Insider’s Guide: My Favourite Places to See, Eat & Stay in St-Rémy-de-Provence

Rich with a history and culture dating back to the ancient Romans, <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/destination/europe/france/provence-french-riviera">Saint-Rémy-de-Provence</a> begs to be discovered.The winding streets of this&nbsp;quintessential Provençal town inspired Van Gogh’s The Starry Night and was home to Nostradamus. Close to Avignon and Arles, and surrounded by limestone hills, vineyards and olive groves, Saint-Rémy makes a great base from which to explore the region.Below I’ve&nbsp;rounded up a few of my&nbsp;favourite things&nbsp;about the town&nbsp;that will reveal&nbsp;its&nbsp;many charms.<h2>What to See &amp; Do</h2><h3>My Favourite Sites&nbsp;in&nbsp;Saint-Rémy</h3>L’hotel Mistral de Mondragon plays home to the&nbsp;Musée des Alpilles-Pierre de Brun, where you can take in local art and traditions.&nbsp;Rebuilt around 1820, the neo-classical Church of St-Martin retains its&nbsp;14thC bell tower and&nbsp;has one of the finest church organs in Europe.Also not to be missed is the 15th-16thC Renaissance Palace the Hôtel de Sade. Once owned by the notorious Marquis de Sade, the site is now home to a small archaeological collection.

The Wednesday Market, though not the biggest in <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/europe/france/provence-french-riviera">Provence</a>, offers many charms as it winds through the labyrinth of sandstone cobbled streets. It’s a must if you happen to be there on a Wednesday, just don’t try to drive – you’ll never find parking!The Hotel Estrine is an 18thC mansion that houses the Centre d’Art-Présence Van Gogh. Though Van Gogh’s original works are not housed in the museum (sadly), it does offer detailed exhibitions that reveal his presence in the town.The delicious boutique chocolate shop&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joeldurand-chocolatier.fr/">Joel Durand Chocolatier</a>&nbsp;offers experimental flavours using local ingredients such as&nbsp;lavender and thyme. A must taste.Walking distance from town are further sites of interest. The first is the Romanesque monastery <a href="http://www.saintpauldemausole.fr/">St Paul de Mausole</a> which was converted into an asylum and whose most famous patient was Van Gogh. You can visit the beautiful garden here.The second is the Roman ruins of <a href="http://www.site-glanum.fr/en/">Glanum</a>, which you can stroll around free of charge.<h2>Where to Eat</h2><h3>The Best Restaurants in&nbsp;Saint-Rémy</h3>

There are a plethora of restaurants to choose from. Some of these casual bistros and brasseries are my favourite.<a href="https://www.detourrel.com/restaurant/">Hôtel de Tourrel’s </a>restaurant&nbsp;has quickly become the best in town! They received a Michelin star with their young and  innovative chef Jeremy Scalia. Don’t miss their outstanding wine cellar and the many prestigious bottles they store.&nbsp;Le Marilyn, located at 13 Boulevard Marceau, is a modern brasserie with delicious food and a&nbsp;menu with great value.La Brasserie des Variétés&nbsp;offers a cozy and welcome atmosphere with simple and fresh in-season products.Chez Fanny is another favourite of mine. Great for lunch, this casual restaurant is set in a shady courtyard off the main Boulevard in St-Remy.Bar Tabac des Alpilles is a tiny bistro in St Rémy that we love for its lamb and foie gras.  Great place to take in some local atmosphere.<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187256-d21312030-Reviews-Le_Bistrot_De_Saint_Remy-Saint_Remy_de_Provence_Bouches_du_Rhone_Provence_Alpes_.html">Le Bistrot de Saint Remy</a>&nbsp;offers traditional cuisine in a casual, colourful atmosphere. It’s the sister restaurant to the famous Bistrot de Paradou. There’s outdoor seating on the street, a great selection of vegetarian options and unique cocktails.&nbsp;If you’re looking for a simple meal in a relaxed bistro, look no further than&nbsp;Le Café de la Place. They often play live jazz music, and their dishes feature classic, high-quality ingredients with no frills.&nbsp;<h2>Where to Stay</h2><h3>Discover The City’s Best Hotel</h3><a href="https://www.detourrel.com/">Hotel de Tourrel</a>, a converted 17thC mansion, is a B&amp;R favourite! The stunning historic architecture complemented by a chic and modern interior makes this suites-only hotel a special find.&nbsp;The hotel’s 1-star Michelin restaurant, headed by Chef Jeremy Scalia, combines a modern setting with delicious cuisine. The adjacent wine bar is another great stop to savour a crisp rosé or bold red of southern France. There are so many charming spots in Provence to discover. Come see for yourself on a <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/small-group/provence-biking">biking</a> or <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/self-guided/provence-self-guided-walking">walking</a> trip, solo or in a small group. Or tailor the itinerary to your tastes with a <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/bespoke/provence-bespoke">bespoke</a> journey. Hilltop villages and lavender fields are calling you.

Discover Saint-Rémy-de-Provence with an insider’s guide to the best restaurants, boutique hotels, markets, and cultural highlights in this charming Provençal town.

Insider’s Guide to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence | Where to Eat, Stay & Explore

With sprawling fields of fragrant lavender, incredible markets and indescribably soft light and seascapes that captivated the likes of Van Gogh, Matisse and Signac, the South of France’s picture-perfect beauty is perfectly encapsulated in Provence and the French Riviera.

Where lavender, lush countryside and seaside bliss await

Cycle lavender fields and Luberon villages, walk the Côte d'Azur on small group or private bespoke trips through Provence, with exclusive domaine stays.

Provence Bike & Walking Tours | Butterfield & Robinson

Journey through lavender landscapes, past perched villages and majestic cypresses on a trip that's pure Provençal. Slow down to the pace of Provence, and delight in everything from boules lessons to a stay in the 17th c. Bastide de Marie. Along the way, enjoy antique shopping and a visit to an exquisite private domaine hosted by a sommelier you won't soon forget.Please note our new hotel lineup for 2025 departures: Hotel de Tourrel, La Bastide de Marie

Great Bikes, Great Rides

Unforgettable Experiences

Authentic Food

Provence is what happens when France decides to show off. Pedal through lavender fields and hilltop villages, savour homemade meals like a local, and bunk down in a 17th c. bastide so charming it could star in a movie. Sip with a sommelier at a private picnic and see firsthand why Van Gogh couldn’t stop painting the place.

Luberon's hilltop villages and valley vineyards

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

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Journey through lavender landscapes, past perched villages and majestic cypresses on a trip that's pure Provençal. Slow down to the pace of Provence, and delight in everything from boules lessons to a stay in the 17thC Bastide de Marie. Along the way, enjoy antique shopping and a visit to an exquisite private domaine hosted by a sommelier you won't soon forget.

Spend 5 nights cycling the Luberon in a small group. Ochre hilltop villages, lavender-season vineyard roads and private cellar visits you won't find alone.

Provence Bike Tour: Ochre Villages, Lavender Vineyards & Private Cellars

$5,225 based on two travellers. $4,995 based on four travellers. $4,695 based on six travellers.

Provence is one of France’s most sensuous regions, but it’s also pretty serious. To wit: Mont Ventoux—of Tour de France fame—is where serious cyclists stretch their legs. Hotel Crillon le Brave, perched above sprawling vineyards and olive groves, offers seriously stunning views. Former B&amp;R guide Vicki was so serious about Provence she up and moved there—and she’d love to show you around.

Incredible Rides

Art and History

Unforgettable Experiences 

Provence is all sun, scent, and soul—with just enough swagger. Cycle from Luberon’s perched villages to the Alpilles’ rocky drama, guided by our off-the-beaten-path intel. Sip legendary vintages, meet locals who’ve perfected the art of charm, and if you’re feeling bold, climb Mont Ventoux (bragging rights included). Self-guided, but never short on magic.

See Provence at your own pace

Experience Designers

Ride Gordes, the Luberon and Saint-Rémy on a tailor-made Provence cycling itinerary. Private cellar visits, hilltop village dinners and lavender-season roads.

Provence Cycling Tours: Gordes, the Luberon & Private Cellar Visits

Strolling through the south of France doesn’t require a chaperone – just years of planning to find hidden trails to ancient hilltop villages, and charming hotels with pools where you can cool off when you’re done. Local connections help too, like at Domaine de Marie, where our friends host you for a tasting and exquisite dinner made from just-picked&nbsp;Provençal&nbsp;produce.

Great Walks

Unique Gastronomy

When you've got decades of B&amp;R intel, guides are optional. Wander Provence’s secret trails to hilltop villages and sun-drenched hotels with pools that practically beg for a post-hike plunge. Cap your day with dinner under the olive trees at one of our favourite spots—where the rosé is cold, and the welcome is as warm as it gets.

Provence at your Pace

Walk the Luberon, Gordes and Saint-Rémy at lavender-season peak on a tailor-made Provence itinerary. Village markets, private vineyard visits and a Provence

Provence Walking Tours: Luberon, Gordes & Lavender-Season Vineyard Visits

The relaxed pace of Provence does not befit the harried or hasty; its narrow vineyard paths, lush secluded groves and limestone ridges are proof of that. The wines are not to be rushed, either; once you’ve sampled a Côtes du Rhône or Côtes du Lubéron in its natural habitat, you’ll understand why. A skilled chef will assist, preparing meals as you learn how to play Pétanque with a local character—such a fun atmosphere! If patience is indeed a virtue, this is the Holy Land.

Great Biking, Great Hiking

Breathtaking Landscapes

Provence doesn’t just look good—it feels good. Ride through lavender fields, toast with Côtes du Rhône and see the world in Van Gogh’s palette. From hilltop villages to Michelin bites and markets that smell like summer, this is France in full bloom. Slow down, soak it in and let Provence work its effortless, sun-drenched magic.

Where lavender fields meet Mediterranean bliss 

Bespoke travel lets you to take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

Bike Provence's lavender fields and perched villages on a tailor-made itinerary. Private cellar visits, estate dinners and expert-guided cycling built for you.

Provence Private Tours: Lavender Fields, Hilltop Villages & Vineyard Access

The Water

Unmatched Cuisine

Cultural Experiences

The French Riviera has long drawn those who understand the art of living well. Mediterranean light washes over pastel harbours and hillside villages, while hidden coves beckon just offshore. Spend your days swimming in quiet bays, wandering art-filled streets or lingering over rosé and fresh seafood on a shaded terrace. With refined hotels and private villas, private yacht days and behind-the-scenes access from Grasse to the coast, the Riviera unfolds effortlessly – elegant, vibrant and entirely yours.

Hike the Calanques, explore Eze's perfumeries and sail into Saint-Tropez on a custom French Riviera itinerary. The Cote d'Azur's finest private access, built

Insider’s Guide: My Favourite Places to See, Eat & Stay in St-Rémy-de-Provence

By Dana Quinn

Provence & French Riviera

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