France · Stone mas, lavender and market towns
Villas in Provence
Provence has a particular light. It falls on stone farmhouses, plane-tree squares and hills covered in vines, olives and lavender. Life revolves around the market, the long lunch and the evening game of pétanque.
Villa life
Why a villa in Provence
A villa here is usually a mas, a traditional Provençal farmhouse, set in its own grounds with a pool and a shaded terrace. It's one of the most rewarding villa destinations in Europe for families, groups and anyone who loves good food.
Provence is a region of villages rather than resorts. A villa lets you live among them, shopping at the morning market and eating outside under the trees.
Many mas have large gardens, pools and space for groups, and the region's villages are within easy driving distance of one another.
Especially good for
- Families and multi-generational groups
- Food and wine lovers
- Large groups and celebrations
- Cyclists and walkers
Where to stay
The best areas for a villa in Provence
- 01
The Luberon
Hilltop villages like Gordes, Ménerbes, Bonnieux and Lourmarin, with lavender and vineyards between them.
- 02
The Alpilles
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Eygalières and Les Baux, with olive groves and limestone hills.
- 03
Around Aix-en-Provence
An elegant city with countryside villas nearby and Cézanne's Mont Sainte-Victoire.
- 04
The Vaucluse
Mont Ventoux, Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the villages around Avignon.
What you can request
Villa types in Provence
- Traditional mas
- Stone farmhouses with shutters, gardens and pools.
- Bastides
- Grand country houses, often with formal gardens and space for larger groups.
- Village houses
- Houses within walking distance of a village square.
- Contemporary villas
- Modern design in the landscape, often with dramatic views.
We don’t publish villa listings, because availability changes constantly. Tell us your dates and we’ll send you villas that are available, with full photos and details.
Days out
Typical experiences
- Morning markets in Saint-Rémy, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Apt
- Lavender fields around Sault and the Valensole plateau in early summer
- Wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the Luberon
- Cycling on Mont Ventoux or quiet country roads
- Day trips to Avignon, Arles and Aix-en-Provence
- Private chef dinners with Provençal produce
Seasons
When to visit Provence
- May and June
- Long days, green hills and the start of the lavender season.
- July and August
- Hot and lively, with festivals and lavender in bloom. Peak season for villas.
- September and October
- Harvest season, warm days and quieter villages.
- November to April
- Quiet, with the mistral wind and limited villa availability.
Practical notes
Getting there, groups and local tips
Getting there
- Marseille (MRS) is the main airport for Provence. Nice (NCE) and Avignon are alternatives.
- The TGV connects Paris with Avignon and Aix-en-Provence in around three hours.
- A car is essential for most villas.
For groups
- Provence has a good supply of large mas and bastides.
- Village locations make it easier for groups without cars.
- Distances between villages are short, so day trips are easy.
Local tips
- Lavender typically blooms from late June to late July, depending on altitude and weather.
- Market days vary by village. Plan your week around them.
- The mistral can blow for several days. Sheltered terraces help.
- Summer rentals often run Saturday to Saturday.
Villa collections
Popular requests in Provence
Questions
Provence villa FAQs
Where's the best area for a villa in Provence?
The Luberon and the Alpilles are the most popular, with beautiful villages and a great choice of villas. The area around Aix is convenient for the city. We'll suggest the right area for your group.
When is lavender season in Provence?
Usually from late June to late July, varying with altitude and weather. It's worth planning around if the lavender is important to you.
Do Provence villas have air-conditioning?
Many do, though older stone mas stay cool naturally and may not. We'll confirm for each villa.
Plan your trip
Tell us about your Provence trip.
Where in Provence, when, who's coming, and what matters most. We'll search across our villa partners and send you options that fit.
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