They are not necessarily always marked “the most beautiful village”nor any other difference, but the fact is that they are pleasant towns to stop at when you decide to walk around Provence…
So when we talk about Provence and its villages, we first think of the most famous ones: Les Baux, Gordes, Saint-Paul de Vence or even all these charming seaside towns that have made a name for themselves at the tourist level. But not only.
So let’s go to other (slightly) less known villages…
1- Ansouis (Vaucluse)
If you are looking for a picturesque and historic village in Provence, Ansouis is a great choice.
A few kilometers from Aix-en-Provence, in this sun-drenched Luberon, Ansouis is a fortified medieval village that is home to many historical monuments. Strolling through its shady streets, you will discover the Saint-Laurent church built in the 13th century.E century in the Romanesque style, the last remains of the walls, the Maison des Consuls among all the old buildings of the city, as well as the Brotherhood of the Holy Spirit and its belfry, which was formerly a charitable institution to help the sick, the poor and the orphans.
And then there is the 11th century castleE century. Overlooking the valley with a beautiful panorama, its strategic position allowed it to observe the surroundings and access Marseilles and the sea, as well as the Rhône valley. Quite preserved, you can visit it as well as its French gardens installed on the terraces of the old original fortress.
> Information: ansouis.fr
2- Coaraze (Alpes-Maritimes)
On one side are the first alpine foothills on which the city was built, and on the other, about twenty kilometers away, the Mediterranean Sea and its coast. Undoubtedly, an exceptional location at 700 meters above sea level for this city, which is also known as the “village of the sun”, built on a rocky peak overlooking the valley.
Finally, you have a really wonderful panorama to enjoy before walking through this labyrinth of narrow streets with covered and arched passages that we find in the village around these medieval stone houses. See the beautiful Saint-Jean-Baptiste church and its baroque interior and the frescoes of the Saint-Sébastien chapel built in the 16th century.E century at the village to protect it from the plague and other disasters, and finally also the painted walls of the Blue Chapel, which depict the life of Christ from his birth to his resurrection.
And finally, go in search of these sundials, made more than half a century ago by several celebrities such as Jean Cocteau, which today adorn various symbolic buildings of the city…
> Information: coaraze.fr
3- Ménerbes (Vaucluse)
Ménerbes is a charming village typical of the Luberon, built on a rocky outcrop overlooking vineyards and scrubland.
Here is the Abbey of Saint-Hilaire, which mixes Romanesque and Gothic styles, the Chapel of Saint-Blaise from the 18th century.E century, the belfry and its belfry, as well as several wonderful old stone buildings along the small streets, contribute to the charm and architectural identity strongly influenced by the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. And then there is also this Citadel built in the 13th centuryE century, but later rebuilt in the 16thE and XIXE century, which played an important role during the religious wars of the late 16th centuryE century. She is also part of the decoration.
But Ménerbes is also a certain art of living. In the village, don’t miss the private residence of Astier de Montfaucon, which dates back to the 17th century.E century and where today the Maison de la Truffle et du Vin du Luberon is located.
> Information : www.menerbes.fr
4- Séguret (Vaucluse)
With the village of Séguret, you are in this Provençal hinterland full of charm, lavender and vineyards, crushed by the sun in summer to the sound of cicadas and pleasant mild winters.
Séguret is a few houses, a hill battered by a mistral and on it the ruins of a fortified castle built in the Middle Ages. Because, like many other villages in France, the town experienced its growth in the Middle Ages.
But rather, we will discover this building from the following centuries when walking along the cobbled streets, or caladées as they say here, from the city. After entering through one of the two doors, the last memory of the ramparts of the past, giving access to the village, head towards the rue des Poternes, the rue du Four, the Mascarons fountain, the belfry or even the Sainte-Thècles chapel and the church of St. -Denis for a little trip out of time.
And then, even if it means being there, why not a little oenological discovery? Because we produce in Séguret and its region Côtes-du-Rhône village.
> Info : village-seguret.fr
5- Tourtour (Var)
It is in the hinterland of Var that you will discover Tourtour. This “most beautiful village in France” was perched on a hill (which also earned the nickname “Village in the Sky of Provence”) it has barely 600 inhabitants… but on the other hand quite a few visitors throughout the year.
Because Tourtour is above all medieval remains around a square ending in a terraced garden that offers a nice panorama of the surroundings. Added to this are cobbled streets, archways, old Provençal houses, a pleasant central square, several castles including one with a town hall, a church and several chapels, an old wash house, plus a set of eight beautiful fountains and an oil mill.
In short, the entire built heritage, almost historical, which attracts attention to the extent that the city has welcomed or seen a number of famous personalities pass through over the years. Including Bernard Buffet, a French expressionist painter and engraver who ended his life here and donated two bronze statues to the municipality, which can also be seen next to the town hall.
> Information : mairie-tourtou.fr
6- Venasque (Vaucluse)
Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking vineyards and scrub near Mont Ventoux, Venasque is a delightful medieval village. Like many cities in the region, its rich historical heritage is revealed through steep streets, golden stone houses, the Romanesque Notre-Dame church and the 6th-century baptistery.E century, which remains one of the oldest church buildings in Provence.
It must be said that the history of Venasque dates back to antiquity. The city was actually occupied by the Gauls, the Romans, the Saracens and a few others, with the remains of the walls and three towers still testifying to its tumultuous past…
> Information: www.venasque.fr