Provence, a captivating region in southern France, has long been celebrated for its endless lavender fields, ancient villages, and stunning natural landscapes. However, Provence also harbors countless beautiful small towns, each radiating the rustic charm of the French countryside. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” to explore these hidden gems, where time seems to stand still and classic beauty remains untouched.
Gordes: The Stone Village on a Hilltop
Gordes, considered one of France’s most beautiful villages, sparkles like a gem atop a hill. With ancient stone houses stacked upon each other, Gordes offers a beauty that is both majestic and poetic. What makes Gordes truly special is that the entire village is built from stone, creating a unified and unique architectural style.
Stone houses stacked on a hill in Gordes, Provence
Visitors can easily get lost in the winding alleys, explore ancient street corners, and admire unique architectural wonders such as the Gordes Castle, Saint Firmin Church, or the stone houses with flower-filled windows. From the summit of Gordes, you can gaze upon the panoramic view of the lush Luberon valley, an unforgettable and breathtaking scene.
Roussillon: The Vibrant Red Village
Roussillon is famous for its brilliant red-orange cliffs, creating an incredibly striking landscape. This village is built on Europe’s largest ochre deposit, which explains why everything in Roussillon is distinctively red, from houses and roads to stone walls.
Red and orange buildings in Roussillon village, Provence
Visitors can explore the Sentier des Ocres trail to discover the magnificent red-orange cliffs, or simply stroll through the narrow alleys, admire the houses with flower-filled windows, and enjoy the fresh air of the Provence countryside. Don’t forget to savor regional specialties like daube provençale (Provençal beef stew) or tapenade (olive spread) at local restaurants.
Les Baux-de-Provence: Historic Stone Fortress
Les Baux-de-Provence is an ancient village perched atop a limestone rock, steeped in history and legends. This village was once an important medieval fortress, and today, visitors can still explore the ruins of the ancient castle, stone streets, and historic architecture.
Stone buildings and castle ruins in Les Baux-de-Provence, Provence
From the summit of Les Baux-de-Provence, you can admire the panoramic view of the plains stretching to the Mediterranean Sea, a majestic and magnificent scene. The village is also renowned for its craft shops, art galleries, and upscale restaurants, where you can enjoy delicious cuisine and experience local culture.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: Pottery Village
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is famous for its traditional pottery craftsmanship, a handicraft that has existed here since the 17th century. Nestled between towering limestone mountains, with a small stream flowing through its center, the village offers a remarkably picturesque setting.
Village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie nestled in mountains, Provence
Visitors can visit pottery workshops to watch artisans at work, purchase unique pottery pieces as souvenirs, or simply stroll through the narrow alleys, admire houses with flower-filled balconies, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of the village. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is also an ideal starting point for exploring the Verdon Gorge, one of Europe’s most beautiful canyons.
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: Art Village
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is a charming village, renowned for its art galleries, antique shops, and tree-lined streets. This village was once home to Vincent van Gogh, and visitors can follow in his footsteps, explore the places he painted, and learn about his life and career.
Street scene in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence with shops and trees, Provence
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence also hosts a bustling local market every Wednesday, where you can buy fresh regional products, handicrafts, and unique souvenirs. Don’t miss a visit to Glanum, an ancient Roman site located just outside the village, to discover the history and culture of the Provence region.
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue: The Venice of Provence
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is known as the “Venice of Provence” because it is surrounded by canals and small rivers. Every Sunday, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue hosts a large antique market, attracting antique enthusiasts from around the world.
Canals and buildings in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Provence
Visitors can take boat trips on the canals, admire the ancient houses and charming bridges, or simply stroll through the narrow streets, explore antique shops, and riverside cafes. L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is also famous for its riverside restaurants, where you can enjoy delicious food and admire the stunning scenery.
Exploring the beautiful small towns of Provence is an unmissable experience for anyone who loves the beauty of the French countryside. Each village has its own unique charm, history, and stories to tell. Take the time to discover these gems, and you will uncover an authentic Provence, a Provence that is captivating and unforgettable.