Provence
Boutique hotels in Provence
When to go?
It's easy to think of Provence as a summer destination. Stunning coastlines and endless vineyards give the perfect ambience for long strolls and sampling local wines. And it's impossible to miss the lavender fields, looking like a fairy tale of purple hues set against rolling green hills. However, along with endless hot days of July and August, you'll find the crowds. French holidaymakers swarm to Provence, and once quiet villages are bursting with tourists. For many, the best time to explore Provence is just outside the summer season, in April and May or September and October. Cooler weather makes for ideal wanderings, and quaint villages are reunited with their charm. In spring, wildflowers dot the hillsides and vibrant scents waft through the air. In fall, autumn colours paint their way across the landscapes. For those who don't mind dawning a winter jacket, the Christmas markets of Provence are sure to fill you with childhood joy.
Practical tips
Book a trusted local driver to pick you up and introduce you to the destination, pre-order travel essentials, and get all your questions answered before or during the trip.
Do & See: What to Expect in Provence
There's no doubt you'll feel like you've stepped into a Van Gogh painting, with colourful hues dancing across the landscapes and small towns filled to the brim with charm. To get a full grasp of the diverse landscapes, it's best to rent a car for at least 3 to 5 days and drive from coast to mountains with plenty of stops along the way. If you're one for elegant cities and bustling coastal towns, head to the French Riviera (Côte d'Azur) and wind your way down the coast visiting Nice, Cannes and Saint-Tropez.
If you're one for a mix of countryside and sipping wines, head inland to Luberon. Here you'll find postcard-perfect market towns, medieval castles, and vineyards tucked between rolling green hills. As you watch the landscapes change around every corner, you'll quickly understand why artists continue to flock to this picturesque region of France.