If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I’m always up for a good girls’ trip—and after being cooped up during COVID, my friends and I were more than ready for an adventure. We landed on Provence and I found the most charming villa in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, complete with a pool, olive trees, and lavender blooming all around us. From lazy mornings sipping coffee in the garden to kayaking, wine tasting, and croissant-making (with plenty of laughs and rosé in between), this trip was one for the books. If you’re looking for a memorable girls’ trip to France, here’s everything we loved, where we stayed, and the day trips we think you’ll want to add to your own Provence getaway.
The Farmhouse: Our Idyllic Home Base
Our visit started in the backyard, and I was instantly overjoyed! The lavender was in bloom, filling the air with its lovely fragrance. The yard was enormous, dotted with little tables under olive trees. There was a beautiful swimming pool at the back, small stables off to the side, as well as a seating area with a barbecue, and two large tables for al fresco dining.
It was the perfect outdoor space—charmingly French, endlessly relaxing, and tailor-made for long, laughter-filled evenings. It would turn out that we would end up spending hours in this beautiful garden, lounging by the pool and gathering most evenings for dinner in the alfresco dining area.
They even had a small stable with this big guy……
The farmhouse has six bedrooms, six bathrooms, two large kitchen/living areas, and one small kitchenette space. The house’s layout was unique, divided into three sections that required going outside to move between them.
The first section had a giant living room, an amazing kitchen, bathroom, and loft. The middle section was a stairway leading to two bedrooms, each with an attached bathroom. The third section had another living room and kitchen, three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a small sitting area with a kitchenette.
This setup worked well for us, providing quiet spaces for work and better sleep since we weren’t all clustered together.
The Perfect Villa Day: Massages, Croissants & Pajama Dinner
One of our favorite days was the one we spent entirely at the villa—no sightseeing, no schedules, just pure relaxation and indulgence.
We started with in-villa massages and facials (I had two amazing women come right to the property—message me if you’d like their contact info). After our spa treatments, we slipped into swimsuits, grabbed some drinks, and spent the afternoon lounging by the pool.
That evening turned into a little culinary adventure. I booked a private chef through Take a Chef, which I highly recommend. You simply fill out a few details about your group and preferences, and local chefs respond with sample menus and pricing. You get to choose the chef and dishes that fit your vibe and budget—it was super easy.
The chef arrived that evening and guided us through a croissant-making class, which was both fun and delicious. We may not have nailed the technique, but we had a blast trying.
Once our croissants were out of the oven, we changed into pajamas and rolled straight into a cozy breakfast-for-dinner night—complete with mimosas, of course. The chef stayed to prepare the full spread while we relaxed, laughed, and soaked in the simple joy of being together.
As a bonus, I asked the chef to prepare an additional dinner (Moroccan chicken tagine, semolina, and dessert) that we could store in the fridge for the following night. It was the perfect solution—no fuss, just another amazing meal we could enjoy without lifting a finger.
A Favorite Moment
You might be wondering why we spent an entire day at the villa when we were in France. The truth is, we all live in different cities and don’t get to see each other often. So for us, the best part of the trip wasn’t rushing around checking off sights—it was slowing down, laughing until we cried, and just soaking up time together.
After our cozy breakfast-for-dinner feast, we wrapped up the night with a White Elephant gift exchange, complete with some stealing of course. Several of the ladies told me that villa day ended up being their favorite part of the entire trip.
Getting to L’Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue (and why you’ll need a car)
Provence is made up of charming, spread-out villages—so unless you’re doing a guided tour the whole way through, you absolutely need a rental car. Public transport can get you to the area, but once you’re there, you’ll want the freedom to explore the countryside, pop into wineries, and drive to hilltop towns on your own schedule.
That said, there are a few different ways to get yourself to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, depending on where you’re coming from:
Option 1: Fly into Marseille (MRS) + Rent a Car
Marseille Provence Airport is the closest major airport to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
Tip: Rental car pickup is simple at the Marseille airport. If you’re traveling with a group and luggage, don’t underestimate how small some European rental cars can be. Opt for a midsize SUV or van if you’re four people or more.
Drive time: Just over 1 hour (40 miles)
Option 2: Train from Paris to Avignon + Rent a Car
This is a great option if you’re already in Paris or flying into CDG.
- TGV train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Avignon TGV: 2 hours 40 minutes (fast and scenic!)
- Drive from Avignon to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue: 30 minutes
- Tip: Book your TGV train in advance via SNCF or Omio for the best fares. Once in Avignon, rental car agencies are available at both the TGV and Centre stations.
Option 3: Fly into Lyon (LYS) + Rent a Car
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport is a good backup option, especially for international flights.
- Drive time to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Bonus: Lyon itself is worth a stop if you have time—it’s known as the food capital of France.
Option 4: Fly into Montpellier (MPL) + Rent a Car
Montpellier is another southern France airport with easy access to Provence.
- Drive time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Tip: Flights to Montpellier can be cheaper than Marseille or Lyon depending on where you’re coming from, so it’s worth checking.
Tip: Mix & Match Airports
You can absolutely fly into one airport and out of another—for example, Marseille in and Lyon out. Just keep in mind that many car rental companies charge a one-way drop-off fee, so factor that into your budget when comparing options.
Best Day Trips from L’Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue
#1 Saint-Remy-de-Provence and Les Baux-de-Provence
Saint-Rémy is a charming town about a 40-minute drive from the villa. It’s where Van Gogh painted many of his famous works, and the town has great shops, art galleries, and plenty of spots to grab a coffee or lunch.
If you’re feeling adventurous, rent electric bikes and ride from Saint-Remy to Les Baux-de-Provence. The ride there is a bit tough in parts, but the way back is mostly downhill and much easier. One of our girls had to turn back because of a knee issue, so just make sure everyone in your group is up for it.
Les Baux ended up being my favorite village—set high in the hills with stunning views, a medieval fortress, outdoor cafes, and tons of great little shops. We all loved browsing here and picked up some amazing gifts and souvenirs to bring home.
#2 Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is about an hour’s drive from L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. You can also get there easily by train, which is great if you want to take a break from driving. The town has these lovely tree-lined streets, fountains everywhere. In addition, there are markets where you can find fresh produce, flowers, and local goodies.
It’s a really pretty place to just wander around, stop for a coffee, and soak up the vibe. Make sure to check out the Cathedrale Saint-Sauveur.
If you’re into cooking, there are some great French cooking classes you can take here. It’s a fun way to learn some local recipes and bring a little Provence back home with you. Aix is definitely worth a day trip!
#3 Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Just a 40-minute drive from the villa, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is perfect for wine lovers. The area is filled with vineyards offering a variety of tastings. Château de Beaucastel is well known for its reds, and for something a little different, you can book a private tasting inside a 13th-century grotto at Les Caves Saint Charles.
My advice is skip driving and focus on enjoying the wines! Book a private wine tour with Provence Wine Tours. They offer pickup and drop-off right at the villa, and their guides are knowledgeable and can tailor the experience to what your group prefers.
#4 Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
Only about 10 minutes from the farmhouse, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is a sweet little village with a big spring that feeds into the Sorgue River. The ladies spent a fantastic day kayaking here — it was relaxing and such a nice way to enjoy the water and the views. If you want a chill, active afternoon, this is a great spot to check out. The village itself is pretty cute too, perfect for a stroll before or after kayaking.
#5 Roussillon and Gordes
About 40 minutes from the villa, Roussillon is such a cool spot. It’s famous for its bright, colorful cliffs and old quarries that almost look like something out of a painting. It’s a fun place to wander around, snap some photos, and maybe grab a snack or coffee.
Not far from there is Gordes, a charming hilltop village that feels like a little piece of fairy tale France. The cobblestone streets are perfect to explore, and be sure to visit Chateau de Gordes, a stunning castle right in the heart of town. Just outside Gordes is Senanque Abbey, which is surrounded by lavender fields that make for the perfect photo op (especially if you’re visiting in summer when the lavender is in bloom).
Both spots are a great way to spend a relaxed day exploring some classic Provence.
#6 Bonnieux and Menerbes
Approximately 30-minutes away you’ll find towns perfect for nature lovers, Bonnieux and Menerbes. Both towns have gorgeous scenery, cute little streets, and plenty of hiking trails if you’re up for it. Around Menerbes, there are lots of vineyards. If you’re into wine, pack a picnic and find a pretty spot to kick back and enjoy some local bottles. Just make sure you have a designated driver or book a ride — nobody wants to worry about the drive after a few glasses of great wine!
#7 Vaison-la-Romaine and Orange
VLR is a nice village about an hour from the farmhouse. It has some impressive Roman ruins, a castle, and local markets to explore. About 30 minutes away is Orange, which is also known for its Roman history, including a well-preserved theater and arch. Both are great spots if you like history and want to visit some quieter towns.
#8 Calanques of Marseille
- Cruise the water by booking a private boat tour through the Calanques—narrow inlets with big cliffs dropping into the sea. There are hidden little beaches where you can swim and relax away from the crowds. We found some quiet spots to jump in for a swim (just don’t forget your Dramamine if you get seasick like me). It’s a must-do if you’re nearby.
Bittersweet Farewell
Sadly, I missed out on the last of the trip, as I had to rush home early to be with my precious little Mojo before he passed. Boy, do I miss this little guy.
Tips for Enjoying L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
The town center is just a short 10-minute drive from the villa, so it’s super convenient and easy to visit. You can easily pop in for a morning stroll along the canals or grab a coffee at one of the riverside cafes.
Market Days
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is known for its markets, probably the most popular in all of Provence, so if you decide to go on Sunday, go early in order to find a place to park.
- Sunday Market: Held from 8am-1pm, this is the main event of the week. The town center transforms into a bustling marketplace with vendors selling everything from fresh produce and cheeses to antiques and local crafts. As I said, arrive early!
- Thursday Market: A smaller version of the Sunday market, also running from 8am-1pm. It’s a great option if you prefer a quieter shopping experience.
Grocery Shopping
For stocking up on essentials or preparing meals at the villa, the Carrefour Market is nearby and has a good selection of local foods, in addition to your typical grocery store offerings:
Dining Tips
For big groups, be sure to make advance reservations to avoid long wait times.
- Les Terrasses: Offers a charming setting with a variety of Provencal dishes.
- Cafe de France: Located at Place de la Libert, this cafe has outdoor seating.
If You Have a Couple Extra Days
If you can add a few extra days to your trip, consider heading to the French Riviera for a change of pace. I recommend basing yourself in Antibes, a charming seaside town with a relaxed vibe, beautiful old streets, and great restaurants. For bigger groups, the Clementine Villa works perfectly, or if you want a hotel, Hotel La Villa Port d’Antibes & Spa is a good choice.
From Antibes, it’s easy to take a day trip to St. Tropez. It’s about 1-1.5 hours drive or a boat ride away. While St. Tropez is famous for its luxury lifestyle and nightlife, there’s also a quaint old port and lovely spots to just kick back and enjoy the view.
Nearby, don’t miss Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, where you can mix scents to create your own custom fragrance.
Other charming Riviera towns worth a visit include Cannes itself and Villefranche-sur-Mer, a pretty harbor town just outside Nice with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
- Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes, layers for cooler evenings, and a reusable water bottle for your adventures.
- While many in the area speak English, a few French phrases go a LONG way in charming locals.
- IMPORTANT – Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date, even though France officially only requires 3 months beyond your departure from the Schengen zone. Some airlines enforce the 6-month rule at check-in, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Double-check before you fly!
Would I Recommend This Trip? 100% Yes
If you’re considering a trip to Provence with friends or family, I highly recommend L’isle-Sur-La-Sorgue with its charm and ideal location, as well as this lovely farmhouse. There’s nothing better in life than spending time with those that make you smile. This girlfriends’ trip created memories that will last a lifetime. When it was time to leave, we were all melancholy, wishing we could stay for an additional week. I loved it so much that I’ve already booked a four-week stay for next year!
Feel free to leave questions in the comments and I’ll get back to you promptly.
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