Be captivated by the charming old towns of the French Provence region.

Saigon

The small village of Saignon is perched precariously on a hillside above Apt and is brimming with charming facades and sweet, lovely street corners. The village consists of ivy-covered houses interspersed with flower-filled squares and beautiful fountains.

When you come here, don't forget to visit the Notre Dame de Pitie church, built in the 12th century, and then walk to the Rock of Saignon (known locally as Rocher de Bellevue) to admire the stunning panoramic view of the Luberon valley with its lush green mountains and purple lavender fields. It's not crowded with tourists, retaining its peaceful and authentic atmosphere.

Oppède le Vieux

The ancient village of Oppède le Vieux, nestled north of the Luberon Mountains in Provence, is surrounded by lush green vegetation, with wild forests, valleys, and towering rocks creating a picturesque landscape. Photographs alone cannot fully capture the beauty of this hidden gem.

The remnants of an abandoned fortress, the traces of an ancient castle, a church built in the 16th century, and the narrow, cobblestone streets all hold a special charm. Currently, although only about 20 people remain living there, a tranquil atmosphere still pervades the village of Oppède le Vieux.

Fontaine de Vaucluse

Despite being quite crowded, Fontaine de Vaucluse should still be on the list of the best towns to visit in Provence. It's a beautiful place with crystal-clear blue water and a huge spring – one of the largest in France. It's only a 15-minute walk from the village center to the spring.

Winter is the best time to admire the water, because at other times of the year, the river is usually low and there isn't much to see.

Simiane-la-Rotonde

If you're looking for beautiful lavender fields, Simiane-la-Rotonde is sure to appeal to you. The town sits atop a steep hill but boasts charming details like pretty doorways and quaint little cafes.

If you're driving there, be sure to visit the nearby towns of Sault and Aurel, as they also boast fantastic lavender fields.

Vansole

For a long time, the lavender fields of Vansole, in the Provence region, have been famous worldwide for their dreamy beauty with endless rows of fragrant purple flowers. This romantic beauty has made countless girls yearn to visit, to stand amidst this enchanting and fragrant landscape at least once in their lifetime.

From mid-June to the end of July, when exploring Provence, you'll pass through the lavender fields of Valensole. Remember to visit in the morning to avoid the crowds.

Gordes

The ancient village of Gordes is situated on the southern slopes of the Vaucluse plateau in the Provence region. The village overlooks the beautiful Cavaillon valley and is nearly 600 km from Paris. It was founded in the 16th century, during a time of religious wars raging across France. At that time, farmers from the central Alps gathered here for self-defense.

Today, the village of Gordes has become a popular tourist destination, attracting many visitors when traveling to France. You should plan a trip here because the hillside scenery and narrow alleyways offer stunning views from every angle, making you say "wow" at every turn.

Aix en Provence

The city of Aix-en-Provence is considered a land of water and art, with dozens of famous fountains. Here, you will be captivated by the unique architecture, the simple beauty of the countryside blended with the refined and elegant atmosphere of the aristocracy.

Aix en Provence is a picturesque blend of ancient charm and pristine nature, with a mild climate. The city boasts magnificent Baroque architecture, second only to Paris and Versailles.

Phuong Mai is a reporter for Travellive Magazine in Hanoi.

Phuong Mai