By Simon Richards, founder of Provence Holidays – Provence’s largest luxury villa rentals company.
Provence is a treasure trove of history, gastronomy, and natural beauty. Home to over 800 villages, each with its unique charm, the region offers something special for every visitor. Simon Richards, founder of Provence Holidays – Provence’s largest luxury villa rentals company, shares insights into five of the most sought-after villages – Gordes, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Roussillon, , Bonnieux and Ménerbes – and that certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ that makes each one special.
Gordes – Best for history and photography
Perched on a hilltop in the Luberon, Gordes is often heralded as the quintessential Provençal village and one of the “most beautiful of France’s villages.” Its timeless appeal lies in its dry-stone architecture, narrow cobbled streets, and incredible views over the valley below. Photographers will revel in capturing the golden glow of the village at sunrise or sunset. Historical highlights include the Sénanque Abbey, a 12th-century monastery framed by lavender fields, and Le Village des Bories, an ancient settlement of dry-stone huts.
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence – Best for culture and Provençal charm
Saint-Rémy is the epitome of Provençal charm, with its energetic Wednesday market, historical landmarks, and lively arts scene. Fans of Vincent van Gogh can walk in his footsteps at the Saint-Paul de Mausole, the monastery where he painted some of his most famous works, including Starry Night. The Glanum archaeological site offers a window into the village’s Roman past, with well-preserved ruins that transport visitors back in time. Saint-Rémy is also a food lover’s haven, with gourmet restaurants lining the streets.
Roussillon – Best for hikers and nature lovers
Roussillon’s vivid ochre cliffs make it one of the most striking villages in France. Perched atop the world’s largest ochre deposit, its colourful façades of red, orange, and yellow mirror the surrounding cliffs. The Sentier des Ocres trails provide two options: a short 2.5 km loop and a more extended 4 km path, both offering a leisurely way to immerse yourself in this natural spectacle. Beyond hiking, visitors can explore the Conservatoire des Ocres, where workshops reveal the history of ochre mining and its role in the region’s artistry. Stop by Café des Couleurs for a terrace view of the ochre valley while sipping on local wine.
Bonnieux – Best for al fresco dining
Perched on a hillside in the Luberon, Bonnieux offers stunning views, charming cobbled streets, and a wealth of al fresco dining opportunities. Most restaurants serve fresh, local cuisine on terraces overlooking the valley, making it a food lover’s dream. At the village’s summit, the Vieille Église and its ancient cedar trees provide a serene spot with breathtaking vistas.
Ménerbes – Best for art and wine lovers
Ménerbes is an artist’s paradise, with panoramic views that have inspired painters and writers for centuries, including Picasso and Peter Mayle. The village remains a hub for creativity, with galleries like Maison de Dora Maar, once the home of Picasso’s muse, now a space for artistic residencies. Wine lovers will appreciate a visit to Domaine de la Citadelle, known for its organic wines and unique Musée du Tire-Bouchon, a collection dedicated to corkscrews. For a more immersive experience, the Maison de la Truffe et du Vin offers tastings of local truffles and wines, paired with educational insights into Provençal gastronomy.
“We have seen a growing demand for holidays in Provence in recent years, particularly for large groups and families. Provence is truly a region like no other and we are thrilled to welcome around 40,000 guests each year and share its beauty with them. As local experts, we take great pride in our hands-on approach, which ensures that each guest gets the authentic Provençal experience,” says Simon Richards, Founder of Provence Holidays.
About the expert
Originally from South Kensington in London, Simon relocated permanently to the South of France in 2008 to immerse himself fully in the rich and refined aspects of Provençal culture. Drawing on his industry expertise and keen eye for design, he began advising on residential interior design projects in Provence. Over seven years, Simon’s client base expanded rapidly, and his in-depth knowledge of the region’s most sought-after properties surpassed that of luxury travel providers, prompting him to officially launch Provence Holidays in 2017. The business expanded organically, growing to become a portfolio of hundreds of individually vetted luxury properties, and a team of over 30 Provence specialists.
Primarily focused in the Luberon, the Alpilles, Aix-en-Provence and the Côte d’Azur regions, Provence Holdiays is now the largest luxury villa rentals company in the region. Each home is showcased with high-quality video tours, highlighting the property’s wow factor and its surroundings. Provence Holiday’s offers a full cancellation policy.
During COVID, Simon pivoted from solely renting to selling properties, and now operates two estate agencies in the Luberon and Alpilles regions of Provence with a third one planned to open in the Côte d’Azur early in 2025.
