Gordes, Provence (Photo courtesy of https://www.thelondoner.me/)

The marvellous region of Provence in the sunny South of France is the perfect destination for long term rentals in France during 2024. Provence has always been a sought-after destination in France, popularised by iconic French films such as Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources and also by cookery writers such as Elizabeth David.

But it probably really took off for Provence with Peter Mayle's wonderful book "A Year in Provence". The tale of a stressed-out Advertising Executive relocating to live in Provence in order to write a new novel. He never did get to write the novel, but what he did do was to capture the magic of the Provence region to a 'T'.

Personally what I like about his book - and I would encourage everyone who is planning on moving to Provence to read the book cover to cover - is the way he actually finds more enjoyment from spending time with his French neighbours, than with the retired Brigadiers from within the Expat community. He seemed to have more in common with the villagers going out hunting for truffles, than with any of his fellow countrymen.

Sadly, Peter Mayle died in 2019. What I hadn't realised was that in his later life he actually relocated to Long Island, New York; mainly to escape all the tourists and well-wishers that he had inadvertently attracted to his corner of Provence. Thankfully, he did manage to enjoy his last years living back in his beloved Luberon.

Provence really is a great place to be based for a long term rentals in France. Within a few weeks you will automatically adjust the the slower pace of life and just take pleasure again in the simple things of life - the farmers markets, the defined seasons, beautiful local wines and cheeses. It really is a tonic for your soul.

Taking your own year out in Provence!

The Lavender fields at Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque

The beautiful Provence region in the South of France is every bit as magical as you first imagine. The lavender fields, hilltop villages and the historical cities of Avignon, Arles and Aix en Provence all combine to create a wonderful destination for a long vacation in the South of France.

The Provence region is bordered by the Alps to the North East, the French Riviera coast to the South and the Camargue to the west. The Northern edge of Provence is enclosed by the beautiful Luberon National Park, an area of Outstanding natural beauty. Among the popular towns in Provence to stay, include:

• Saint Rémy de Provence - a delightful market town often regarded as the true heart of the Provence region. The artist Vincent van Gogh was a patient at the hospital in St Rémy and he painted some of his most memorable works here, including The Starry Night.
• Roussillon - a hilltop village with ocre coloured buildings regarded as one of the most beautiful places in Provence. 
• Uzès - a stunning market town in the west of Provence with a beautiful castle in the centre owned by the Dukes of Uzès since 1632. Uzès has a a reputation as a foodies paradise, with local black truffles, excellent wines and a weekly market in the famous Place aux herbes.  
• Gordes - a small village perched on top of a cliff above the valley of Calavon in Haute-Provence, is one of the most charming places in Provence to visit. 
• Seillans - located on a beautiful hillside overlooking a valley. The picturesque medieval centre of the town is so steep that it is only accessible on foot. The narrow winding streets eventually open out onto several beautiful squares.
• L’Isle sur la Sorgue - located on the banks of the river Sorgue, the town was originally a fishing village, situated on an island in the middle of marshland. During the middle ages, L'Isle sur Sorgue also became an important centre for silk, paper, wool, rugs and dyeing and the town is home to many magnificent mansions built by the silk and paper merchants. Today, L'Isle sur Sorgue is famous for its numerous antique shops and hosts an antique market most Sundays. L'Isle sur Sorgue has a network of canals that cross through the town between the narrow ancient streets. 
• Les Beaux des Provence - a small fort town, located on a rocky outcrop in the Alpilles mountain range in Provence. The popular l'Images de Cathédrale, a sort of multimedia art museum that beams popular artistic images onto the walls of the former bauxite mine, draws in thousands of visitors each year, who also come to see the castle ruins and demonstrations of the enormous siege engines and catapults.
• Aix-en-Provence - the city of a thousand fountains! This old University town in Southern France is a wonderful place to spend time in. Perhaps the most recognisable part of Aix-en-Provence is the Cours Mirabeau, the wide avenue with rows of plane-trees that follows the line of the old city wall. Along this avenue, you will find plenty of cafés, including the Deux Garçons, which has been frequented by the likes of Paul Cézanne, Émile Zola and Ernest Hemingway.

Aix en Provence, France 

On the south-western corner of Provence, you will find the Camargue, one of the last remaining wild wetlands in Europe. The landscape of the Camargue has a wonderful barren beauty and serenity to it. The Camargue is home to 400 species of birds including over 50,000 pink flamingos. More than a third of the 4,700 different species of flowering plants in France, are found in the Camargue. The famous white Camargue horses were first introduced to the Camarge by Arabs about 1,000 years ago and they have adapted over time to the wild environment of the Camargue marshes and wetlands. There are now over 14,500 white Camarguais horses in the region.

The distinctive Black Camargue bulls with their large curved horns, are a breed of domestic cattle native to the Camargue marshlands. There are over 20,000 of the black bulls in the Camargue and they are mainly raised in semi-feral conditions in the wetlands.

Despite covering an area of 1,500 km², the Camargue is home to just over 100,000 people. The population density is only 6 inhabitants per km², which makes the Camargue the least most densely populated region of France. The Camargue region also has over 80 km of sandy beaches. 

To really enjoy Provence, you just have to slow down your pace of life and take in the simple pleasures in life that the region offers. Whether it be the beautiful fresh ingredients, the cute local markets and the gorgeous scenery. Rushing around trying to visit every site will mean that you will miss out on the key takeaway memory. Good food, great company, a decent bottle of wine and the sun on your back is all that you really need in life.

Long term rentals in France - Provence

If you are looking to find a long term rental in France, then Provence is the perfect destination. Whether you are house hunting or just planning a long vacation, we can help you to find the best property to rent long term to suit your budget and style. Here is our selection of 10 properties available for long term rentals in Provence, France, during Autumn 2024-2025 autumn (Fall) of 2024 and into 2025. You can see our full listing of Long term rentals France - Provence here. You can also check the availability of each rental property for your dates.

1. L'Horizon apartment for long term rental France Provence (Ref: 1984)

The L´Horizon apartment for long term rental is located in the beautiful village of Beaumont-de-Pertuis in Provence, France. This bright and beautiful top floor apartment features a private terrace with stunning views. The village of Beaumont-de-Pertuis is located on the edge of the Luberon National Park (an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and is just 40 mins from Aix-en-Provence. Marseille airport is 50 mins and the French Riviera coast is just over 1 hour. The apartment comes with

• 1 bedroom
• 1 bathroom
• Private terrace
• Well-equipped kitchen + washing machine
• WiFi and flat screen TV (satellite channels)
• Stunning views
• Beautiful location

The L´Horizon apartment is available for long term rental in France, Provence between October to May from €1150 per month + bills. There is a monthly provision of €150 towards the electricity, water, internet and communal taxes. For 12 month long term rental prices, please enquire. Please note that higher rates will apply during June to September.

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2. Villa Plascassier 4 bed long term rentals France Provence (Ref: 1996)

This lovely large 4 bed villa in Plascassier in Eastern Provence, is available for long term rentals between October to April. The villa comes with 5,000 m2 of land and has a private swimming pool, garage, electronic gates and plenty of parking. Plascassier is a lovely medieval hillside village, that was once home to Edith Piaf. The village has 2 excellent restaurants and is surrounded by olive groves and fields of Jasmine and Roses (grown to supply the local perfume factories in Grasse).

The villa features:

• 4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)
• 3 bathrooms
• 12m x 5m private pool
• Well-equipped kitchen + laundry room
• Private parking for 4 cars
• WiFi and international TV channels
• Lovely views
• 5,000m2 of grounds
• Quiet residential location on the edge of village

This 4 bed villa in Plascassier, Provence, France, is available for long term rentals between October to April. Prices are based on a 6 month rental period. Minimum stay is 3 months. Not available May to September. The rental price does not include the utility bills (there is a monthly provision of €350 towards the electricity, water, WiFi and communal taxes). Firewood to be purchased separately.

Long term rentals (October to April): from €2750 per month + bills

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3. Ocre apartment for monthly rentals in Provence France (Ref: 1985)

The Ocre apartment is available for monthly rentals in Provence, France, between October to May each year. The apartment is located in the beautiful village of Beaumont-de-Pertuis in Provence. This bright and beautiful top floor apartment features a private terrace with stunning views and air conditioning. The village of Beaumont-de-Pertuis is located on the edge of the Luberon National Park (an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and is just 40 mins from Aix-en-Provence. Marseille airport is 50 mins and the French Riviera coast is just over 1 hour. The apartment comes with :

• 1 bedroom
• Private roof terrace
• Lovely views
• Beautiful open plan living room
• Quiet village location

The Ocre apartment is available for monthly rentals in Provence, France between October to May from €900 per month + bills. There is a monthly provision of €150 towards the electricity, water, internet and communal taxes. For 12 month long term rental prices, please enquire. Please note that higher rates will apply during June to September..

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4. House for long term rentals in Aix en Provence, France Ref: 1699

Aix-en-Provence is a fantastic place to find a long term rentals in France. This vibrant University town in South of France is full of life all year around and you will be able to enjoy the many festivals and events that take place during the year. This well-equipped 3 bedroom house is situated in a leafy neighbourhood of Aix, just 10 mins from the town centre. The house comes with WiFi, central heating, 2 bathrooms, terrace with outdoor dining area and a private garden. This house in Aix-en-Provence comes with:

• 3 bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms
• Air conditioning
• Well-equipped kitchen
• Private parking
• High speed WiFi and flat screen TV

The house in Aix-en-Provence is available for long term rentals from mid-August 2024 for rentals up to 1 year from €3,000 per month + bills.

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5. La Bastide de Correns - house for long term rentals France Provence (Ref: 2163)

La Bastide de Correns is a lovely Provencal villa available for long term rentals in France located on a private estate, just outside the very small village of Correns. If you have ever dreamed about spending some months in Provence, then the view from the terrace at La Bastide de Correns will convince you that now is the time to make this a reality. Nestled in a quiet wooded valley, with views over the Luberon mountains in the distance, this is an idyllic corner of France.

Nearby, you will find many beautiful Provençale villages, such as Cotignac and Barjols and further afield you can visit the cosmopolitan towns of Aix-en-Provence, Cannes and St Tropez. But the real enjoyment, will be found in visiting local Farmer's markets, sampling the wines bought direct from the local vineyards and walking down to the nearby village in the morning to buy fresh goats cheese, honey and bread. 

The main villa can sleep 4 people in 2 bedrooms (+ 2 bathrooms) and there are 2 additional suites which can be also be rented. In total, the property can accommodate between 4 to 8 people. The Bastide also comes with a large terrace with stunning views, large grounds and a heated swimming pool.

This Provence villa is available for long term rentals between October to April from from €3,000 to €6000 per month.

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6. Puyloubier - 3 bed house for rent near Aix-en-Provence France (Ref: 2064)

This 3 bed Provence house for long term rentals is located in the picturesque medieval village of Puyloubier, France. Puyloubier is located at the foot of Mont Sainte Victoire, just outside the popular town of Aix-en-Provence. The local scenery inspired the artist Paul Cézanne, who produced many paintings of the Provence countryside nearby.

The house comes with 3 bedrooms, a large open plan living room and a terrace. The house comes with a fast fibre internet connection (100+ Mbps good for up to 6 devices). In the village you will find a good range of services including a very good restaurant, cafe, bakery and a small shop.

The property comes with:

• 3 bedrooms
• 1.5 bathrooms
• Terrace
• Fast internet connection
• Beautiful village location
• Restaurants and shops walking distance

This Provençal long term rental cottage is available for long term rentals of 3-12 months from €1350 per month + bills. Higher prices will apply during the summer period.

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7. Provence Stone Farmhouse to rent in France long term (Ref: 2066)

This 3 bed Provence stone farmhouse to rent in France long term is located at the top of a hill in an ancient hamlet, close to the popular town of Forcalquier. This beautiful area of Provence is known as the Luberon and it provides an authentic glimpse of French country living.

The farmhouse comes with a swimming pool, 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and is set within 30 hectares of land, with commanding views over the Provence countryside. The rental will ideally suit customers who want to enjoy the peace and tranquillity that the Farmhouse provides.

The property is laid out on two floors and comes with 

• 3 bedrooms
• 1 bathroom
• Private pool & garden
• 30 acres of land
• Close to Forcalquier
• WiFi.

Available for rent between October to May from €1650 per month + bills. Pets maybe accepted through prior agreement. 12 month rentals maybe possible, although the rental price will be higher..

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8. Luberon apartment for monthly rentals in Provence France (Ref: 1988)

This beautiful apartment in the stunning village of Beaumont-de-Pertuis is available for monthly rentals in Provence, France.This bright and beautiful top floor apartment features a private terrace with stunning views. The village of Beaumont-de-Pertuis is located on the edge of the Luberon National Park (an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and is just 40 mins from Aix-en-Provence. Marseille airport is 50 mins and the French Riviera coast is just over 1 hour.

The property comes with:

• 1 bedroom
• 1 bathroom
• Ideal for exploring Provence
• 40 mins from Aix-en-Provence
• Washing machine
• Fully-equipped kitchen

The Luberon apartment is available for monthly rentals in Provence, France, between October to May from €1050 per month + bills. There is a monthly provision of €150 towards the electricity, water, internet and communal taxes. For 12 month long term rental prices, please enquire. Please note that higher rates will apply during June to September.

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9. Provence farmhouse for long term rentals Luberon France (Ref: 2068)

This 4 bedroom Provence farmhouse for long term rentals is situated on a quiet hillside in the Luberon National Park in Southern France. The farmhouse was built in 1820 and was formerly a silk farm. The property has recently been updated and comes with all the modern features that you will need. Inside the farmhouse features stone walls, exposed beams and beautiful vaulted ceilings.

The farmhouse is set within 2.5 acres of land and comes with a heated swimming pool, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 living areas and stunning views. The farmhouse is just over an hour to the Mediterranean coast. Marseille, Avignon and Aix-en-Provence are also on your doorstep.

The property provides:

• 4 bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms
• Well-equipped kitchen
• Private pool
• WiFi and flat screen TV
• 2.5 acres of land
• Private parking

Available for long term rentals for 3-12 months from €2250 per month + bills. Higher rates will apply to 12 month rentals and rentals over the summer period. Pets maybe accepted through prior agreement.

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10. Flayosc - 3 bed villa in Provence for rent with pool (Ref: 2141)

Fayosc is located in the Var department and comes with a good range of shops and services. The village is just 5 mins from the large town of Draguignan and just 40 mins to the Mediterranean beaches on the french Riviera. There is a TGV train station 15 mins away and Nice airport can be reached in 1 hour..

This comfortable 3/4 bed villa for rent in Provence is located at the end of a cul de sac, 1km from the village of Flayosc. The villa is set within a mature garden of 1,200m² and comes with a swimming pool and plenty of parking. The villa is laid out on one level and comprises 120m² of living space..

The house comes with a well-equipped kitchen, a good fibre internet connection (100+ Mbps good for up to 6 devices), a good-sized living room and access to a terrace. In the village you will find a good range of services including a very good restaurant, cafe, bakery and a small shop.

The property comes with:

• 3 bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms
• Home office
• Terrace
• Fast internet connection
• Quite location on edge of village
• Restaurants and shops nearby

This Provençal long term rental villa is available for long term rentals of 3-12 months from €1800 per month + bills. The villa is available from February 2025.

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Thinking of spending a Year in Provence . . . ?

If you are thinking of planning a long stay in Provence during 2024, but you are hesitating about taking the plunge - don't worry! We can help you find the right property to rent, as well as introduce you to some excellent relocation experts that can help you with French bureacracy, enroling in schools and taking care of your tax liabilities. For further information please see:

Contact Iain by Email if you have any particular questions about moving to Provence or finding a suitable rental property in France. If you liked the article then please share it with others using the Twitter and Facebook buttons below.