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The south of France is known for its stunning landscapes, charming hilltop villages and rich history. If you're planning a trip to this picturesque region, make sure to visit some of these beautiful towns that will leave you in awe.

These towns are connected by a short drive and I have included a couple of circuits. There are many combinations you could do but 2-3 stops per day will be enough. There are many day tour operators with wonderful tours to these towns, however we prefer to explore at our own pace and suggest hiring a car from Europcar. We stayed in Menerbes, which was lovely to retreat to each evening.

Suggested circuits:

Oppède Le Vieux - Menerbes - Lacoste - Bonnieux

Saint Remy de Provence - Les Baux Des Provence

L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue- Fontaine de Vaucluse - Gordes - Notre Dame de Senanque - Roussillon

Oppède Le Vieux

Oppède Le Vieux is a hauntingly beautiful medieval village that is perched on a hill and surrounded by vineyards. Explore the narrow streets, visit the 12th-century church, and enjoy the panoramic views of the Luberon Valley. Be sure to follow the parking signs carefully as it is a bit tricky but all is marked. There are only a couple of restaurants in the main square.

THINGS TO DO:

• Hike the village trails and head up to the church and castle - the view is amazing overlooking the Luberon and Mont Ventoux

• Stop at Ridley Scott’s Mas des Infermières. It is a impressive space with lots of film props and very good wines.

PLACES TO EAT:

• Le petit café - lovely food and budget friendly

• L'Echauguette - great local food

Menerbes

Menerbes is a hilltop village that offers incredible views of the vineyards and lavender fields below in the valley. Stroll through its narrow streets lined with stone houses, visit the art galleries, and enjoy the local cuisine at one of the charming restaurants. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the nearby vineyards and taste the delicious wines and truffle of the region.

THINGS TO DO:

• try the wine and cheese at Maison de la Truffe et du vin du Luberon

• visit local ateliers for unique pottery and art.

PLACES TO EAT:

• Café du Progrès - great food with great views

• Restaurant Les Saveurs Gourmandes - fine dining

• Bistro le 5 - try the 7 hour cooked lamb

• Chez Auzet - best coffee and cake with a terrace overlooking the Luberon Valley

Lacoste

Lacoste is a small village famous for its picturesque setting and its connections to the Marquis de Sade. Explore the narrow streets, visit the castle ruins, and enjoy the vistas. The village is also home to the Savannah College of Art and Design, which adds to the artistic atmosphere.

THINGS TO DO:

• In the summer you can visit with prominent artists who are working in the ateliers made out of the village houses

• Visit the gift shop - it has unique items made by the art students.

• Wander the narrow streets - it's very photogenic here

PLACES TO EAT:

• Cafe de Sade - amazing chocolate fondant

• Cafe de France - nice cafe with a fantastic view and really good gnocchi

Bonnieux

Bonnieux is a picturesque village perched on a hill looking out to the valley and Lacoste. Take a stroll through the charming streets, visit the 12th-century church. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the nearby lavender fields and olive groves.

THINGS TO DO:

• Hike the Cedar Forrest and have a picnic

• Visit Chateau la Canorgue for wine tasting

• Village des Bories, an open-air museum showcasing traditional dry stone huts.

• Le Jardin de la Louve - a beautiful secret garden with expansive views

Places to Eat:

• Restaurant l’arôme - exceptional French food and service in a lovely setting

• Restaurant César - fantastic local fare with beautiful views and friendly service

Saint Remy de Provence

Saint Remy de Provence is a charming town with a rich history and a vibrant arts scene. Visit the birthplace of Nostradamus, explore the Roman ruins of Glanum, and wander through the lively market where you can find local produce, crafts, and antiques. The town is also famous for its connections to Vincent van Gogh, who painted some of his most iconic works here.

THINGS TO DO:

• There is a great market on Wednesday mornings, lovely shops and a vintage carousel for the kids

• Archaeological site at Glanum - Fascinating Roman ruins in a beautiful setting

• Van Gough walk - a 1km walk with panels of the artist's work along the way. It connects the town center to Saint Paul de Mausole where Vincent van Gogh lived the last years of his life,

PLACES TO EAT

• La Table d'Yvan - set menu with amazing seasonal menu just out of the town center

• L'Aile ou la Cuisse - amazing food - try the succulent beef cheek

• Gus Restaurant - great selection of seafood and wine

Les Baux de Provence

Only 15 minutes from Saint-Remy, but a world away, perched on a rocky outcrop, Les Baux de Provence is a medieval village that has a lot to offer. Explore the narrow streets lined with ancient stone houses and visit the impressive Château des Baux, a fortress that dates back to the 10th century. At the foot of Les Baux, hidden in an old limestone quarry, you can find an art gallery (quarry of lights), where vast images are projected on the quarry walls.

THINGS TO DO:

• visit Signorini Tartufi Les Baux de Provence - for all things truffle

• Carrières des Lumières - art gallery in a quarry

• Chateau de Baux - explore the ruins

PLACES TO EAT

• Le petit rocher - delish food with lovely atmosphere

• Les Baux Jus - great cafe

• Crêperie - yummy selection of savory and sweet crepes.

Fontaine de Vaucluse - L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

Fontaine de Vaucluse is a charming village located at the source of the Sorgue River. The village is also famous for its paper mills, which have been producing handmade paper for centuries. L'Isle sur la Sorgue is very close by with a great market on Sundays.

THINGS TO DO:

• Visit the stunning natural spring at Fontaine de Vaucluse, over 900m deep

• Explore the narrow streets lined with shops and restaurants

• Enjoy a leisurely boat ride along the river or try kayaking for the more adventurous.

• There is a fantastic market on Sunday at L'Isle sur la Sorgue but you need to be there early by 8:30 am to get a parking spot as this area can become overrun with tourists

PLACES TO EAT:

• Café Fleurs - great food and ambience with river views

• Clem's Pizza - a hit with the kids, great pizza

Gordes

Gordes is anther hilltop village that offers stunning views, yet it is best viewed from afar where there is lovely viewing point over the whole town. This town is very touristy and difficult to get a park, it might be worth pulling in to the look out point and continuing on your way to Roussillon. If you do explore, make sure you try the local delicacies, such as lavender honey and goat's cheese.

THINGS TO DO:

• Pull in to the look out point, spectacular in the evening when the village lights come on

• Notre Dame de Senanque - a beautiful 12th century Abbey famous for it's lavender field (late June - late July)

• Visit the 12th century castle

PLACES TO EAT:

• Le Mas - Exceptional food in the perfect setting. Kid friendly with dishes to impress, and generous portions

• Le Teston - Great friendly service, delicious lunch - try the zucchini and goat cheese and the burrata.

• La Trinquette - Amazing view and excellent food

Roussillon

Roussillon is known for its vibrant red cliffs and ochre quarries. Take a walk along the Sentier des Ocres, a trail that winds through the colorful landscape, and explore the charming streets of the village. Visit the art galleries, sample the local cuisine, and don't forget to take home some ochre pigments as a souvenir.

THINGS TO DO:

• Walk the small hike through the Ochre quarry - Sentier des Ocres - this closes early each day in the summer due to fire risk so make sure you are there before 11am on hot days

• stroll through the orange and red hued village -at sunset for the most spectacular colours

• explore the many beautiful pottery artisans

PLACES TO EAT:

• La Grappe de Raisin -yummy food, great kids menu, try the crème brûlée for dessert, it's generous

• Le Piquebaure - beautiful old drystone building with local fare

  
  

These beautiful towns in the south of France offer a glimpse into the region's rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Whether you're interested in history, art, or simply want to soak in the beauty of the countryside, these towns are a must-visit on your trip to the south of France.