If Provence conjures images of endless lavender fields, bustling markets, and sun-soaked squares dotted with pastel shutters, you’re not alone. But while the region’s postcard-famous towns—Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Gordes—draw admirers year-round, the true soul of Provence lies down winding lanes and in hamlets only the locals whisper about. Here, time slows, life feels gentler, and the stories are stitched into the very stones beneath your feet. For the traveler searching for the undiscovered, here are five secret places in Provence that promise wonder and quiet joy.
1. The Village des Bories: Stepping Into Prehistory
Hidden in the lavender-scented hills near Gordes, the Village des Bories is unlike any open-air museum you’ve experienced. Imagine wandering a cluster of beehive-shaped drystone huts, some dating back to the Bronze Age, their thick limestone walls once sheltering shepherds and farmers from the mistral winds and searing sun. There are no gaudy signs here, no throngs of camera-clickers; the village preserves a mystical hush, as if time itself holds its breath.
As you step along stony paths, you’ll notice each “borie” carefully stacked by hand—a testament to the resourcefulness of Provençal peasants who built with what their land provided. The history here is as palpable as the scent of wild thyme in the air. You’ll catch glimpses of everyday tools, traces of hearths, and even the outlines where grain was threshed or goats penned in.
To truly absorb this place, visit first thing in the morning. The sunlight creeps across the ancient stones, dew glitters in the grass, and you feel transported to another era. Spend time exploring the huts, but also pause to take in the surroundings; the views out to the Luberon hills are nothing short of breathtaking. Pack a picnic of local bread, goat cheese, and olives, and find a quiet spot—this is Provence at its most intimate, where history and nature entwine.
Official site for the Village des Bories:
https://en.levillagedesbories.com
Gordes Tourism (municipality):
https://www.gordes-village.com/en/
2. Gorges de la Nesque: The Wild Heart of Provence
If you’ve longed for the splendor of the Verdon Gorges but dread the crowds, the Gorges de la Nesque is your paradise found. Here, a hidden river, tumbling wildly through limestone for millennia, has carved a dramatic canyon that snakes for nearly 20 kilometers through remote countryside. Steep, jagged cliffs rise hundreds of meters above the valley floor; at every bend, new vistas unfold—wide, untamed, and gloriously untouched.
For those who crave adventure or the balm of solitude, the gorges offer myriad delights. The road that clings to the rim—the “Route de la Nesque”—is considered one of the most scenic drives in Provence, but it’s narrow and winding, best navigated unhurriedly. Pull over at one of many viewpoints (look for the Belvédère du Castellaras for the most jaw-dropping panorama). Bring your camera, but be warned: photographs can never quite capture the scale or the deep peace as hawks float on lazy thermals overhead.
Hikers, too, will love the marked trails that stray down into oak forests, passing hidden caves and wildflower meadows, where you might see shy foxes or, in May, carpets of orchids. At the bottom, the river rushes over smooth boulders—perfect for a bracing paddle after your trek. Unlike in the busier canyons to the east, you might have the scene almost entirely to yourself. In summer, cycling is popular too, but if you prefer true tranquility, aim for the shoulder seasons of spring or early autumn.
The magic of the Gorges de la Nesque lies in its rawness, the sense that you’re discovering a secret chapter of Provençal nature. Pack a lunch, fill a bottle from a mountain spring, and lose track of time in these wild depths.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Regional Tourism Authority (Gorges de la Nesque page):
https://provence-alpes-cotedazur.com/en/get-inspired/natural-areas/gorges-de-la-nesque/
Ventoux Provence Official Tourism:
https://www.ventouxprovence.fr/en/mont-ventoux-a-destination-to-explore/the-gorges-of-the-nesque.html
3. Simiane-la-Rotonde: Medieval Charm Amongst Lavender Fields
Imagine cresting a gentle hill in June, a sea of purple undulating to the horizon, the air heavy with the scent of lavender and humming with bees. Rising from this dreamscape is Simiane-la-Rotonde, a medieval citadel jewel barely whispered about in guidebooks.
Built around a rare, perfectly preserved 12th-century rotunda—a round keep rising above honey-colored houses—Simiane-la-Rotonde feels preserved in amber. Enter through its ancient archway, and you’re in a labyrinth of narrow lanes, secret passages, and gently crumbling stone staircases. Jade vines tumble from window boxes, and every turn reveals vistas sweeping out over the Plateau d’Albion.
The crown jewel is the rotunda itself, once the stronghold of feudal lords, now an acoustically-perfect concert space for classical soirées in summer. Explore the rooms that spiral upward, marvel at the vaulting, and climb to the roof for a panoramic view that sweeps down over lavender fields and rolling hills as far as the eye can see.
Visit during the lavender bloom—late June to mid-July—for a magical experience. The village celebrates with a scent festival, and boutique distilleries open their doors to share the secrets of making Provence’s iconic essential oils. Yet even out of season, Simiane’s peaceful pace is intoxicating. Stay for a lunch of truffle omelette or goat cheese salad in a shaded square, and listen as locals chatter in the melodious Provençal tongue.
This is a place to linger: read a book beneath ancient plane trees or simply soak in the golden afternoon light—here, the spirit of old Provence endures, and you may never want to leave.
Official Simiane-la-Rotonde town administration:
https://www.simiane-la-rotonde.fr
Tourism and heritage (regional):
https://www.avignon-et-provence.com/en/tourism-provence/simiane-rotonde
4. Séguret: Perched Serenity Over the Rhône
Not far from the celebrated wine villages of the southern Rhône, Séguret is a name that rarely surfaces in glossy travel magazines—yet ask any Provençal local and you’ll see their eyes light with recognition. Perched atop a gentle hill, this medieval village is so perfectly preserved it almost seems theatrical: cobbled streets curve around golden-stone cottages, window shutters painted in every shade of blue, all crowned by the quiet majesty of the 12th-century church.
Lose yourself amid the tangled lanes, discovering surprises at every turn: a half-ruined castle at the very top, arched lavoirs (community washhouses) fed by crystal springs, old stone fountains shaded by plane trees. Fragrant jasmine perfumes the summer air; in the cooler months, woodsmoke drifts through the alleys. Stop at the tiny épicerie for a wedge of cheese or a bottle of local wine—Séguret’s vineyards produce some of the region’s best, yet most unheralded, vintages.
What sets Séguret apart is its tranquility—no noisy buses or souvenir stalls, just the slow rhythm of village life. Time your visit for late afternoon, when the sun’s last rays light up the Rhône plain below, and you’ll begin to understand why residents and visitors alike call this “the real Provence.”
The village is especially magical during the grape harvest in September, when the slopes blush green and gold, and a festive note fills the air. Or, come in December for Séguret’s enchanting Christmas market, famous across the region for its nativity scenes and folk music—a hidden seasonal gem.
Vaison Ventoux Provence Official Tourism (Séguret page):
https://en.vaison-ventoux-provence.com/explore-vaison-ventoux-provence/discover-the-richness-of-vaison-ventoux-provence/our-wine-villages/seguret/
Provence Web (regional tourism guide):
https://www.provenceweb.fr/e/vaucluse/seguret/seguret.htm
5. Sillans-la-Cascade: The Waterfall Secret
Inland from the lively market town of Aups, a shimmer of turquoise signals one of Provence’s dreamiest secrets: Sillans-la-Cascade. Tucked behind a sleepy village, the cascade emerges like a vision from fairy tales—framed by lush trees, water tumbles nearly 40 meters into tranquil pools rimmed in stony moss and ferns.
The path to the waterfall is a gentle, shaded walk—ideal for families or anyone seeking a bit of gentle adventure. Even at the height of summer, when nearby lakes brim with bathers, you’ll find space and serenity here, especially on a weekday or in shoulder seasons. The sound of cascading water and birdsong is pure balm for the soul.
Dipping into the lower pools, the chill of the water is bracing, but a picnic afterward in the dappled shade makes for a perfect Provençal afternoon. The village itself is worth a stroll: low stone houses with rustic shutters, a friendly baker or two, and the lazy murmur you only find away from tourist trails.
If you love photography, arrive early for the best light, as the sun strikes the turquoise water just so in the morning hours. Or linger until dusk for magical reflections and the glow of evening gold on the rocks. And for those who love history, Sillans’s castle, though mainly private, stands as silent witness to centuries gone by.
Official Sillans-la-Cascade village website:
https://sillans-la-cascade.fr
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Tourism Authority (Sillans page):
https://provence-alpes-cotedazur.com/en/get-inspired/towns/var/sillans-la-cascade/
The Provence of Your Dreams Awaits
While the glittering cities and celebrated vineyards will always have their place, these five hidden corners reveal Provence as the locals know it, wrapped in legend and natural beauty. Each offers a different window into the soul of the region, whether you’re wandering ancient hut villages, diving into wild canyons, or savoring slow afternoons in cobblestone hamlets.
Set aside the itinerary for a day or two, rent a car, pack a map, and let curiosity be your guide. The real Provence awaits—in secret places where the light lingers, the air smells of thyme and lavender, and every moment holds the possibility of magic.
Enjoy your journey—and remember, the best secrets are those you share with kindred spirits.
Teaser image: Olives, Olive oil, Market day image by Lens_and_Light.