Luxury Holidays in Provence
Home to vibrant lavender fields, vineyards and Roman settlements, Provence boasts a spectacular rural landscape that's just waiting to be explored. Experience all Provence has to offer with luxury holidays from Scott Dunn:
- Beautifully bespoke Provence holidays, tailored to you
- Local guides for the most authentic experiences
- Award-winning travel specialists
- 24/7 support for a seamless service
Nestled in the south-east of France, Provence borders Italy and the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. With artists such as Vincent van Gogh using its rolling vineyards, ancient olive groves and quaint villages as inspiration for their work, it’s easy to see why Provence is a luxury holiday destination that's stood the test of time.
Provence blends rich culture with natural beauty and elegance that draws discerning tourists looking to escape into the heart of the French countryside. Connoisseurs are spoilt for choice thanks to the abundance of vineyards serving award-winning wines. Couples looking for a cultural experience can take a day trip to the Roman Theatre of Orange. Travellers who want an authentic taste of the region can try their hand at Provençal pottery, the art of which is deeply ingrained in the local culture.
At Scott Dunn, our experts have travelled extensively in Provence and hand-picked the best hotels, experiences and activities for your trip.
"Provence is an incredible region and one of the most beautiful in France! From incredible wine tasting to endless charming villages, this region has something to offer everyone. While in Provence be sure to check out the lively local markets featuring delicious local products!"
Ashley Hall, Travel Specialist
What do I need to know about Provence?
- Location: South-eastern France, extending from the lower Rhône River on the west to the Italian border on the east.
- Capital: Marseille, the second-largest city in France, is famous for its vibrant port and multicultural atmosphere.
- Population: Around 5 million residents.
- Language: French is the official language. A minority also speak Provençal (a dialect of Occitan).
- Climate: Provence has dry summers and mild, wet winters with over 300 days of sunshine per year.
- Famous festivals: Provence hosts festivals and events throughout the year, including the Cannes Film Festival on the French Riviera, the lavender festivals in the summer, and traditional markets and celebrations in its many historic towns and villages.
Luxury Hotels in Provence
Many of the picturesque towns in Provence can be traced back to the Roman era, and there are plenty of boutique hotels to choose from. We've hand-picked the best luxury hotels and chateaus in Provence so you can focus on what's important: making memories with your loved ones.
Things To Do in Provence
Provence is celebrated for its rich history, art (with artists like Van Gogh and Paul Cézanne finding inspiration in the world-famous landscape), and architecture that ranges from Roman ruins to medieval fortresses and Renaissance chateaux.
Add into the mix the potential for seeing the flamingos and wild white horses that reside in Camargue and it's easy to see why France is popular with couples, families and honeymooners. If you're wondering what to see while you're in Provence, we've rounded up the best things to do so you can make the most of your time in the region.
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Wander Through Lavender Fields
Provence is famous for its stunning lavender fields that cultivate three types: fine, aspic and lavandin. Experience the fragrant lavender fields between June and August to marvel at the sea of purple that engulfs the region.
Insider tip: We recommend heading to the Valensole Plateau, Sault or Luberon for the best views.
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Visit a Vineyard
Provence is home to some of the most magnificent vineyards in the world that can be traced back centuries. The region produces some of the finest wines available – notably the rosé.
If you're looking to sample a combination of deep reds, crisp whites and blushy rosés, Château de Saint-Martin has been producing exquisite wines high up in the mountains since 1740. You'll be free to savour fine wines under the shade of the imposing pine trees that line the grounds.
A stop at Vignoble Rasse is a must, too. Just 15 minutes from the coast, Vignoble Rasse's soil is protected under the French IGP classification. This means the vineyard produces the most delicious wines, each of which is organic, pleasantly blushy and harmonious.
Different vineyards are best visited at different times of year. Our experts will create an itinerary that lets you experience them at their very best.
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Sample Local Cuisine
Authentic Provençal cuisine is simple but tantalizing. It focuses on seasonal, fresh ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, saffron, olive oil, and wild herbs foraged from the surrounding lands.
Sample bouillabaisse, a traditional fish stew from Marseille, or ratatouille, a humble yet highly satisfying vegetable dish that embodies the essence of Provence. To eat like the locals, it's well worth a visit to the markets in Aix-en-Provence or Saint-Rémy-de-Provence to sample cheeses, olives, and the region's renowned truffles.
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Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Stepping into the city of Avignon is like stepping back in time. This remarkable place is famous for the imposing Palais des Papes, one of the largest mediaeval Gothic buildings in Europe. The walled city's historical significance means it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site too. If you're visiting in July, The Avignon Theatre Festival transforms the city into a vibrant stage celebrating the performing arts.
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Explore Quaint Villages and Towns
Visiting one of the mediaeval hilltop towns while in Provence is a must. The area is dotted with hidden gems that are yet to be discovered by swathes of tourists. Combining narrow cobbled streets with traditional brasseries and cafés, in these quaint towns you can partake in some of France's finest wines and cuisine.
- Wander Through Lavender Fields
- Visit a Vineyard
- Sample Local Cuisine
- Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Explore Quaint Villages and Towns
Provence Holidays FAQs
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The best time to visit Provence is between May and September, when the weather is warm and dry. If you visit during the summer, you'll catch the wonderful lavender fields in full bloom.
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The best way to get to Provence is via Marseille Provence Airport, which is the region's main international hub. If you're arriving from Paris or other regions, you can get a high-speed train that'll whisk you to Avignon, Aix-en-Provence or Marseille in a few hours.
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While Paris might be the most widely recognised city of romance, Provence is an excellent choice for honeymooners who want to enjoy a rustic, low-key getaway full of culture, fine wines and exceptional food.
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The quaint villages and towns in Provence are tremendous for families as there's so much to see, do and explore. The lavender fields act as an exciting playground while more adventurous children can enjoy hiking, mountain biking and even kayaking in the Gorges du Verdon. For families looking for a more laid-back adventure, simply stroll through the ancient towns, stopping occasionally for coffee and a fresh pastry.
Provence is home to a range of exquisite family hotels too, so you can kick back and relax while the kids clubs take care of the rest.
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We know that planning a luxury holiday to a new destination is easier said than done. We're committed to removing the hassle so you can start your trip on the right foot.
All you need to do is let our travel specialists know your preferences and a rough idea of what you'd like to do. They'll get to work curating a unique itinerary using local experience to make sure you see all the best places to visit while you're in Provence.
Our travel experts are ready to piece together a bespoke tour of Provence that incorporates the highlights of the region. For a bespoke luxury holiday you'll never forget, speak to us today.
Call us on 020 8682 5040 to start planning your holiday
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Why Scott Dunn for Provence Holidays?
Unique to You
- We listen to your travel goals and craft unique trips that are bespoke to you.
- We’re with you every step of your life’s travel journey, from honeymoons to family trips and beyond.
Seamless Service
- Global offices in the UK, US, and Singapore for 24/7 seamless service.
- We offer flexibility if your plans change so you can book with confidence and peace of mind.
Carefully Curated Collection
- We’ve curated an elevated collection of accommodation, experiences, and guides.
- Committed to fostering close global relationships to continue bringing you unique experiences.
Luxury in Every Sense
- We deliver a sense of luxury that matters most to you.
- Awarded Condé Nast Traveller’s Top Travel Specialists in the World 12 years in a row.