Provence and the Côte d'Azur are made for exploring. Even if the view from your window of purple lavender, golden sands or a vibrant marketplace, backed by pretty hilltop villages, seems like the most perfect view it in the world, it’s not. There are other just as idyllic views just along the road, or around the bend in the coastline. And other sun-drenched terraces on which to enjoy a lazy lunch of local deliciousness. There’s no way to see ALL of Provence, but a good way to get the most out of your trip is to make friends with the locals and get their recommendations. And the best way to meet the locals is to stay in a B&B. The best B&Bs in Provence are often operated by families or couples, but always by people whose aim is to make sure their guests have an amazing time, so recommendations is what they do best.
Tim Gage via Flickr
Our Gurus have identified quite a number of really great B&Bs in southern France, but this is their list of the best B&Bs in Provence cherrypicked from their larger selection. And arranged by type, like the Most Romantic B&Bs in Provence, or the Best B&Bs in Provence for Families. If you’re looking for a Provençal B&B based on location then you can search by location from the main Provence page.
For a Provençal Escape

- Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, Domaine les Roullets has just five rooms, but those rooms are packed with charm. Private terraces offer spectacular valley views beyond bare stone walls and a fabulous pool.
- La Parare is a gorgeous B&B converted from a 17th century farmhouse with just four rustic-chic rooms and a saltwater pool, terrace and gardens. The rooms have lovely original features, like fireplaces, wooden floors and stone walls. They offer meals and cooking classes and spa treatments by arrangement.
- L'Hôtel Sous les Figuiers is situated in the small town of St Remy de Provence. A B&B with a difference, it doubles as an artist's workshop, where you can take painting classes if you want to release your inner Chagall.
For a romantic stay

- Le Clos Saint Saourde, built into a rock face outside Beaumes de Venise, is a striking, five room hotel made up of a main building and cottages, surrounded by vineyards. The decor is rustic chic and the rooms have wrought iron beds, terraces and large bathrooms. There’s also an outdoor pool and lovely gardens.
- Château Talaud is a château turned B&B, which also has five stylish rooms decorated with antiques, plus two apartments and a separate, self-catering cottage. This is a great spot for visiting both Orange and Avignon.
- L'Aube Safran is a beautiful five room B&B carefully designed by its architect hosts. The decor is stylish and the surroundings are stunning, with views taking in the saffron fields, the truffle woods and a charming village. There’s also a pool and terrace.
For great value

- Quirky La Ferme Rose is on the outskirts of Moustiers. Its owner has a passion for collecting weird and wonderful things from soda syphons to shell lamps, all of which are incorporated into the property's design.
For a City Break

- Le Limas in Avignon is a simple B&B in the heart of town with wonderful views of the Palais des Papes. There are just four bedrooms with a chic blend of contemporary and antique details - added to the original parquet floors and fireplaces. There’s a lovely sun terrace.
- Avignon’s La Banasterie is just steps from the romantic Pont Saint-Bénézet, and 50metres from the Palais de Papes. There are seven stylish rooms and an atmospheric private terrace, patio and fountain.
In Rural Provence
- Le Mas de la Rose is a luxurious farmhouse turned eight room B&B surrounded by beautiful, lavender-filled views. There’s a pool and spa, as well as gourmet breakfasts.
- Les Terrasses is close to the pretty hillside village of Gordes in the heart of rural Provence. This beautiful stone B&B has three rooms, decorated in a rustic chic style in earthy tones, and benefitting from their own verandas overlooking the Luberon valley.
For Families
- Domaine des Clos is a fabulous, rustic farmhouse B&B with a collection of nine rooms, suites, family suites and self catering apartments. There are exposed beams, oak floors, fireplaces, terraces, a swimming pool and lavender scented gardens.
Still not sure which to book?