Yes, That’s Me Wearing a Hat 😉

I’m fully committed, will I ever wear it again? Maybe. (Okay, probably.)But the Souleiado blouse made me feel like I’d lived in Provence my whole life. When in France, right?

This wasn’t our first time in Provence

We visited two years ago and fell in love with its charm. You can read about that trip here. Even so, there were still many places we hadn’t yet explored, along with a few favourites we were eager to revisit.

Naturally, with my son and his girlfriend visiting, I wanted to show them a few of our favourite spots. From Nice, we took the TGV to Aix—though there was a bit of a mix-up in Marseille, and we ended up at the wrong station in Aix (oops). Still, we managed to get back on track (no pun intended) and pick up our rental car at the TGV station, which I highly recommend for convenience.

Where we stayed

This time, we made Éguilles our home base for the entire month, a small village about 15 minutes from Aix-en-Provence and further south than where we stayed before. From there, we set out to discover even more of Provence’s beautiful towns and villages.

There are tons of rental options available in the area, including those offered through Airbnb (which is what we used) or private agencies, depending on your preferences.

Gordes

The view of Gordes is absolutely stunning. When we visited last time, we were in a rush and didn’t get the chance to explore the town itself. This time, we did—and to be honest, the view remains the highlight. The village is charming, but can also be a bit touristy, filled with chic boutiques and crowded with tour buses. Which is fine, of course, but if you’re short on time, I’d recommend stopping to admire the view, snapping a few photos, and then heading off to your next destination—perhaps lunch or a winery?

Wine tasting at Chateau de Beaupré in Saint-Cannat

What do you do on a Sunday when all the shops are closed? Go wine tasting, of course! Even that took a bit of effort—finding a vineyard that was actually open wasn’t easy. But success! We found Chateau de Beaupré just 15 minutes away.

Saint-Remy-de-Provence

We’ve visited Saint-Remy (a favourite) many times, both during market days and at other times. It strikes the perfect balance between rustic charm and quiet sophistication. We came here for lunch and to explore its lovely streets, and yes, yes, there may have been a couple of purchases too.

Bar Tabac (no website available) is your quintessential French bistro. Just go! The food is delicious, and the setting is very friendly and casual.

Les Baux

Go for the views and the medieval village—Les Baux is perched high on a rocky cliff, offering sweeping panoramas of the Alpilles. The old village is a maze of narrow stone lanes, weathered stone buildings, and crumbling ruins that give serious Outlander vibes. Jamie, is that you?

Aix-en-Provence

It had been over 30 years since I last visited Aix-en-Provence—so really, it was about time. With the city just a short drive away, day trips were an easy (and very welcome) addition to the itinerary. It’s also home to Aix-Marseille University, one of the largest and oldest in France, which brings a lively energy to the city. The old town, with its graceful architecture, pretty squares and cafes, was a definite highlight.

Eygalières

Eygalières has the best market, hands down—just my opinion, of course, but also completely true. The town and its setting ooze that quiet, Provençal charm that’s hard to beat. That’s not to say the other markets aren’t wonderful—they are. But if you could only visit one, this beautiful little spot has everything you need—and then some.

Lourmarin

You got me—here’s another new favourite. LOL, I’m definitely sensing a pattern here… Lourmarin is giving Eygalières a serious run for its money with its picture-perfect streets and irresistible charm. I love stumbling across these little gems. How have I not been here before? It’s the perfect spot for a day trip or an overnighter (there’s a couple of adorable boutique hotels) with plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafés to explore at a relaxed pace.

Provence has always been a favourite of mine—and it’s easy to see why. Between the stunning hilltop views, bustling markets, and the food (did I mention the food?), and villages that look like they were plucked straight from a postcard, it’s no wonder I keep coming back for more. From Eygalières to Les Baux to Lourmarin (and yes, I know I’ve called at least three places my favourite), each stop had its own unique charm. You should go!