Guide: Explore Provence & the French Riviera

Where to stay

Finding the right base for your holiday is about matching the location to your travel style. Some travelers prefer the convenience of a lively town center, while others seek the solitude of the countryside. We have handpicked a selection of homes across these beautiful areas below, to help you find the perfect place for you and your loved ones.

• Lourmarin, Bonnieux and Gordes are the heart of Provence, perfect for lovers of picturesque hilltop villages and countrysides. Wander through sun-drenched cobbled streets, discover hidden artisan shops, and take in the breathtaking views of the golden hills.

• Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is a historic gem famous for its impressive Roman ruins and deep artistic roots - it was here that Van Gogh painted some of his most iconic works. The town offers a perfect blend of culture and historical charm, and is an ideal spot for those looking to immerse themselves in the authentic Provençal lifestyle.

• Côte d'Azur - The French Riviera, the coastline from Monaco, Nice, Cannes, all the way to Toulon and Marsille hides some of the most beautiful corners of southern France. Come for the sun, the seafood and beautiful beaches and stay for the slow rhythm, coastal bike rides and evenings that stretch late into the night.

• Aix-en-Provence is for those who dream of slow mornings at local markets and long lunches in sun-drenched squares. Whether you are wandering the historic streets or retreating to the countryside, it is the perfect setting for anyone seeking a blend of cultural soul and quiet charm.
  Discover our beautiful holiday homes in and around Aix-en-Provence.

• L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is known as the “Venice of Provence,” famous for its emerald-green canals, historic waterwheels, and charming riverside cafés. This town is a true haven for those who love wandering through antique markets or simply seeking a relaxing stay in idyllic surroundings.

• The Luberon Villages - Roussillon, Ménerbes, and Oppède-le-Vieux are charming gems perched high on the hillsides. These villages are perfect for wandering, offering incredible views of deep ochre cliffs and endless lavender fields. It is a dream destination for those looking to discover the quiet, authentic soul of Provence.

Discover all of our handpicked holiday homes in the area of Provence.

Where to eat

Taste the wonderful rustic cuisine of Provence and the French Riviera, rooted in sun-ripened vegetables, hearty flavors, and shared meals. The local love for food is unmistakable, so we’ve gathered a selection of restaurants and cozy eateries that our French colleagues love to visit.

• Jardin Secret in Cotignac sources all their ingredients exclusively from local producers.
• Le Bistrot du Paradou offers a fixed menu featuring classic Provençal cuisine.
• The menu at Gaodina in Aix-en-Provence changes every day, dictated by the season and what arrives fresh at the kitchen door.
• Start with a drink and small plates at Babel Babel in Nice.
• Enjoy a delightful dinner at Cinq, Tourrettes-sur-Loup.
• Buy local produce in the year-round market in Aix-en-Provence.
• Chez Bruno in Lorgues is renowned for its passion for truffles, offering a menu that allows you to enjoy this ingredient in a wide variety of dishes.

• Have lunch at La Grignotière in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
• An all time favourite in Nice, Le Canon - a restaurant known for thoughtful cooking and an excellent natural wine list.
• For a more casual stop, visit La Part des Anges in Nice. Perfect place for a glass of wine and simple bar snacks.
• Located right on the beach in Nice, Hotel Amour is the perfect spot for great food, live music, and sunset drinks.
• Few places capture the spirit of the Riviera quite like La Colombe d'Or. Hidden in the hilltop village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, the restaurant feels suspended in time.

What to do

Whether you want to cycle through sun-drenched lavender fields, discover the settings behind Van Gogh’s art, or find your own hidden swimming spot, Provence offers endless ways to explore. From local family owned wineries to natural wonders, we have gathered our French colleagues' favourite places they keep returning to.

• Go wine tasting in the family owned Château La Canorgue. And if you are searching for a glass of cold rosé you should visit Château d’Esclans.

• In a region famous for its world-class cycling, we highly recommend exploring the vineyard tracks of Châteauneuf-du-Pape or the sun-drenched lavender trails surrounding Valensole. Or ride up toward La Turbie, where the road climbs into the hills above Monaco. A truly extraordinary part of the Riviera.

• Go for a nice refreshing dip in nature, we recommend the peaceful shores of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, the secluded bay Plage de Mala and Plage de l’Almanarre in Hyères - a paradise for windsurfing and long seaside walks. Or start the morning with a run along the famous Promenade des Anglais in Nice and enjoy the beautiful morning view of the Mediterranean sea, fishermen preparing their boats, and locals already out for a morning swim — it’s the Riviera at its most authentic.

• Walk in Van Gogh’s footsteps along the trail in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, discovering the exact places where some of his famous pieces came to life.

• The streets of Nice are home to some excellent vintage shops. Spend an afternoon wandering through the old town and its surrounding neighbourhoods, there are beautiful finds hidden behind many small storefronts. We recommend visiting Caprice Vintage, MADEMOISELLE or the flea market at Cours Saleya every monday.

Where to wander

Provence is a region that invites you to slow down, leave the map behind, and simply just 'be.' Whether you are chasing the warm, golden light through a hilltop village or wandering through a bustling morning market, these are the spots where we recommend letting the local atmosphere decide your next move.

• Wander through the morning markets in Aix-en-Provence everyday, Saint-Rémy every Wednesday, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue every Thursday and Sunday, or Cours Saleya Market in Nice. Arrive early, when the stalls are still being arranged and the air smells of herbs, citrus, and freshly baked bread.

• Step into the heart of Le Panier, Marseille’s oldest district, where narrow, sun-drenched streets are lined with colourful facades, artisan boutiques, and charming café terraces.

• A Riviera ritual: One of the best Riviera evenings requires very little planning. Buy a few good bottles of wine from a local shop, pick up a pizza, and head down to the water. Sit on the rocks or the beach as the sun sets and the sky slowly fades from golden to deep blue. Sometimes the simplest moments become the most memorable.

• Stroll through the colourful streets of Port Grimaud, where narrow canals are lined with houses in every shade. In this 'Little Venice,' most homes swap a garage for a private boat mooring right at the doorstep.

• Head to Musée et jardins de Salagon, a charming spot for a picnic with local specialties and a bottle of wine. This is also the heart of lavender territory, with fields in bloom from June to August.