Aesop was onto something: There are merits to being a country mouse. Bucolic grassy fields and stone-lined outdoor showers set to a soundtrack of summer cicadas; exposed wood, weathered terracotta tiles, and naturally dyed linens highlight the simplicity of rustic design; indoor-outdoor living feels seamless. For those of us whose lives are firmly planted in the city, this lifestyle might be out of reach for the day-to-day, but there’s no reason we can’t (temporarily) co-opt it. After all, the best Airbnbs in Provence make it easy.
Vogue’s Guide to the Best Airbnbs in Provence:
- For true remoteness: La Maison du Moulin Caché, Barbentane, from $520 per night
- For seaside living: Villa Medjé, Marseille, from $575 per night
- For unparalleled mountain views: Coup de Coeur, Ménerbes, from $328 per night
- For design inspiration: Maison Paysanne, Buoux, from $188 per night
- For a city studio: Appartement Typique Aixois, Aix-en-Provence, from $174 per night
The southeastern region of Provence has a lot going for it. It starts with lavender fields and the peaks of the southern Alps and stretches all the way to the French Riviera; as such, it’s pretty much a choose-your-own adventure of vacation type. (And if you simply can’t choose, it’s well-enough connected by train that you can hop around to different villages during longer stays.) Our list of bookmarked rentals includes sprawling country homes and tranquil city stays alike, each with more design inspiration than the last—limiting this edit to just 10 properties was genuinely difficult, as there’s so much the area has to offer.
Ahead, the best Airbnbs in Provence, from Marseille and Aix to Saint-Rémy and beyond.
Maison Paysanne
It’s hard to pick just one favorite part in this country home. It could be the charming kitchen, complete with a sink skirt, hanging copper pots, and pink tiles. Or maybe the lofted bedroom, which sits opposite a tiny work area that has views of the treetops. Or even the yard, which includes furniture for dining and plenty of rugged space for exploring. The true answer is a bit of everything—the home, originally built in the late 17th century, has been painstakingly restored according to ancient construction techniques so as not to lose any of its character. Situated right below the commune of Buoux, it’s a good option if you want something a little off the beaten path.
Rooms: 1 bedroom, 3 bathrooms
Amenities: Bathtub, indoor fireplace, washer, outdoor dining
Location: Buoux
Appartement Typique Aixois
It may be compact, but this studio stuffs a lot of character into limited space. The blue-and-white trimmings, terracotta floor, toile room divider, and plethora of antique wood furniture give it a distinct look; extra-tall ceilings make the whole thing feel grand. It’s also located right in the heart of Aix-en-Provence—for the solo traveler, it’s a great option.
Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Amenities: Washer, television
Location: Aix-en-Provence
Coup de Coeur à Ménerbes
Inside, exposed wood and colorful tiles set a pretty scene; but there’s really one reason to book this home, and that’s its outdoor area. Loungers set under an arched cover make an excellent spot to catch up on your reading in the afternoon sun, while a bistro dining set overlooking the village of Ménerbes and its surrounding mountains is better than any dinner reservation, in our opinion.
Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Amenities: Washer/dryer, sound system, outdoor furniture, balcony, cleaning available during stay
Location: Ménerbes
Maison Aumône Luberon
Tucked away in the hilltop village of Bonnieux, within the perimeters of Petit Luberon Natural Park, this 13th-century house is our platonic ideal of a country home. You’ll be near olive groves, blossoming cherry trees, and winding forests, and the space reflects that agrarian influence: the linens are naturally dyed, the decor is sourced from local brocantes, and the kitchen is stocked with produce from nearby markets. Message the host to inquire about a catered breakfast or apéritif, which is occasionally available and a nice touch if you want to celebrate something special.
Rooms: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Amenities: Washer/dryer, indoor fireplace, outdoor furniture, bathtub
Location: Bonnieux
Le Loft
What this one-bedroom lacks in square footage, it more than makes up for in charm: Rust red tiles, plaster walls, and woven pendant lights create quite the perfect rustic ambiance. The studio gets plenty of sun, and even opens up onto a small patio—take your morning espresso here before heading out to explore the city center. (Saint-Rémy was the scene for many of Van Gogh’s works.)
Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Amenities: Washer, crib, TV, air conditioning, outdoor furniture, pet-friendly
Location: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Stylish Marseille Flat
100 meters from Catalans Beach, this recently renovated apartment is ideally located for the sea-seeker. The spacious terrace, which has a dining table and seating for late dinners at home, is one highlight; the pink terrazzo countertop kitchen is another; the sunny, plant-filled living room is yet another. The aesthetically motivated traveler will find no shortage of pretty vignettes to capture.
Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Amenities: Washer, sound system, bathtub, air conditioning, outdoor furniture
Location: Marseille
Villa Medjé
Prefer to cosplay as a local when you travel? This small but well-decorated Marseille townhouse is the way to go. From a green-and-white checkered tile outdoor kitchen to bedrooms overlooking the sea, the space feels removed from tourism and designed to make you feel at home. The colors are also inspiring: From a baby pink kitchen to a blue-and-yellow bedroom, you’ll leave with plenty of fresh palette ideas.
Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms
Amenities: Outdoor shower, washer/dryer, air conditioning, outdoor kitchen, outdoor furniture
Location: Marseille
La Maison du Moulin Caché
Stay in an 18th-century Provençal village house, right in the middle of quiet Barbentane. You’ll be close to little bakeries for your morning croissant, and just 10 minutes from the nearest TGV station—making day trips to other parts of the area easy. The outside of this villa is its selling point: Antique stonework runs throughout, including a turquoise swimming pool that you’ll love if your stay coincides with the hot summer months.
Rooms: 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms
Amenities: Washer, crib available upon request, indoor fireplace, AC, pool, outdoor furniture
Location: Barbentane
Duplex avec Jardin Privé
For a little tranquility right in the city center, book this rental. This two-bedroom is located just a five-minute drive from the train station, and about a 10-minute walk to the bustling Cours Julien; but because it’s right off a private courtyard (complete with dining furniture for all your meals) you’ll have quiet during your stay. Inside, an eclectic mix of decor that spans spindle chairs and brutalist-inspired limewash walls, adds to the charm.
Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Amenities: Washer, outdoor furniture, bathtub
Location: Marseille
