Provence, France
Stay in the charming countryside of Provence, where we offer two Inspirato homes and one hotel partner. Château Lavande, an elegant manor in the Luberon Valley, brims with historic antiques and original paintings. Swim in the private pool, explore the grounds, and cook in the gourmet kitchen. Maison du Calavon is an expansive property near quaint villages, vineyards, lavender fields, and French cafes, with views of rolling hills.
At La Villa Gallici, take your pick from two hotel suites and enjoy a gourmet restaurant serving seasonal Provençal cuisine.
Live Like Country Nobility
In Southern France's quaint and picturesque Provence region, you'll understand how the area's beauty inspired both Van Gogh and Picasso to create some of the world's most famous paintings. Float in a hot air balloon over fields of bright sunflowers in this sunny expanse, framed by the Alps and the Mediterranean coastline. Breathe in the delicate scent of lavender floating in the air right outside your chateau. Step back in time as you meander through the perched villages of Gordes and Bonnieux, dipping into stores or relaxing with a glass of rosé. Don't miss the essential experience of shopping the bustling open-air markets that abound with local products.
Quick Facts
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Suggested Airport
MRS -
Average High Temperature
84°F Summer/65°F Spring/Fall -
Bastille Day
July 14 -
Olive Oil Harvest
November and December -
Truffle Markets
November through March -
Lavender Bloom
Early July until early August
Fresh Things To Do
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Up in the Clouds
Arranged by your concierge, watch the sun rise over the Provençal countryside from the vantage point of a private hot air balloon. See breathtaking views of idyllic hilltop villages, vineyards, and lavender fields.
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Say “I Do”
Share Provence with the person you love. From the stunning limestone hills and rows of vineyards to historic chateaus and terraces with gorgeous vistas, it's perfect for a romantic moment or renewing your vows.
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Oppède-le-Vieux
A short drive away, this ancient village is worth a visit. The locals have painstakingly restored the 12th to 17th century buildings. Walk up the cobblestoned paths and get lunch under the large plane trees at Le Petit Café.
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Lavender Route
Provence is known for its heavily fragrant blossoms of lavender in early July to early August. Tour the beautiful lavender route from the Abbaye de Sénanque (near Gordes) to the wide, purple swatch that spreads across the Drôme and the Vaucluse.
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Market Hop
Provence is market heaven and venturing out to the villages allows you to experience the real Provence. Outdoor markets that pass from village to town each day of the week are filled with fresh food, collectibles and antiques.
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Covered in Oil
Provence is known to produce some of the best olive oil in the world. Harvest time is in November to December and many orchards welcome help during this time. Some of the olive oil mills have guided tours and tastings. You’ll be amazed by the different flavors.
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Featured Activity
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Gourmet & Grapes
La Bastide de Capelongue. This gourmet restaurant created by famed chef Edouard Loubet is a gastronomic event set in an exquisite location with views of the Luberon Valley. You'll quickly understand the chef's two Michelin stars. He uses the freshest ingredients cultivated from his impressive garden to create seasonal menus that never disappoint.
Resturant Pèir. In the center of Gordes, tip back a kir royale from the five-star Bastide de Gordes restaurant. Chef Pierre Gagnaire is known for his homage to Provencal cuisine.
Personal chefs. Provence and the Luberon boast some of the finest private chefs in the world. Acquiring these professionals requires a bit of pre-planning and you can count on your Destination Concierge to plan for you.
Wine tasting. Some of our favorites include the world-renowned wines from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, where "Appelation d'Origine Contrôlée" was born. Visit Chateau Val Joanis in Pertuis to combine a winery tour with views of a nationally-classed flower garden that once belonged to Julius Caesar.
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Provence Travel Tips
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Treasure Hunting
If you're in Provence over a Sunday during high season, head to l'Isle sur la Sorgue. This antiques mecca boasts more than 300 picturesque booths where dealers have been pedaling their wares, from high-quality antiques to quirky collectibles, since the 1960s.
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Visit in the Fall
Fall in the Cotes du Rhone wine region of Provence means grape harvest. Trucks filled with grapes wind through the countryside and in Avignon, which hosts an annual wine festival, you can stroll narrow cobblestone streets tasting wine and enjoying local cuisine.
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THE Patisserie
If you are looking for the ultimate French cookie, head to Le Petit Duc in St-Rémy-de-Provence for the Oreilles de la Bonne Déesse, or Ears of the Good Goddess, an adaptation of a Roman porridge recipe that uses olive oil, red wine, pepper, honey and cumin.
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Park and Walk
Many of the city centers are pedestrian-only, so it's much better to park outside the walls and walk into town for the day. And in our opinion, it's the only way to take in everything the local culture has to offer.
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Scents-ible
The town of Grasse is known to be the custom perfume making capital of the world. One of the favorites is Fragonard, which offers factory tours daily, all of which end at the boutique where the company's 35 different fragrances are on display.
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Natural Art
Just 10 minutes away, your concierge will direct you to a hill overlooking Roussillon, where the sunset will take your breath away. The effect of the final light on the old village and the ochre hillsides is something artists have tried to capture for centuries.
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Destination Video
Weather
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Forecasting Your Provence Vacation
Each season brings its own charm, making Provence a popular year-round destination. Situated on the Mediterranean coast, the area has a dry Mediterranean climate, and although some parts are alpine, the Luberon valley has relatively mild weather no matter the season. Around mid-March, spring brings sunshine and warmth, and summertime heats up further, making Provence perfect for swimming and spending time outside.
