The 16 most beautiful villages of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur: for a complete visit to the land of cicadas, creeks and lavender.
The towns and villages of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur capture the imagination of travelers from all over the world. It’s a paradise where it’s easy to imagine enjoying the good life. In the shade of the olive trees, you’d be lulled to sleep by the song of the cicadas and the lapping of the opalescent waters. We’d also gladly let our palates and nostrils fall prey to the flavors of aromatic plants and orange blossom.
What if the dream became reality? Embark on a journey to this sunny destination proudly sung by its children. Discover it to the rhythm of its typical villages, both wild and majestic, set between hills and vineyard slopes. Here are the 16 most beautiful villages in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.
1. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Rolf E. Staerk
After sailing on the scandalously blue Sainte-Croix lake, stop off at Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. In the Verdon Regional Nature Park, at the foot of a limestone massif, this enchanting village has become a must-see.
Its flower-filled alleyways, whose colors enhance the milky brilliance of the earthenware, seem blessed by the gods. Discover the unique charm of its tiered houses and climb up to its rock-cut chapel and castle.
2. Saint-Véran
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At an altitude of over two thousand meters, the sundials of Saint-Véran seem to touch the sun. Just like its slate roofs, which cut through the clouds and immediately charm all visitors.
This village is not only one of the most beautiful in Provence, but also one of the highest in Europe. In the heart of the Queyras Regional Nature Park, let yourself be carried away as you wander through the narrow streets, dotted here and there with fountains, wooden chalets and centuries-old houses.
3. Coaraze
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The colorful facades of Coaraze never cease to fascinate and attract artists. This medieval village, nestled in the hinterland of Nice, is bathed in sunlight. This gives it an absolutely breathtaking palette of color. It boasts all the charms of a Riviera village.
Stroll to the flower-filled squares and look for the series of sundials designed by Jean Cocteau.
4. Gassin
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Gassin is magnetic. This typically Provencal village, with its little squares, fountains, vaulted passageways and enameled secret streets, also promises a breathtaking panorama of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. Gassin offers a remarkable quality of life and an outstanding heritage. The village is built on a wooded knoll with an abundance of flowers.
Narrow streets lead past historic gates and an olive oil mill, to a fortified terrace that plunges down to the Golden Isles.
5. Gourdon
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Laborant
At the top of the Loup valley stands the beautiful village of Gourdon. A must-visit landmark in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur region, it’s easy to fall in love with it. We dare you to resist its little houses, its castle and its view of the Grande Bleue.
This fortified town, set proudly on a rocky promontory, has preserved its medieval heritage, much to the delight of lovers of historical strolls.
6. La Grave
Photo credit: Wikipedia – MOSSOT
One of the first villages to visit in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region takes you to the mountains. Nestled in the entrenchments of a high valley in the Écrins massif, this legendary village stands tall against the fearsome peak of La Meije.
Here, lovers of traditional stone dwellings, mountaineering and high-altitude landscapes won’t know where to turn. For the ultimate in breathtaking views, take the Glacier de la Meije cable car. Can you see the medieval church below, and the wooden and brass crosses in the cemetery?
7. Gordes
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Romrodphoto
This artists’ village resembles a Provencal nativity scene, cross-hatched by the pine forest and looking up at the azure sky. It’s one of the most beautiful villages in Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur, and also the most visited in the Luberon.
Perched high above the plain, its Renaissance château dominates, as if carved out of the rock. Explore the streets steeped in the traditions of Provence. Discover the dazzlingly white dry-stone houses. Nearby, visit the Abbaye de Sénanque, surrounded by olive groves and lavender fields.
8. Venasque
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Edler von Rabenstein
Venasque springs from a sunny land and stands proudly as an ancient medieval town. A must-visit village in Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur, Venasque is typical for the vineyards, cherry orchards and garrigues that surround it. As if balanced on its rock, Venasque stands watch over the valley. The town’s charm also lies in its squares, with their fountains and remarkable residences.
An irreducible invitation to calm and serenity among artists’ and craftsmen’s studios.
9. Lourmarin
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A setting of stone, olive trees and vineyards is a typical Provencal setting. Lourmarin is the perfect embodiment of its region and its art of living. Its castle, standing since the Renaissance, and its winding streets are treasures that epicureans, artists and walkers never tire of.
Art galleries, artisan boutiques and beautiful sunny terraces follow one another in unrivalled charm. Don’t leave Venasque without sampling its sweet galettes.
10. Roussillon
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Boris Stroujko
Roussillon, or the village that looks like a master painting. No one is immune to its dazzling beauty. This atypical village vibrates with warm, sunny colors. Like the famous glowing ochres dug out nearby, this flamboyant enclave bewitches.
The narrow streets, staircases and houses are painted in ochre. It all comes together in exceptional harmony. So let yourself be enchanted by the rays shaving the palettes of yellows, reds, browns and greens.
11. Bargema
Photo credit: Shutterstock – chromoprisme
Bargème stands out for its 13th-century castle perched over a thousand meters above sea level. This feudal village will win over all lovers of the Middle Ages and old stone. Nestled in a green setting, Bargème boasts timeless chapels. Stroll through the medieval alleys and listen to the whispers of history around every corner.
12. Les Baux-de-Provence
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Gerhard Roethlinger
This majestic village to visit in Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur clings to a rocky spur and towers over the ravines of the Alpilles. Les Baux-de-Provence possesses an infinite grace, which you’ll discover as you wander through its labyrinthine alleys. Look up: the remains of the castle watch over you and the whole town.
Here, everything is concentrated history and unshakeable fortifications. This little paradise also boasts citadel ruins, towers, a castral chapel and a keep opening onto an exceptional viewpoint.
13. Saint-Agnès
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Adjacent to the Italian border, Saint-Agnès is a balcony overlooking the sea: the highest in Europe. One of the must-visit villages in Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur, Saint-Agnès has an enchanting authenticity.
Its labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets, strewn with pebbles, gives it a striking medieval allure. Best of all, the maze eventually leads to a breathtaking panorama of the Côte d’Azur.
14. Peillon
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Rolf E. Staerk
Peillon sits on a steep promontory and is sure to get your calves warmed up! The village is so steep that there are only stairs. Nevertheless, the village’s sporting trails are exceptionally charming.
This medieval village of character seems impregnable, and one even wonders how it got there… The tightly-bound stone houses blend into the landscape. In between, you’ll find arcades and a fully preserved chapel.
15. Peille
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Laborant
Here, you’ll enjoy strolling under olive, fig and cypress trees and among the old stones. Peille is a typical village of character, offering breathtaking walks in the hinterland of Menton and Monaco.
Peille is particularly famous for its Lascaris palace, built into the side of a cliff. While the site may seem rugged and wild, it’s a truly warm and inviting place. At nightfall, the feudal village becomes magical: the skilful lighting offers a spectacular panorama.
16. Ramatuelle
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Zdenek Matyas Photography
Ramatuelle, a village favored by many celebrities, nestles near the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and the famous Pampelonne beach. It is rich in historic sites that bubble under the song of the cicadas.
Here, you’ll be enchanted by the winding labyrinths, tortuous alleyways, vaulted passageways and religious buildings. The backdrop of scrubland and vineyards completes this haven of peace.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur