Having lived in France all my adult life I’ve inevitably moved around the country quite a bit. and while I’ve called Normandy home for a long time, I also lived for many years in Provence and on the Cote d’Azur.
Today a good part of our family lives on the coast, and we travel south regularly, to see them and for work or to visit friends.
I’m often asked about where to stay in Provence, so I thought that at this time of year when many of us are thinking about our holiday plans to come, you may like to know my personal favorites.
Here in no particular order are some of the places I go to regularly and absolutely love.
Lourmarin
If you love to be in the heart of a picture perfect village with boutiques and restaurants within a few minutes walk, then I’d suggest you opt for Le Moulin at Lourmarin. I often stay here, and I love the design, the position and the flexibility of being in the village. They have a lovely restaurant on a leafy terrace, and everything feels very relaxed. We have taken a couple of tours here and our clients always love it!
https://www.beaumier.com/fr/proprietes/hotel-le-moulin
Lauris
Fontenille in Lauris. Just ten minutes drive from the gorgeous little town of Lourmarin, is the Domaine de Fontenille. A majestic former home, converted nine years ago to a five star hotel. Surrounded by its own vineyards, and standing majestically over stunning gardens, this is the place to rest and get some peace and quiet. The rooms are beautiful, and in the spring and summer lunches and dinners can be enjoyed on the huge terrace overlooking the gardens. I actually like this place so much, we have stayed here four times for our Provence tours.
Gordes
The tiny village of Gordes gets very busy during the summer, but there is a calm retreat to be found at the luxurious Bastide de Gordes. This five star hotel boasts several restaurants and outstanding service. My favorite room is the Suite Baron de Simiane, very spacious and beautifully decorated, and my favorite restaurant is the Clover
https://airelles.com/fr/destination/gordes-hotel
The luberon & les Alpilles
Renting a villa or privatising a small hotel can sometimes be the best option if travelling with extended family or a group of friends. Rental agencies come in many shapes and sizes, and some are definitely better than others. We have often used Alpilles Luberon Immobilier, and never been disappointed by the quality of their service.
https://www.alpilles-luberon-immobilier.com
Maussane les Alpilles
If you prefer the idea of a privatised address with full hotel service, then our heart goes to Le Prieuré de Maussane, for the sheer beauty of the hotel design, the warm welcome, and its position on the edge of the lively little village. We will be taking two tours here in 2026, and I’m excited to share this address with our guests.
http://les-maisons.hotel-particulier.com/
Les Alpilles
In the same region of Les Alpilles are several properties that go under the collective name of les Domaines de Chabran. Each address is quite simply gorgeous, and beautifully interior designed. They can be rented as traditional rentals, or with in house staffing can be arranged too. We recommend the Mas de Castillonne with pool, tennis and seven rooms, or the original Mas de Chabran,
Nice, Cote d’Azur
If you are staying in Nice on the Cote d’Azur, then my absolute favorite, and my frequent haunt is Le Couvent in Nice. A former convent, it is a large building forming a U-shape around an inner courtyard. The gardens are lovely, the staff impeccable and their restaurant is always a good idea; And if you want to wander into the old town, to enjoy the flower market, the Monday brocante or other shopping and sightseeing, then it is all on your doorstep.
St Paul de Vence
Also on the Cote d’Azur, but tucked away in the hills is the iconic Colombe d’Or. This is a favorite when my husband and I want to get away for a few days, but still be within easy reach of Nice. Dine surrounded by incredible artwork, swim in their gorgeous pool and enjoy the picture perfect village of St Paul after all the tourists go home. I particularly love dinner or lunch on their inner courtyard, or in the winter in front of the fire.
https://www.la-colombe-dor.com/indexEN.html
So these are my recommendations, but I’d also love to hear yours. Is there a place that has knocked your socks off? Or somewhere you are longing to visit?