Provence Through My Lens: 20 Photos That Will Fuel Your Wanderlust
There’s a magical property to the light and landscapes of Provence. You feel it in the soft pastel glow of a sunset, the dappled light filtering through the plane trees, the quiet moments spent sipping a glass of rosé on a pretty terrace. This region of France will work its way into your heart and stay there long after you’ve left.
I’ve taken countless photographs here over the years – always trying to capture this magic with my lens. The following collection of 20 images includes some of my favourites, each encapsulating a beautiful moment in time.
Whether you’re planning a trip, reliving memories, or simply dreaming of escaping to Provence, I hope these images will awaken your imagination too!
See more of my photography work at Nadine Jean Photography.
Plage Paloma, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Paloma Beach is a highlight of the Côte d’Azur. Located in the glamorous Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and overlooked by luxury villas, it’s not hard to see why artists and celebrities have long been drawn to this idyllic spot. Luckily, you don’t have to be either to visit, as the beach has both private and public areas.
Flamingos in the Camargue
Seeing flamingos in the wild is a spellbinding experience. And one of the most accessible places to do it is right here in the South of France. The Camargue is an area of untamed delta in southern Provence, and one of the few places where flamingos live year-round. Witnessing them in their natural habitat, especially during mating season, when they put on colourful (and noisy) displays, is mesmerising.
Gordes Viewpoint
Is there a more famous photo spot in Provence? This viewpoint in the Luberon is no hidden gem (it’s even marked on the map as Town View Point Gordes), but it’s one not to miss on a tour of the area. People come to this spot in Gordes for photographs, to enjoy a picnic, and even to propose!
Arles Amphitheatre
The ancient city of Arles is a place of contrast, where you can tour a Roman Theatre in the morning, and scale the modern glass and steel tower of Luma Arles in the afternoon. An artistic hub, there are plenty of galleries and museums to peruse in between coffee stops on pretty terraces. Read all about Arles here.
Van Gogh Provence
A sea of red poppies punctuated by the silvery foliage of olive trees – there’s something about this scene that reminds me of Van Gogh’s paintings from his time in Provence. In fact, it’s not uncommon to find modern-day artists perched on a stool in fields such as these around the region. To catch the poppy season, be sure to read this guide about blooming times in Provence.
Golden Light in Menerbes
Golden hour in Menerbes brings a honeyed glow to the stone houses and terracotta rooftops of the village. Explore the cobbled streets, and then settle in to enjoy the elevated view on a restaurant terrace (I can recommend Café du Progress).
Valensole Lavender Dreams
My favourite field on the Valensole lavender route (although it’s always hard to choose) – this stone hut is located just out of view when you’re on the roadside. But a short (and careful) walk through the rows of lavender will deliver you to this postcard-perfect view.
Love These Images? Bring a Piece of Provence Home
Loved what you saw? Several of the images featured here are available as fine art prints. Visit my print store to bring a piece of Provence into your home, or explore my portfolio for more moments captured through my lens.
Take a Seat in Saint Paul de Vence
The village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence sits above the sparkling Côte d’Azur coastline, a hilltop haven that’s been beloved by artists for centuries. Among the tight cobbled lanes, La Maison Godet sits as a testament to the village’s enduring romance with creativity and craftsmanship. The perfumery was founded in 1901 and still showcases the region’s natural scents in elegant blends.
Cycling over an Ancient Bridge
Pont Julien is the perfect picnic spot in Provence. But people also come here to swim when the water levels are high enough, and to cycle. The Véloroute du Calavon cuts through the Luberon, alongside the Calavon River. You’ll cycle past lavender fields, villages, and the Pont Julien along the way – it’s an excellent activity and a beautiful, slower-paced way of exploring the Luberon.
Antibes Meanderings
Wandering the old town of Antibes is like stepping into a pastel-coloured daydream. Narrow streets wind through warm stone buildings, with painted wooden shutters adding contrast and whimsy. The scent of delicate orange blossom drifts in the air, and between colourful facades, you can catch glimpses of the sparkling sea.
Beach Days in Nice
Can anything beat a beach day in Nice? The number of sunbathers seen here on a weekday in October demonstrates how much the locals of Nice worship the sea.. and these warm Autumn days.
Strolling Through the Lavender
There’s something about this image that pulls me straight back to that quiet moment in the lavender fields – watching the couple wander between the rows, as if the world had melted away around them. It captures the quiet magic of being surrounded by endless violet blooms, where everything feels still, surreal, and just a little bit like a fairytale.
The Grand Canyon of Europe
The Verdon Gorge is dubbed the “Grand Canyon of Europe”, and it’s a spectacular sight. Renowned for the turquoise water that cuts through the limestone canyon, it stretches over 25km and reaches depths of up to 700m along the way. This view from the Pont du Galetas is one of the most famous, but it’s also remarkable viewed from above.
Sunflower Season
There’s nothing that will brighten your day quite like stumbling upon a field of full-faced golden sunflowers. Standing tall under the Provence sun, they bloom in July & August and are typically found in the Luberon, Valensole Plateau, and the roadsides near Avignon.
Senanque Abbey
Of all the places to visit lavender fields in the Luberon, the Senanque Abbey leads the pack. The Cistercian abbey’s pale stone contrasts beautifully with the neat rows of lavender framing the scene. It usually gets busy here when the lavender is in season, so arrive early to beat the tour buses, or later in the afternoon once they’ve departed.
Coffee on the Terrace, Aix
Cafe culture in Aix-en-Provence is a way of life. After a morning visit to the markets, choose a terrace and sit down with a cup of coffee (or a glass of rosé!) for the ultimate in people watching. The city is brimming with spots to sip, watch, and linger – from the cafes lining Cours Mirabeau, to the tiny squares adorned with one of the city’s famed water fountains.
Autumn in Provence
If summer is defined by the violet lavender fields, then autumn is known for its fiery palette of ochre hues. From the copper vine leaves to the crimson ivy and amber foliage, the landscapes take on a warmth that softens every hillside and stone house.
Ice Cream Break in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
The Village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is the ideal place for a summer afternoon stroll, made all the sweeter with a scoop of artisan ice cream. Visit the Verdon Gorge, hire a pedalo for a spin on the lake, and then head to Moustiers to browse boutiques selling locally made faience pottery, take a walk to the cliffside chapel, and wander through the charming streets.
Fairytale Village
Oppède-les-Vieux is one of the most beautiful villages in the Luberon. Tucked away from the more frequented tourist trail, it’s a place preserved in the past. A blend of rustic stone walls, ivy-covered ruins, and winding cobbled lanes that lead to a 12th-century church and the remains of a hilltop chateau.
Saignon Hut
Tucked away below the village of Saignon in the Luberon, a little stone hut sits surrounded by lavender, cypress and olive trees – the quintessential Provençal scene.
Provence is a place that will draw you in and seduce you with its culture, history and endless charm. I hope these photos have stirred your memories if you’re lucky enough to have visited already. Or your imagination if you’re dreaming of a visit.
Explore my full portfolio and print store here.
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