My Favorite Things About the Rhône-Alpes Region of Provence in Early Summer

For Sunday favorites with Mary Ann and Cindy today, I thought I would share my five favorite things about Provence. We enjoyed our week in Provence so much that we plan to spend two weeks next year.

There’s something about early summer in the Rhône-Alpes region. It’s that perfect time, right before the full heat of the season sets in—when the days are long, the air feels fresh, and everything seems to glow a little more golden. Here are a few of my favorite things about this part of Provence in early summer.

1. Lavender Season Begins

It’s impossible not to mention the lavender. By early June, you’ll start to see those soft purple fields popping up across the region, especially as you get closer to Drôme Provençale. It’s not just the look of it, though that’s magical, but the scent that hangs in the air, especially in the late afternoon when the sun is warmest. It’s one of those things that instantly slows you down.

We have yet to see lavender at its peak, but I think it’s safe to say we came pretty close.

2. Small villages

What I love most are the slower moments in quiet towns—places like Grignan—where you can wander without an agenda. The streets are lined with pale stone buildings, shutters flung open, and roses climbing every wall. There’s usually a little café in the square where you can order a coffee and watch the day unfold.

One night when we had no plans for dinner, we took a stroll through Grignan to see what we might find. We stumbled upon a little pizza cafe. They have only four tables, and do a lot of takeout. It just so happened that on the night we went, there was a table outdoors. I think we got the best seat!

The pizza menu is quite extensive. We both ordered a white pizza, which means the base is crème fraiche. It was so good!

Of course, every village has a church or chateau or both. The Saint-Sauveur Collegiate Church was built in 1525.

3. Simple, seasonal food

Early summer means markets filled with fresh cherries, apricots, and the first tomatoes that truly taste like summer. Meals are easy—just good bread, soft cheese, olives, maybe a little tapenade, and rosé. Everything tastes better when it’s eaten outside.

We enjoyed every meal at the cafe table on our terrace at our Airbnb. In the afternoon by the pool, we would enjoy a big bowl of fresh melon with basil leaves. It was so fresh and delicious.

4. Days spent outdoors enjoying nature & pool time

The landscape is made for being outside. There are so many trails and country roads that feel untouched. Or maybe an afternoon at the pool listening to the bees buzzing around the lavender, thyme, and wild sage.

The landscape is made for being outside. There are so many trails and country roads that feel untouched. Whether you’re hiking in the hills, riding bikes, or past fields of poppies and vineyards. We did not ride bikes, but the area is very popular and you see groups all day every day.

5. Local markets and weekend festivals

One of my favorite ways to feel part of a place is by visiting the local markets. They’re more than just a place to shop—they’re the heart of the town.

Early summer is also when the little festivals start happening—some for lavender, some for local wines or music—and even the smallest ones feel full of life. We just missed the one happening in Chamaret/Grignan, so we will have to time it better next year. Our host said she finds lots of beautiful vintage clothes. She has great style and complimented her a few times, and that’s when she told me about the vintage clothing at the festival.

In the winter, they have a truffle festival in a nearby town called Richerenches. The festival is called “Le Ban des Truffes,” and usually happens on the first Saturday after November 15th.

There’s an ease to this region in early summer that’s hard to put into words. It’s not about checking things off a list—it’s about the little moments: the sound of cicadas, the way the light falls at the end of the day, the feeling of sitting still. It’s a place that invites you to slow down and stay a little longer. We could not quite imagine a trip to France without a visit to Provence, especially in the summer and fall.

10 items I’m loving on this trip!

Left to right: Tangle Teezer Brush // La Roche Posay Sunscreen // All-leather black Birkenstock //Adidas Sambas OG Sneaker // Luna Sunglasses // Travel Tote // Crossbody Bucket Bag // L’Avant Laundry Soap // Poplin Top // Poplin Maxi Skirt

We try to pack light and that means doing a bit of laundry. But honestly, I usually want to wear the same things over and over on a trip anyway, so it works out! We use L’Avant laundry soap and since it’s very concentrated, I can bring a bottle with just enough for a few loads and then toss the bottle saving space. A highly effective detergent. We also use a small spray bottle of straight Vodka to spray our clothes between washings.

I love this wet hair brush perfect at the pool and every day. We have used La Roche-Posay sunscreen ever since we received a sample at the U.S. Open a few years ago.

I finally had to replace my old travel tote with the Transit Quilted Carry-All Tote from Quince. I love that it has a zippered closure and a luggage-handle sleeve that has a zipper that can make it a slip pocket when not needed for using with luggage.

This poplin maxi skirt and these poplin tops in all three colors. They are easy to wear with jeans, linen panor skirts.

Oh and just one more favorite…a pair of summer denim; Rag & Bone featherweight jeans.

That’s it for me this week, let’s check in with Cindy & Mary Ann!

Cindy Hattersley Design

Read Cindy’s Sunday post here.

Classic Casual H0me

Read Mary Ann’s Sunday post here.