Visit Provence: A journey through sunlit villages, lavender fields & Rolling vineyards

A Journey Through Timeless Beauty

Golden sunlight washes over rolling vineyards, their neat rows stretching toward the horizon. Can you hear the whisper of the wind as it dances through the lavender fields, carrying their delicate, sun-warmed fragrance?. A morning stroll through the local markets reveals baskets brimming with sun-ripened figs, fragrant cheeses, and freshly baked fougasse. Not far away, history whispers through medieval architecture, from the quiet solitude of a Roman ruin to the grandeur of a historic château. Art lovers find inspiration in the footsteps of Van Gogh, seeking out the landscapes that stirred his genius. Meanwhile, gourmets indulge in Provencal cuisine, where truffle-infused dishes and delicate rosé pairings turn every meal into a masterpiece. For those who crave the sea, the Mediterranean coastline calls with its rugged Calanques, where crystalline waters hide secluded coves. A day could unfold along scenic coastal towns, with time for a boat tour, a dip in the sea, and a leisurely lunch by the harbor. And then, as twilight settles, the essence of things to do in Provence lingers—an invitation to embrace the slow rhythm of Provence, to savor each moment, and to uncover its most unforgettable treasures.

20,000

hectares of lavender fields

900+

festivals per year

60%

of France’s rosé wine

9,200

hectares of truffle forests

Meet Provence

There’s a rhythm to Provence—one that lingers in the scent of sun-warmed lavender, in the golden hues of olive groves at dusk, and in the laughter echoing through village squares. It’s a place where history and nature intertwine effortlessly, where every cobbled street, vineyard, and windswept cliff tells a story. Whether you’re sipping a crisp rosé beneath ancient plane trees, exploring the remnants of a Roman amphitheater, or losing yourself in the colors that once captivated Van Gogh, Provence offers a world of discovery at every turn. From its rugged Calanques to its lively local markets, this region invites you to slow down, savor, and experience the extraordinary.

The Soul of Provençal Culture

Provence is a land where history, art, and tradition blend seamlessly into the landscape, from ancient Roman ruins to medieval hilltop villages and monastic retreats steeped in silence and beauty. Every town and landmark tells a story—whether it’s of emperors, popes, or artists who found inspiration in its golden light. The Palais des Papes in Avignon, a towering fortress that once housed the papacy, stands as a symbol of Provence’s medieval grandeur. Further south, Arles’ UNESCO-listed Roman amphitheater, one of the most well-preserved in France, still hosts performances and bullfights, much as it did nearly 2,000 years ago. Not far away, the Abbaye de Sénanque, surrounded by lavender fields, offers a glimpse into monastic life unchanged for centuries. Provence has long been a muse for artists. In Aix-en-Provence, Paul Cézanne captured the essence of Mont Sainte-Victoire, while in Arles, Vincent van Gogh painted over 200 masterpieces, forever linking his name to the town’s sunlit streets and swirling skies. The region’s artistic legacy continues today in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where contemporary galleries breathe new life into this painter’s paradise.

But the true soul of Provence lies in its hilltop villages, where cobblestone streets wind between honey-colored stone houses and shaded squares echo with the sound of trickling fountains. In Gordes, perched dramatically over the Luberon Valley, time seems to stand still. In Roussillon, ochre cliffs paint the landscape in fiery reds and golds, a striking contrast to Provence’s famed lavender fields. Meanwhile, the medieval charm of Les Baux-de-Provence transports visitors to a world of knights and fortified castles. For those seeking a deeper cultural immersion, Provence offers private after-hours tours of its historical sites, exclusive access to ateliers of contemporary artists, and curated experiences tracing Van Gogh’s footsteps with an art historian. Whether exploring Roman ruins, medieval fortresses, or artistic enclaves, Provence is a timeless masterpiece waiting to be discovered.

From Rosé Royalty to Grand Reds: Provence’s Wines

Provence is one of the most prestigious wine regions in France, home to ancient vineyards, world-class rosés, and powerful reds that have captivated connoisseurs for centuries. With a winemaking history dating back to 600 BC, the region boasts a diverse terroir, from the sun-drenched hills of Châteauneuf-du-Pape to the seaside vineyards of Cassis. The rosés of Côtes de Provence are among the most sought-after in the world, their pale hues and crisp minerality defining the art of elegant summer drinking. Estates such as Château d’Esclans, creator of the legendary Garrus and Whispering Angel, have elevated Provençal rosé to a luxury status, gracing the wine lists of Michelin-starred restaurants and exclusive beach clubs.

Beyond rosé, Provence offers complex, age-worthy reds from Bandol, where the Mourvèdre grape thrives under the Mediterranean sun. Estates like Domaine Tempier and Château de Pibarnon produce structured, deep reds with remarkable longevity. Meanwhile, the whites of Cassis, often overshadowed by the region’s rosés, offer a refined, mineral-driven expression, pairing beautifully with Mediterranean seafood. For an exclusive wine experience, Provence offers private tastings in historic châteaux, barrel samplings in centuries-old cellars, and helicopter tours over rolling vineyards. In Châteauneuf-du-Pape, guests can explore the ancient ruins of the papal castle before indulging in VIP tastings of the region’s legendary Grenache-based blends. For a truly unique Provençal experience, nothing compares to sipping rosé at sunset from a private vineyard estate, surrounded by the scents of lavender and thyme. Whether exploring the iconic appellations of the Rhône Valley, the hidden gems of the Luberon, or the coastal vineyards of Bandol and Cassis, Provence’s wine culture is one of prestige, heritage, and refined indulgence.

The Essence of Provençal Gastronomy

Provence is a land where sun-drenched flavors, time-honored traditions, and haute cuisine come together in a symphony of taste. Its gastronomy reflects the region’s terroir and history, from the truffle-rich forests of the Luberon to the olive groves of Les Baux and the lavender-scented kitchens of hilltop villages. The foundation of Provençal cuisine lies in its fresh, local ingredients. Black truffles, known as the “black diamonds” of Provence, are found in the wild forests of Ventoux and the Luberon, while the sun-ripened tomatoes, zucchini, and eggplants of the region give life to dishes like ratatouille and soupe au pistou. Olive oil, an essential ingredient, reaches its finest expression in the AOP-protected mills of Les Baux-de-Provence and Nyons.

Seafood plays a vital role in the coastal kitchens of Cassis and Marseille, where the legendary bouillabaisse—a fragrant saffron fish stew—is prepared in accordance with strict traditional methods. Meanwhile, daube provençale, a slow-cooked beef stew with red wine, herbs, and olives, embodies the rustic elegance of Provençal home cooking. For the ultimate gourmet experience, Provence boasts a wealth of Michelin-starred restaurants, where heritage and innovation merge. In Les Baux-de-Provence, L’Oustau de Baumanière offers a menu inspired by the land’s natural bounty, while La Chassagnette near Arles champions a fully organic, garden-driven cuisine. In Aix-en-Provence, Le Saint-Estève presents contemporary Provençal flavors with panoramic views of Mont Sainte-Victoire, the same mountain that once captivated Paul Cézanne.

Beyond its restaurants, Provence invites travelers to immerse themselves in the region’s culinary artistry through private truffle hunts, exclusive olive oil tastings, and bespoke market tours with renowned chefs. Whether dining under the stars in a historic château, indulging in a Michelin-starred tasting menu, or sharing a lavender-scented picnic among the vineyards, Provence is a place where every meal tells a story of terroir, tradition, and timeless elegance.

The Ultimate Provençal Escape

Provence is a region where luxury is woven into nature, tradition, and timeless savoir-faire. From floating over vineyards in a hot air balloon to truffle hunting with an expert guide, every experience offers a deep connection to the land, tailored for the most discerning travelers. For those seeking adventure with refinement, nothing compares to a hot air balloon ride over the Luberon, where the morning light reveals rolling vineyards, olive groves, and medieval villages. The experience is best followed by a private countryside picnic, featuring local cheeses, lavender honey, and a glass of rosé from a prestigious Provençal estate. Gastronomes can embark on exclusive truffle hunts, led by seasoned hunters and their trained dogs in the forests of Ventoux or the Luberon. After the hunt, indulge in a truffle-infused gourmet lunch, paired with aged Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines. For a hands-on experience, a private Provençal cooking class with a Michelin-starred chef unveils the secrets of herbes de Provence, olive oil tastings, and classic dishes like daube provençale.

For those drawn to Provence’s artistic and cultural heritage, curated experiences include after-hours access to Cézanne’s atelier in Aix, a private tour of Arles tracing Van Gogh’s inspirations, or an exclusive meeting with local artisans who still craft ceramics, textiles, and perfumes using centuries-old techniques. The ultimate Provençal indulgence? A private lavender field experience in Valensole, where guests can sip Champagne amid fragrant blooms as the sun sets over the endless purple horizon.

Where to Stay in Provence?

In Provence, luxury is understated yet deeply refined, where historic châteaux, vineyard estates, secluded bastides, and private yachts offer a sanctuary of elegance and tranquility. For those who dream of a château experience, Château de Berne, set within a 1,200-acre wine estate, offers Michelin-starred dining and a world-class spa amid sun-drenched vineyards. Meanwhile, Villa La Coste, a modern luxury retreat near Aix-en-Provence, combines art, architecture, and fine wine, featuring an exclusive gallery curated by some of the world’s greatest contemporary artists.

For complete seclusion and serenity, Provence’s boutique bastides provide intimate escapes. Domaine de Manville, in the heart of the Alpilles, blends rustic charm with five-star indulgence, featuring a private golf course and holistic spa. In Les Baux-de-Provence, Baumanière has been a retreat for royalty and artists alike, offering elegant suites and Michelin-starred gastronomy in a setting straight from a Cézanne painting. For the ultimate private escape, Provence’s luxury villas and yachts offer exclusive experiences with private chefs, infinity pools, and panoramic views. Estates like those in Gordes and Bonnieux provide an authentic yet opulent retreat, perfect for long summer evenings under the Provençal sky. Meanwhile, along the Mediterranean coast, luxury yacht charters departing from Cassis or Saint-Tropez offer a different kind of Provençal indulgence—where hidden coves, crystal-clear waters, and onboard gourmet dining create an unparalleled escape.

Year-Round Celebrations in Provence

From prestigious theater festivals in medieval courtyards to truffle markets in hidden villages, each event is a doorway into the region’s rich heritage and refined pleasures. Summer in Provence is a celebration of the arts, with events like the Festival d’Avignon, one of the world’s most renowned theater festivals, transforming the historic city into an open-air stage. In the Roman Theater of Orange, the Chorégies d’Orange hosts breathtaking opera performances under the stars, while Les Rencontres d’Arles turns the ancient streets of Arles into a gallery of avant-garde photography. Music lovers gather in Aix-en-Provence, where the Festival d’Aix presents a sophisticated lineup of operatic and orchestral performances. As autumn sets in, the vineyards of Provence come alive with harvest festivals, from the grape celebrations of Châteauneuf-du-Pape to the Ban des Vendanges, where winemakers open their estates for exclusive tastings. Winter welcomes the black truffle season, where select guests can join private truffle hunts in the forests of the Luberon before indulging in gourmet pairings of truffle-infused dishes and rare Rhône Valley vintages. By spring, Provence awakens with the scent of lavender and the rhythm of village fêtes. In Valensole, the Lavender Festival immerses visitors in the landscapes that inspired generations of perfumers, while in Saint-Rémy and Les Baux, the Fête de la Saint-Éloi brings age-old Provençal traditions to life with horse processions and countryside feasts. Meanwhile, in Mougins, the Festival de la Gastronomie attracts Michelin-starred chefs for exclusive tastings and culinary masterclasses. For those drawn to luxury and sport, Provence offers Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, where vintage yachts race along the Mediterranean in a dazzling display of nautical prestige, and the Provence Golf Open, where VIP guests can enjoy rounds on some of the region’s most exclusive courses. Provence’s celebrations are as refined as its landscapes, offering an unparalleled blend of culture, gastronomy, and timeless elegance.

Provence is more than a destination—it’s an invitation to savor life at its most refined. From sun-drenched vineyards and medieval hilltop villages to Michelin-starred feasts and private yacht escapes, every moment here is steeped in heritage, elegance, and authenticity. Whether wandering through lavender fields kissed by the mistral, indulging in a truffle-laden gourmet experience, or admiring Cézanne’s Mont Sainte-Victoire bathed in golden light, Provence offers a world where time slows, senses awaken, and luxury takes its most effortless form. This is a place where dreams unfold at the perfect pace—perhaps it’s time to step into the story.