Discover 30+ Provencal Villages on Filmed Guided Walks
My Provence Challenge is Now Complete! 🏆
It all started nearly a year ago with a simple idea: to film over 30 Provençal villages and share my guided walks on YouTube.
But this challenge wasn’t just for me.
I wanted to create something that would help others discover the charm of Provence – whether they were planning a trip, looking for information on where to stay, or simply enjoying a bit of ‘armchair travel’ from their homes abroad.
Now, after months of filming, editing, and publishing, my Provence Challenge is officially complete.
The Beginning of the Challenge
Back in September 2023, I set off with my camera, not only with the goal of capturing the essence of Provence but with the hope of providing a resource for anyone dreaming of visiting this stunning region.
I’ve always had a deep love for Provence, with its rolling lavender fields, quaint villages, and sun-soaked landscapes, and I wanted to share that with people who, like me, want to experience it fully.
But it wasn’t just about scenic shots.
I wanted to immerse myself in each village, exploring the narrow streets, charming squares, and historical landmarks, all while thinking of the people who might be watching from far away or planning their perfect Provençal getaway.
Filming in Provence: An Immersive Experience
From the 25th of September to the 31st of October 2023, I embarked on what can only be described as an intense but rewarding adventure.
Provence has a way of surprising you at every corner.
Each village has its own personality, and filming them allowed me to experience this diversity firsthand.
Every step of the way, I kept my viewers in mind – those who might be thinking about their next holiday or even those who may never set foot in Provence but still wish to experience its beauty from afar.
Whether it was the awe of watching the sun rise over Gordes or walking through the sleepy streets of Lacoste, I wanted to capture it all, not just for myself but for those following along on YouTube.
Publishing the Videos: The Journey Continues
After returning home to the South Coast of England, the real work began.
From editing hours of footage to crafting the perfect guided narrative, each video took time to come together.
But on the 20th of January 2024, the first video was finally ready – a walkthrough of Bonnieux, our base in the Luberon.
I hoped it would provide a glimpse of what future travellers could expect and serve as inspiration for anyone planning a trip to Provence.
As I continued to publish the videos, I was excited to know they might be helping people discover new places to visit, whether they were planning their next holiday or simply dreaming of a future adventure.
Each village had its own story to tell – from the medieval charm of Viens to the hilltop majesty of Gordes.
And I loved that my viewers could come along on the journey, no matter where they were in the world.
Simiane-la-Rotonde: The Final Chapter
On the 16th of August 2024, I uploaded the final video of the series featuring Simiane-la-Rotonde.
It was a bittersweet moment, knowing that this journey was coming to an end.
Simiane-la-Rotonde, with its medieval streets and breathtaking views, was the perfect place to wrap up the challenge.
Finishing this project brought a mix of emotions – satisfaction, nostalgia, and a bit of relief.
But most of all, I felt happy knowing that these videos could continue to serve as a resource for anyone exploring Provence, whether in person or from the comfort of their own home.
What’s Next?
Now that the Provence Challenge is complete, I find myself reflecting on what this project has meant to me.
While it has been an incredible personal journey, the real joy came from knowing that I was creating something useful for others – a guide to Provence for future travellers and an escape for those dreaming of it from afar.
So, what’s next?
Well, I’m already thinking about new places to explore and new challenges to take on.
I still have more villages in the region of Annecy I want to publish.
I filmed my visits last Spring, and it would be a great addition to the channel in the middle of winter when we’re all looking forward to le printemps.
In the meantime, if you haven’t yet watched the Provence series, you can find all the videos on my YouTube channel.
Whether you’re planning your own trip or just dreaming from your sofa, I hope these videos will bring a bit of Provence to you.
And I’d love to hear your thoughts – which village was your favourite?
And what’s your dream destination to visit in Provence?