5 Provencal Villages to Visit from the Mountains to the Mediterranean

Dreaming of southern France? Provence welcomes you from snow-capped Alps to sunlit shores, where each village—from mountain heights to the Mediterranean—unfolds its own tale.

In this article, we invite you to discover five Provencal gems: Banon, Tourtour, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Menton, and Villefranche-sur-Mer. As we move from wild mountain vistas to vibrant seaside towns, each destination reveals its own unforgettable character. Dive into the contrasts and highlights that make every stop a memory in the making. Join us as we uncover the timeless allure and genuine spirit that define this magical corner of France.

Banon, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

Banon, a village of under a thousand, sits on a rocky hillside overlooking a sunlit valley. The nearby plateau d’Albion bustles with grazing sheep and goats, while the old town sits at 800 metres between Mont Ventoux and Mont Lure. When lavender blooms, the landscape turns vivid purple and mauve.

Photo Credit: ©Perfectly Provence

Banon’s roots reach back to medieval times. At its summit stands a 12th-century church, now a gallery for local art. For those craving more adventure, climb to the hilltop cross above the village, where breathtaking vistas unfurl for miles.

Portions of Banon’s 14th-century walls still surround the village. Wander cobbled lanes with vibrant shutters and overflowing flower boxes, where stone houses climb the hillside from the central square. Visit the Feudal Gatehouse, a monument dating to around 1600.

Photo Credit: ©Perfectly Provence

Once reliant on agriculture and silk, Banon declined as war and economic shifts caused a rural exodus from 1841 to 1962. Now, the population is stable.

Market day(s): The market days in Banon are Tuesday mornings for the larger market and Saturdays for the smaller one. Treat your taste buds to AOC Banon goat cheese, which was awarded its prestigious label in 2003. Known as “le Banon,” this creamy delight is wrapped in chestnut leaves and tied with raffia, a tradition once meant for preservation but now a year-round signature. Celebrate its legacy at La Fête du Fromage, held every third Sunday in May.

Photo Credit: ©Perfectly Provence

Don’t Miss: The Librairie le Bleuet, a renowned bookstore with over 1 million titles and more than 180,000 books in stock, making it a destination for literary enthusiasts across France.

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Var & Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

Cradled between cliffs, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie captivates with its scenery and ceramic traditions. The Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel crowns the village. The Verdon Gorge entices thrill-seekers with hiking and kayaking.

Guarded by sheer cliffs, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie looks like a living Provencal nativity, watched over by a gleaming 150-kilogram gold star strung high between the rocks. Since 1981, its beauty has earned it a place among France’s most beautiful villages, drawing visitors year-round.

Photo Credit: ©Perfectly Provence

With only 700 residents, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie bursts with visitors in peak season. Nestled between the Var and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, it opens onto the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon and the UNESCO-listed Géoparc de Haute Provence. The Gorges du Verdon and Lac de Sainte Croix make this region an outdoor playground.

Art lovers flock to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie for its ceramic legacy. Explore workshops where artisans create faïence and porcelain, each piece reflecting local creativity.

Market day(s): In Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, the market days are Tuesday and Friday mornings. The traditional market occurs on Friday mornings on the square in front of the Hôtel de Ville (city hall).

Summer in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie brings extra markets and festive flair. On Tuesdays, savour the tastes of the Southern Alps from morning to evening. Sundays see farmers arriving with freshly picked produce, while Wednesday nights sparkle with lively evening markets.

Photo Credit: ©Perfectly Provence

Don’t Miss: Notre-Dame de Beauvoir, a historic chapel since 1921. The walk takes 15-20 minutes depending on your pace. Along the ascent, see the 14 Stations of the Cross with local earthenware tiles. Descend the same way or take the trail toward the Sainte-Madeleine cave for views over the village and Lac Sainte-Croix.

Tourtour, Var

On a high plateau, Tourtour is “the village in the sky of Provence.” On clear days, see from Montagne Sainte-Victoire in the west to Fréjus on the Mediterranean coast. With under 600 residents, Tourtour is small. Its Tour de Grimaud, a Saracen-style tower from the 12th or 13th century, was beautifully restored in 2018.

Photo credit: ©Perfectly Provence

Tourtour’s springs feed village fountains, some of which provide drinking water. On the north edge is a 1778 spring-fed lavoir. The village also has a rare, community-owned water-powered olive mill that presses olives in winter and serves as an art gallery the rest of the year.

Explore Provence Verdon Villages

Market day(s): Tourtour’s markets, on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, are modest yet full of local flavour. Find honey and handcrafted artisan goods.

Don’t Miss: Explore Tourtour’s winding lanes and discover hidden boutiques at every turn.

Menton, French Riviera, Alpes Maritimes

Menton, the last stop before France meets Italy, sits between two worlds. Wade in turquoise waters or look up at snow-dusted peaks. Known as “the Pearl of France,” Menton is a storybook village—seaside yet hidden from celebrity glitz, with its unique Franco-Italian charm.

Photo credit: ©Côte d’Azur Tourisme

Stroll along the Promenade du Soleil, where glimmering waves meet sun-washed ochre and pink facades. As the sun sets, the sky blazes with orange over the sea. Here, history and culture weave together, blending French and Italian influences at every turn.

Market day(s): Menton features two daily markets: Les Halles, a covered market, and Careï Market located on Promenade du Maréchal Leclerc.

Don’t Miss: Visit Musée Jean Cocteau for the world’s largest collection of Jean Cocteau’s works. Next to St. Michael and the seafront, shop at the historic 1898 Marché, which sells local specialty items.

Le Bastion – Musée Jean Cocteau
Quai Napoléon III- Bastion du Vieux-Port

The Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel, built in 1619, has been a minor basilica since 1999. The Grimaldi coat of arms at its base is set against a background of white and grey pebbles. For a finale, ascend the yellow-stone staircase past St. Michael for a sweeping view of pastel houses and the Mediterranean.

Photo credit: ©Camille Moirenc

For another glimpse of Baroque splendour, visit the Chapel of the Conception, once home to the Order of the White Penitent.

The Fête de la Citron in February celebrates Menton’s lemon crop. In the early 20th century, Menton led Europe in lemon production, attracting wealthy winter visitors. Hoteliers held a flower-and-citrus party at Hotel Riviera, which evolved into the Lemon Festival in 1934.

Villefranche, French Riviera

Villefranche-sur-Mer’s setting is unmatched. This medieval village sits around a deep, sheltered bay and dates to the 13th century. In 1554, the Duke of Savoy fortified the town with the Saint Elme citadel, which now houses three museums.

Photo credit ©Celine O’Donnell

Often called one of the world’s most beautiful ports, Villefranche’s bay frames historic architecture. Between Nice and Monaco, Villefranche-sur-Mer remains a true village, shaped by the dramatic coastline. Villefranche-sur-Mer spans four levels: the waterfront, the Basse Corniche (Octroi), Place de la Paix, and Col de Villefranche. Both locals and visitors savour its beauty and relaxed pace.

Photo credit: ©CRT Côte d’Azur, France, Camille Moirenc

Market day(s): Villefranche has Wednesday and Saturday markets at the Octroi level of town (Basse Corniche), next to the Tourist Office in the gardens. Open 8:30 to 12:30.

Don’t Miss: Visit the Citadel’s museums, gardens, and striking architecture. Head to Darse Marina to see a 250-year-old dry dock and historic boat ateliers. The marina is home to a renowned oceanographic institute employing 200 scientists.

Lose yourself in ancient town streets, much of which predates 1450, and along the lively waterfront. From shops and restaurants to grocers, butchers, and fishmongers, Villefranche offers everything within easy reach.

Photo credit: Shelley ©Riviera Experience

French Riviera Bonus

Visit the Villas Kérylos and Ephrussi de Rothschild. The Villa Kérylos, once a private residence east of Beaulieu-sur-Mer and near Villefranche-sur-Mer, stands prominently on a rocky promontory, offering panoramic views. Kérylos, a Greek word meaning “kingfisher,” is considered a symbol of good luck. Villa Kérylos looks like a white wedding cake rising three stories above Baie des Fourmis.

The Villa and Gardens of Ephrussi de Rothschild on Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is home to some of the most expensive real estate in the world. In addition to the magnificent gardens, the villa itself is an absolute treasure. This villa is truly one of the “must-see” destinations on the Côte d’Azur.

Visitor’s Guide Alpes Maritimes

Conclusion

Journeying from Provence’s mountain villages to the Mediterranean shores reveals diverse experiences. Each village offers history, culture, and beauty, inviting travellers into the heart of Provence. The rugged charm of Banon, Tourtour, and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie shows resilience and tradition. Menton and Villefranche-sur-Mer attract those seeking vibrancy and the coast. Along the way, breathtaking scenery and rich cultural heritage shape these communities. Provence is more than a destination; it’s a tapestry of stories, flavours, and traditions that engage the senses and inspire exploration.

We invite you to explore this enchanting region and experience the harmony of its mountains and sea. Whether seeking adventure, history, or local flavours, Provence offers a journey that leaves a lasting impression.

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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).