Central Provence

Little village in the Vaucluse department between the Luberon massif and the Durance river.

Apt lies at the heart of the Luberon and became a Roman colony thanks to its position on the Via Domitia - the Roman road built in France to link Italy to Spain.

Just as other Provence perched villages, such as Ramatuelle or Mons, Bonnieux clings to the hill side, just below its top.

The tiny village of Cadenet is less showy than neighboring Lourmarin, but it's also less crowded and more unspoiled by the glossy effect tourism tends to have on the appearance of Provençal villages.

A busy market town of 30,000 inhabitants, Carpentras sits on the fertile plain of Comtat Venassin that is protected from the elements - in particular from the Mistral wind.

Caumont sur Durance lies midway between Avignon and Cavaillon on a small plain near the Durance river. 

Cavaillon, as with many towns and villages in Provence, has a diverse cultural heritage and you don't have to walk far to come across its old town, a first century Roman arch, France's oldest Jewish synagogue, or to enjoy the views from the St Jaques hill that overlooks the town.

Châteauneuf du Pape lies in the heart of the Vaucluse region, 19km to the north of Avignon and 10km south of Orange. It is of course, most famous for the wine it produces, but the village itself is also worth a trip, with its pretty medieval lanes and ruined castle.

A sweet village sitting in the Dentelles de Montmirail hills just to the south of Vaison la Romaine. The medieval lanes are full of cobbled squares, winding steps, and ancient stone mansions.

Cucuron is a pretty little village surrounded by glorious countryside where walkers can enjoy trails up to the Luberon's highest point, the Mourre Negre.

The main attraction of Fontaine de Vaucluse is the river on which it sits. The source of the Sorgue is found here, a network of underground rivers and streams fed with water from the surrounding mountains.

One of the prettiest villages in Provence (one of the 'Plus Beaux Villages'), Gordes is perched on top of a hillside around its historic castle.

Goult is a pretty little village, with an old quarter, small castle, windmill and a Romanesque style church.

The little village of Joucas is home to just over 300 inhabitants and can be found on the outskirts of the Luberon regional park.

L'Isle sur la Sorgue is a small Provencal town that sits on the edge of the Luberon and to the east of Avignon. It is most famous for its antiques markets and arcades which draw thousands of visitors every year.

Visitors to La Tour d'Aigues are mostly drawn here thanks to it's large and impressive ruined castle, which dates back to 1550 and which was burnt down at the time of the Revolution. 

Lacoste perches on top a hill in the heart of the Luberon region and is a stunning medival village. The views from the top over the Luberon are quite wonderful.

Lourmarin has become very popular and chic thanks to its pretty centre, its wonderful Renaissance castle and its proximity to the TGV train in Avignon (for Parisien weekenders of course).

Another village noted for being one of the 'most beautiful villages in France', Menerbes has a wonderfully authentic feel to it and is full of historical charm.

The old village of Oppede is filled with cobbled streets and dates back to around the 12th century.

Driving from Lyon south on the Autoroute A7 towards Provence, you may notice the signs for Orange, the first major town in the region.

A charming little town, full of fountains and some quite grand manor houses that reflects its history as a former capital of the Comtat Venaissin (the region surrounding Avignon).

By far the largest village in the southern Luberon, Pertuis’s charms are hidden ones that only those who take the time to explore will find.

The old village in Robion is quite a contrast to the built up area that you approach it through, with old cobbled streets, small church and a fountain shaded by plane trees. 

Roussillon is wonderful village that is notable for its red rocks. You could be forgiven for thinking you've taken a wrong turn into Utah, with the starkly contrasting blue sky, red rocks and green vegetation.

Saignon is a small village sitting on a cliff band not far from Apt, at the very heart of the Luberon.

Saint Saturnin les Apt sits on the edge of the Luberon forest at the foot of the mountains in Vaucluse.

Séguret is a very picturesque village in the heart of the Côtes du Rhône wine region.

Vaison la Romaine has it all, Roman ruins, a historic and delightful medieval town centre, a castle on a rock, arts festivals, wonderful vineyards and glorious countryside for hiking and biking.

Velleron is a small town with around 3,000 inhabitants and can be found around 25km to the east of Avignon, not far from Isle sur la Sorgue. 

Venasque is one of the oldest villages in Provence, and has been rated as one of the 'most beautiful villages in France'.

Just across the Rhône river from Avignon, Villeneuve les Avignon offers a quieter place to base yourself but still be only a stone's throw from Avignon.

Visan is a tiny village in the Vaucluse, to the north east of Orange and on the border of the Drome.