NORTH
| Name |
|---|
| Séguret |
| Montbrun-les-Bains |
| Venasque |
| Simiane-la-Rotonde |
| Fontaine-de-Vaucluse |
Séguret
Listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France, Séguret is a lovely hilltop village in the Vaucluse, with plenty of traces of its medieval past still intact. The best way to approach it is to leave your car below the village, then go through the beautiful Calendale Gate, the old fortified entrance that opens onto a maze of paved little streets full of character.
As you make your way up through these medieval lanes, lined with old houses and timeworn stone, you reach the Church of Notre Dame, originally built in the 12th century and later altered between the 15th and 16th centuries.
Your walk then continues along Rue du Séquier, which leads up to the upper part of the village. Once you go through the gate of the same name, you reach the top of the hill where the Anglica Tower stands, an impressive crenellated 14th century tower, 28 metres high. Visible from the plain below, it once overlooked the whole area and helped strengthen the protection of the papal city of Avignon.
From the heights of Séguret, you can enjoy wide views over the plain, and at its foot, you can also see the Château de Barbentane, an elegant 17th century building sometimes nicknamed the “Little Provençal Trianon”, even though it isn’t open to visitors today.
With its winding lanes, medieval remains, and open views over Provence, Séguret gives you a wonderfully charming walk and is one of those typical villages where you can still really feel the history and soul of the Vaucluse.
Montbrun-les-Bains
Set opposite the northern slope of Mont Ventoux, Montbrun les Bains sits in a spectacular landscape shaped by the Ventoux massif and the wild valleys stretching out toward the Baronnies. You find the village among a group of places clinging to the foothills of the mountain, where hilltop villages, winding roads, and wide open views over the surrounding fields and valleys follow one after another.
In this region, the road leading to Montbrun les Bains takes you through several typical villages, some of them overlooking the valley. These medieval villages, often perched on rocky spurs, give you striking views of Ventoux and the surrounding countryside. Along the way, you pass through places that have kept a very authentic feel, where you can still discover craft workshops, small chapels, and stone houses that show how well the local heritage has been preserved.
The natural setting is one of the area’s main attractions. The slopes of Mont Ventoux, rising to 1,911 metres, dominate the whole region. The road winds through very varied vegetation, holm oaks and white oaks, then beeches, and higher up firs and larches, before the landscape becomes almost bare and mineral near the summit. From up there, the views are immense, and on a clear day you can see as far as the Alps and the Mediterranean.
This exceptional natural setting explains why Montbrun les Bains and the surrounding area are so appealing if you love landscapes and villages with real character. Between panoramic roads, medieval villages, and wild nature dominated by the silhouette of Ventoux, the area gives you a truly authentic taste of mountain Provence.
Venasque
Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Comtat Venaissin plain, Venasque is one of those Provençal villages that feels like it has been frozen in time. Surrounded by rolling hills and the kind of farmland landscapes typical of the Vaucluse, it gives you remarkable views over the surrounding countryside, all the way to Mont Ventoux. Its medieval character and well preserved heritage make it an especially appealing stop if you’re exploring the villages around Ventoux.
When you arrive in Venasque, you discover a compact and harmonious village, laid out around narrow cobbled streets winding between old houses. The pale stone facades, vaulted passageways, and little squares give the place a peaceful and authentic atmosphere. The whole village still carries the mark of its medieval past and invites you to take a quiet walk, with regular viewpoints opening onto the surrounding countryside.
One of Venasque’s greatest treasures is its baptistery, considered one of the oldest Christian monuments still standing in France. This remarkable building, whose origins go back to the earliest centuries of Christianity, shows just how important the village once was in the region. With its distinctive layout and its reused ancient columns, it is an exceptional part of Provençal religious heritage.
Nearby, the Church of Notre Dame completes this historic ensemble. Rebuilt and altered over the centuries, it blends different architectural influences and reminds you of the village’s long history. Together, these buildings form a particularly interesting site for understanding the religious and architectural evolution of the area.
But beyond its monuments, Venasque also wins you over with its atmosphere. Walking through the little streets, taking in the open views across the plain, and feeling the calm that hangs over the village all give you the impression of a place that has remained untouched. Set along the routes that run through the Monts de Vaucluse and the villages around Ventoux, it is an ideal stop for discovering a more intimate and authentic side of Provence.
Simiane-la-Rotonde
Perched up in the hills of the Forcalquier area, Simiane la Rotonde is one of those villages in Haute Provence that feels like it is hanging somewhere between the sky and the rolling hills. Looking out over the wild landscapes of the Lure mountain, it is built around a medieval centre full of character, with narrow little streets, old houses, and wide open views over the surrounding plateaus. The atmosphere is peaceful, almost timeless, just like in those Provençal villages where pale stone and bright light create something really special.
The village takes its name from its most iconic monument, the castle’s rotunda, a remarkable circular building that stands out as one of the most unusual examples of medieval architecture in Provence. It immediately catches your eye because of its unusual shape and the elegance of its proportions, which is why it has become one of the village’s main symbols. Today, the rotunda hosts various cultural events, including an early music festival held every year during the first half of August, the Riches Heures Musicales de la Rotonde, which brings concerts into an exceptional historic setting.
Around this historic heart, Simiane la Rotonde has kept its authentic charm, with vaulted passageways, old façades, and little squares that make you feel as though you are walking through a village that has stayed true to its past. The site overlooks a region known for its Haute Provence landscapes, where plateaus, lavender fields, and limestone hills alternate, adding to that feeling of isolation and calm that defines the place.
Even today, Simiane la Rotonde wins you over with this mix of medieval heritage, cultural life, and Provençal scenery. Between its striking architecture, its musical events, and the atmosphere of a hilltop village, it gives you a particularly memorable stop in this part of inland Provence.
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
Nestled in the heart of a deep valley framed by towering limestone cliffs, Fontaine de Vaucluse is a village with a very special bond to water, and especially to the spectacular spring where the Sorgue rises. In fact, this remarkable natural site gave its name to the whole Vaucluse department. The Latin expression Vallis Clausa, meaning “closed valley”, refers to this narrow gorge where the river bursts out at the foot of the mountain.
The village’s main attraction is the famous source of the Sorgue, which you can reach with a pleasant twenty minute walk from the center. The water gushes up from the bottom of an impressive chasm, forming a pool with deep green reflections. This spring is one of the most powerful in Europe. What is especially striking is that the spring has never run dry, and it keeps flowing even at the height of summer.
With its spectacular scenery, literary history, and craft traditions, Fontaine de Vaucluse gives you a truly distinctive stop in Provence, where nature and culture come together around one of Europe’s most famous springs.
SOUTH
| Name |
|---|
| Baux-de-Provence |
| Miramas le Vieux |
| Le Castellet |
| Évenos |
Baux-de-Provence
Altitude 200m (650ft)
Situated in the heart of the Alpilles mountains, Les Baux de Provence is a spectacular village perched on a rocky spur. With only a few hundred residents, it still overlooks one of the most iconic landscapes in Provence, a sea of vineyards, olive trees, and limestone rocks swept by the mistral wind. The village is literally built into the stone, so the houses seem to rise straight out of the rock, creating a unique mineral landscape.
The site first impresses you with its steep relief and with the presence of the citadel of Les Baux, a real eagle’s nest dominating the valley. From the ruins of the castle, you can see far across Provence, and on a clear day you can even glimpse the Mediterranean. This strategic position explains why the village used to have such strong military and political importance. Even today, the outline of the fortifications and the remains of the castle remind you of the major defensive role of this rocky promontory.
The narrow cobbled streets invite you to wander around. As you walk through the village, you discover remarkable architecture, old houses, vaulted passages, and small squares that show the rich history of Les Baux. Even though the village is small, it feels monumental, partly because of the pale stone that is typical of the Alpilles.
Les Baux de Provence is therefore both a spectacular natural site and a village of history. This mix of landscape, heritage, and local culture explains why this small village in the Alpilles has become one of the most emblematic places in all of Provence.
Miramas le Vieux
Perched on a hill overlooking the Étang de Berre, Miramas le Vieux is the historic heart of the town of Miramas. This small Provençal village, set apart from the modern town and the industrial area around it, has kept an authentic, peaceful feel that really stands out from the more urban landscapes along the edge of the lagoon. People have lived in this region since Neolithic times, and its long history has been shaped by fishing and by the gradual growth of villages on the limestone hills around the water.
The old village is built around a maze of narrow lanes, vaulted passageways, and old houses packed closely together. As you wander through these little streets, you come across a typically Provençal heritage, pale stone facades, steep stairways, and quiet little squares where you can enjoy the mild climate. The peaceful atmosphere makes you want to stroll around and notice all the architectural details that show just how old the place is.
One of the main things that makes Miramas le Vieux so special is its amazing panoramic view over the Étang de Berre and the surrounding hills. From the heights of the village, you can take in a wide landscape of water and limestone ridges, a reminder of how important the lagoon has always been in local life. For a long time, it was known for its abundant fishing, mullet, sea bream, and eels, and this huge body of water deeply shaped the economy and the history of the villages around it.
Today, Miramas le Vieux feels like a peaceful haven full of history, a place people mainly come to for the atmosphere and the scenery. Between its picturesque lanes and its open views over the lagoon, the village offers a really charming stop where you can discover a quieter, more understated side of Provence.
Le Castellet
Altitude 240m (790ft)
Le Castellet is a hilltop gem tucked away in the Var region, and as soon as you get there, you’ll be taken in by its perfectly preserved medieval vibe. Surrounded by old stone ramparts, the village center is packed with character, there’s a 12th-century church, a château, and a tangle of narrow cobbled streets winding between stone houses.
Sure, there are a few art galleries and plenty of touristy little shops nowadays, but the place still feels totally authentic. Fun fact: Marcel Pagnol shot the classic film The Baker’s Wife here which forever tied the village to the golden age of Provençal cinema.
From up there, you’ve got an incredible 360-degree view, to the north, the rugged peaks of the Sainte-Baume range, and to the south, the shimmering blues of the Mediterranean. That sea-and-mountain contrast makes every walk around here feel a bit magical. Just grab a seat at a local café terrace, sip a glass of Bandol wine, the vineyards are all around the village, and let yourself sink into that easy Provençal lifestyle.
Right nearby, you’ve also got the famous Paul-Ricard racetrack, which draws motorsport fans from all over every year. It’s perched on the Castellet plateau and adds another layer to the village’s reputation.
Basically, it’s got everything you imagine when you think of a picture-perfect Provençal village.
Évenos
Tucked away in the countryside, not far from Toulon and Ollioules, Évenos has a wild, dramatic feel that really sets it apart from the nearby seaside resorts. The area stretches across a landscape of limestone hills, scrubland, and cliffs, right at the gateway to the Sainte Baume and Gros Cerveau ranges. With the sea on one side and Provençal hills on the other, it is a place you will especially love if you are into nature and hiking.
The historic heart of Évenos lies in the old village of Nèbre, perched on a rocky outcrop. The moment you see it, it feels like a fortress village, with old houses packed tightly together, narrow little streets, and traces of former ramparts that remind you of its defensive past. Like in many medieval Provençal villages, building high up once made it possible to watch over the valley and protect the inhabitants from invasions.
As you walk through the little streets of the old village, you discover an atmosphere that feels both rustic and genuine. The stone facades, vaulted passageways, and uneven stairways show how the village gradually evolved over the centuries. At the top of the rocky peak stand the remains of the Château de Nèbre, a former stronghold that once overlooked the whole region. Even though the ruins are now badly damaged, they still create an impressive setting and offer remarkable views over the surrounding hills.
Around the village, the scenery is shaped by Mediterranean scrubland, with Aleppo pines, holm oaks, and the scents of thyme and rosemary following you along your walk. The area around Évenos is also a popular starting point for hikes toward the nearby high ground or the steep little valleys that run down toward the Var coast.
Away from the main tourist routes, Évenos has managed to keep a peaceful atmosphere and a quiet kind of charm. Between medieval heritage, spectacular views, and unspoiled nature, the village gives you a truly authentic glimpse of inland Provence.
LUBERON
| Name |
|---|
| Gordes |
| Roussillon |
| Oppède le Vieux |
| Ménerbes |
| Lacoste |
| Lourmarin |
| Cucuron |
| Ansouis |
Gordes
Altitude 350m (1,150ft)
You’re perched up in the hills of the Luberon, Gordes is one of the most famous villages in Provence. Clinging to the side of a hill, this dry stone village overlooks the valley and gives you an amazing panorama over the landscapes of the Vaucluse. The houses, built with pale stones taken from local quarries, rise in terraces around the rock, creating a spectacular silhouette that’s one of the iconic images of the region. This dramatic setting explains a lot of the village’s tourist appeal, especially in summer.
The village is organized around a network of narrow, winding streets that weave between old houses. As you walk through them, you discover typically Provençal heritage, sun-worn façades, shaded little squares, and terraces looking out over the valley.
With its spectacular panorama, stone architecture, and still-vibrant rural traditions, Gordes perfectly captures the image of a hilltop Provençal village in the heart of the Luberon.
Roussillon
Nestled in the heart of the Luberon, the village of Roussillon is one of the most unusual places in Provence. Here, the landscape and the architecture blend into one, the village really looks like it rises straight out of the coloured earth it was built on. The houses show off a whole range of warm shades, red, orange, ochre and pink, all coming directly from the natural pigments taken from the nearby quarries since the end of the 18th century. This presence of ochre gives the whole place an almost unreal atmosphere, made even more striking by the Provençal light, which makes the facades glow all day long.
Your visit usually starts with a stroll through the centre of the village. If you take the time to come at a quieter hour, because Roussillon gets very busy, you can really enjoy the charm of the little streets and the view that opens up near the church. From there, several streets lead down towards the Val des Fées, where spectacular red cliffs appear, standing out against the surrounding vegetation.
But the most memorable part of the experience is only a few minutes away on foot, the famous Ochre Trail. Set out through former quarries, this path takes you past cliffs and landscapes shaped by erosion, revealing every shade of the natural pigments. It is easy to walk and lets you get a close look at these amazing formations, the ones that made the site famous and explain the village’s very special identity.
Between colourful architecture, mineral landscapes and Provençal light, Roussillon offers one of the most iconic images of the Luberon. It is a place where nature, history and colour come together to create a setting unlike anywhere else in Provence.
Oppède le Vieux
In the Luberon, the commune of Oppède is actually made up of two separate villages: Oppède les Poulivets, down on the plain, and Oppède le Vieux, up on the hillside, one of the famous perched villages of the Luberon.
Oppède le Vieux has a very distinctive atmosphere that really brings its past back to life. Even though the village has been carefully restored in recent years, for a long time it was seen as an abandoned village after the 19th century. In spite of all that renovation, it has still kept a lot of its old world charm.
One of the best parts of your visit is just wandering through its little streets. Asphalt still has not made its way up into the upper part of the village: the paths are either paved with stones or simply left as dirt tracks, which makes the whole place feel even more authentic, like you are stepping back in time.
One of the main sights you should not miss is the Notre Dame d’Alidon collegiate church, which stands above the village. Part of its restoration is funded by the Oppède Festival, a cultural event held every year over four days, usually at the end of July or the beginning of August. Theatre, comedy, and music all come together there, with a programme that attracts many well known performers who take part on a voluntary basis.
Getting to the village is much easier now thanks to a car park laid out in a landscaped garden, so you can reach this hilltop site, full of history, more easily.
So Oppède le Vieux really wins you over with its picturesque setting and its well preserved character, giving you a real feel for the atmosphere of the perched villages of the Luberon.
Ménerbes
Perched on a steep rocky outcrop in the Luberon, Ménerbes looks like a long fortress village overlooking the Provençal landscape. It stretches along the top of the hill, with a distinctive silhouette you can spot from far away. Before the peak tourist season arrives, the village feels almost sleepy, wrapped in the peaceful atmosphere that’s so typical of inland Provence. But as soon as the weather turns nice, it draws plenty of visitors who come to admire one of the loveliest villages in the Luberon.
What really wins you over in Ménerbes is taking the time to wander through its little streets. The old houses, packed tightly along the ridge, reflect its defensive past and long history. As you make your way through the narrow lanes, you come across spectacular views over the surrounding countryside, with vineyards, olive groves, and rolling hills. The view is especially stunning from the old château, where you can take in the whole Luberon region at a glance.
Over time, the village also attracted a lot of artists. Famous visitors included painters like Nicolas de Staël and Pablo Picasso. Picasso even had a special connection to Ménerbes, he gave a beautiful house there to his lover and muse Dora Maar as a parting gift when they split up. That story says a lot about the village’s role as a haven for artists and intellectuals drawn in by the light and the quiet of Provence.
Even today, Ménerbes has kept its authentic feel. Between its historic heritage, its wide open views over the Luberon, and the traces left by the artists who stayed there, the village gives you a truly Provençal experience. Out of season, when the streets are quiet again, it fully reveals its understated charm and timeless character.
Lacoste
Perched on the foothills of the Luberon, looking out toward the village of Bonnieux, Lacoste is one of those Provençal villages whose charm comes as much from its history as from its unique atmosphere. Its narrow cobbled streets wind their way between old stone houses up to the highest part of the village, overlooked by the imposing ruins of the château. The château is closely tied to the story of the Marquis de Sade, who settled there in the 18th century and stayed for several years after the various scandals that marked his life.
Over time, the château became the symbol of the village. It was abandoned for a long time, then found a new life when the fashion designer Pierre Cardin became its owner at the beginning of the 21st century. He launched an arts festival there, held in the quarries around the château, keeping alive a cultural tradition that is now deeply rooted in the local landscape.
Lacoste also has a distinctive more recent history. Over the years, Pierre Cardin bought a large number of the village’s houses and shops, helping turn this small town into an artistic and cultural place. And the village also welcomes students from an American design school based in Savannah.
In spite of these modern influences, Lacoste has kept the typical atmosphere of the hilltop villages of the Luberon. You can wander among old stones, quiet little squares, and wide open views over the plain and the surrounding villages. In season, a small Provençal market also brings life to the village square, reminding you that behind its eventful history and artistic aura, Lacoste is above all still an authentic Provençal village.
Lourmarin
Set at the entrance to the valley that cuts through the Luberon range, the village of Lourmarin holds a strategic spot because it stands at the end of the only natural passage through the Luberon. It played an important role for centuries in travel between the north and south of the massif. Today, you can recognize the village by the outline of its three bell towers, the church, the Protestant temple, and the clock tower, rising above the rooftops, with the Renaissance château standing on a nearby hill.
The village was abandoned in the 14th century, then repopulated, and over time it grew into a lively and much visited place. Even with all its popularity, it still keeps a real, authentic charm that you notice when you take the time to wander through its streets. The heart of the village is built around a busy main street lined with galleries, craft shops, and café terraces. The atmosphere naturally draws you in, you move from one window display to the next, you stop for a drink or a coffee, and you just enjoy that Provençal feeling.
Beyond this lively main street, Lourmarin shows you another side when you wander into its quieter little lanes. Even in peak season, you can still find peaceful passages and more hidden corners where you can really appreciate the village’s gentle charm. These small streets, lined with old houses, create a pleasant contrast with the buzz of the terraces and shops in the center.
Lourmarin’s heritage is dominated by its château, which watches over the entrance to the valley. Built in the 15th century, then reshaped in the 16th century in a Renaissance style, it stands out for its architecture and the richness of its furnishings. After being abandoned during the Revolution, the building was saved at the beginning of the 20th century and turned into a foundation created to host artists. Even today, the château welcomes musicians and creators in residence, and regularly hosts concerts and exhibitions.
Finally, Lourmarin also has a strong cultural and literary side. The village cemetery is home to the graves of Henri Bosco and Albert Camus, two major figures of French literature who shared a deep connection with the region. Their presence adds even more to the village’s artistic and intellectual aura, in a place already known for attracting creators and lovers of Provence.
With its historical heritage, cultural life, and Provençal charm, Lourmarin stands out as one of the most appealing villages in the Luberon, a place where you come just as much to wander through the little streets as to enjoy the lively atmosphere and the landscapes all around it.
Cucuron
Set at the foot of the Luberon range, Cucuron is a charming Provençal village that you’ll love for its peaceful atmosphere and its authentic setting. Tucked away in the southern Luberon, it’s a lovely place for you to start exploring the surrounding landscapes, with hills, vineyards, and olive groves all around. The village has kept its traditional character and that gentle way of life that’s so typical of the region.
The heart of Cucuron is built around the feature that makes it so distinctive, the Étang de la Bonde, more simply known as the Cucuron pond, a large pool of water lined with majestic plane trees. This wide stretch of water, something quite rare in Provençal villages, gives the place a very special charm. Surrounded by terraces and restaurants, it’s a favorite spot for a stroll, where locals and visitors come together in the shade of the trees, especially on hot summer days.
Around the pond, you’ll find several great restaurants and well known spots. Some of them have terraces with a direct view over the water, which adds to the warm and friendly feel of the village.
With its shaded pond, quiet little streets, and beautiful natural setting, Cucuron perfectly captures the Provençal art of living. The village wins you over with its authenticity and its calm atmosphere, inviting you both to wander and to discover the Luberon.
Ansouis
Perched on a hill in the southern Luberon, Ansouis is a stunning village, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. Overlooking the surrounding countryside, it is built around its imposing château, which for centuries has been the historical and symbolic heart of the village.
You can best discover the village on foot, wandering through its narrow streets as they climb uphill. From the top of the hill, you get sweeping views over the Luberon countryside, and you can really sense Ansouis’s strategic position, once protected by its château and ramparts. The atmosphere is typically Provençal, with pale stone warmed by the sun, quiet little squares, and old façades creating a setting full of charm.
Village life becomes especially lively on Sunday mornings, during the weekly market. Locals and visitors gather there to stroll between the stalls, discover regional produce, and enjoy the friendly atmosphere in the heart of the village.
Close to the village, the Bastide du Laval is another great example of the region’s agricultural know how. On this estate, organic olive oil is produced from several thousand olive trees, using a modern cold extraction method. You can discover how it is made, walk around the estate, and taste the Provençal products sold in the shop.
With its historic heritage, Luberon landscapes, and still very much alive Provençal traditions, Ansouis is a stop full of character, where you can discover the true soul of Provence.
EAST
| Name |
|---|
| Sisteron |
| Moustiers-Sainte-Marie |
| Bauduen |
| Bargème |
| Mons |
| Fayence + Tourettes |
| Seillans |
| Bargemon |
| Châteaudouble |
| Tourtour |
Sisteron
With its spectacular citadel towering above it, and tucked between the mountain and the river, Sisteron gives you the striking picture of an old town clinging to its natural landscape. What you notice first is a tight maze of rooftops and a real labyrinth of narrow streets, typical of medieval Provençal towns, spreading out at the foot of the huge fortress overlooking the Durance valley. Facing the town, you also see the remarkable Baume rock, a massive limestone cliff that makes the whole setting even more dramatic.
Even though the area was hit by heavy bombing in August 1944, Sisteron has managed to preserve most of its historic heritage. Today, the old town, the cathedral, and above all the citadel are its main attractions. These monuments remind you of its historic role as a stronghold controlling access to the Alpine valleys and to Provence.
At the foot of the town, the banks of the Durance give you a relaxing spot to unwind, with a leisure lake set up for summer swimming and outdoor activities, all while enjoying a lovely view of Sisteron’s silhouette and its citadel.
Sisteron is also a lively town, with plenty of cultural and festive events. One of the best known is the Nuits de la Citadelle, a summer festival mixing theatre, dance, and music in the spectacular setting of the ramparts. Other events, like medieval festivals, historical reenactments, and street entertainment, help bring the town to life during the summer and keep its rich past alive.
Lastly, the town proudly claims a tasty nickname, the “capital of lamb”, a reminder of the importance of sheep farming in the landscapes and cuisine of the Alpes de Haute Provence.
So, with its spectacular citadel, old winding streets, and strategic position between the Alps and Provence, Sisteron remains one of the most historic and picturesque gateways to Haute Provence.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Altitude 640m (2,100ft)
You’re right in the heart of the Verdon when you arrive in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, one of the most iconic villages in Provence. The village clings to the mountainside and sits beneath the chapel of Notre Dame de Beauvoir, looking almost suspended between the sky and the rock, with a spectacular setting that perfectly reflects the Alpine landscapes of Provence.
As you walk through the village, you move along a maze of cobbled streets, small shaded squares, and old washhouses that quietly tell the story of its past and the gentle rhythm of local life. The Adou river runs through the village and is crossed by several small humpback bridges, adding even more charm to the picturesque scenery. The atmosphere feels authentic and almost timeless, which is exactly why so many visitors fall in love with the place.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is also famous for its long tradition of faience pottery, an art that has shaped the village’s identity for centuries. Workshops and small boutiques still keep this craft alive today, producing decorative pieces and fine tableware that have become one of the symbols of the region.
Because the village lies right next to the Verdon Gorges and the Sainte Croix lake, it’s also a perfect base for exploring the spectacular landscapes of the Verdon Regional Natural Park. Around the village, you can head out on marked hiking trails or enjoy boat trips through the Verdon canyon.
Between heritage, craftsmanship, and dramatic nature, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie perfectly captures the spirit of inland Provence, where centuries old traditions blend with some of the most impressive landscapes in southern France.
Bauduen
Set on the shores of Lake Sainte Croix, in the Verdon region, the village of Bauduen is one of those little Provençal villages you come to as much for the beauty of the scenery as for its peaceful atmosphere. Tucked away in a remarkable natural setting, it is the perfect place for you to start exploring the spectacular landscapes of the Verdon, where dramatic gorges, turquoise waters, and hills covered with Mediterranean vegetation all come together. In this region, winding roads and walking trails lead you to breathtaking views and a rich local heritage shaped by Provençal history and traditions.
Bauduen first wins you over with its exceptional location by the lake. This vast stretch of water, created by the Sainte Croix dam, draws many visitors who come to enjoy its bright scenery and calm waters. The village gives you a wonderful setting for water activities, or simply for strolling along the shore and admiring the surrounding landscape. The lake and the Verdon gorges are in fact one of the most spectacular natural areas in Provence, where you can switch between swimming, gentle boating, and discovering the scenery.
Like many villages in the Verdon, Bauduen is part of an area steeped in history. The surrounding area holds traces of very ancient human settlement and reflects a natural and cultural heritage that is deeply rooted in the region. Between hilltop villages, old churches, and landscapes shaped by centuries of rural life, exploring this area lets you experience an authentic Provence, far from the bustle of the big cities.
Today, Bauduen is loved for its quiet atmosphere and its preserved natural setting. You come here to enjoy the peace, explore the villages of the Verdon, or head off to discover the nearby gorges. Between the lake, the mountains, and Provençal heritage, this little village makes a lovely stop for you if you want to discover one of the most impressive regions in the south of France.
Bargème
Altitude 1070m (3510ft)
Bargème is the highest village in the Var, tiny and stunning, perched high up in the Verdon hills. From its natural cliffside, it looks like it’s reaching for the sky. Surrounded by a wall with two 16th-century gates, the village reveals itself as you weave through narrow lanes, mossy stairways, beautifully restored old houses, and a quiet Romanesque church.
Watching over it all is the striking ruin of the Château des Pontevès, giving Bargème a dramatic medieval silhouette. This fortress castle shows just how strategic the village once was, sitting on a rocky spur with jaw-dropping views of the Bruis mountain and the Canjuers plateau.
Remote, peaceful, and deeply authentic, Bargème feels like a place made of silence and sky, where you float somewhere between history and the vastness of nature. It’s a true haven for anyone who loves heritage and big, breathtaking landscapes.
Mons
Altitude 810m (2660ft)
Mons is a hilltop village that opens up onto an extraordinary panorama of the region. On a clear day, you can even catch a glimpse of the Corsican peaks, a rare, dizzying sight. The village has kept a strong medieval feel, with a 13th-century church, narrow little streets with charming names, vaulted passageways, wrought-iron signs, and roofs weighed down with stones to resist the mistral winds, all signs of a tough, vibrant rural past.
But Mons isn’t just about the Middle Ages, it’s also a prehistoric site. A Megalith Trail takes you to no fewer than 11 ancient monuments, including the Riens dolmen, just 1.5 km from the village. With two large arched stones and a burial chamber, it shows just how far back human presence goes in this area.
With its end-of-the-world feel, rich heritage, and unforgettable views, Mons captures the very essence of a Provençal village, hanging somewhere between history and the sky.
Fayence + Tourettes
Altitude 350m (1150ft)
Fayence
Fayence is one of the most beautiful villages in the Var backcountry and still holds tight to its authenticity. Its charming, tangled streets are perfect for a stroll, from the fortified gate from the 14th century, to the old communal oven, the 18th-century parish church, and up top, the Clock Tower with its graceful wrought-iron campanile. From there, you get a sweeping view over the surrounding plain, often dotted with gliders drifting silently overhead, Fayence is actually one of the top gliding spots in France.
The village also has a lively, welcoming vibe. Every week, its markets, especially the Saturday one, which is the biggest, bring together local producers, visitors, and regulars.
In Fayence, everything invites you to slow down and enjoy that laid-back southern lifestyle, right where tradition meets the gentle rhythms of the Provençal countryside.
Tourettes
Tourrettes, often overshadowed by its neighbor Fayence, is still much worth your attention. Perched on a hill and full of charm, it stands out thanks to its artistic vibe. As you wander through its gently sloping streets, you’ll come across all kinds of artworks, turning the whole village into an open-air gallery for anyone strolling by.
Seillans
Altitude 400m (1310ft)
Perched up in the hills, Seillans looks like something straight off a postcard, a real maze of narrow winding alleys with vaulted passages, old washhouses, trickling fountains, shady little squares, and bits of ancient ramparts here and there. You enter the village through a 12th-century gate that sets the tone, and every corner feels like it’s telling a quiet story of Provence.
Artists have always been drawn to Seillans. The surrealist painter Max Ernst and his partner Dorothea Tanning spent their final years here, leaving behind a lasting artistic imprint on the place.
Culture is alive and well too. There’s the well-known pottery market in mid-August, one of the region’s most respected, where local traditions take center stage in a warm, friendly atmosphere.
Seillans really captures the soul of a Provençal village, peaceful, picturesque, rich in history and natural beauty, with that extra artistic spark that makes it stand out.
Bargemon
Perched up on its hill, Bargemon is a really pretty village that wins you over straight away with its authenticity and peaceful atmosphere. The remains of its old medieval walls still wrap around a maze of narrow, winding little streets, giving the village an intimate charm that feels almost untouched by time.
Right in the heart of the village, Saint Étienne Church, which dates back to the 15th century, catches your eye with its flamboyant style portal. Inside, you can admire two remarkable sculpted marble heads on the altar, real signs of a refined artistic heritage.
Not far from there, the small chapel of Notre Dame de Montaigu, although it is rarely open, has a strong spiritual presence. For a long time, it was an important pilgrimage site, and it houses a miraculous Virgin statue as well as a magnificent fully gilded baroque altar.
Lastly, Bargemon is an ideal starting point if you love nature and hiking. Two walking routes in particular let you reach the Favas plateau or the Bel Homme pass, with some beautiful views over the surrounding landscapes and the Pre Alps.
So, between medieval heritage, cultural richness, and a well preserved natural setting, Bargemon really stands out as a charming stop in the Var countryside.
Châteaudouble
Altitude 500m (1640ft)
Châteaudouble is a tiny hamlet clinging to the cliffside, overlooked by an old watchtower and facing dramatic gorges. It’s a truly remote spot, the road leading there was carved straight into the rock and wasn’t even built until the 19th century. The village keeps a friendly, down-to-earth vibe, especially around the charmingly named Place du Purgatoire.
With its dizzying gorges, quiet little streets, hidden heritage, and end-of-the-world feel, Châteaudouble is best explored slowly, taking it all in with a sense of calm and wonder.
Tourtour
Altitude 640m (2100ft)
Tourtour sits high above a landscape of wooded hills scented with thyme and rosemary. The place draws in both visitors and artists, with several galleries dotted around the village.
The approach alone is stunning, you arrive via a panoramic road that already gives you a taste of what’s to come. Once you’re in the village, it’s all about wandering through Renaissance-style houses with carved facades, cobbled lanes, shady little squares, and softly murmuring fountains.
The old 12th-century castle reminds you of its feudal roots, while the 11th-century Saint-Denis chapel, outside the village, offers an incredible view all the way to the Maures mountains, Sainte-Victoire, and Sainte-Baume.
With its heritage, artistic vibe, and jaw-dropping views, Tourtour strikes a rare balance, perched in altitude, full of inspiration, and wrapped in that soft Provençal charm.