
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur has beautiful historic villages just waiting for your to explore them and discover their secrets. Surrounded by magnificent countryside ranging from huge fields filled with lavender to the highest Alpine peaks, these villages that have withstood the test of time are full of interesting things to see.
Often perched on cliffs, settled in a valley, in remote mountains or beside the sea these beautiful French villages offer superb scenery and history, as well as local stories and skilled craftsmen. Discover the top 10 villages in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.
Local earthenware in a typically Provençal village
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Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, jewel of the Verdon, is a typical Provençal village and one of the prettiest in France. The harmonious pastel coloured buildings that are squeezed between two rocky peaks still include the ramparts and aqueducts, various fountains and a church. This unchanged village is most famous for its earthenware, a long tradition that continues today in the many shops and artisan workshops in the narrow streets.
And there are plenty of restaurants selling local Verdon specialities. If you want to add some exercise and nature onto your trip, Moustieres-Sainte-Marie is not far from the Verdon Regional Natural Park (Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon) or the Haute Provence Geopark (le Géoparc de Haute-Provence).
地址: 04360 Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, France

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
A subtle blend of nature and history
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Gourdon is a medieval village with a lot of history. perched on a rocky outcrop looking out over the Dordogne. When you arrive in the village through its fortified gates you’ll see steep narrow streets and beautiful half-timbered houses which reflect the wealth of the weavers and cloth sellers who used to live there.
At the top of the village, where a castle and its fortifications once stood, there is a huge esplanade with 360° views over the Perigord and Bouriane countryside stretching as far as the eye can see. If you’d like a little shade, go down to the Butte Gardens, (les jardins de la Butte) a series of gardens that display how gardens have changed over the ages.
地址: 06620 Gourdon, France

Gourdon
A peaceful village much loved by writers
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Lourmarin is a pretty Provençal village with three belfries, one on the clock tower, one on the church and one on the Protestant church (known locally as a Temple), which is the biggest in Vaucluse. Both Albert Camus and Henri Bosco loved this peaceful place, which is set at the end of a road bordered with plane trees.
Although its fame is mostly due to these two writers, the village is full of pretty houses, and lots of cafes where you can sit and watch the world go by. There is also a castle, part medieval and part Renaissance, which is now a busy arts foundation.
地址: 84160 Lourmarin, France

Lourmarin
At the top of the Var
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Bargème is 1,097 metres above sea level, making it the highest village in Var, as well as being a pretty medieval town full of stone buildings. Unfortunately only the towers and other ruins remain of Sabran-de-Pontevès castle (le château Sabran-de-Pontevès) which was destroyed during the wars of religion.
The 12th century church of St Nicholas (église Saint-Nicolas) is also worth a look. Inside it has recently been restored to its Romanesque glory. There are lots of chapels and fortifications to be explored in the narrow streets and surrounding country, including the Chapel of St Antony (la chapelle Saint-Antoine) which is considered one of the prettiest in Var.
地址: 83840 Bargème, France

Bargème
A beautiful village with superb parks and gardens
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Èze is perched at the top of an impressively high cliff, offering stunning views, ancient streets, blond stone houses and a superb exotic botanical garden. You’ll love this medieval village filled with beautifully restored buildings and historic fountains as well as plenty of artisan’s shops and a botanical garden featuring cacti and grasses in the shadow of the old castle.
When you’ve finished seeing the village try walking down the Nietzsche path (Chemin Frédéric-Nietzsche) to the sea with magnificent views down to the sea, the forest, the Col d’Èze (great for stargazing) and of course, back up to the village.
地址: 06360 Èze, France