Provence is a place that lingers in the heart long after you leave. It’s in the dusty pink shutters, the lavender fields, the stone villages draped in wisteria, and the soft gold of the morning light. It’s a place to slow down, to savour, and to feel like you’ve stepped into your own version of a postcard. These are the towns I return to again and again — each with its own rhythm, its own rituals, its own kind of magic. This is Part I of a III Part series – that’s how much j’adore Provence!
Part 1: Hilltop Dreams in the Luberon
Golden light, cobbled paths, lavender-scented air — this is the Luberon at its most timeless and dreamlike. These are the villages where time slows, shutters fade in the sun, and every corner feels like a painting.
Lourmarin
Elegant, creative, and gently buzzing.
Lourmarin has the perfect mix of beauty and buzz — a stylish village with art galleries, boutiques, excellent cafés, and one of the best Friday markets in Provence. The chateau, with its Renaissance details, adds a touch of drama to the soft Provençal charm.
Don’t miss: Market day and an afternoon visit to Château de LourmarinI
Ménerbes
A hilltop village with soul-stirring views and quiet charm.
Tucked into the Luberon hills, Ménerbes feels like a secret whispered from one traveller to another. Think winding cobbled streets, stone houses with pale blue shutters, and views that stretch to the horizon. There’s a stillness here that invites you to linger.
Don’t miss: Golden hour from the village walls and drinks on the terrace at Bistrot le 5. Nearby town, Bonnieux, is also worth a visit.
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Each of these towns has shaped my love of Provence — in their own colour, sound, and stillness.
Roussillon
A painter’s dream in rust, ochre, and apricot.
One of the most colourful villages in Provence, Roussillon is known for its red and orange cliffs — the result of rich ochre deposits in the earth. Every street glows with warm, sun-washed tones, and the village feels alive with light and contrast.
Don’t miss: The Sentier des Ocres walking trail and a scoop of lavender ice cream.
Saignon
Quiet beauty and a view that steals your breath.
Perched on a rock overlooking the Luberon, Saignon feels untouched. It’s quieter than many Provençal villages, which only adds to its charm. There’s a timeless stillness here that makes it a perfect pause.
Don’t miss: The view from the rock above the church is worth the walk.
Cucuron
Understated, authentic, and beautifully slow.
Famous for its mirror-like pond in the central square lined with plane trees (watch the film A Good Year), Cucuron is simple, soulful Provence. It has fewer tourists, more locals, and a rhythm that invites you to stay awhile.
Don’t miss: Lunch beside the bassin, and the quiet beauty of the medieval walls and bell tower.
The Best Towns to Visit in Provence for Slow, Beautiful Travel (Part II)
This part of Provence blends the coast with culture — perfect for long lunches, salt-dusted walks, and wandering with no agenda at all.
The Best Towns to Visit in Provence for Slow, Beautiful Travel (Part III)
Here, Provence meets art, antiquity, and wild beauty. From Van Gogh’s brushstrokes to riverside antique markets, this region is as inspiring as it is peaceful.
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