My Favourite Hidden Corners of Provence
My Favourite Hidden Corners of Provence
There’s something about Provence that feels like stepping into a painting. The light is softer, the air smells of wild thyme and lavender, and time slows down in the most delicious way. When I’m not sewing in my Marseille studio, I love escaping into the countryside to recharge and soak up some inspiration. These are a few of my favourite spots in Provence – places where I always find beauty, texture, and a bit of magic.
Rustrel – Le Colorado Provençal
Imagine ochre cliffs in every shade of burnt orange, rust, and gold – a desert dreamland right in the heart of Provence. Walking through Rustrel’s Colorado Provençal feels like wandering in an abstract canvas, with textures and colors that make my fingers itch to create. I love coming here early in the morning when the sun hits the rocks and turns them into glowing sculptures. It’s raw and wild – the perfect place to reset.
Valensole
If you’ve seen those endless lavender fields in films or postcards, chances are they were shot in Valensole. In summer, the air here is thick with the sweet, heady scent of lavender. Bees hum lazily from bloom to bloom, and the light has this golden haze that feels otherworldly. It’s one of my favourite drives in Provence – windows down, music on, lavender rippling like a purple ocean on either side.
Forcalquier
Forcalquier feels like an old soul. It’s a charming little town where life happens slowly – cafés spilling out onto cobbled streets, artists sketching in the sun, markets brimming with fresh figs and handmade baskets. I love wandering through on market days, picking up a few treats for a picnic and watching the world go by.
Virée Parc des Mourres
Manosque
The gateway to the Luberon, Manosque is a little less polished, a little more authentic – and that’s what I love about it. It’s surrounded by olive groves and hills that smell of pine and rosemary. I often stop here for a quiet stroll and a coffee under the plane trees before heading deeper into the countryside.
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
A treasure trove for vintage lovers like me. L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is famous for its antique markets, where you can lose yourself among weathered furniture, embroidered linens, and forgotten trinkets. The whole town is built around canals, earning it the nickname “the Venice of Provence.” On Sundays, the market is buzzing, but I prefer coming midweek for a slower, quieter vibe.
Les Baux de Provence
Lac d'Esparron
