We were exactly 47 minutes into our Provence trip when I discovered I had brought heels, the ultimate rookie blunder. Not just three pairs but also three more. Between my Pinterest boards and a vision of French grandeur, I overlooked Provence was laid in cobblestone, not velvet. Bless him, my husband, just chuckled as I walked down the lane in Gordes, past cafés smelling like roasted garlic, fresh thyme, and something strangely buttery.
But that was the starting point. Provence exceeded my expectations: a living postcard with wind-whipped vineyards, limitless lavender, and beautiful villages where time slows down. It was something we stayed in, not only what we observed. The hotels were the spirit of our journey; each one a character, a mood, a little of Provençal charm.
Le Mas de la Dame – Les Baux-de-Provence
Beginning our trip in Le Mas de la Dame, which is tucked away in the Alpilles surrounded by olive trees and vineyards reminiscent of a Cézanne picture, I sensed it right away: warm stone underfoot, cicada murmur, and a lavender and wild herb air.
Sun-soaked and sophisticated, the rooms had linen curtains and exposed rafters. Breakfast was presented in a lovely patio with handmade fig jam, crisp baguettes and strong espresso in little porcelain cups.
Pro tip: Plan a wine taste. The rosé of the estate is dangerously wonderful.
Studio Bella Vista by Interhome – Gordes
Our second trip, Studio Bella Vista by Interhome, was like residing within a watercolour picture. Sitting atop the hilltop town of Gordes, the view from our window was sufficient to cause me to think about early retirement.
Every thing here smelt like old stone and lavender. On our little patio, croissants started mornings as we watched clouds glide over the Luberon valley like ballet dancers.
Local detail: Every discussion in Gordes begins with a courteous “Bonjour”. Skip it and you’ll experience the Provençal chill—not the temperature.
Villa Gaïa Roussillon
Villa Gaïa is your venue if you want to feel like royalty with dirty feet. This property, which sat close to Roussillon’s ochre cliffs, provided earthy luxury with terra cotta tiling, stone baths and a plunge pool reflecting the Provençal sun like liquid gold.
Dinner was straightforward but ideal: a bottle of red, tapenade, goat cheese salad, while the village bells chimed in distant.
Pack old trainers for the ochre trail. Your elegant ones are not going to endure the orange dust.
Apartments at L’Orient Palace – Aix-en-Provence
Aix pulsed with fountains, was vibrant, young, We visited L’Orient Palace Apartments, which exuded an exquisite antique spirit in a contemporary form. This was not a franchise hotel; tall ceilings, old tile flooring, and just enough squeaking appeal to remind you this.
Mornings were market walks, fruit grabbing and scent smelling soap. The cheese tasted like a mistake you would do once again; the peaches tasted like sunshine.
Les Deux Garçons for a Coffee and People-Viewing is not missed. Wear sunglasses. Think about yourself in a movie.
Eden from Avignon
Avignon shocked me. Papal glory and history abound in the fortified city. We stayed at Eden, a hidden treasure amid the bustle providing serenity and immaculate bedding.
We stumbled into a downpour one afternoon. Rather than fleeing, we rested beneath a fig tree and had a croissant from a neighbouring bakery as the hotel staff brought us dry towels with a wink.
Local saying: “C’est la vie.” Here it is a survival strategy, not just a statement.
Villa Made – Cassis
Cassis was pure coastal seduction; Villa Made matched the tone. This was coastal Provence, where rosé was presented like water and the scent of salt hung to your skin.
Our accommodation faced the harbour and the rocks. Breakfast called fresh-pressed orange juice, lavender yoghurt, and local honey. We sipped gently, allowing the waves’ beat to guide our tempo.
Adventure advice: Early morning walk the Calanques. You will earn your wine and dodge the throngs.
Le Refuge: Lourmarin
Le Refuge cannot even be adequately described as charming. It was like being in a fantasy cottage owned by someone. Stone walls, wooden shutters, and gardens where you might wander with lavender brushing your legs.
Evenings were for wine and storytelling. Retired Lyon residents, the hosts told stories of Provencal ghosts and pastis.
Cultural tip: Every Friday night the town plaza becomes a hive of activity. Visit.
Interieurs-cour, Arles
Arles was all Van Gogh’s sky and Roman remains. Interieurs-Cour was a creative refuge with mismatched furnishings that somehow fit and artwork. My preferred place to read was the courtyard with its lemon trees and fading iron seats.
The city itself smelt like ancient books and melting chocolate.
Food note: Sample the bull stew. Indeed, really.
Nice Riviera Sweet Home Chambres d’hotes – Nice
Nice provided that ideal balance of city meets sea. A guesthouse with much character and appeal was Nice Riviera Sweet Home Chambres d’hotes. Marie, our host, provided coffee that may revive the dead and laughed like a church might fill.
Every morning the Mediterranean air flowed in, combining with the aroma of jasmine in blossom.
Suggestion: Get on the tram headed towards the Cours Saleya market. Purchase olive fruit. Just do it; ask not here.
Hotel de France an AMMI hotel in Toulon
Though it should, Toulon does not usually make the trip lists. Hotel de France un hotel AMMI was excellently situated, light, and kind. We utilised it as a base for seaside day excursions, returning evening to a bed that seemed like clouds.
Check out Mourillon Beach for a local perspective.
Villa Roka – Moustiers-Sainte- Marie
Our hearts were stolen by this place. Moustiers is storybook lovely, clinging to rocks. Villa Roka combined excellent vistas with rustic luxury. Rosemary and stone smelt followed us around.
We awakened to church bells and birds and slept with the windows open.
Suggestion: climb up to the church at sunset. Take wine.
Domain du Mas de Peyres – St-Rémy-de-Provence
I would migrate into Domaine du Mas de Peyres if I could. Sun-warmed stone flooring, canopy beds, and a hive of bees in the yard hummed this farmhouse turned boutique hotel.
We felt very timeless as we swam, drank, reclined beneath fig trees.
Advice for packing: carry a soft scarf. It works for sun, breeze, and chic pictures.
Bruyère – Luberon
Les Bruyères gave us tranquilly; quiet surrounded by trees. With old tiles and wooden beams, our room felt comfortable. Watching deer from the window, we read by the fireplace.
Note: Not even TV is present. It’s wonderful.
L’Eautel Toulon Centre Port – Toulon
One further stop in Toulon, this time at L’Eautel. somewhat more elegant, with rooftop pool that made us feel as though we were on a yacht and nautical décor Breakfast looked out onto the port and fresh pain au chocolat.
Tip: Perfect for boat connections should you be visiting Corsica next.
Chambres Violetta – Avignon Countryside
We found that rural reset at this lovely B&B outside Avignon. Chickens, handcrafted jam, and lavender and old book smelling rooms.
The owner handed us a map including her personal preferred picnic locations and had the sweetest voice. We made extensive use of them.
La Villa & Villa Les Restanques – St-Tropez Hills
La Villa and Villa Les Restanques both lie somewhat above St-Tropez’s glitter. These are hideaways, peaceful, opulent, and meant for absolutely nothing. Pool, champagne, sea air. Repetition is key.
Notes of Final Thought
Provence presented more than just lovely scenery. Through hotel beds, patio meals, and the scent of thyme on a warm wind, it told us tales.
We departed with hearts full of lavender and olive oil, carrying a luggage loaded with the incorrect shoes. Perhaps several jars of fig jam stashed in our backpacks as well.
Would we travel back? A heartbeat. Still, next time? One pair of heels at most. Perhaps.