Provence always pops up in our minds as a top destination for long holidays. Perhaps, this is one of the most frequented places in Europe. When I was a little girl I had always dreamed of the lavender fields and those tiny streets lined up with pale-lemon stone houses, and all this generously bathed in sunshine. A lot of sunshine. Starry nights and the incessant song of the crickets. Years after, I went to Provence making my dream come true. Here you will find some of the most beautiful villages in Provence that should add to your itinerary when travelling to this lovely region in France.
In France there´s even an official list of the most beautiful villages (Les Plus Beaux Villages de France). In order for a village to be qualified for this list, it has to satisfy 2 major criteria: it should have a population of under 2000 inhabitants and have at least 2 protected monuments. There are also numerous other requirements about the architecture, the quality of life, the engagement of the community, etc. The application procedure is very tough and only 1 in 5 villages makes it to the list.
Read more: The best UNESCO sites in Provence; Gorges du Verdon: Complete Travel Guide
Most of the places we had visited during our Provence holidays are not included in the official list, but nonetheless they complied with my criteria of being among the most beautiful villages in France.
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1. Aiguines
Aiguines is a very tiny place with less than 300 inhabitants. It offers one of the most stunning views on the Lake of Sainte-Croix. There’s also a castle in the village built in the Middle Ages and restored in the 1980-s. Today, the castle is a private property and to my regret cannot be visited. Aiguines has a lovely square with a fountain and a few cafés.
In Aiguine you can also visit the atelier of a local santonnier – an old Provençal craft of making nativity figurines from terracotta.
2. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
This is the only village included in the famous list with the most beautiful villages in France. It is also a very touristy place. If you don’t mind the crowds in the summer, you are free to enjoy the special Provençal spirit caught up in every cobbled stone and in each small café.
Moustiers is famous for its ceramics and the Star of Moustiers. The last is the subject of many legends and actually nobody knows as to why it has been suspended above the village. Today this is the 11th star to hang on a 135 m long chain between two rocks.
Another lovely church in Moustiers is the parish church with the Lombard bell tower, which without a doubt is one of the most beautiful bell towers of Provence.
3. Les Salles-du-Verdon
This small place has a very interesting history. In 1971 when they started building the Lake of Sainte-Croix in the Gorges du Verdon, the village had to move. Today, Les Salles-du-Verdon is located at some 400 m from its original location, which now is in the middle of the lake. They say that when the water is low in the lake you can spot the top of the church spire, but it could be just another modern-times legend. Les Salles is a popular resort for the summer holidays at the lake.
4. Bauduen-sur-Verdon
Once standing on a rock, Bauduen is another village that had to move – it looks like it had descended, as today it´s lying on the lake shore. It´s not very touristy, so you can walk all alone through the labyrinth of narrow passages, or enjoy a drink at one of the cafés with views to the lake.
5. Castellane
Castellane is one of the oldest towns in Provence. It was mentioned for the first time in historical texts around 970, but the first settlements date back to the Neolithic Age. Castellane is dominated by the Roc – a gigantic square-shaped cliff. On the top of the cliff there is the chapel of Notre-Dame du Roc.
Climbing takes about 20 minutes and once on the top you will be rewarded with a magnificent view over the village and the surroundings. Another special place in Castellane is the pentagonal tower, a part of the town´s 14th century fortification system.
Where to stay in Provence
For our holidays we chose as base a camping in Aiguines. This region is one of the most popular touristic destinations and offers a wide range of accommodations: from camping sites, to rural homes (the so called gîtes), resorts, all types of hotels and anything you can think of.
Use this search section to find a place to stay in Provence:
Have I inspired you to visit Provence? Let me know in the comments.
I’d have to agree with you .. .these are some of the most beautiful places I’ve seen! So impressive that only 1 in 5 of these sorts of towns makes the list of “most beautiful villages” .. what an incredible area this must be
We also like to find charming places that are off the official lists. I love the tiny streets with stone houses. It looks pretty quiet too, I don’t see a lot of tourists in your photos. I think we would enjoy a place like this!
I have always identified Provence with the breathtaking lavender fields. However I see that there is much more to it and this post is indeed a revelation. I love the picturesque towns and villages, they seem straight out of a fairy tale. They have an endearing old world charm which makes them so enchanting.
Looks really nice! I lived in Alsace, and there were also some villages from this top. They are very charming, I really enjoyed visiting them even more than the big cities. Never went to Provence though, this will be on my list now.
Provence is definitely still on my list. Beautiful photos!
Oh Provence, this post brings me some many great memories! I used to lived in the south of France for a while and travelled quite extensively around the area. I also visited some of these little villages and they are so pretty!
Woohooo I’m driving down to Provence in three weeks and I CANNOT wait!!! It’s also always been a dream of mine to see the lavender fields. And don’t even get me started on the picturesque villages and cute little streets and houses. Thanks for sharing!
What a gorgeous corner of France. I always forget to look closer to home when I am planning trips but I am sorely tempted to pop across the Channel to France now. Did you go in any of the lakes? They look so inviting.
Oh wow! These places look wonderful. I would want to relocate in any of those places if only I could. The lifestyle there must be stress-free. You took some great photos. I like the photo of the shop the most. It looks nice and the facade is lovely.
I had never heard of there being an official list of ‘beautiful villages’ earlier!! Surprising for a country to put together such a list… having said that, your photos are proof that these little villages deserve a visit! They sure look lovely and peaceful =)
Truly charming! When I think of Provence, I think of lavender fields and rose wine! I still have a lot of France to explore especially with my love for wine and food 😉
This looks like the perfect getaway for a long weekend or so. Thanks for sharing it! #goals
I love these small villages in France, they are so charming and you feel like you were transported to the past!
Heck that is some serious scenery. I always hear so much good about France and it appears I need to add Provence to the list now. Such a stunning place and great photos to it all the justice. Nice work.
IAlmost every summer, I used to spent my childhood summer vacation in France. When I read your post, memories from beautiful France came back again. I didn’t went to France for a long ttime, maybe it is time soon.
These are gorgeous! So many villages to be discovered in France… Makes me wanna go to all of them!
Wow all those places look so quaint. So far I have just been in Avignon, which is quite a larger city but now I wish I had visited smaller villages as well. The food must be outstanding there.
What charming villages, and very much off-the-beaten track. Beautiful photos too!
Thanks Catherine!