Hilltop Villages of Provence to Visit

Travel around Provence and everywhere you will see the famous ‘perched’ (villages perchés) or hilltop villages dotting the landscape. High on rocky crags, most villages were originally defensive, commanding the route along a valley or the surrounding rich countryside. Most were built around castles and fortified walls designed to protect the community. Historically, these villages were easily defended; in case of attack, the entrance, usually through a narrow doorway, could be blocked, and fresh water was always accessible.

Many of these delightful villages are classified as Plus Beaux Villages de France. You can wander through steep cobbled streets enclosed by charming stone-built houses with tiled roofs leading up to the castle. Often, the church is at a higher elevation as well, its iron belltower serving as a distinctive landmark. Some villages feature arcaded narrow passageways, making them great for walkers in both summer heat and winter rain. Visitors will often find at least one square with a fountain gently splashing in the center, surrounded by pavement cafes and terraced restaurants.

However, life in these villages was historically challenging for the locals. Given their difficult-to-reach locations and the rocky hillsides, it was hard to cultivate vegetable gardens or orchards. Consequently, many communities began to decline as villagers sought better opportunities in surrounding towns.

Fortunately, tourism has revitalized the ‘perched’ villages, and many now boast superb hotels and restaurants housed in renovated buildings. In summer, art galleries and shops sell everything from quality art to quirky souvenirs. If you venture away from the main streets or squares, you may discover a potter crafting tiles for your kitchen or creating jugs, plates, and pots that will be a beautiful addition to your home.

These idyllic perched villages are primarily located in three major regions of Provence: Vaucluse, Var, and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.

1. Les Baux-de-Provence Village

Located in the Alpilles range of hills, Les Baux is one of the most renowned hilltop villages in Provence, situated 15 km northeast of the Roman city of Arles. The châtaeu, now in ruins, stands at the end of the main street, with its grounds showcasing a collection of medieval siege weapons that illustrate the struggles faced from the 11^th century onwards. Continuing to walk uphill rewards you with spectacular views over the surrounding countryside.

The Musé d’Histoire des Baux-de-Provence displays artifacts found in the area, while the Musé des Santons features a traditional Provençal nativity scene with the famous handmade clay santons (figurines) produced in Provence.

Take the D27 north of Les Baux to the Carrières de Lumière, a vast quarry where larger-than-life images are projected onto the walls, ceiling, and floor. This extraordinary experience, which changes every year, is well worth a detour.

2. Gordes in the Vaucluse

Gordes is particularly attractive, standing high on a rocky outcrop and lies between L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, notable as an antiques hub, and Roussillon to the east. Dominating the village is the Châtaeu de Gordes, constructed in the 16^th century atop an earlier fortress site. The castle, interesting in its history, was previously restored and occupied by Op Art painter Victor Vasarely. Be sure to visit on a Tuesday when the market fills the village streets.

The nearby Village des Bories operates as a museum showcasing life in ancient times. Its hive-shaped dry stone buildings, made of lauzes (limestone slabs utilized as roof tiles elsewhere in France), date back to 2000 BC, with habitation extending up to the 20^th century.

Additionally, don’t miss the stunning 12^th-century Cistercian Abbaye de Sénanque, which stands beautifully amidst lavender fields and still functions as a religious site. Visitors can see the church, cloisters, and various rooms while purchasing the monks’ renowned produce, including liqueurs and honey perfected over centuries.

3. Roussillon in the Vaucluse

Just 10 km east of Gordes, Roussillon is a vibrant village renowned for its stunning kaleidoscope of colors, derived from the 17 shades of ochre previously mined here. Given this colorful backdrop, it is not surprising that Roussillon is a favorite among artists, potters, and sculptors.

The Conservatoire des Ochres et de la couleur in the old factory offers insight into ochre production, featuring fascinating temporary exhibitions and a shop that captivates artists.

Moreover, take a walk along the Sentiers des Ochres, where you can marvel at uniquely shaped rocks in various hues.

4. Ansouis in the Vaucluse

Situated south of Roussillon in the Natural Regional Park of the Luberon, Ansouis is a charming village perfect for leisurely exploration. Strolling through its quaint streets, you cannot miss the standout attraction, the Château built in the 1100s, which was continuously occupied by the Sabran family until the early 2000s. Visitors can admire the grand staircase, vaulted rooms, and gardens, including the Renaissance Garden of Eden established on a prior cemetery site.

5. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie in the Alpes de Haute-Provence is renowned as one of the most picturesque villages in the area. It is particularly popular, so visiting off-peak is advisable. The village is dramatically perched on a ravine surrounded by towering rock faces. Off-center lies the parish church, with a path leading up to the 12^th-century chapel.

An iron chain measuring 745 ft holds a golden star above the ravine. Legend has it that a returning crusader placed it there in the 13^th century to celebrate his safe return.

Moustiers is celebrated for its exquisite ceramics. A visit to the Musé de la Faïence will educate you about the rich history of these famous designs. Moreover, explore the various pottery shops, but be prepared; the handmade ceramics are delicate and come at a premium price.

6. Seillans in the Var

Seillans is a picturesque hilltop village located near Fayence, just a short drive from Nice and the Côte d’Azur, yet it feels a world apart. Its winding cobbled streets, designed for horses rather than cars, lead you on a circular path past old ramparts and imposing gateways originally built for defense, alongside more contemporary buildings, including the former home of Max Ernst and his wife Dorothea Tanning.

Seillans serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding villages of Fayence and Tourrettes.

Additionally, the village hosts a charming small music festival organized by an English group during the summer. The festival in 2016 runs from July 30th to August 13th.

7. St-Paul-de-Vence

St-Paul-de-Vence gained fame before Yves Montand and Simone Signoret purchased a home there; it had already become popular in the 1920s among painters like Pierre Bonnard and Modigliani, as well as notable figures like Greta Garbo and Sophia Loren. These influencers dined at the renowned Colombe d’Or hotel. If you cannot stay at the hotel, consider reserving a meal to enjoy the art that adorns the walls, often paid for by impoverished artists in exchange for their meals, such as Picasso who lived nearby in Antibes.

St-Paul-de-Vence offers plenty of attractions, but the major highlight is the Fondation Maeght, renowned for its world-class art collection set in a beautiful, shaded environment.

Whether you choose to stay at the Colombe d’Or or the charming Le Saint Paul, each visit promises a rich cultural experience.