Where to Stay in Provence – The 10 Best Areas to Stay!

Where to Stay in Provence for YOU

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The Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Provence – Pros & Cons

Discover what each area has to offer and the pros and cons of each right below.

THE BEST Area to Stay in Provence: Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is by far and away the best area to stay in Provence. Whether you have a car or not, it offers the best overall perks, and you simply cannot go wrong with this city if you elect to stay there. Also, it is one of the region’s largest cities, and you won’t have any trouble reaching it, wherever you come from.

This city boasts a particularly laid-back atmosphere that you cannot always expect in larger places, and it has exceptionally beautiful architecture. Besides, it is less crowded than places like Marseille!

Aside from its famous historic monuments, Aix-en-Provence boasts fantastic thermal baths that you should for sure check out, and it offers a genuine, local experience.

Here’s my selection of the best accommodations in Aix-en-Provence by travel style:

✅ Best Hotel – Maison Du Collectionneur: This place truly looks like the house of a collectionist, as all of its rooms have their own, unique atmosphere. The equipment is all in all high-standard, and the staff will warmly welcome you.

✨ Luxury Choice – Villa Saint-Ange: With its wonderful, wide, and fully equipped swimming pool area, as well as its exceptionally bright and well-decorated interior, you will adore your stay there!

💰 Budget Pick – Sweet Home: This place has its own swimming pool, and boasts comfortable beds for an exceptional price. 

Best City to Stay in Provence: Avignon

You won’t truly find a big city life if you’re heading to Provence. Nonetheless, if you are looking for a larger place with tons of things to discover for your stay, then your go-to should be Avignon.

Famous in France for its bridge, which is featured in a popular children song, Avignon is a beautiful city with amazing historic assets, such as monuments and plazas. It is known for being the city of the popes, as it used to be home to the Holy Seat during the Middle Ages, thanks to its central location (compared to Rome).

Not everyone loves history though, I’m aware of that, but the city itself is just gorgeous enough to spend days strolling through it!

Here’s my selection of the best accommodations in Avignon by travel style:

✅ Best Hotel – La Demoiselle: With its stylishly decorated and bright interior, it offers great value for money. Also, the equipment is of the highest standards, and the breakfast is excellent.

✨ Luxury Choice – Bastide de Bellegarde: Located further away from the center of the action, this accommodation offers the peacefulness of the countryside, and it is all you need for a memorable holiday.

💰 Budget Pick – L’Oriflamme: Located outside the heart of the city, this place is affordable and comfortable, ideal for budget travelers!

Best Village to Stay in Provence: Ménerbes

Cities are great and lively, but villages are what truly makes Provence stand out. Peaceful, sunny, and genuine, these places feel like they belong to another era, and you will travel through time if you decide to stay there. And, when it comes to villages, Ménerbes easily tops them all in my opinion.

One of the most beautiful villages of France, Ménerbes is famous for its truffles and its wines, and it has drawn many artists, including Picasso, over the years. Staying there is most relaxing, and since it is sat atop of a rock, it is particularly sunny.

Surrounded by traditional Provençal houses, you will love the white stones and the architecture of Ménerbes. All in all, the best village to stay in Provence!

Here’s my selection of the best accommodations in Ménerbes by travel style:

✅ Best Hotel – Hôtel particulier de Tingry – Pierres d’Histoire: Despite its fancy look, it is an affordable option with a superb interior and a stunning outdoor area.

✨ Luxury Choice – La Bastide de Marie, Maisons et Hôtels Sibuet: This superb accommodation is the epitome of class and comfort, and you won’t lack a thing if you elect to stay there. With its magnificent swimming pool area, this hotel is very intimate and romantic.

💰 Budget Pick – La Manaude: Ideally located, this budget-friendly option is all you need for basic comfort. Plus, it is located amidst vineyards and the price is incredible!

Where to Stay in Provence for Lavender Fields: Grignan

Ah, the lavender fields of Provence. Poetic, majestic, and iconic, they embody the spirit of the region, as well as its fantastic smell. If you are just heading to Provence for the beaches, I can completely feel you, but you should still spend some time checking out the lavender fields at least once. And if you want to stay right next to them, then you should go to Grignan!

Grignan is another beautiful village, overlooked by its impressive medieval castle. It is well known for being home to several famous French writers, but it still boasts exquisite wines and truffles that you should taste.

Also, it is ideally located for outdoor explorations, and you can easily reach other cute villages in the vicinity.

Here’s my selection of the best accommodations in Grignan by travel style:

✅ Best Hotel – La vie de chateau: What I love most about it though is definitely its interior, which is a superb blend of older furniture and newer equipment.

✨ Luxury Choice – Domaine de Montine Chambres de Charme: It is situated in peaceful scenery, offers high-quality beds, and the staff is responsive and smiling. Plus, the rooms are very spacious, and you can even buy food in the main hall.

💰 Budget Pick – Au Petit Faubourg: Honestly, for such low pricing and high comfort, this hotel is an incredible choice. Cozy and intelligently furnished, it offers all the basic amenities that you could need, and it is ideally located in the heart of Grignan. 

Best Place to Stay in Provence for Beaches: Porquerolles Island

Considering the humongous amount of magical beaches you can find in Provence, this choice was pretty tough to make. However, I think that Porquerolles Island has other arguments for itself and that you should definitely check it out, even if the main reason for your trip isn’t the beaches of southern France.

First things first, Porquerolles Island is… an island! While you already know it, what it means is that you’ll stay on your own, will be isolated from the larger crowds of the continent, and can enjoy some of the best beaches in the area.

That’s not all there is to it though, as the island also offers tons of activities, such as diving, bike rental services or tasty restaurants. All in all, a well-rounded experience!

Here’s my selection of the best accommodations in Porquerolles Island by travel style:

✅ Best Hotel – Hotel Residence Les Medes: In this place, you will be served fresh and varied breakfasts each morning and have access to bike rentals and access to the beach. The interior is bright, clean, and modern, everything is perfect.

✨ Luxury Choice – Ile de Porquerolles: This apartment is brand new and boasts tasteful decoration and more than enough amenities. It is ideally located on the island and has its own lovely terrace.

💰 Budget Pick – L’Oustaou De Porquerolles: Aside from its fantastic value for money, the main reason for you to pick this accommodation could be its amazing staff, the on-site restaurant, and the superb scenery.

Where to Stay in Provence with Kids: Nice

Nice is the capital of the Côte d’Azur, and for good reasons: it is particularly enjoyable as a city, not only thanks to its climate and stunning landscapes but also due to its picturesque streets and excellent food.

Because of how laid-back the atmosphere is there, I believe it is ideal for a stay with kids. Also, it is pretty easy to reach, and you won’t struggle if you have a lot of luggage or a large family.

Aside from the fascinating museums in the heart of the old town, you will also stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais, discover one of the many colorful markets, and enjoy one of the events or festivals. All in all, an incredible destination for a stay as a family!

Here’s my selection of the best accommodations in Nice by travel style:

✅ Best Hotel – Aparthotel AMMI Nice Lafayette: Ideally located in the heart of Nice, this apartment is clean, calm and comfortable. It is nicely decorated and thoroughly thought-through.

✨ Luxury Choice – Hotel Le Negresco: This hotel boasts a fantastic interior, with modern equipment and spacious rooms. Besides, the spa services are incredible!

💰 Budget Pick – Hotel de Berne: Having access to an airport shuttle, staying in the center of Nice, and enjoying all the basic amenities you and your family need, all of this for a reasonable price sounds like a dream. 

Best Place to Stay in Provence for Outdoor Lovers: Roussillon

Famous for being one of France’s most beautiful villages, Roussillon is definitely worth checking out if you’re heading to Provence.

Outdoor lovers will adore this place because of one of the most famous French landmarks, the magnificent Sentier des Ocres. It’s a scenic trail known for its stunning ochre cliffs and vibrant red and orange rock formations.

As for the village itself, it is also remarkable. One of the very few places where the rocks of Provence are not predominant (but rather, the ochre, yellow, and orange facades of the houses), it is circled with vineyards, lavender fields, and olive groves.

The streets are also worth walking around, as they are cute, clean, and nicely decorated.

Here’s my selection of the best accommodations in Roussillon by travel style:

✅ Best Hotel – Quiétude en Luberon: This accommodation stands out as an exceptionally relaxing hotel. Fully equipped, this apartment is clean and situated in stunning scenery, while its outdoor area is exactly what you need to chill after a long day.

✨ Luxury Choice – Bastide des Demoiselles: With its exceptionally spacious rooms, tasty breakfast with fresh products, and stunning architecture, it is the ideal getaway for a beautiful holiday in Provence.

💰 Budget Pick – Omma: Decorated with the same colors as the village as a whole, this accommodation perfectly blends in with the landscape and offers an authentic experience.

Best Place to Stay for Local Vibe: Sisteron

Speaking of authentic experiences, if you want the best village in Provence for that, you should head to Sisteron.

Aged more than 1,500 years old, it used to be a strategic gateway for the Romans and was thus particularly coveted in the past. Now, the atmosphere is much more relaxing, and it offers a local vibe that’s hard to find anywhere else in the region.

The main reasons for Sisteron to be famous are for sure its emblematic bridge and its impregnable citadel sat atop of a rocky hill. Plus, it is home to plenty of talented artists, who carve incredible marble statues.

Last but not least, it features a beach and great hikes. Enjoy!

Here’s my selection of the best accommodations in Sisteron by travel style:

✅ Best Hotel – Etxe Laminak: In this hotel, you will be warmly greeted by a nice and caring host and will enjoy a cozy place.

✨ Luxury Choice – Villa de 2 chambres: This villa is fully equipped with a private swimming pool and an equipped garden; it should be your go-to if you are looking for a fancy stay in Sisteron.

💰 Budget Pick – Ibis Budget Sisteron: Clean and bright, it serves breakfasts and dinners, so you don’t even need to worry about finding a place to eat.

Best Base Town to Travel Provence: L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

Renowned for its water canals, idyllic scenery, and unique waterwheels, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a gorgeous and charming town, ideally located in Provence for you to travel around the entire region.

But, when it comes to the location itself, it is also amazing on its own, and worth visiting. Featuring crystal clear water, it is also known as the Little Provençal Venice, and largely has ideal weather.

Lastly, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is known for its gastronomy, and you can eat plenty of healthy food, mainly one of the many, colorful vegetables, which are typical of southern France. In other words, what are you waiting for? An amazing stay awaits you there!

Here’s my selection of the best accommodations in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue by travel style:

✅ Best Hotel – La Maison 1440: With a near-perfect rating of 9.8 out of 10, this hotel is nothing but marvelous. It has its own outdoor swimming pool with dreamy scenery and offers a peaceful atmosphere.

✨ Luxury Choice – Nuit Etoilée: With its large pergola featuring a jacuzzi tub, it is the place to go to relax under the sun (or the moon!). The interior has nothing to be ashamed of either, as it is spacious, modernly equipped, and very bright.

💰 Budget Pick – le Mas d’Hubert: This hotel can be booked for record-low prices. The on-site meals are overall delicious, the host is caring and kind and the bathroom is bright and modern.

Best Place to Stay in Provence Without a Car: Marseille

Marseille, France’s second-largest city, is a unique blend of fascinating history, exceptional natural landscapes, and stunning architecture.

Not only should you check it out if you are traveling in Provence, but it is also extremely easy to reach and to stay in, making it the best place in the region for those of you who don’t have access to a car.

Born around 2,600 years ago, it is the oldest city in the entire country to still exist nowadays. You will never run out of stuff to discover if you stay there, because there are 111 neighborhoods!

However, with its yearly 6 million tourists, it is always buzzing with activity, so keep that in mind.

Here’s my selection of the best accommodations in Marseille by travel style:

✅ Best Hotel – Les Appartements du Vieux Port: Not only is this hotel the best in Marseille, but it is also one of the safest bets you could go for in all of Provence.

✨ Luxury Choice – Suite privée: This room is located in le Vieux Port, the best neighborhood of Marseille. It boasts open views of the harbor, and is particularly classy!

💰 Budget Pick – Grand studio avec patio: Despite being a 1-room apartment, offers all the necessary comfort for a nice stay. Fully equipped and recently renovated, it offers a magical experience in a peaceful location.

How many days are enough for Provence?

Provence is such a large region, with such a rich history and such amazing landscapes you must see at least once in your life, that you should probably stay there for at least a week.

From the larger cities of Marseille and Aix-en-Provence to the unique villages of Roussillon and Grignan, the region has plenty of incredible sights.

How to get around in Provence?

Obviously, you could drive around Provence, if you have your own car. But, if you don’t, there are still several options for you.

The easiest way to get around Provence is definitely the bus; with it, you can reach nearly any kind of point of interest.

Other ways include renting a bike or a motorcycle or taking the train. All of them have their own charm, so try what suits you best!

Final Thoughts

And that’s it! These were my 10 favorite areas to stay in Provence for your next trip. I hope you discovered a whole lot more about southern France, and that you found your best fit.

Just in case you still don’t know where to go, remember that, as we saw above, the best area to stay in Provence is Aix-en-Provence. With its stunning architecture, fascinating history, and relaxing atmosphere, you just cannot go wrong with it!

🔍 Read more: 

• Where to Stay in Marseille 
• Where to Stay in Nice
• Where to Stay in Provence Without a Car
• Where to Stay in Montpellier
• Where to Stay in Lyon
• Where to Stay in Bordeaux
• Where to Stay in Paris