The Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region is home to some of France's most beautiful landscapes. Its lavender fields, cicadas and enchanting climate are renowned the world over. While Marseille, Cannes and Nice attract large numbers of visitors every year, it's in the small villages that you need to go to fall completely under the region's spell. Whether bathed by the sea or perched in the mountains, Petit Futé has selected ten of the most beautiful villages in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region.
1. Ramatuelle
Ramatuelle© photosainttropez - Adobe Stock
Located near the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, not far from the famous Pampelonne beach, Ramatuelle is a magnificent little medieval village adored by celebrities. Brigitte Bardot owns her La Madrague estate right next door. You'll love strolling along the abandoned beach, shellfish... and strolling through the maze of winding lanes and vaulted passageways to the song of the cicadas.
What to book discover the Ramatuelle reserve in an original way by book here your kayak tour.
2. Les Baux-de-Provence, one of the most beautiful villages in Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur
Located between Aix-en-Provence and Avignon, the majestic village of Les Baux-de-Provence is perched high on a rocky plateau overlooking the Alpilles. Overhung by the remains of an ancient medieval fortress, it offers breathtaking scenery. Be sure to visit the chapelle castrale, the keep and the Saracen tower, true relics of this village's tumultuous past...
Read the article les Alpilles, an authentic, unspoilt mountain range!
3. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
If there's one village you won't want to miss, it's the magnificent commune of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, located at the gateway to the Verdon Gorge and surrounded by hills of olive trees. Renowned for its earthenware production (it was reputed to have "the finest in the kingdom" in the time of Louis XIV), it still boasts a dozen artisan workshops.
Must-do activity explore the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and the Gorges de Verdon booking here your visit from Nice!
4. Venasque, one of the most beautiful villages in Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur
Located 12 kilometers from Carpentras, the village of Venasque is considered one of the most beautiful in the Vaucluse. Set in a harmonious landscape, surrounded by vineyards, cherry orchards and garrigues, it overlooks the Nesque valley and the ancient Roman road. As you stroll through its narrow streets, you'll appreciate its authentic charm, thanks to the fact that the houses have been rebuilt as they once were.
5. Saint-Véran, one of the highest villages in France
Rising to 2,042 m, Saint-Véran is known as the highest inhabited village in Europe. Designated as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France", it has only been accessible by road for a century, and has therefore managed to preserve a rare authenticity, ranking it as "one of the most authentic villages in the Alps". You're sure to fall under the spell of its typical slate roofs!
6. Gordes, the pearl of Vaucluse
Listed as one of France's "most beautiful villages", Gordes dominates the Cavaillon plain. Numerous artists, including Marc Chagall and Victor Vaserely, have been seduced by this village. Its Renaissance château, typically Provençal calade streets and dry-stone houses are an inexhaustible source of inspiration. Situated between the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and the plains of the Vaucluse, Gordes attracts many visitors every year.
Read more our Top 10 most beautiful villages in France!
7. Gourdon, one of the most beautiful villages in Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur
Perched on a 760 m peak, Gourdon dominates the Loup valley. In Provençal, Gordone means: fortified place on a rocky peak. This medieval village dates back to the 9th century, when the Counts of Provence sought to isolate themselves from the County of Ventimiglia. Today, it's a popular spot for paragliding and admiring the sublime panorama that stretches 80 km from Nice to Théoule, including the mouth of the Var and Cap d'Antibes.
Read the article visit our top 10 most beautiful villages in the South of France!
8. Lourmarin, a timeless village
The Renaissance château is one of the treasures of this village. A true cultural center, it welcomes artists in residence throughout the year. Lourmarin was also rented by Albert Camus, who decided to end his life here. Indeed, how could you fail to fall in love with its winding streets, fountains and Provencal art de vivre? Epicureans will also appreciate the market, where stalls are teeming with local specialities. All these assets make Lourmarin one of the most beautiful villages in the PACA region.
9. Bargème, the Var from above
Bargème© photlook
Perched at an altitude of 1,097 m, Bargème is the highest village in the Var and therefore one of the most beautiful in the PACA region. This feudal village will delight lovers of the Middle Ages thanks to its castle, which was destroyed during the Wars of Religion, but whose keep and towers can still be seen today. Nestled in a green setting, Bargème boasts a number of typical chapels, including the chapelle Saint-Antoine, one of the oldest in the département. Less than 20 km from the Gorges du Verdon, it's one of the best places to immerse yourself in nature.
Read our our article Les Gorges du Verdon, dreamy landscapes and charming little villages!
10. Èze, one of the most beautiful villages in Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur
Èze© Eze Tourist Office - P. Masson
Between Nice and Monaco, perched at an altitude of 400 m, Èze is a haven of greenery where it's good to take refuge. Its exotic garden allows you to discover lush Mediterranean vegetation and enjoy a splendid panorama of the Riviera. Its small beach is one of the quietest in the region. Little frequented because of its difficult access, you can enjoy the wild spaces that have become rare on the Côte d'Azur.
Activities to book book this excursion to Eze, Monaco and Monte-Carlo from Nice.
11. Peille, a charming medieval town
Located in the Alpes-Maritimes, inland from Menton and Monaco, Peille is one of the region's best-known medieval towns. In particular, it has been praised in music by Léo Ferré, who took refuge here from time to time. Built entirely of local stone, its glorious past can still be felt around every corner. The Lascaris palace, built into the cliffside in the 17th century, is a shining example of this.
Further reading our article on France's most beautiful medieval towns!
12. Gigondas, one of the most beautiful villages in Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur
Gigondas© into the wild
The Romans named it Jucunditas, meaning "joy and jubilation". It was no doubt this patronymic that destined Gigondas to become the wine town it is today! This village of 700 inhabitants is surrounded by more than 1,250 hectares of vineyards, at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, a sumptuous massif carved out of limestone rock. You can visit the 9th-century Sainte-Catherine church and the ruins of the medieval château.
13. Sainte-Agnès, a hilltop village
A veritable vantage point overlooking the Mediterranean, Sainte-Agnès was once a defensive post on the Franco-Italian border. Today, at 760 m, it is the highest coastal village in Europe. Easily accessible from Menton, Sainte-Agnès offers breathtaking views of the Côte d'Azur and the beginning of the Alps. Its narrow, cobbled streets give it an unmistakable medieval feel and authenticity.
14. The must-see Saint-Paul-de-Vence
This is certainly the best-known village in the Alpes-Maritimes. Saint-Paul-de-Vence enjoys an international reputation, thanks in no small part to the many artists who have come here in search of inspiration and tranquillity, including Simone Signoret, Yves Montand and Picasso. Today, this veritable open-air museum also attracts visitors for its rich heritage: don't miss the collegiate church, home to relics excavated from the catacombs of Rome.
15. Roussillon, one of the most beautiful villages in Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur
Ranked among the "most beautiful villages in France", Roussillon is one of the world's most important ochre deposits. The yellow, brown and red of the stone, the green of the pine forest and the blue of the sky form a veritable palette of flamboyant colors! The village has long profited from the trade in its natural pigments: discover the history of this industry by visiting the Conservatoire des ocres et de la couleur, located in a former ochre factory. In our opinion, all these assets make Roussillon one of the most beautiful villages in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region.
Have we inspired you to discover all the wonders of the PACA region's heritage? Check out our must-see places in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region!
Where to stay in these villages in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region?
The PACA region (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur) is one of the most popular in France, offering an enchanting setting between mountains and sea. If you're looking for accommodation options in the region, here's a selection of three hotels in the villages featured.
- In Roussillon
The charming hostellerie Le Clos de la Glycine in the hills above Roussillon combines elegance and good taste. It offers a splendid view of the valley and the ochre cliffs, charming rooms and a good restaurant, at an affordable rate for the region. Information and booking right here !
- In Eze
The Hotel des Terrasses d'Eze will give you a change of scenery right in the middle of the Côte d'Azur. This upscale establishment offers a wide range of services, including a spa, infinity pool and tennis court. It also boasts a restaurant and a warm welcome. If you would like to book one or more nights at this hotel, please click here !
- In Ramatuelle
The Toison d'Or open-air hotel on the shores of Pampelonne Bay offers quality, original accommodation with an African outdoor style. There are plenty of location options to choose from, for example on the beachfront or between the sea and the pool.Click here to to find out more!
