We are so excited to be heading to Provence, France next week! The untouched villages in the French countryside have been on my wish list since our first visit to France almost 5 years ago. Casey is especially excited about this trip because he technically won’t be employed so no checking emails! We actually moved this trip up on our calendars so that he can rest in between jobs — his last day at Sea Island is this Saturday and he starts at the Montage Palmetto Bluff on June 4th. Needless to say this is going to be one very relaxing trip!

The plan is to stay in the French Countryside for one week then head to a coastal town on the French Riveria, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. I’ve actually never been to either of these areas in France and I’m excited to explore the beautiful historic villages.

I stumbled upon L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue on Pinterest and I immediately fell in love with the Provencal town filled with antique stores, fresh markets and waterwheels along the Sorgue River. We’re staying in a charming one-bedroom apartment in a 17th century building overlooking a square in the very heart of the historic district. We’re hoping to walk to restaurants, shops and the markets. The plan is to use this apartment as our home base and explore nearby towns such as Gordes, Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and a few others by train or car. Our goal is to have a very relaxing trip with a loosely based itinerary so we have some down time and flexibility. We may take advantage of kayaking on the Sorgue River to a nearby town, cooking dinner at our villa one or two nights or waking up early to catch a hot air balloon ride. 

After our stay in Provence, we’re heading to the French Riveria to explore the colorful coastal towns of France. Have you been to the French Riveria or the French Countryside? If so, I’d love to know your recommendations for restaurants, must-see Provencale towns and activities! We need your advice!