Provence’s 5 most beautiful villages
The villages of Provence, with their rich medieval history, have an atypical character. There are countless of them. They attract visitors with their architecture, scenic beauty and culture. Most of them are far from the coast. But there’s still a wide range of things to do when you visit them. It’s hard to choose, but we’ve managed to pick out a few for you. Autumn lends itself well to these visits, so you can enjoy them without the crowds.
Valensole
Emblematic of Provence, lavender grows mainly on the Valensole plateau. Let yourself be carried away by the spray of lavender as you visit these softly-colored fields. Between the Verdon, Bléone and Durance valleys, the hinterland of Provence dons its purple coat for a few weeks in summer.
The sea of lavender that covers this plateau is not the only wonder of this village to discover. The beauty of its medieval architecture makes Valensole a typically Provencal village. Its 13th-century church and pretty 18th-century fountain are architectural treasures. The Verdon gorges are just a few kilometers away.
Ste Croix de Verdon
Sainte Croix de Verdon overlooks the lake from a height of 513m. The village is full of pretty typical houses, a 16th-century church and even the remains of a medieval castle. Sainte Croix de Verdon is synonymous with discovery. The church, which claims to house a relic of Christ’s cross, probably gave its name to the village.
Popular with tourists, Sainte Croix de Verdon has become a place not to be missed. With all the activities on offer, many holidaymakers come to enjoy the area. Located at the entrance to the Gorges de Baudinard, the village offers a magnificent panorama of the lake from the top of its rock. It’s the perfect place to enjoy sumptuous sunsets.
Moustier Ste Marie
This 3-star village in bloom has a very sacred character. The village’s architecture resembles a human-sized nativity scene, nestling between two cliffs with its star suspended in the air. One of the oldest chapels in the region was built here in the 5th century.
Moustier Ste Marie has been awarded the ” Villages et cités de caractère ” label and is part of the Verdon regional nature park. Stroll along its cobbled streets, discover its famous earthenware and admire its stone houses, the waterfall that bisects the village and its fountains. Taste Provencal cuisine in one of the village’s restaurants and take your taste buds on a voyage of discovery.
Le Castellet
Enjoy a magnificent view of the northern Sainte-Baume massif as you visit the village of Le Castellet. Comprising Castellet-village and 3 other villages: Le Plan, Le Brûlat and Sainte-Anne, Le Castellet is a very large commune. Each hamlet has its own church and square.
The commune is a member of the Communauté d’Agglomération Sud Sainte Baume. Offering a centuries-old heritage, a terroir full of flavors and charming alleyways, this village is also known for its famous Paul Ricard racetrack. Other activities include golf, hiking, cycling and wine tours.
Sillans-la-Cascade
Located 20 minutes from Lac de Sainte-Croix, Sillans-la-Cascade is a charming village. Discover its medieval buildings, including the church of St. Etienne, the ramparts and the château. Just a few hundred metres from the village, you can admire the famous 42-metre-high waterfall. Despite its success, this natural site is protected. Enjoy the view from the belvedere and get up close to the water without getting wet. For cycling enthusiasts, Sillans-la-Cascade offers rides to delight the sportsman in you!
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