Provence luxury villas offer the opportunity to enjoy an authentic yet luxurious French summer holiday. With stunningly beautiful landscapes and plenty of interesting and exciting things to do, it can be hard to know where to begin on a villa holiday to Provence. Thankfully, one of our luxury villa partners is here to help. Owners and operators to two of the best villas in Provence, they’ve been kind enough to give us an insight into this incredible French region, and specifically the areas where their properties are located.
Provence Luxury Villas
Firstly, an introduction to a couple of the most incredible villa rentals in Provence!
Les Hauts des Gordes
Les Hauts de Gordes is a fabulous villa offering. This luxurious Provençal bastide spans three buildings on a 6-hectare estate, with spellbinding panoramic views of both the Luberon massif and Gordes, one of the most beautiful villages in the world.
As far as Provence luxury villas go, you can’t get more authentic than this. Les Hautes de Gordes’ expansive gardens feature fields of lavender, a historical borie and a pétanque court. There is also an incredible two-tiered swimming pool, along with a panoramic amphitheatre for outdoor cinema experiences. Art pieces inside and out pay homage to the ‘Op Art’ movement.
The most stunning of the interior areas might be Les Hauts de Gordes’ glass conservatory. Bathe in natural light and glorious views in the stylish lounge, kitchen and dining areas of this impressive glass extension. Additionally, vibrant colours and distinctive artworks make for the most characterful and appealing of Provence villa rentals, one which welcomes 14-15 guests across seven double bedrooms and a children’s dormitory.
L’Étoile des Baux
The other of their two luxury villas in Provence is the gorgeous L’Étoile des Baux. An impressive feat of craftsmanship, the villa is built into the rock face, with many of its rooms featuring walls of natural rock that contrast delightfully with the villa’s otherwise contemporary style.
5,000m² of landscaped gardens are yours to explore at L’Étoile des Baux. Amongst the natural beauty of the garden, the villa features a swimming pool, pétanque court, and outdoor cinema. Inside, the villa covers an accomplished 650m². In addition to luxurious living areas and intimate bedrooms, L’Étoile des Baux has its own bar area, along with a wine cellar with a magnificent selection of over 600 bottles.
With a fantastic central location in the heart of Les Baux-des-Provence, you’ll have easy access to all the local attractions of this authentic French village. If you’re wondering what some of these local attractions might be, then thankfully our villa partners were kind enough to answer a few of our questions, giving us a real insider’s guide to luxury holidays in Provence…
What is special about Provence as a holiday destination?
Provence, with a special focus on the Alpilles and Luberon regions, offers a quintessentially picturesque French holiday experience. These areas are celebrated for their stunning natural beauty, with the Alpilles known for rugged limestone hills and olive groves. Meanwhile, the Luberon is famed for its colourful lavender fields and vineyards. Both regions boast charming hilltop villages like Les Baux-de-Provence and Gordes, where history is etched into every stone and panoramic views are around every corner.
The area’s rich cultural heritage is, of course, reflected in its art, traditions, and cuisine, with local markets and restaurants offering the best of Provençal flavours. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do, from hiking and cycling on scenic trails to simply soaking in the serene, natural landscapes. The combination of natural beauty, historical richness, and culinary delights makes the Alpilles and Luberon regions of Provence an enchanting destination for travellers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
What are your top recommended things to do and see in Provence?
In Gordes, visitors should not miss exploring the village itself, known as one of the most beautiful villages in France, with its stunning stone buildings and winding cobblestone streets. The Abbey of Senanque, a short distance away, is a must-see for its iconic lavender fields and serene architecture. For art lovers, the Pol Mara Museum in Gordes Castle offers a glimpse into contemporary Flemish paintings. Typical Provençal villages worth exploring in Luberon in addition to Gordes include the nearby Roussillon and Lacoste. Visiting local wineries and markets, like the antiques market of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, is also a must.
Baux-de-Provence is equally captivating, with the Château des Baux offering panoramic views of the Alpilles landscape and a glimpse into medieval life. The Carrières des Lumières is an unforgettable experience; art meets nature in a multimedia display set in a former quarry. For those interested in gastronomy, the olive oil mills around Baux-de-Provence offer tastings of the region’s renowned olive oils. You also won’t want to miss a guided tour of the city of Arles, Provence’s capital of culture and photography. Or exploring Glanum, an Ancient Roman archaeological site just north of Baux-de-Provence.
Together, both Gordes and Baux de Provence offer a blend of natural beauty, historical exploration, and cultural immersion that’s hard to beat.
Tell us more about the specific location of Les Baux-de-Provence, and the Alpilles, where L’Étoile des Baux is located?
Les Baux-de-Provence is a picturesque village located in the heart of the Alpilles mountains, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of southern France. Perched atop a rocky outcrop, it offers stunning views of the surrounding Alpilles landscape, characterized by olive groves, vineyards, and limestone peaks. This medieval village is renowned for its historical architecture, including the famous citadel, and boasts over twenty ‘Historical Monuments’ to explore.
The Alpilles, a small chain of mountains, provide a scenic backdrop to the area and are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering trails for both hiking and biking, and also observing the diverse flora and fauna of the Provence region. The combination of Les Baux-de-Provence’s rich history and the natural beauty of the Alpilles makes it a unique and captivating destination.
How do Gordes, and Luberon, differ as holiday destinations compared to Les Baux-de-Provence & the Alpilles? How are they similar?
Gordes and the Luberon offer lush landscapes with lavender fields and charming villages, ideal for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Les Baux-de-Provence and the Alpilles, however, provide dramatic, rocky scenery and rich historical sites, appealing to culture and history enthusiasts. Despite these differences, both areas deliver the quintessential Provençal experience: delicious cuisine, warm climate, and a leisurely pace of life, ensuring all visitors can savour the charm and beauty of Provence.
What guest types are best suited to a luxury holiday in Provence?
For those contemplating a luxury holiday to Provence, this enchanting region offers something special for every type of discerning traveler. Whether you’re a family with children or a group of wine connoisseurs eager to explore prestigious vineyards. If you’re a gastronome ready to dive into the rich flavors of Mediterranean cuisine, or an art and history aficionado keen on uncovering the area’s rich cultural tapestry. Provence is for nature enthusiasts looking to bask in the stunning landscapes, or those simply seeking a serene wellness retreat.
Provence seamlessly blends relaxation with refined elegance. As a result, the quintessence of luxury meets the timeless charm and beauty of Southern France. Provence is undoubtedly an unparalleled destination for those seeking an exquisite and memorable holiday experience.
In what ways do you best accommodate a family holiday in Provence? What will the children love?
For a family holiday in the Luberon and Alpilles, the key is to select a property that caters to families, such as Les Hauts de Gordes and L’Étoile des Baux; villas in Provence with a private pool, play areas, and other family-friendly amenities.
In the Luberon, the enchanting hilltop villages such as Gordes and Roussillon will capture the adventurous spirit of children as they explore the narrow streets and discover hidden treasures. The region’s sprawling lavender fields offer a sensory delight and beautiful backdrop for family photos. The amazing Ochre Trail in Roussillon is an hour long, child-friendly hike.
In the Alpilles, families can enjoy outdoor adventures in the rugged, natural landscape. Hiking or biking through the Alpilles Regional Natural Park allows for encounters with the local flora and fauna. Additionally, by visiting Les Baux-de-Provence, families can explore the medieval castle ruins and engage in interactive history lessons. The Carrières de Lumieres, with its immersive art and light shows, is another attraction that mesmerizes both adults and children. Down in Camargue, exclusive tours of a manade, where semi-wild horses and bulls roam, is an exciting and family-friendly experience.
Both regions offer activities like horseback riding, via ferrata, cycling, and kayaking, which are great for active families. Cooking classes focused on Provencal cuisine can be a fun and educational experience for the whole family, teaching kids about local food and culture. With a mix of outdoor activities, cultural exploration, and relaxation opportunities, the Luberon and Alpilles regions provide a versatile and memorable holiday experience for families with children.
What sort of unforgettable experiences do you recommend when staying at these two Provence luxury villas?
Baumanière *** – 100m from L’Étoile des Baux
“Sit down to a meal by Glenn Viel at L’Oustau de Baumanière, a 3-Star Michelin restaurant. Overlooked by Les Baux-de-Provence, this is an opportunity to savour a top-flight gastronomic adventure in a stunning setting. Inevitably, it will be difficult to find anything that rivals this stunning interpretation of Provençal cuisine any time soon.”
Baux de Provence – The village of Eygalières – 17km from L’Étoile des Baux
“Here’s my perfect afternoon and evening in Eygalières: 3.24 pm – Visit the Chapelle Saint-Sixte, pretty as a picture and a Romanesque icon. 5.38pm – Wander through the narrow streets. Take a closer look at the village’s fountains and wash-houses. 6.10pm – Amble around the château’s ruins, overlooking the village. 6.30 pm – Marvel at the panoramic views. Breathe. 7.15pm – Sip a pre-dinner drink at the Café de La Poste. Raise a glass. Laugh. 8.12 pm – Raise a(nother) glass. And go sit down to a meal by Christopher Hache.”
Truffle paradise – 2km from Les Hauts de Gordes
Gordes is a paradise for truffle lovers. The climate and soil of the Luberon perfectly suit the development of both winter and summer truffles. Here, you can discover the secrets of the black diamond with some of the best truffle hunters in France.
Contemporary Art – from 74km from Les Hauts de Gordes
Art is everywhere! Visit the best contemporary art venues in the region.
The Vasarely Foundation is a museum in Aix-en-Provence dedicated to the works of Victor Vasarely. He was the artist who spearheaded the Op Art movement; the same style that you’ll find in many of the artworks and design in our villas in Provence for rent.
Château Lacoste showcases artwork and sculptures by a range of renowned contemporary artists. These include famous names like Damien Hirst, Tadao Ando, and Tracey Emin.
Lastly, a stay at a luxury villa in Provence would not be complete without a visit to Commanderie de Peyrassol. One of the leading wine estates of the region, it is also home to one of the largest open-air collections of contemporary art in Europe.
Both villas come with a dedicated house manager. What services can guests expect from the house manager?
Our house manager will be your dedicated contact before you arrive and throughout your stay. Having worked in some of the region’s best hotels, they are either native from, or have extensive experience living in the area. Therefore, they know the region better than anyone. They will do the utmost to help you, ensuring that your stay is unforgettable and will be thrilled to show you another side to the region, with all its well kept secrets.
What additional services can you help organise/arrange?
Guests can expect the house manager to offer a range of services, including:
- Concierge Services: Assisting with restaurant reservations, as well as recommending local attractions and activities. Additionally, arranging tours, and providing insights into local culture and events.
- Transportation Arrangements: Organizing airport transfers, car rentals, or private drivers as needed.
- Personal Chef and Catering: Arranging for a private chef for in-house dining experiences or coordinating catering services for special events.
- Grocery Stocking: Offering pre-arrival grocery shopping services to have the kitchen stocked with preferred items upon arrival.
- Laundry Services: Facilitating laundry or dry cleaning services, either on-site or through external providers.
- Leisure and Wellness Bookings: Booking appointments for spa treatments, fitness classes, as well as other wellness activities
Tell us the story behind your unique interior design, we’d love to hear about the artists behind the scenes.
L’Étoile des Baux – A dream arty property
This exceptional Provencal Mas is unique, having been built into the rock face. The property extends over 650m², with troglodyte rooms carved into the cliff. The landscaped garden is nestled below the sublime citadel of Les Baux. As a result of its recent complete renovation, the property has become an idyllic holiday home. Designed as an artists’ refuge (and one with character), fantastic art curation was led by Josephine Fossey.
Les Hauts de Gordes – The Soul of Provence
An exceptional Provençal bastide, the choice of materials, the work with craftsmen, the use of local know-how; this project delivers a singular interpretation of the local art of living. The property embodies the quintessence of Provence. It is undoubtedly a sincere and complete ode to the region. The décor has been designed with interior architect Jérémie du Chaffaut, a native of Provence, in a passionate and down-to-earth approach. Les Hauts de Gordes is a declaration of love to the region’s heritage, reinterpreted with a contemporary twist.
We thank our luxury villa partners for such a fascinating and enchanting insight into the Alpilles and Luberon regions, along with information on their Provence villa rentals. If you are interested in either of the Provence luxury villas featured, and want to book a luxury villas holiday to Provence, simply send us an email to discuss your options. Alternatively, give us a call on +44 1202 203656 to talk to one of our Travel Advisors.
