Living in Provence and why we love it

In this first part of our Living Like a Local series, we delve into why we at Provence Holidays think that Provence is such a unique and giving destination for those who choose to live here.

Acceptance | Blending in or staying an outsider?

The experience of being accepted in Provence can vary greatly depending on where you live and how open you are to integrating. While northern France may be known for its warm welcome, the Provençal countryside can be a bit more reserved. This might be due to the influx of foreign buyers and tourists who only spend part of the year here, leading to a rise in property prices and changes in the local economy.

However, those who have travelled, lived abroad, or speak English are often more open to building friendships with newcomers. In Provence, conversations often start with “Where are you from?” rather than “What do you do?”, a cultural norm that can sometimes feel like a reminder of being an outsider. But over time, many people who move to Provence come to appreciate this aspect of life, as it offers them a unique perspective on the region and its people.

The beauty of Provençal villages

France is home to many beautiful villages, but Provence’s hilltop towns have a unique charm that’s hard to match. Take Gordes, for instance - perched high on a hill like a medieval fortress, offering panoramic views of the countryside. The sprawling hills of Bonnieux seem to stretch endlessly into the horizon, while the narrow streets of Roussillon glow with ochre hues. And then there’s Saint-Rémy, where bustling markets and lively cafés create a more lively atmosphere. Provence isn’t just about quaint, sleepy villages; it offers a little bit of everything, from peaceful hilltop retreats to energetic town centres. No matter where you choose to live, you’ll find that each village has its own unique character and charm.

The foodies’ paradise | Living for Provence’s fresh produce

Provence is famed for producing some of the freshest ingredients in France, making it a haven for food lovers. Living here means more than just enjoying great food, it’s about embracing the rhythm of the seasons, which plays a huge role in the Provençal lifestyle. Every village offers an open-air market that showcases the best of each season, from spring’s tender asparagus to autumn’s prized truffes noires.

Eating seasonally not only supports local farmers and producers but also offers significant health benefits. Seasonal foods are often harvested at their peak ripeness, ensuring they are more nutrient-dense and full of flavour. In Provence, this means you’re enjoying food that hasn’t travelled far, which keeps its vitamins and minerals intact. By eating according to the seasons, you’re also diversifying your diet, which is essential for maintaining balanced nutrition.

In spring, the markets burst with the arrival of asparagus, fresh peas, and the first strawberries of the year. Spring is also the season for wild greens like dandelion and chicory, which make a perfect addition to salads. These greens, packed with antioxidants, are key to detoxifying the body after winter.

Summer brings Provence’s most abundant and vibrant produce. Ripe tomatoes, courgettes, aubergines, and melons fill the stalls with their bold colours and robust flavours. Summer stone fruits like peaches, apricots, and nectarines are juicy and sweet, ideal for light desserts or refreshing snacks. A Provençal summer wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a salad of heirloom tomatoes with a drizzle of local olive oil, paired with a chilled glass of rosé.

Autumn is the season of heartier fare, with an emphasis on mushrooms, truffles, and squashes. This is also the time of year when grapes are harvested, marking the beginning of the wine-making season. Autumn’s figs and grapes are wonderful when paired with local cheeses or baked into rustic tarts. The famed truffes noires of Provence make an appearance in late autumn, adding an earthy richness to pasta, risotto, and meat dishes.
Winter may seem like a quieter season, but the markets still offer plenty of fresh, robust vegetables. Root vegetables like carrots, turnips, and celeriac are abundant, along with hardy greens like kale and leeks. Citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons from nearby Menton provide a bright, tangy burst of flavour and much-needed vitamin C during the colder months.

In Provence, eating seasonally is not just a choice, it’s a way of life. Regular visits to markets will allow you to connect with local farmers and artisans, learning the stories behind the produce. This personal connection to food makes living in Provence a richer, more meaningful experience, where every meal tells the story of the land and the seasons.

Drinking the renowned Provencal wines

When it comes to wine, Provence is a powerhouse. While best known for its iconic rosé, the region also produces exceptional red and white wines. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or simply enjoy a good bottle, living in Provence gives you access to some of France’s finest wines at surprisingly affordable prices.

Provençal rosé is famous for its pale colour and refreshing taste, perfect for a summer afternoon. Domaines Ott’s Château de Selle Rosé is a standout, offering delicate flavours of peach, citrus, and white flowers with a touch of minerality. Château Minuty 281 Rosé, from the Saint-Tropez region, is another local favourite, prized for its elegance, notes of pink grapefruit, and fresh acidity. These wines can often be found at local markets or wineries, offering an authentic taste of the region.

Provence also produces outstanding white wines, though they are less well-known than their rosé counterparts. Domaine du Paternel’s Cassis Blanc is an excellent example, with its floral notes and a touch of citrus and stone fruit. It pairs beautifully with grilled fish or a fresh goat cheese salad. Another notable white is the Clos Sainte Magdeleine Blanc, from the stunning village of Cassis, which has a full, mineral-rich taste, perfect for a warm day by the Mediterranean.

Whether you're enjoying a crisp rosé on a sunny terrace or a complex white with dinner, the wines of Provence are the perfect accompaniment to the lifestyle here.

Integration into Provençal life

Moving to Provence is more than just food and wine - it offers the opportunity to embrace a slower, more relaxed lifestyle. Engaging with local life, whether through work, volunteering, or participating in community activities, is key to building relationships and truly feeling at home. Speaking French, or at least making an effort, is also crucial. Provençal locals are known for their relaxed attitude and their appreciation of life’s simple pleasures, but they are more open and welcoming when you engage in the language and culture. Many people here work in tourism or agriculture, allowing for flexible schedules and a balanced approach to life. A typical day might include a morning trip to the market and a long lunch in the sunshine, slow living at its finest.

Living in Provence: Is it worth it?

Of course, building a new life in Provence will come with its challenges. Language barriers and bureaucracy can slow down the process, but persistence pays off. One of the most significant challenges is making friends, particularly in rural areas. However, many expats form close-knit communities with other foreigners who have also made the move to Provence. These multicultural networks provide a sense of belonging and shared experience that can help newcomers feel more at home.

With all things considered, Provence truly offers a lifestyle many dream of, where fresh, local food, world-class wine, and breathtaking natural landscapes come together with a slower, more meaningful pace of life. Its rich culture, warm community, and variety of settings, from tranquil hilltop villages to lively towns like Saint-Rémy, make it one of France’s most desirable places to live. Whether you’re looking for peaceful seclusion or vibrant local life, Provence offers the best of both worlds.

Explore a few of our favourite properties for sale in Provence

Mas Trigaud – 18th-Century Estate with Panoramic Luberon Views in Bonnieux

Living area: 350 m² | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | Swimming Pool | Air Conditioning.

Step into aristocratic grandeur with this beautifully restored 18th-century estate, offering stunning views of The Luberon Valley, Mont Ventoux, and neighbouring villages. Featuring four spacious bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning, a stone-built pool, and an expansive olive-tree-lined garden, Mas Trigaud delivers luxury living for up to eight guests.

Estimated Rental Income: Potential net revenue via Provence Holidays: €115,000 – €180,000 per annum.

Location: Located in the charming village of Bonnieux, a perched Provençal gem, Mas Trigaud provides a perfect base for exploring the region. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, it offers easy access to the panoramic views of Petit Luberon, Monts du Vaucluse, and Mont Ventoux, making it an idyllic retreat for those seeking the beauty of the French countryside.

Property overview: Mas Trigaud is a meticulously restored 18th-century estate, blending historic charm with modern luxury. Situated on 11,500 square meters of land, it offers a serene escape amidst olive groves and lush greenery. The property boasts four large, air-conditioned bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom, including a Jacuzzi bath and hammam shower. A spacious living area, adorned with a fireplace, library, and harpsichord, flows into an elegant dining room and a fully equipped kitchen, providing an ideal space for entertaining. The exterior is equally captivating, featuring a vast courtyard and a stone-built pool that resembles a fountain, offering panoramic views of Bonnieux and the surrounding countryside. The 11m x 10m pool, with its uniform depth and adjacent pool house, ensures a luxurious outdoor experience. A fenced garden with a children’s play area adds to the family-friendly appeal of this exceptional estate.

Investment potential: With its stunning location and luxurious amenities, Mas Trigaud presents a prime investment opportunity with significant rental income potential through Provence Holidays. This extraordinary estate offers not only a remarkable living experience but also the promise of a lucrative return on investment in the heart of Provence.

For more details, photos, or to schedule a viewing, contact us today and take the first step towards owning this magnificent Provencal estate. Explore more about this luxurious property for sale here.

Mas de Cornille – Village House with Heated Pool in Maussane-les-Alpilles

Short description: Located in the heart of Maussane-les-Alpilles, this beautifully renovated stone barn offers an exceptional blend of history, modern comfort, and tranquility. Renovated in 2017, the property features a stunning 1,000m² garden with terraces and a heated pool. The main farmhouse offers 205m² of living space, including four en-suite bedrooms. A separate 105m² dependency serves as a guest house or office space, with two living areas, a bedroom, and two bathrooms. This property includes a storage cellar, private parking, and all the modern amenities for luxurious village living.

Location: Situated in the desirable village of Maussane-les-Alpilles, Mas de Cornille is steps away from the village centre, offering a unique balance of privacy and convenience. Maussane-les-Alpilles is known for its charming streets, local markets, and close proximity to other renowned Alpilles villages.

Property overview: This former stone barn, transformed in 2017, exudes a harmonious mix of contemporary design and rustic charm. With a total living area of 310m², this property is designed for relaxed, luxurious living. The main farmhouse includes four spacious en-suite bedrooms, a modern kitchen, and a bright, south-facing living room with high ceilings, perfect for gatherings. The separate 105m² dependency offers flexibility for use as a guest house or office, featuring additional living spaces, a bedroom, and two bathrooms. The lush 1,000m² garden, dotted with terraces, provides a serene outdoor retreat. A heated pool with a pool house, and private, enclosed green spaces make this home ideal for both entertaining and family life. Additional features include a storage cellar and private parking, ensuring all practical needs are met without compromising on comfort.

Contact us: For more information, photos, or to schedule a viewing, contact us today to discover the full potential of this extraordinary property in the heart of Provence.

Explore more about this beautiful property here.

We hope you found it interesting learning a bit about why we love Provence, and exploring some of our beautiful properties for sale, too. In our Living Like a Local series, we will continue to share insights, tips, and advice on embracing life in this extraordinary region. Stay tuned to discover more about making Provence your home.

A bientôt,

The Provence Holidays Team