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Top 7 most beautiful squares in Provence

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From historical characters to artists and the traditional get-togethers of the inhabitants for a feast, squares have set the tempo of local life in towns and villages. Today, they still inspire the gentle life of Provence and provide an exciting change of scene!

Place de l’Église in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in France since ​​1981, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is well worth a wander. With its roof tiles and pastel tufa, the village has all the charm of the Provencal South of France. Ramparts, chapels, an aqueduct, fountains, and the blend of water and stone are all part of the authentic feel of the place. Hum to yourself as you go towards Place de l’église in the middle of the village. Wow! A really impressive view of the rock standing tall overhead. On this little square, which is both hidden and festive in summertime stands the magnificent church of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption. A significant detail attracts a glance and completes the picture, with its 22-metre-high Lombard-style bell tower which dates back to the 12th century.

Place du Château in Crestet

Crestet is a secret village with all the charm of the Vaucluse which you arrive at via the extreme north of the Dentelles de Montmirail massif. Dominated by the remains of one of the oldest castles of the Comtat, it offers a sublime panoramic view over the Mont Ventoux and the Baronnies from Place du Château. And in a corner of the square, you can see a giant well cut into the rock which bears witness to the life of yesteryear. Make the most of your visit to walk in the vicinity of the square where steep cobbled streets, vaulted passageways and stone arches lead to the fortifications and also the beautiful fountain and wash house.

Place du Palais des Papes in Avignon

Avignon, the sublime and spectacular City of the Pope, whose historical centre is surrounded by ramparts, arouses our curiosity. When you’re drinking a lemonade or a glass of wine in Place du Palais des Papes, you can only be in awe of what you see in front of you: one of the most beautiful heritage sites in the world. Listed a world heritage site by Unesco, this is a special place where visitors from all over the world rub shoulders, with riders, entertainers and even magnificent trumpets to announce the opening of the show in the Cour d’Honneur during the famous Festival d’Avignon.

Place Puget in Toulon

You’ll just love Toulon, a pretty, sunny town in the Var on the Mediterranean coast with its Saint Louis du Mourillon harbour. In Place Puget, the lovely mossy fountain with its three dolphins whose tails are entwined in the cascading lush vegetation looks like a hanging garden. The first private mansions in the shade of the tall plane trees witnessed the passage of Dumas, Flaubert, Hugo ou Sand. Under the secular trees, you’ll appreciate the cool air and the picturesque calm of the square, particularly in summer when you can sit down at a table outside to enjoy your meal!

Place aux Herbes in Uzès

Uzès, a bewitching town of Art and History, proudly dominates the Eure Valley. It takes us back to its medieval past and leads us to Place aux Herbes which is surrounded by arcades with little boutiques behind shop windows. And walkers are lulled by the sound of the water trickling from the fountain. Every Wednesday and Saturday, the atmosphere changes: the market is set up with pélardons, bunches of lavender, sunny fruit and olives perfumed with chives. An absolute must because this is the biggest market in Occitania and one of the most famous in Provence. Place aux Herbes opens onto many little streets which have kept their medieval charm and invite you to wander down them.

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La place de l’Ormeau in Lourmarin

In the Luberon Natural Regional Park, Lourmarin appears amid vineyards, olive groves and almond trees. You can understand why it was granted the Label Plus Beaux Villages de France when you see the old grey stone peaking out from behind the fruit trees. Calm and serene, Place de l’Ormeau makes you want to sip an iced tea or another refreshing drink in the summer. We recommend Café de l’Ormeau, which is a real institution. From the square, the Clock Tower and the bell tower of the church are easy to spot; we’ll go and see them a bit later.

La place du Forum in Arles

Place du Forum was the hub of the old Roman city and is still a must in Arles. The square that inspired Van Gogh to paint Terrasse du café le soir in 1888 and shows the former Café Bœuf, now Café de la Nuit. It’s one of the liveliest and most popular squares in the town, especially at féria-time. You’ll sit there to admire the remains around you with columns from a 2nd-century temple which belonged at the time to the administrative and religious centre of Arles.

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