Summer in Provence & The French Riviera

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I’ve always dreamt of spending summers in the South of France – where time seems to stand still and the chirping cicadas are the only sound for miles. Our family spent a week in Paris acclimating to the time change and rented a car, spending a day driving to our home for the week, arriving just in time for dinner. Everything in Provence just moves a little bit slower and the simple pleasures in life are impossibly even sweeter – that morning cup of coffee with a fresh baguette from the boulangerie in the neighboring village, kids riding their bikes, an afternoon glass of wine, hot days by the pool, cooking the days market provisions for dinner, cards before bed and enjoying the candlelight once the kids have gone down for the evening.

dress // sandals // rattan bag // sunglasses

Pool Floats // Market Bags // Pareo // Bathing Suit

You could honestly spend an entire summer in Provence and still not see every town. The hilltop villages are sprinkled around the entire region and every one seems more charming than the last. I could never get enough cobblestone alleys, terracotta tiles, stone walls & patina-finished shutters. We spent a week in the region and made our way to as many villages as we could (with three small children in tow) and I certainly have my growing list of destinations for our next visit. Here were a few highlights from our trip along with spots for future visits (in case you have more time to wander).

If you find yourself in Provence, the hilltop village of Gordes must be at the top of your list. Perched at the top is Le Chateau de Gordes, a church, and the most idyllic hotel, Le Bastide. Even if you aren’t staying at the hotel, soaking in the views over lunch or dinner is an absolute must-do.

The hills of Provence are peppered with lavender fields in June and July. The Sénanque Abbey, not far from Gordes, is no exception. Founded in 1148, visitors come from far and wide to tour the abbey and admire the rolling fields of lavender.

Provence is known for its charming local farmer’s markets. You’ll find makers and farmers selling everything from herbs & spices, to locally made soaps, espadrilles, French Market baskets, linens, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. Plan a morning at the market grabbing provisions for dinner. Markets are scheduled as follows:

Gordes: Tuesdays
St. Remy: Wednesdays
Eygalieres: Fridays
Bonnieux: Fridays
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue : Sundays (for antiques)

You know how much I love Antique shopping and had to make a visit to L’Isle Sur la Sourge. It’s the second-largest antique center in France (behind Paris of course) and is home to hundreds of antique stores and a Sunday outdoor market.

dress // straw bag // sandals // sunglasses

While you’re visiting Menerbes & Bonnieux make sure to save time for the nearby hilltop village of Lacoste. It looks like something out of a fairytale where time has stood still. It has sweeping views of the Luberon Valley & lavender fields below along with winding cobblestone streets.

Bonnieux was one of the first villages we visited during our time in Provence. You can see the village in the distance as you pass by the rolling fields of lavender. It was even more beautiful than what I had imagined. We spent the morning grabbing food from the farmers market and enjoyed lunch at the cafe at Capelongue Hotel.

We made a stop in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse after antiquing in L’Isle-Sur-La-Sourge. If you walk to the end of the town and go on a little hike you can meet the source of La Sourge River.