Cottages in Provence

Charming cottages in the hills of France

Provence, a region in the southeast of France, is a holiday destination you should visit at least once. Noted for its diversity of landscapes ranging from vineyards, olive groves, forests and lavender fields to the incredible Southern Alps, this sunny corner of France is an ideal place if you are looking for a cottage in Provence. Provence offers a variety of charming traditional cottages nestled in the green rolling hills, providing a peaceful getaway.

Renovated traditional cottages with swimming pool and romantic countryside views

The traditional stone cottages retain the rustic style with terracotta or wooden floors, beamed ceilings, and neutral colours. However, they combine their simple style with minimalist and elegant décor, with amenities such as:

• Well-equipped luxury kitchens
• Modern bathrooms
• Airy bedrooms
• Living rooms overlooking the courtyard

Meanwhile, outside the private cottages in Provence, you will enjoy stunning mountain views from the relaxing turquoise pool and sun loungers on the terrace surrounded by olive trees.

Provence for nature lovers

Provence is brimming with exceptional natural wonders, making it a paradise for nature lovers. One of the region's great attractions is the Calanques National Nature Park. Situated along the coast on both sides of Marseille, this series of coves and cliffs is a must-see with beautiful landscapes of turquoise waters, white sands and unique marine heritage. If you are lucky to get a cottage in Provence near the park, you can take an early morning hike to catch the sunrise. Another tourist attraction in the region is the Réserve Naturelle Géologique de Haute-Provence, where you can see geological sites, rockscapes and fossils from millions of years ago. Take a day trip from your holiday letting in Arles to bond with nature in Provence. The Verdon Regional Nature Park, on the other hand, offers a mountainous landscape full of waterfalls and sparkling turquoise waters.

Provence for hiking lovers

If you love hiking, Provence is definitely the destination for you. You'll be able to hike routes such as La Route de la Sal, a 4-kilometre walk located on the beach of l'Almanarre, which is home to a variety of bird species, such as the incredible pink flamingos. Wake up early from your cottage in Provence, and discover unique excursions, such as the stone-carved section that ventures through the canyon of the Gorges du Verdon. On this trail, you will be amazed by the turquoise waters that sparkle in the sunshine. On the other hand, the walk to the Sainte-Baume grotto is a route that takes you up 150 steps carved out of the rock to a hidden natural grotto. If you are seeking something more challenging, you can walk to the top of Mont Ventoux, the highest mountain point in Provence.

1. Enjoy a kayak trip on the turquoise waters of the Verdon
2. See the spectacular lavender fields
3. Immerse yourself in the works of the masters of painting
4. Explore the rooms of the impressive Palais du Papal Palace
5. Discover the Roman treasures of Nîmes
6. Take a scenic ride on the Mont Faron Cable Car
7. Enjoy the best of gastronomic Provence

1. Enjoy a kayak trip on the turquoise waters of the Verdon

With more than 25 km long, the Gorges du Verdon is Europe's largest canyon and one of the most idyllic places in Provence for kayaking. We recommend renting a kayak and paddling down this captivating turquoise river. Take a paddling trip on these rewarding waters with Haute Provence Outdoor, take in the tranquil scenery and stop for a dip. This body of water often attracts hundreds of tourists from all over the world who want to see Provence from a new perspective. If you have a holiday rental in Martigues, plan a day trip to Provence.

2. See the spectacular lavender fields

If you visit Provence in summer, you should not miss the stunning lavender fields. These fields are one of the highlights of the region. Take a trip to the lavender fields between mid-June and July, soak up the scent of Provençal lavender, and take some home with you. You'll find the most photogenic lavender fields in Valensole, Pays de Sault, Luberon Massif, Senanque Abbey and the Drôme Valley.

3. Immerse yourself in the works of the masters of painting!

Located in Les Baux-de-Provence, Carrières de Lumières is a digital art centre offering a unique audiovisual experience that will make you feel like you are inside a painting. Carrières de Lumières offers a vast gallery with a hundred ultra HD projectors projecting immersive exhibitions with images of paintings in constant motion. Get a private chalet in Provence and immerse yourself in the works of modern and contemporary painters. Watch as the masterpieces are projected onto the giant walls, pillars, and floors and be transported into a world full of colour.

4. Explore the rooms of the impressive Palais du Papal Palace

During your holiday in Provence, you should not miss a day trip to the Pope's Palace. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Pope's Palace was once the heart of Christianity and is now one of the largest Gothic buildings in the world. It is also one of the top 10 most visited monuments in France. Discover how the popes lived, explore more than 20 rooms and admire the various 14th-century frescoes. The extraordinary Gothic style of the palace will amaze you with its grandeur and incomparable riches.

5. Discover the Roman treasures of Nîmes

Often referred to as the “French Rome”, Nîmes is noted for its numerous ancient sites. Although it does not strictly belong to the Provence Region (between Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon), it is a wonderful city to visit. Discover Roman treasures such as the Arena of Nîmes, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world. Alternatively, walk from your cottage in Provence to the Maison Carrée, the only Roman temple that remained intact in the province.

6. Take a scenic ride on the Mont Faron Cable Car

The Mont Faron Cable Car is the only cable car in the region, so this wonderful attraction is not to be missed. Take the cable car up to 584 metres above sea level and view the harbour of Toulon from the top. At the top, you will also find a wildlife breeding centre that ensures the survival of endangered species with lions, tigers, panthers, jaguars, wolves, raccoons and more. You will also find different places to eat and a lovely chapel.

7.Enjoy the best of gastronomic Provence

Taste traditional recipes and savour the best of the Mediterranean coasts. Provence serves the best seafood in all its forms. Don't miss the “poutargue”, a bag of dried and salted fish eggs; fish soup made from rockfish; tasty sea urchins; bouillabaisse, a dish made from four types of fresh fish. Not to be missed are the non-fish appetisers such as tapenade, a sauce of black olives, capers, anchovies, garlic and olive oil, and ratatouille, a vegetable casserole of tomatoes, onions, courgettes, aubergines, peppers, and garlic.