We would like to spend a few days (maybe three to four days) in Provence exploring villages, food etc. We would like stay in a nice villa, Arbnb with some charm. Which city would you recommend and where to stay…. We are thinking of renting a car. Would love an itinerary for traveling the area as well. We are thing 13 days total… we want to visit Normandy as well. Thanks
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
819 posts
Here is Rick's suggested itinerary for Provence:
https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/france/provence-french-riviera-itinerary
In addition to AirBnB, try gites.com. Keep in mind that "villa" and "city" don't really go together. With a car, it doesn't really matter, though.
There is a whole lot of France in between Provence and Normandy. I recommend you do some more research on your trip, even if it's just reading this website.
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1589 posts
Look for Vinyards and Wineries in Provence; they often have accommodations available. Although a lot of rentals want a week's booking. Gites are a good place to start, as they have more amenities such as kitchens or laundry facilities and often swimming pools.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
7828 posts
There are several recent discussions of Provence villages. A scroll thru the forum or a search will bring them up. Here is one:
Both St. Remy and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue make good bases if you have a car.
Here are 2 lovely places to stay in St. Remy:
https://lamaisondeline.fr/home/
https://hotelsouslesfiguiers.com/en/
Both have onsite parking, easy in/out for day trips.
Normandy is very very far from Provence.
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
1845 posts
I second gites-de-france.com. You will do best with where you want to be. Pick a town or village you like and use that as your filter. We have used them many, many times and have always been happy. You can find short-term and long-term stays and a variety of lodgings, from trailers to villas.
They have been around longer than AirBandB and I find that they are responsive and responsible.
Bonne chance!
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
1845 posts
Just fyi, Provence is a very large area, about 12,000 sq. miles. You should probably figure out which part you want to be in for your stay and day trips.
Posted by
OP
46 posts
Where in Provence would you suggest. We don’t want to be isolated. My sister dreams of going to the market and cooking in the evenings.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
7828 posts
You might try watching some YouTube videos of individual Provence villages and see which one speaks to you.
We loved St-Remy and are returning next moth.
RS has a good guide book on Provence and Riviera as well
Posted by
49 posts
Found this YouTube channel as I am preparing for a trip to Provence and the walking tour videos about some of the villages are amazing!