Discover the region

When most people think of Provence, they immediately picture the height of summer. Lavender fields in bloom, bustling markets, lively village squares and long sunny days have become the postcard image of the region. Yet for many regular visitors and property owners, the most enjoyable time to experience Provence comes after the summer crowds have gone home. October offers something that July and August often cannot: space, tranquillity and comfort. The weather remains pleasan

Most people think of Provence as a summer destination. The lavender fields, bustling markets and lively coastal towns naturally attract visitors during July and August. Yet many villa owners will tell you a different story. For those lucky enough to own a property in Provence, October often feels like the region at its very best. The intense heat has faded, the crowds have largely disappeared and daily life returns to a slower rhythm. Outdoor living is still possible, the lan

For many visitors, Provence is first discovered through its landscapes. Lavender fields, vineyards, hilltop villages and Mediterranean coastlines often steal the spotlight. Yet one of the most memorable parts of any stay in southern France is found at the table. Food is woven into daily life in Provence. It shapes local traditions, brings people together and reflects centuries of Mediterranean influences. From bustling village markets to family-run vineyards and traditional r

Cycling in Provence is often associated with legendary climbs, lavender roads and sun-drenched landscapes. But away from the most famous routes, the Pays de Fayence offers something different: quieter roads, authentic hilltop villages, forested climbs and sweeping views towards the Mediterranean. Located between the French Riviera, the Var countryside and the first foothills leading towards the Verdon, this part of Provence is ideal for cyclists who want more than a simple ri

Looking for beautiful places to swim near the French Riviera without spending the day surrounded by crowds? While destinations such as Nice, Cannes and Saint-Tropez attract millions of visitors every year, many of the region's most rewarding swimming spots are found elsewhere. Hidden coves, freshwater lakes, forest rivers and quiet stretches of coastline offer a different way to experience Southern France. Whether you're looking for crystal-clear water, dramatic scenery or si

If you're planning a trip to the South of France, the biggest mistake is often trying to see too much. Many visitors spend their holiday moving constantly between hotels, packing the car every two days and driving hundreds of kilometres to tick famous destinations off a list. The reality is that the South of France is best enjoyed at a slower pace. For most travellers, choosing a strategic base and exploring from there creates a far more enjoyable experience. In this guide, y

If you are looking for the best place to stay in Provence away from the crowds, inland Provence is often the most rewarding choice. Areas such as the Pays de Fayence and the Dracénie combine everything many travellers imagine when they think of Provence: traditional villages, vineyards, local markets, beautiful countryside and a slower pace of life. While famous destinations attract millions of visitors every year, many travellers discover that the Provence they truly enjoy i

Where is Provence in France? Discover its exact location in the southeast, between the Mediterranean coast, the Rhône Valley and Italy.

Some places in Provence immediately capture attention. Others take time to reveal their depth. La Motte belongs to the second kind. Nestled between Draguignan and Le Muy, surrounded by vineyards, forests and gentle hills, this discreet village offers a more intimate version of Provence — one shaped by balance, continuity and a strong sense of place. But beyond its peaceful setting, La Motte carries a deeper story. It is not only a village to explore, but a place where history

In Provence, some villages are remembered for their markets, others for their vineyards or hilltop charm. La Motte has all of that, but it also holds a remarkable place in history. In the early hours of 15 August 1944, during the Allied landings in southern France, La Motte became the first village in Provence to be liberated. That moment, tied to the airborne phase of Operation Dragoon and to the strategic site of Le Mitan, still shapes the village’s identity today. Each yea

You can easily drive to France from the UK. Most travellers use either the Eurotunnel (Folkestone to Calais) or a ferry, and driving is often the most flexible way to explore regions like Provence at your own pace. If you’re planning a road trip, here’s everything you need to know — from documents and driving rules to tolls and practical tips. Table of Contents How to get to France from the UK What documents do you need to drive in France Driving rules in France Tolls in Fran

However, learning just a few basic phrases, like bonjour (hello) or merci (thank you), can make your experience smoother, more natural, and often much warmer. Provence is one of the most welcoming regions in France, but like anywhere, knowing a few words in the local language can completely transform your interactions. In reality, just a handful of simple expressions, used at the right moment, can make a real difference, whether you're arriving at your villa, browsing a local

Do you tip in France?It’s a common question for travelers — and the answer is not always as straightforward as you might think. Unlike in countries such as the United States, tipping is not a standard expectation in France. In most situations, service is already included in the bill, which changes the way locals approach it. That said, there are still moments where leaving a small tip is appreciated — more as a gesture than a rule. Understanding these nuances can help you fee

When people think of Provence, they often imagine its most iconic destinations, Saint-Tropez, Aix-en-Provence, or endless lavender fields. Yet beyond these well-known images lies another Provence. A quieter one. More grounded. Less seasonal. This is where inland areas like Callas or Vidauban begin to make sense, not as secondary destinations, but as part of a more authentic way of experiencing the region. Table of Contents A more confidential Provence Villages and local ident

There is a quieter side of Provence, one that doesn’t reveal itself all at once. In the Pays de Fayence, nature is not something you simply visit. It unfolds slowly, through light, textures, and seasons. A path in the shade of pine trees, the sound of water hidden somewhere below, a landscape turning gold at the end of the day… here, everything invites you to slow down. This is not the Provence of postcards. It is the Provence you feel. Table of content Where nature reveals i

Nestled in the heart of Provence, Callas offers something rare on the Côte d’Azur: authenticity, tranquility, and immediate access to both iconic destinations and hidden treasures. Far from the crowded coastline, this discreet village is the perfect base to explore a more intimate Provence, where secret chapels, wild gorges, hilltop villages, and local vineyards shape a truly immersive experience. Whether you are looking for confidential spots known only to locals or must-see

If you’re wondering where to find golden fields in France, the most likely answer is Provence in early summer.Between June and August, vast landscapes turn golden as wheat ripens, sunflowers bloom, and the light of the South enhances every detail. In and around villages like Callas, Lorgues or across the iconic Provence countryside, these glowing fields are not just beautiful, they are part of the region’s identity. Whether you are planning a holiday or simply looking for the

If you have ever stayed in a hotel, holiday rental, campsite, or bed and breakfast in France, you may have noticed an additional charge on your bill called the tourist tax, known in French as taxe de séjour . This local tax is applied by municipalities and tourist destinations across France. Its purpose is to ensure that visitors contribute to the development and maintenance of tourism infrastructure such as cultural sites, public facilities, visitor services, and destination

Tucked away between forest trails and the clear waters of the Siagne River, the Pont des Tuves is one of the most quietly remarkable landmarks in the eastern Var. Less monumental than famous Provençal sites, yet deeply atmospheric, this historic stone bridge offers something rarer: immersion. Surrounded by oak trees, limestone rocks and flowing water, it feels untouched, suspended between heritage and wilderness. Located just below the hilltop village of Seillans, it is one o

Perched above the plains of eastern Var, Fayence is one of those villages that immediately captures attention — not through excess, but through perspective. From its elevated position overlooking the Pays de Fayence, the landscape unfolds in layers: olive groves, cypress trees, terracotta roofs, and distant hills fading into blue. Fayence belongs to that family of Provençal hilltop villages where architecture and horizon constantly interact. For us at Var Villas Management ,