Exploring Provence: A Journey Through Lavender Fields, Stone Villages, and Aromatic Bliss

Discover Provence's breathtaking lavender fields, historic villages, and aromatic treasures. Explore the must-see sights and embrace the region's charm.

Provence, France, is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes, rich history, and unforgettable scents. My recent journey to this enchanting region combined learning and exploration, leaving me with cherished memories of its beauty and warmth. Let me take you through the highlights of Provence, featuring 10 must-see places and 5 destinations essential to any essential oil enthusiast.

Our base in Provence was La Nesquière, a charming stone farmhouse near Avignon, nestled in the lush Vaucluse countryside. This idyllic retreat embodies the essence of French "farmhouse romance," complete with a flower-filled garden and rustic interiors. The family-run estate offered an unparalleled taste of rural tourism, with each room uniquely styled—a living museum of Provençal elegance.

Meals at La Nesquière were a daily celebration: croissants, homemade jams, and fresh baguettes for breakfast; multi-course dinners with local olive oil, cheeses, and desserts that lingered on our palates and in our hearts. The converted barn, where we gathered for workshops, exuded charm with its rough-hewn wooden tables and cushions adorned with local fabrics. Every moment at La Nesquière felt like a storybook come to life.

Gordes: Widely regarded as one of France’s most beautiful villages, Gordes captivates with its hilltop château and cobblestone streets. It’s a living canvas, steeped in history and artistic inspiration.

Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque: Surrounded by lavender fields, this Cistercian abbey is iconic. The fragrant blooms and serene atmosphere make it a perfect spot for reflection and photography.

Roussillon: Known for its striking ochre cliffs, this village dazzles with earthy tones and a medieval ambiance. Wander its narrow streets and discover artisanal shops and cozy cafés.

Avignon: The "City of Popes" enchants with its UNESCO-listed Palais des Papes, the famous Pont d'Avignon, and an array of gourmet restaurants.

Arles: Renowned for its Roman amphitheater and as a source of inspiration for Van Gogh, Arles offers a rich blend of history and art.

Les Baux-de-Provence: This hilltop village boasts a dramatic setting with castle ruins and breathtaking views of the Alpilles mountains.

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: Famous as the birthplace of Nostradamus and where Van Gogh painted some of his most iconic works, it’s a haven for art lovers.

Luberon Villages: Explore the picturesque villages of Bonnieux, Lacoste, and Ménerbes, each offering timeless Provençal charm.

Cassis: A coastal gem, Cassis is known for its stunning calanques (rocky inlets) and delicious local wines.

Aix-en-Provence: The "City of a Thousand Fountains" dazzles with elegant squares, bustling markets, and a vibrant cultural scene.

Nestled in the embrace of the mighty Saint Victoire mountain, Aix-en-Provence basks in the golden sunlight, shielded from the harsher whims of the mistral wind. Just 30 kilometers north of Marseille, this enchanting town is a living tapestry of history, art, and culture—a place where ancient roots intertwine with modern vibrance.

The story of Aix begins in 123 BCE, when the Roman consul Caius Sextius Calvinus conquered the nearby Celtic-Ligurian settlement of Entremont. Recognizing the healing potential of the region’s hot springs, he founded a military outpost and named it Aquae Sextiae—“Sextius’ Waters.” Over the centuries, the settlement flourished, its name evolving into the Aix we know today.

From its origins as a Roman spa town, Aix grew to become a seat of ecclesiastical power in the 5th century, surviving the turbulence of barbarian invasions. By the 12th century, it was crowned as the capital of the independent County of Provence. Aix blossomed under the patronage of the Anjou dynasty in the 13th century, becoming a hub of courtly life and artistic achievement. Its golden age in the late 15th century saw the founding of its university, cementing Aix’s reputation as a center of knowledge and refinement.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, the town reached new heights of architectural elegance. Graceful boulevards like the famed Cours Mirabeau took shape, lined with stately plane trees and ornate fountains. Over 100 private mansions and public buildings, now protected as historic landmarks, added splendor to the cityscape. Though it lost its privileged status following the demolition of the counts’ palace, Aix underwent a cultural renaissance in the 19th century, reclaiming its place as a center of administration, education, and civic pride.

Today, Aix-en-Provence is a charming paradox: a vibrant city with the soul of a picturesque village. Its cobblestone streets are adorned with more fountains than one can count, majestic plane-tree-lined promenades, and bustling squares like the iconic Rotonde roundabout. Surrounding the city are quintessential Provençal villages and a kaleidoscope of landscapes, from vibrant gardens to the rolling hills of the countryside.

Aix invites visitors to step back in time, soak in its natural springs, and savor the art of Provençal living—a celebration of history, beauty, and enduring charm.

Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque: Beyond its beauty, this abbey produces exquisite lavender essential oils, making it a must-visit for scent enthusiasts.

Lavender Museum in Coustellet: Learn about the history and production of lavender, and discover the art of distillation firsthand.

Sault: This village, perched on a hill, offers panoramic views of lavender fields. Visit local distilleries to experience the essence of lavender at its finest.

Manosque: Home to the renowned L’Occitane en Provence, this town is a hub for high-quality essential oils and beauty products.

Grasse: Known as the perfume capital of the world, Grasse offers workshops and tours where you can create your own bespoke fragrance.

In the heart of Eastern Provence lies Grasse, a medieval town that has held the title of the perfume capital of the world since the 17th century. Its story is steeped in legend, history, and the intoxicating aromas of flowers and herbs.

As the tale goes, it was Queen Marie de' Medici who first inspired the town’s leather tanners to scent their goods. At the time, the tanners’ craft produced a less-than-pleasant odor that clung to their washed leather. The queen suggested perfuming the leather, a tip that transformed not only their trade but the town’s destiny.

Blessed with a Mediterranean climate, Grasse was an ideal cradle for cultivating fragrant blooms such as jasmine, orange blossom, rose, lemon, and lavender. For centuries, locals had already been creating essences from wild violets and other native flowers. But it wasn’t until the late 16th century, when the Tombarelli family arrived from Florence, that the town’s perfume industry truly took root. Establishing Grasse’s first essential oil distillery, they sparked a fragrant revolution. Perfumes and scented gloves crafted in Grasse soon captivated Parisian high society, and the town flourished as the epicenter of luxury fragrance production.

Over the years, factories producing fine perfumes and essential ingredients sprouted across Grasse, solidifying its global reputation. Some of these historic perfume houses have faded into memory, while others have adapted to crafting flavorings. Yet, Grasse remains the enduring stronghold of perfume-making, home to timeless institutions like the Fragonard factory, founded in 1926 by Eugène Fuchs as a family business.

Today, Grasse continues to honor its aromatic heritage. The International Perfume Museum, a recent addition to the town, invites visitors to explore the art, science, and history of fragrance, preserving Grasse’s legacy as the scented soul of Provence.

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. The guidebook had hinted at its charm, but nothing could prepare me for the wonder I encountered.

Tucked 25 kilometers east of Avignon, this medieval village is cradled in a “closed valley” (once called Vallis Clausa). Here, nature unveils a spectacle that feels almost otherworldly. The star of the scene is the Vaucluse Spring, a phenomenon of staggering proportions: the fifth largest spring in the world and the largest in France. Fed by rainwater collected over a vast area, its immense volume emerges from a mysterious cave system at the base of a 230-meter cliff.

The emerald-green waters gush forth to form the Sorgue River, cascading with fervor before settling into a serene flow through the village. The contrast between towering cliffs and the tranquil pool below is breathtaking—a scene that silences visitors in awe. You could almost hear whispers of legends; one speaks of a dragon that once inhabited the cave, driven out by Saint Véran, a hermit said to have performed miracles here.

Beyond the natural marvels, the village holds its own treasures. The old paper mill, still producing handcrafted paper, offers a glimpse into centuries-old artistry. Its adjoining museum showcases the paper-making process and displays creations like books and maps, each piece brimming with history and craftsmanship.

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is a place where time stands still, where every corner reveals a blend of myth, nature, and history. It’s no wonder that for those few hours, I truly felt like I had stepped into paradise.

Provence weaves together the sensory pleasures of sight, scent, and taste. From lavender fields and olive groves to medieval villages and gourmet delights, every corner tells a story. Whether you're a lover of history, art, or aromatherapy, Provence has something magical to offer. Start planning your Provence travel to explore these essential oils-inspired experiences and create memories that last a lifetime.

Provence weaves together the sensory pleasures of sight, scent, and taste. From lavender fields and olive groves to medieval villages and gourmet delights, every corner tells a story. Whether you're a lover of history, art, or aromatherapy, Provence has something magical to offer.

Embark on your journey to Provence and let the scents, flavors, and sights leave an indelible mark on your soul. Share your own experiences in the comments—we’d love to hear your favorite Provençal memories!