Why are villas in Provence so sought after for a summer holiday? As I have discovered, there are many reasons why this region of the south of France is the one to visit. Sunshine, beaches, picturesque landscapes, medieval hilltop villages, colourful markets and exceptional cuisine is just part of it. Another reason is the number of good quality holiday homes on offer which you cannot always find in other parts of France.
Provence offers an amazing choice of villas in rural and coastal locations. Choose a chic villa with a private pool, gym, spa and cinema by the beach to experience the Cote D’Azur in style. Stay in a converted farmhouse with pool tucked away in the Luberon hills by cycle tracks and lavender fields for a peaceful break. Or live like a local in a village house by vineyards within strolling distance of a boulangerie. Rental prices vary of course but there is usually something to suit all budgets if you book early enough. I have picked out five of my favourite villas in Provence to help you decide which villa is for you.
1 – Family friendly converted farmhouse in the Var
When a villa is owned by a family with young children, you can be sure that it will be well-equipped with family-friendly toys, gadgets and things to do. This 5-bedroom family villa is one of those. The beautifully furnished interiors are well set up for all ages. The centre piece in summer is an inviting, saltwater, fenced pool with a comfortable seating area under a pergola. Table tennis, board games, a trampoline, toys and a dressing up box are on hand. Adults can enjoy a glass of local wine, a barbecue and game of boules. You will even find stair gates, a baby sling and steriliser at the villa, as well as highchairs and cots! Within easy reach are picturesque historic villages and the beaches of St Tropez, Ste Maxime and Fréjus.
2 – Walk to the beach from this villa on the Cote D’Azur
A private villa on a hillside this close to the beach is the holy grail on the Cote d’Azur. From this gorgeous holiday villa, you can to walk to the beach or cool off in your own private pool (pool heating is available if you prefer). Enjoy the lush garden, stylish furnishings and a panoramic sea view too. Discreet staff are on hand to make your stay truly comfortable. This is just the kind of place I like to recommend if you are looking for a villa near the beach in the South of France. See more photos on my dedicated page to this villa – Luxury Villa Cote D’Azur.
3 – Classic converted Provencal farmhouse with heated, fenced pool
When I first visited this chic converted farmhouse, I knew it was a hidden gem. Situated in glorious Provencal countryside near the impressive medieval village of Bonnieux, the setting is exceptionally tranquil and picturesque. Its family-friendly appeal is due to the huge gardens and an enclosed, heated swimming pool. The owners live there themselves for some of the year and rent it only through trusted contacts for a few weeks in the summer. Early booking is therefore essential, particularly as it is the kind of place guests return to year after year for a family holiday. See more photos and information about this house on my dedicated page – Luxury Villa in Provence with Pool.
4 – St Remy villa within walking distance of shops and restaurants
I have always liked this particular villa for 6 near St Remy for its laid back style and location. It feels very much like a rural farmhouse with its stone walls, country furnishings, garden and pool, yet it is just a convenient stroll away from village shops, a cafe and bistro in the charming village of Le Paradou. St Remy is a 5 minute drive away for its excellent restaurants, elegant boulevards and boutiques. The surrounding countryside and Provencal villages are straight out of a Vincent Van Gogh painting. It is stunning. It is a convenient location for visiting two of my favourite places in Provence too – Avignon (for the festival in July) and The Camargue (for the national park, wild horses and flamingoes).
5 – St Tropez family villa with heated pool
This location of this villa could not be better for experiencing the Cote d’Azur. With 6 bedrooms and a verdant garden, surrounded by vineyards, it feels secluded, yet just 5 minutes drive away is sandy Pampelonne beach, the buzz of St Tropez and the pretty village of Ramatuelle. The villa has been recently renovated to incorporate a modern kitchen, air conditioning and a new pool house with a bar and a kitchen. It is also well kitted out for children, including a tree house, play area, trampoline, table tennis, basket ball and boules. Bicycles, board games and toys are on hand. This is a great place for water sports as well as cycling, golf, walking and exploring the surrounding villages and towns.
What is there to do in Provence?
There is so much to see and do in Provence so you will find a wealth of information by way of a Google search. If, like me, you prefer a more personal take, I can recommend Ashley Tinker’s informative website Curious Provence. Provence is where I have family and friends so I have got to know the region well. If you book a villa through me in the Luberon area, I can tell you about my family’s favourite things to do and see there, from cycle tracks to forest walks, restaurants and summer festivals.
Find out more about villas in Provence with pools
My top 5 villas in Provence with private pools are just a sample of villas I recommend in Provence, so please contact me if you would like help with tracking down your perfect holiday home. Tell me villa holiday dates, numbers, budget and any particular requirements, then I will send you suggestions. Over the last 20 years I have got to know a number of villa owners and villa companies with wonderful villas in Provence so I would be happy to connect you with the ones which suit you best.