Who’s Number 1? Top 10 Provence Villages YOU MUST SEE! 🇫🇷
In France, there is only one city with a population over 1 million people. Because who wants to live in a messy city when you can live in a village like these? Provence is one of the most legendary regions in France. And it’s the ridiculous villages that are the soul of this area. We visited 37 of the most popular villages here and we have boiled it down to a top 10 where in this video you will get to see how they stack up against each other. We scored each village out of 50 based on five criteria. Character, condition, logistics, beauty, and amenities. Each worth a maximum 10 points. 10 villages, one champion. So, without further ado, let’s get into it. Kicking things off at number 10 is Rion. The French call this area the Colorado Pro. And at a first glance, it’s obvious why. The oak rocks that surround the village provide all types of color that make this village stand out regardless of what season you choose to visit. The town is perched with 360° views of vineyards and olive farms. And it sits centrally in the middle of four more villages that make this list of top 10. The best part about this town is hands down the walking trails that will allow you to explore the trails in the canyon and then spow your way up through the streets to get to the panoramic views. What I love about this village is that its style is very unique compared to any other in the region and it’s surrounded by only nature and vineyards. A solid start to this list coming in at 41.2 too. And it’s only going to get better than this. At number nine is Le Ba Provence. An all-time classic and recognized as being the oldest village in France, about 700 years older than Jesus. Just like Ros, you’re getting full 360° panoramic views, yet the vertical gets taken up a notch. The village is one of the more popular on this list and is small, so it can get busy if you come here at the wrong time. It’s only 30 minutes from Avenue and is a perfect excuse to go for a Sunday cruise style drive through these Alpi mountains. We love combining a stop here with a short hike where on the clearest of days you can see all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. A solid 42.2 giving it ninth position. And although that might surprise some people, there are nicer ones still to come. [Music] At number eight is Kukuron. And this one surprised me because I really didn’t expect this village to rank as high as it did. It sits in an area surrounded by legendary villages. And you really don’t hear Cukhon’s name that often. The town is a mixture of beautiful streets, viewpoints, castle ruins, yet the highlight has got to be this lagoon surrounded by 200-year-old trees. Province is a very dry region in France, so a water feature in town just adds to the character of the village and is always going to be a hot spot for action. Unlike others on this list, this town has a real village feel. And what I mean by that is that it’s not just a propped up town for tourists. We love visiting France’s beautiful villages, but sometimes the tourism side of things has just swallowed up the entire town. For example, some villages on this list don’t even have a bakery, which we dock them 1.4 immediately. Kukuron is a perfect balance in all categories and is welld deserving of his eighth position on this list getting a score of 43.0. [Music] At number seven, we’ve got the village of Ez. One of two on this list with views of the Mediterranean Sea. ES is by far one of the most popular villages in the French Riviera as it has panoramic views of the coast from 427 m above sea level. Ez is a beautiful village full of art shops and super clean tiny pedestrian streets that lead you all the way up to the highlight which is its exotic at the top of town. It has five-star hotels, super luxury villas and Michelin starred restaurants. So, it’s definitely the village if you’re in the mood to splash some cash. Ez sits perfectly in the middle of Nice and Monaco. So, if you’re road tripping through the region, it’s pretty easy to fit into your day. Some people might not agree that EZ is so low on this list, but as I mentioned before, this is one of those villages that is kind of transformed to be predominantly only for tourists. Nonetheless, still a great score of 43.6 six and a musty place when hitting up the Riviera. Coming in sixth is Il Solas. This is basically your little mini water world village of Provence where the heart of town is an island surrounded by all kinds of beautiful water features. We come here often as this town has great restaurant options that have beautiful terrasses. Even in winter, if the weather is good, you can still get a table with an amazing view. And that’s what I love most about Lasog is that it is very photogenic. There are 60 watermill wheels, small canals, and funky little bridges that are the backdrop to the beautiful restaurant terraces. So, it is a perfect place to take way too many photos. I mean, come on, what more can I really say that these last few shots don’t? The village is also super famous for antique shopping, and there are lots of cool shops in town, so you’re going to have to exercise some self-control, especially if you’ve had wine with lunch. Surasog is super easy to visit as everything here is flat. It is once again very close to other villages from this list, and Avenue is just a 30inut drive away. If you’ve made it this far, you obviously enjoy videos like this. So, make sure you subscribe, hit that like button, as we’ve got plenty more coming very soon. At 43.7, I sulas gets its spot on this list at a very welldeserved sixth position. And in fifth position is the village of Lacost. No, this is not where the clothes are from. It is much cooler. It’s basically a mini Hogwarts village for animation students in the heart of Provence. The Savannah College of Art and Design or SCAD moved into this village over 20 years ago and brought it back to its full glory. They are still working on making America great again. But these guys made Laos great again. The town has all different types of studios and classrooms for students and has been polished up to be easily one of the most beautiful villages in the south of France. We almost didn’t even visit Lacost and that would have been a huge mistake as this village is by far the most underrated on this list. It is in near-perfect condition and the animation school has brought life back to this village that gives it a character unrivaled anywhere else in the region. One of my favorites on this list, a welldeserved 44.2, getting leos to crack the top five. At number four is the village of gold, the winner of most beautiful village in the world of 2023. It gets the wooden medal of fourth place because we don’t just look at the beauty of these villages, we try to give them a level playing field against each other. Having said that, come on, just look at this place. You can easily see why gold is world class by any measure of beauty. The fantastic thing about this region of province is that Ilasog gion lac and cucuron are all within a 1-hour radius by car. Gusion is only 14 minutes and I can’t recommend enough doing a small road trip through this region as there is loads to keep you busy. We’ve put together a map with all of these villages you can find in the description below so you can easily plan your trip throughout Provence. It doesn’t get much more beautiful than this. Or does it? We’ll find out when we hit the podium. Number four with a 44.7 for the legendary village of Gold. In bronze position is the Tragalodite village of Kotinak. Although most people will rarely mention Kotinak among the greats, when you boil it down, it is welld deserving of a podium finish. Just look at how awesome this topography is. Cotak sits as the stage in the middle of an amphitheater of an ancient triglyite village that was built into the cliffs that overlook town. It is easily the best €2.50 50 you will ever spend as you can climb up and get a firsthand view of some of the coolest historical houses in all of Provence. In the neighboring village of Vilros, they even have trigite villas where you can spend the night. From the colorful heart of town that has one of the best markets in Province every Tuesday morning to the many viewpoints that surround the picturesque heart of town, Kotinak is welld deserving of number three on this list. A big shout out to Malo who works the gate of the trigide village. I won’t even try to match his energy and knowledge explaining the history of Kotyak. You got to go check him out when visiting this town. Just look at this place. Cotak hits high in all five categories. And there is much more here than just a tourist vibe. You simply don’t pass by Cotinak without stopping because no matter how you look at it, Cotyak is welld deserving of a podium finish with a solid 45.0. The runner up in second position is none other than Sample Dance, a fortified village in the French Riviera that today is full of artichops. You can already see in this shot that we are now on a completely other level. What sets this town apart from others on this list is how well you can actually experience town. There were beautiful streets that twist and turn with tunnel sections that lead you to gorgeous intersections. Fantastic shops and artist studios that have a deep history with all the European greats including Picasso. But the best in show is by far walking on the humpout walls. This is my favorite part of town because it’s free, the viewpoints are fantastic, and there are no barriers. They just trust you not to do stupid things which this world needs more of. We did our best to get these in as corrective order as possible. You can find all the scoring information in the details below. Let us know in the comments, do you agree with this order? And if not, how would you rearrange this list? At the end of the day, even Stevie Wonder knows that Son Devon is a worldclass village, even by French standards, getting a 45.9 for second place. And here we are, ladies and gentlemen. At number one is none other than Mustier Samari. If you were making a wish list of everything you could want in a perfect provinile village, you’d probably just end up describing Mustier. I mean, come on. It’s a fairy taleesque village that is divided by a waterfall. The village couldn’t be positioned any better as it’s the gateway into the G devel and sits beside the iconic lavender fields of Valonol. But geographic placement aside, just look at this topography. The waterfall artery divides the town beautifully, setting the stage for some of the most beautiful streets you will ever walk down. Pair this with a backdrop of hiking cliffs that you can head up to get a bird’s eye view of town without the need of a drone. If you do not love Mustier, then maybe traveling just isn’t for you. In the end, there can only be one champion, and that champion is none other than the iconic Must Mari with a grand total of 46.7. We hope that you enjoyed this video. Until the next one, and always remember, adventures don’t happen at home.
There are beautiful villages, and then there are Legendary Villages. We’ve boiled it down to the best villages to visit in the Provence region of France. It wasn’t easy, but we’ve meticulously scored and ranked these villages to reveal which truly stands as the most beautiful in this captivating region of Southern France. Let’s get into it
MAP TO VILLAGES 🌎
https://maps.app.goo.gl/zjgGD2Y71MhZ7iG96
✅ SCORE CRITERIA FOR EACH VILLAGE ❌
Character – Condition – Logistics – Beauty – Amenities
0:00 – Intro
Welcome to the Top 10 Best Villages to visit in Provence, France
0:45 – Roussillon – 10th
8 – 8.5 – 8.5 – 9.5 – 7.5 = 41.2
Nestled amidst the vibrant ochre quarries, Roussillon is a kaleidoscope of fiery red and yellow hues. This incredibly photogenic village, often called the “Colorado Provençal,” captivates with houses painted from local pigments. Wander its artistic alleys and marvel at the dramatic natural landscape. Explore nearby ochre trails and browse unique artisan shops.
1:51 – Les Baux de Provence – 9th
9.2 – 9.2 – 8 – 8.5 – 7.2 = 42.3
Perched majestically on a rocky outcrop in the Alpilles mountains, Les Baux de Provence is a fortified medieval village with impressive castle ruins. It offers sweeping panoramic views of olive groves and vineyards. Immerse yourself in centuries of history exploring its labyrinthine streets. Don’t miss the immersive art spectacle at Carrières de Lumières nearby.
2:43 – Cucuron – 8th
9 – 8.5 – 8.5 – 8.5 – 8 = 43.0
A charming and authentic village at the foot of the Luberon mountains, Cucuron offers a tranquil escape. Its distinctive feature is an ancient rectangular pond in the heart of the village, shaded by majestic plane trees. Explore narrow streets and historic fountains, soaking in the laid-back Provençal atmosphere. Enjoy the quiet charm and the surrounding vineyards.
3:58 – Eze – 7th
8.2 – 9.2 – 9 – 8.5 – 8.7 = 43.6
While part of the stunning French Riviera (Côte d’Azur), Eze’s medieval charm earns it an honorary mention. Clinging to a dramatic cliffside overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, it offers unparalleled panoramic views from its exotic garden. Wander steep, winding cobblestone alleys Browse charming art galleries. Its unique location between Nice and Monaco makes Eze an absolute must-see.
5:08 – L’Isle sur la Sorgue – 6th
8.7 – 9 – 9 – 8 – 9 = 43.7
Known as the “Venice of Provence,” L’Isle sur la Sorgue is a unique island town famous for its antique markets and picturesque canals. Emerald-green waters of the Sorgue River power ancient waterwheels, adding to its rustic charm. Every Sunday, it transforms into one of France’s largest antique and flea markets.
6:38 – Lacoste – 5th
8.5 – 10 – 8 – 9.7 – 8.0 = 44.2
Perched dramatically atop a hill in the Luberon, Lacoste is famous for its commanding views and the ruins of the Marquis de Sade’s château. This beautifully restored village offers a quiet yet profound historical experience. Explore its steep, winding stone streets and gaze out over the vast Luberon valley. The village hosts an art school and exudes a timeless, austere beauty with breathtaking vistas.
7:49 – Gordes – 4th
9.5 – 8.5 – 8.5 – 9.5 – 8.7 = 44.7
Often hailed as the most iconic village in Provence, Gordes is a stunning sight to behold. Its golden-stone buildings cascade down the hillside, creating a mesmerizing architectural symphony. From its medieval château to charming cobblestone streets, Gordes epitomizes the quintessential perched village. Discover the nearby Sénanque Abbey, famous for its magnificent lavender fields in summer.
9:02 – Cotignac – 3rd
9 – 9 – 8 – 10 – 9 = 45.0
Tucked beneath a towering, dramatic rock cliff, Cotignac is a village with a unique geological backdrop and troglodyte cave dwellings. It boasts a lively central square with plane trees, a beautiful fountain, and numerous cafes. Explore the caves and experience the relaxed pace of life that defines this charming village. Its two small waterfalls add to its natural allure.
10:43 – Saint Paul de Vence – 2nd
9.7 – 9.2 – 9.5 – 9 – 8.5 = 45.9
Another dazzling jewel from the French Riviera, Saint Paul de Vence is a celebrated medieval hilltop village renowned for its deep connections to art. Its narrow, winding cobblestone streets are lined with contemporary art galleries and artisan workshops. Explore the historic ramparts and visit the Fondation Maeght, a world-renowned modern art museum.
12:03 – Moustiers Sainte Marie – 1st
10 – 9.5 – 8 – 10 – 9.2 = 46.7
Crowning our list is the breathtaking village of Moustiers Sainte Marie, nestled dramatically against a steep cliff face. Wander charming streets adorned with pottery boutiques and marvel at the waterfall flowing through its center. It’s the gateway to the magnificent Gorges du Verdon and Lac de Sainte-Croix, offering unparalleled scenic beauty.
Which village stole your heart? Do you agree with our number one pick?
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1 Comment
Thanks, I've adjusted my planned route for my holiday and added a few villages from the list. I want to hike from Nice to Avignon. Hopefully it will work out and I'll go this September.