bistros

In every village, you’ll find the heart of Provence in its simplest form—menus written in chalk, laughter spilling out of courtyards, and food that feels like home. Don’t miss:

  • Le Bistrot du Paradou (Paradou): The quintessential long lunch spot.
  • Chez Gaby (Lourmarin):  Perfect for a rose after the morning market and a favorite of the beloved author Peter Mayle..
  • Le Jardin du Quai (L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue): Market-to-table perfection beneath the plane trees.

Pair every meal with a local rosé and you’ll understand why Provence feels like a feast for the senses.

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What to Explore: Provençal Adventures for 2026

Morning Markets – Markets are Provence’s living heartbeat. Each town has its rhythm:

Lavender and Vineyard Trails

Late June to mid-July is lavender season, with the Abbaye de Sénanque and the Valensole Plateau at their most photogenic. Year-round, wine routes in the Luberon and Rhône Valley offer tours and tastings guided by local vintners. Visit the Les Agnels Lavender Distillery to learn about lavender harvest, distillation, and for fantastic shopping.

Cycling and E-Bike Adventures

2026 will see expanded e-bike networks linking Gordes, Bonnieux, and Oppède, making it easier than ever to explore the countryside on two wheels. Visit our partner Provence Chefs Experience for more details about renting bikes in Provence and unique cycling tours.

Art & History

Follow Van Gogh’s path in Saint-Rémy, visit Cézanne’s Atelier in Aix, and experience the immersive shows at the Carrières des Lumières in Les Baux-de-Provence. Monet / Rousseau, Pioneers of Impressionism and Naive Art, transforms the former quarry into a moving gallery of projected masterpieces set to music, running until February 1, 2026. The Little Prince, The Immersive Odyssey, offers a poetic audiovisual journey inspired by the classic tale, running until January 31, 2026.

Arles adds another cultural highlight with the Rencontres d’Arles Photography Festival, held from July through September. Exhibitions take over chapels, warehouses, courtyards, and galleries throughout the city, attracting photographers and art lovers from around the world.

Summer Festivals

2026 marks the 80th anniversary of the Festival d’Avignon, one of the world’s great theatre gatherings. Pair it with the Festival de Lacoste hosted by the Pierre Cardin Foundation for a cultural summer to remember.

Major Festivals and Arts

Outdoor and Sports

When to Visit Provence in 2026

  • Spring (March–May): Blossoms, hiking weather, and open markets.
  • Summer (June–August): Lavender, long evenings, and lively festivals.
  • Autumn (September–October): Cool for biking, hiking, golden vineyards, and soft light.
  • Winter (November–February): Quiet charm, truffle season, Christmas markets, and cozy firesides.

Pro Tip: Book early. Only Provence villas in peak months (especially those with lavender views or village access) are often reserved a year in advance.

Why Stay With Only Provence

For over twenty years, Only Provence has curated the region’s finest collection of private villas—homes that embody authenticity, comfort, and refinement. Each property is personally vetted, professionally managed, and supported by a local team ensuring every detail is effortless.

From your first conversation with a Villa Specialist to your final sunset in Provence, the experience is personal, seamless, and rooted in care. You’ll find not just a villa, but a home that feels like it was waiting for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Provence in 2026

For summer travel, booking 9–12 months ahead ensures access to the most desirable villas in popular regions like the Luberon and Alpilles. Spring and autumn offer more flexibility, but demand remains high for family and group villas.

The Alpilles offers refined village life and art; the Luberon delivers countryside romance and markets; Ventoux and Vaucluse provide quiet seclusion; and Coastal Provence brings sea views and summer flair. Our specialists will guide you to the perfect match based on your group, interests, and season.

Yes. Only Provence has its own concierge to help with arrival details and special requests.  Additionally, Only Provence works with trusted local partners who can arrange chefs, guided tours, wine tastings, transfers, and more. These services are customized for each villa and are best requested when you confirm your booking.

Beyond new art exhibits and eco-conscious vineyards, expect expanded cycling routes, new Michelin additions, and revitalized village markets. Provence continues to blend tradition with innovation beautifully.

Because we live here. Every villa in our collection has been personally inspected, every guest cared for by our bilingual local team. With over two decades of experience, Only Provence offers something no platform can replicate: trust, transparency, and a true connection to place.

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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.