By Jessica 
Provence captivates with its golden sunlight, rolling lavender fields, and centuries-old villages perched atop hills. For those seeking to experience this iconic French region from the comfort of an exceptional private residence, Le Collectionist offers one of the most distinguished collections of luxury villas in Provence.
Le Collectionist’s Provence Portfolio: A Carefully Curated Collection
Founded in 2013, Le Collectionist has built a reputation for extraordinary properties and personalized service. Their Provence collection spans over 130 villas, with remarkable concentration in the region’s most coveted areas:
Regional Distribution:
| Area | Number of Villas | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Alpilles | 71 | Dramatic landscapes, proximity to Saint-Rémy |
| Luberon | 54 | Picturesque hilltop villages, vineyards |
| Saint-Rémy-de-Provence | 40 | Cultural heritage, markets, restaurants |
| Gordes | 16 | Iconic stone architecture, panoramic views |
What truly distinguishes Le Collectionist is their selective approach – they accept only 3% of homeowners who apply to list properties. This commitment to quality earned them B Corp certification in 2024 with an impressive 81.7 impact score.
Traditional Provençal Architecture Reimagined
The soul of Provence lives in its distinctive architecture, which Le Collectionist preserves while ensuring modern luxury. Most properties fall into two classic categories:
Mas – Traditional farmhouses characterized by their stone exteriors, often asymmetrical layouts, and south-facing orientation to capture Provençal sunshine. These historic buildings have been thoughtfully restored to offer contemporary comforts while honoring centuries-old craftsmanship.
Bastides – Stately manor houses that historically belonged to wealthy landowners. These elegant structures typically feature symmetrical facades, generous proportions, and formal gardens, updated with luxurious amenities.
Showcased Villas: Exceptional Examples from the Collection
Mas Lou: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence’s Crown Jewel
Part of the exclusive “Iconic Collection,” Mas Lou exemplifies Provençal grandeur. This magnificent estate accommodates 22 guests across multiple buildings, featuring:
- Expansive heated pool overlooking olive groves
- Professional-grade kitchen perfect for private chef experiences
- Authentic petanque court surrounded by cypress trees
- Multiple outdoor dining terraces embraced by fragrant gardens
- Air conditioning throughout for summer comfort
- Private jacuzzi nestled among Mediterranean vegetation
Mas des Glycines: Bonnieux’s Panoramic Paradise
This extraordinary property in the heart of the Luberon offers exceptional amenities:
- Tennis court with vineyard views
- Private sauna and dedicated fitness space
- Panoramic infinity pool overlooking the valley
- Custom wine cellar stocked with regional selections
- Traditional Provençal kitchen garden with fresh herbs
- Weekly rates from €25,505 to €35,700 depending on season
Villa Cap Canaille: Cassis’ Coastal Retreat
This distinctive coastal property blends Provençal charm with Mediterranean influence:
- Dramatic views of the towering Cap Canaille cliffs
- Sauna and wellness area for private relaxation
- Walking distance to secluded beaches
- Sleek, contemporary interiors contrasting with traditional stone exterior
- Perfect base for exploring the Calanques National Park
- Weekly rates starting from €12,630
Beyond the Buildings: Signature Amenities
When booking a Le Collectionist villa in Provence, you can expect exceptional features:
Outdoor Spaces The Mediterranean climate demands exceptional outdoor living areas. Virtually all properties feature heated swimming pools, often positioned to capture stunning vistas of the surrounding countryside. Terraces and gardens are designed for al fresco dining and relaxation.
Interior Excellence Inside, villas blend rustic charm with refined luxury. Expect hand-selected furnishings, professional kitchens, spacious bedrooms with premium linens, and thoughtfully designed bathrooms. Many properties include extras like home theaters, wine cellars, or fitness facilities.
Local Character Le Collectionist properties retain authentic Provençal elements – stone fireplaces, terra cotta floors, wooden beams, and regional antiques create genuine sense of place. Many villas include petanque courts, the quintessential Provençal pastime.
The Tiered Concierge System: Tailored Service Levels
What elevates Le Collectionist beyond mere accommodation is their sophisticated concierge service framework:
Conciergerie Essential – Included with most rentals, this foundation level ensures your villa is perfectly prepared, arranges basic arrival and departure transfers, and provides access to local support for property-specific questions.
Conciergerie Tailor – This enhanced tier adds a dedicated concierge available prior to arrival, working proactively to organize additional services and curate experiences before your trip begins.
Conciergerie Club – The premium service level, automatically included for repeat clients, property owners, and guests booking from the “Iconic Collection.” This comprehensive service extends dedicated concierge availability throughout your entire stay, enabling seamless assistance for ongoing needs and spontaneous requests.
Having knowledgeable local experts at your disposal makes all the difference when navigating a foreign destination. As highlighted in a recent article about travelers hiring the wrong tour guide, the quality of local expertise can make or break your experience in a destination like Provence.
Immersive Provence Experiences: Beyond Your Villa
Le Collectionist truly shines in creating authentic connections to Provence through carefully vetted experiences:
Gastronomy & Wine
- Private cooking classes following morning visits to markets in Saint-Rémy
- Exclusive tastings at renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards
- In-villa wine and cheese pairings with expert sommeliers
- Reservations at the region’s most sought-after restaurants
- Truffle hunting expeditions with specialized dogs and local experts
- Calisson confectionery workshops in Aix-en-Provence
Cultural Immersion
- Family pottery workshops conducted at your villa
- Guided bicycle tours through landscapes immortalized by Van Gogh
- Private access to historic sites like the Palais des Papes in Avignon
- Expert-led explorations of Provence’s famous hilltop villages
- Tickets to performances during the prestigious Avignon Festival
- Visits to Roman ruins in Arles, Orange and Nîmes
Natural Exploration
- Private boat excursions to the dramatic Calanques National Park
- Helicopter flights offering bird’s-eye views of Provençal landmarks
- Sunrise hot air balloon journeys over the countryside
- Guided hiking through fragrant herb-covered hillsides
- Picnics among blooming lavender fields in the Valensole plateau
- Horseback riding through vineyards and olive groves
Seasonal Considerations: When to Visit Provence
Provence transforms dramatically throughout the year, offering unique experiences each season:
Spring (April-May) The countryside bursts into color with wildflowers carpeting the hillsides. Temperatures are pleasantly mild (15-22°C/59-72°F), perfect for exploring villages and hiking. Markets begin to fill with early seasonal produce like asparagus and strawberries. Villa availability is good and rates remain below peak season prices.
Summer (June-August) The iconic lavender fields reach full bloom in late June through July, creating the quintessential Provençal landscape. Temperatures climb (25-35°C/77-95°F), making villa pools especially appealing. Local festivals abound, including music festivals in Aix-en-Provence and open-air theater in Avignon. This is peak season both for tourism and pricing, with the most desirable villas booking up to a year in advance.
Fall (September-October) The wine harvest (vendange) brings energy to vineyard regions. Weather remains warm but comfortable (18-25°C/64-77°F), ideal for outdoor dining on villa terraces. The summer crowds diminish, allowing more authentic local experiences. Villa availability improves and prices begin to moderate, particularly in October.
Winter (November-March) The mistral wind occasionally sweeps through, but clear, crisp days offer beautiful light cherished by artists for centuries. While some tourist sites operate limited hours, winter markets showcase Provence’s celebrated olive oils, truffles, and Christmas traditions. Many restaurants in smaller villages close seasonally, but cities like Aix-en-Provence remain vibrant. Villa selection may be more limited, but exceptional values are available for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
2025 Pricing: Investment in Excellence
Le Collectionist’s Provence villas represent a premium market position, with pricing reflecting their exceptional quality:
Weekly Rate Range by Property Type:
| Property Category | Low Season | High Season (Summer) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Villas | €6,000-€11,000 | €9,800-€15,000 |
| Premium Villas | €11,000-€20,000 | €15,000-€25,000 |
| Iconic Collection | €20,000-€35,000+ | €25,000-€35,000+ |
Standard rates include the property rental, pre/post-stay cleaning, VAT, and administration fees. Additional costs include tourist tax, security deposit, and optional add-on services.
The Booking Journey: Personal Connection
Le Collectionist emphasizes relationship throughout the booking process:
- Initial property exploration through their curated online collection
- Consultation with a dedicated advisor who understands your preferences
- Account creation and identity verification
- Personalized rental agreement review
- Reservation confirmation with 50% deposit
Be mindful of their cancellation terms: cancellations 60+ days before arrival forfeit 50% of the total price, while cancellations within 59 days forfeit 100%.
Most properties require a 7-night minimum stay, particularly during summer months, though exceptions may be possible during shoulder seasons.
Perfect Match: Who Thrives in Le Collectionist Villas
These distinctive properties particularly appeal to:
- Privacy-focused travelers seeking exclusive retreats
- Multi-generational families requiring spacious, shared accommodations
- Epicureans exploring Provence’s renowned culinary and wine traditions
- Design enthusiasts who appreciate architectural authenticity
- Experience-seekers valuing personalized concierge support
Comparative Landscape: Le Collectionist in Context
The luxury villa market in Provence includes several notable players:
Le Collectionist vs. Onenestay Both offer premium properties with concierge support, but Le Collectionist emphasizes traditional Provençal architecture while Onenestay leverages its connection to Accor hospitality group.
Le Collectionist vs. Abercrombie & Kent Villas A&K brings decades of luxury travel expertise, while Le Collectionist offers a more extensive Provence-specific portfolio with deeper local connections.
Le Collectionist vs. Only Provence Only Provence exclusively focuses on the region, while Le Collectionist combines regional expertise with international service standards and a more sophisticated digital platform.
Essential Questions Answered
What exactly comes with the basic rental price?
The property rental, pre/post-stay cleaning, VAT, and administration fees. Additional services are priced separately.
When should I book for optimal availability?
For prime summer weeks, securing your villa 6-12 months ahead is advisable as premium properties book quickly.
Can shorter stays be arranged?
While 7 nights is standard, off-peak periods may allow more flexibility. Discuss options with your advisor.
How strict is the cancellation policy?
Very strict – cancellations 60+ days before arrival forfeit 50% of the total price; within 60 days, 100% is forfeited.
Do villas include staff?
Most basic rentals don’t include staff, but your concierge can arrange various service personnel including chefs, butlers, and housekeepers.
Are swimming pools heated?
Most pools feature heating, but confirm this detail when booking as amenities vary by property.
For those who value authentic Provençal living elevated by exceptional service, few options compare to the thoughtfully selected luxury villas in Provence that Le Collectionist has assembled in their collection.