Perched on a mountainside overlooking the vineyards of the vast Côte du Rhône region, this charming artists’ hamlet has been designated one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages. Stroll the medieval town’s cobbled streets, mingle with local artists, learn about santons, the hand-carved figurines for which this area is famous, and visit the Romanesque Church of Saint Denis, which dates back to the 10th century.

Sometimes referred to as the “Venice of Provence,” this village is famous worldwide for its annual antique fair. On market day, it is full of vendors selling cheeses, breads, olive tapenades, honey, wines, Provençal fabrics, leather goods and more.

This was the home of the Catholic Pope in the 14th century so it reflects the opulence of the times. Visit the Papal Palace, shop in trendy boutiques or enjoy a cool drink in the village square.

A wonderful village for shopping! Visit gourmet shops featuring olive oils, truffles, clothing boutiques, chic housewares and luxury fragrances.

The world’s capital of lavender fields, where the clean, fresh scent of these lovely purple flowers fills the air in the Provençal countryside.

This is the village in the meadows that stole the heart of the famous French author Albert Camus, who retired here, as well as Peter Mayle, author of A Year in Provence, who once lived here.

Revived in the 1960s by Vasarely, an abstract painter, this artists’ village, with its art galleries, boutiques and studios, has been a Provençal favorite of the rich and famous for decades.

This village is beautiful in ochre red, yellow and orange! The bricks and chaux finishes for these homes were made from the world’s largest ochre deposit.

A very peaceful little place. Many of the antique shops in this village are housed in ancient caves in the stony sides of the Luberon mountains.