Holiday rentals and lettings in Provence

• Varied accommodations: Rustic villas, charming guest houses, comfortable apartments and traditional gîtes offer you the ideal choice for a romantic getaway, a family stay or a peaceful countryside retreat.
• Comfort and authenticity: Private pools, fully equipped kitchens, air conditioning and panoramic terraces offer you modern comfort while preserving the authentic Provençal charm and traditional atmosphere of your destination.
• Areas for all interests: Explore Valensole with its lavender fields, the Gorges du Verdon for adventure, Sisteron for history, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie for art and Manosque for wellness.
• Highly rated properties: Properties consistently achieve high ratings for their exceptional authentic charm, remarkable modern amenities and privileged locations, as well as the warm hospitality of the owners.
• Cultural immersion: Immerse yourself in traditional Provençal culture from your comfortable properties, surrounded by lavender fields and picturesque medieval hilltop villages of the region.

Provence offers a varied range of holiday accommodation, from rustic villas and charming guest houses to comfortable holiday apartments and traditional gîtes. Look out for amenities such as:

• Private pools
• Fully-equipped kitchens
• Air conditioning
• Terraces and outdoor gardens

If a charming, traditional cottage in Provence isn't for you, consider camping options for a low-cost, back-to-nature holiday you'll never forget.

What are the best areas to stay in Provence?

Valensole and the Lavender Valley remain the top choice for visitors seeking the quintessential Provençal experience, especially during the magical lavender season from June to August. The table below details areas for specific interests:

Holidaymakers consistently give high ratings to holiday rentals in Provence, praising the combination of tranquil countryside settings, proximity to lavender fields and natural sites, and the warm hospitality of local hosts. Here are some of our top-rated properties from the last year:

1. Holiday home 'Gite Fontenelle Alpilles' - 9.3+: This traditional stone gite has space for four and welcomes pets. Guests praise its picturesque location and the host's warm, friendly attitude.
2. Apartment 'Entre Mer Et Jardin' with sea view - 9.8+: This coastal apartment in Sausset-les-Pins sleeps four. Guests adore the spectacular views from its terrace, as well as its easy beach access
3. Apartment 'Muguet' T2 with heated pool and terrace - 9.7+: With room for four, this charming apartment in La Londe-les-Maures is ideal for family beach breaks. It has access to a heated pool and tennis court, and is close to a white sandy beach.

Nestled in south-eastern France between the Alps and the Mediterranean, Provence captivates visitors with its lavender fields, medieval hilltop villages, and sun-drenched landscapes.

✈️What is the best way to get to Provence?

Provence is well connected by air, rail, and road. Here are the most common ways to get there:

• By car: The A7 and A8 autoroutes run through the region, linking Provence to Lyon, the Rhône Valley, and the Italian border.
• By train: High-speed TGV trains connect Paris to Aix-en-Provence TGV and Avignon TGV in around three hours.
• By air: The main gateways are Marseille Provence Airport and Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, with Avignon also served by smaller flights.

🍴Where to eat in Provence?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, Le Rhumarin in Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon is the best rated restaurant in Provence. Below is a table showing the top 5 highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest traveller Marcus recommends Auberge Les Galets in Peyruis: this hotel-restaurant cooks a daily-changing menu from fresh, local produce sourced through short supply chains, for an authentic, hearty taste of the region.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Provence is late June to August, peak lavender season around Valensole, when the fields turn a vivid purple, though summer is also hot, dry, and busy.

Summer (June–August)

• Best for: Peak lavender season around Valensole, when the fields turn a vivid purple.
• Weather: Hot and dry, with generally the sunniest conditions of the year.
• Atmosphere: Busy and lively, with the lavender fields and villages at their most popular.

Winter

• Best for: The coast, which stays mild even as inland areas and the Alpine foothills turn noticeably colder.
• Weather: Mild on the coast, colder inland.
• Atmosphere: Quiet and low-key, away from the summer crowds.

Shoulder season (spring and autumn)

• Best for: Spring blossom, or the grape and olive harvests underway in autumn.
• Weather: Mild and changeable, with fewer extremes than summer or winter.
• Atmosphere: Relaxed and considerably quieter than the summer months.

Our local Provence hosts recommend visiting in mid to late June if you can. That's the perfect time to see the lavender fields at their purple best, before the July crowds descend on the area.

1. Sip local wine and pastis
2. Play a game of pétanque
3. Explore Roman Arles
4. Face the Beast of Provence
5. Hike the Gorges de Regalon

1. Sip local wine and pastis

   Provence is best known for its rosé wines, alongside pastis, an aniseed-flavoured evening liqueur enjoyed across the region.

2. Play a game of pétanque

   This boules game takes place in village squares all over Provence and is a great way to break the ice with locals.

3. Explore Roman Arles

   The town's two-tiered Roman amphitheatre is one of several archaeological treasures in the area, alongside an obelisk, ancient baths, and an aqueduct.

4. Face the Beast of Provence

   That's the local nickname for Mont Ventoux, which rises over 6,000 feet and draws cyclists looking for a serious challenge.

5. Hike the Gorges de Regalon

   Near Mérindol, this narrow natural walkway makes a dramatic backdrop for keen hillwalkers.