Nestled between vineyards and the Mediterranean, the Provencal countryside is a land of charm and secrets. Visiting its villages is a great way to enjoy a south flooded with light and rich in discoveries. Below is a selection of the best Provencal villages to visit without moderation from your campsite in Aubagne.
Ménerbes
Located in the heart of the Luberon regional nature park, this village is a great place to live. Here, you can discover the ancient Huguenot stronghold on a rocky outcrop. From this fortress, you can enjoy panoramic views over the village of Gordes and Mont Ventoux.
Roussillon
A visit to this village is a must if you’re passing through the Provencal countryside. It’s located in the heart of Europe’s largest ochre deposit. With its rich and varied industrial heritage, this region has quarries dating back to the 18th century. Today, this ferric stone creates a grandiose landscape with the charm of its color.
Lourmarin
Situated in the southern Luberon, this beautiful village can be reached via a road lined with plane trees. On arrival, don’t miss a visit to its three bell towers: the belfry, the church and the temple. Its Renaissance château will leave you breathless. You can also stroll through its Provencal market and art galleries.
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Strolling through the narrow streets of this village, you’ll appreciate the Gothic facades and the various monuments. The Collégiale is well worth a visit. This Romanesque church is listed as Religious Heritage. Don’t miss a visit to the fishing village and its 400 antique and second-hand dealers. This is the place to be for art and antiques enthusiasts.
Eygalières
Situated at the foot of the Alpilles mountains, this place offers a beautiful getaway in a verdant setting of olive groves and vineyards. With its Sainte-Sixte chapel, it’s an iconic image of Provence.
Ramatuelle
An excellent alternative to St. Tropez, this medieval village is very glamorous. At the stalls of its Provencal market, you can sample the finest cheeses, tapenades, fougasses… It’s also famous for Pampelonne beach, where Brigitte Bardo was discovered in a bikini in 1955.
Les Baux-de-Provence
If you’re looking for a majestic getaway in Provence, Les Baux is the place for you. This village is a mecca for medieval tourism. It lies between Avignon and Aix-En-Provence. If you’d like to immerse yourself in the days of the knights, don’t hesitate to visit the region’s chateau and discover its war machines.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence
It’s the most arty of Provence’s villages. Indeed, it’s famous for its artists, poets, writers… It’s also famous for the Maegth Foundation. When you visit it, you’ll have the opportunity to discover one of Europe’s most important private collections of twentieth-century art. In the chapelle des Pénitents blancs, you’ll find the last work by the painter Folon.
Lauris
Situated between Cavaillon and Pertuis, this village sits on a rocky spur. Strolling through its narrow streets, visitors can discover its oil mill, old washhouse, fountains and the Colonel’s house. Lauris is a walker’s paradise, winding its way through several hiking trails.
Eze
It’s a village bordered by the sea from Cap Roux to the tip of Cabuel. In this typically Mediterranean spot, holidaymakers discover lush vegetation, fountains, shady squares and stone walkways. Its botanical garden is one of the region’s top attractions.