Europe’s Forgotten Corners: The PROVENCE No One Shows You
We are Outside the Map, and we were thinking
that sometimes the most astonishing places hide just behind the most famous scenes. Provence,
for example, is world-renowned for its purple lavender fields and its cities full of art,
but that is only the surface. Behind the postcard images lies another Provence: discreet,
peaceful, almost secret. A region that doesn’t shout to be discovered, but whispers, waiting
for someone to dare stray from the main road. On this journey, we hop in the car to follow
less-traveled routes and get lost on purpose. Our compass doesn’t point to the usual spots,
but to tiny villages where time has stood still, hidden gorges that seem made up, and silent
monasteries where forgotten history still beats. Each stop is like lifting a stone from the
path and discovering what lies beneath: unexpected landscapes, strange architecture, and
corners with the power to make you feel like an explorer, even if you’ve never left France.
Today we take you to villages that seem suspended in time, to hidden landscapes, and
to monuments where almost no visitors arrive. Keep your eyes wide open, because this
is the Provence that very few have seen. Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
Our journey begins in a corner where nature seems to guard an unfathomable
secret: Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. At first glance, it is a small village surrounded by
mountains, with the constant murmur of water as its soundtrack. But what makes it
truly special is its spring, the source of the Sorgue River. From the depths of an underground
cave, an immense flow of water bursts forth, hypnotic in its blue hue and crystal clarity.
In the summer months, it often fills with hikers and families, but visiting in the off-season
reveals something different: silence, mystery, an almost supernatural atmosphere. Facing
the dark mouth of the cave, one can’t help but wonder how much of what happens beneath
the surface remains inaccessible, invisible. It is no coincidence that this place is
surrounded by medieval legends. For centuries, people believed the spring was inhabited by
spirits and hidden beings. Tales spoke of water nymphs and demons guarding the entrance.
Later, the poet Francesco Petrarca spent part of his life here, finding in this landscape
endless inspiration for his work and, it is said, for his platonic love for Laura.
Starting the journey here is like opening a book of myths: a vibrant first page, where nature
presents itself not only as a landscape but as a living story that invites you to listen carefully.
Village des Bories We leave behind the murmur of the water and head
into the heart of Provence, toward a completely different landscape. Just a few kilometers
from Gordes, something unexpected appears: the Village des Bories. A collection
of dry-stone huts, lined along the hillside, as if plucked from another time.
These structures, built without any mortar, date back to prehistoric times and were used for
centuries as shelters for shepherds and farmers. Walking among them gives the impression of
entering an abandoned village, suspended on the border between reality and fantasy.
Many visitors compare them to hobbit houses, and it’s not hard to imagine a secret
village, hidden in a corner of the forest. The conical shape of the roofs, the simplicity
of the walls, and the absolute silence create an almost archaeological atmosphere, as if we
were discovering a forgotten civilization. The Village des Bories doesn’t just tell a
story about how ancient inhabitants lived; it also sparks the imagination: what would it
be like to inhabit one of these stone shelters, without electricity or modern comforts,
relying only on the land and livestock? It is in this contrast between the rustic
and the dreamlike that its true charm lies. Oppède-le-Vieux
The road now leads us to a village that seems to fade into the
mountains: Oppède-le-Vieux. At first glance, it is not the typical Provençal scene full of
flowers and terraces, but a place where history is displayed in ruins, draped in ivy and silence.
Upon arrival, the car must stay at the outskirts; the heart of the village can only be
explored on foot. It is a slow ascent, passing through narrow alleys that resemble stone
labyrinths. Here and there, broken arches appear, half-collapsed walls, windows that no longer frame
any home. The feeling is that of walking through an abandoned set, although every detail reveals
centuries of life that once filled these walls. At the top, the remains of the Saint-Sauveur
Church are preserved. Its partially ruined structure, with walls open to the sky, resembles
a cinematic scene. Here, the contrast becomes evident: the decay of worn stones coexists with
the beauty of vegetation pushing through them, as if nature and history have decided
to live together without interfering. The atmosphere of Oppède-le-Vieux is not one
of sadness, but of contemplation. Every corner invites you to imagine what life was like
in a place that now seems frozen in time. It is no surprise that many define
it as a ghost village, although here, the ghosts don’t scare: they accompany you.
After exploring Oppède-le-Vieux and getting lost among its medieval alleys, you begin to understand
that Provence holds secrets that don’t appear on any tourist map. And this is exactly where we
want to invite you to join us beyond this journey. Our channel exists to show you those corners
that almost no one visits, places seemingly forgotten by time but full of history, beauty,
and mystery. From villages perched on mountains to hidden gorges and silent monasteries,
our compass always points to the unexpected. If you want to keep traveling with us to
secret and forgotten places across Europe, subscribe now and hit the notification bell. That
way, you won’t miss any of these treasures we are uncovering off the map just for you.
Les Ocres de Mormoiron After leaving the ruins of Oppède, the
road takes us to a radically different, almost extraterrestrial landscape: the ochre
quarries of Mormoiron. While most tourists head to Roussillon, this corner remains much
quieter, preserving its own unique charm. The landscape opens up in intense shades:
oranges, yellows, and reds that seem to ignite in the sunlight. These are ancient quarries where
ochre was extracted for centuries, leaving behind a small canyon crisscrossed with trails. Walking
here feels like entering a mineral world, where the rocky walls rise like sculptures of fire.
The sensation is that of traversing a secret desert in the heart of Provence, a place where
the colors vibrate as intensely as the silence surrounding them. Unlike Roussillon, here you
can stroll without crowds, pause to observe the details of the formations, and listen to
the wind as it whispers through the rocks. It is a landscape that surprises because it breaks
with everything you might expect from the region: no lavender fields, no vineyards, no
medieval ruins. Just earth and minerals, in a palette seemingly painted to awaken the
imagination. A truly surreal outdoor setting. Brantes
The road begins to wind along the slopes of Mont Ventoux, and after several tight
curves, Brantes appears. A tiny village seemingly hanging from the mountain, with just a handful
of stone houses overlooking the void. There are no large squares or monuments featured in
tourist brochures here; what you find is silence, calm, and a rare authenticity in these times.
Walking along its steep streets feels almost like wandering through an open-air museum. The façades
retain the same gray stone used centuries ago, the wooden doors show the mark of time, and
every window frames views of the imposing Ventoux. The contrast is striking: the
minimal life of Brantes against the magnitude of the mountain that shelters it.
The village holds small everyday treasures: ceramic and textile workshops, carefully
tended community gardens, a hidden café where the rhythm of the locals is felt more than
that of visitors. It is a place where modernity seems to have deliberately paused, allowing
travelers to experience something intimate: the feeling of discovering a hidden gem.
Brantes needs neither crowds nor tourist displays. Its charm lies in the small things,
in what is found at a slow pace on foot, in the echo of your own steps on the cobblestones.
Here, Provence is reduced to its essentials: mountain, stone, and silence.
Montagne de Lure After winding through serpentine roads and tiny
villages, the route takes us to Montagne de Lure, often called the “little brother” of Ventoux.
Unlike its more famous neighbor, there are no crowds of cyclists or tourists chasing the perfect
photo here—just tranquil mountains, solitary trails, and a landscape that seems frozen in time.
The air is clean and fresh, and every curve of the road reveals untouched panoramas of
hills, forests, and meadows stretching into the distance. Tiny villages peek through
the morning mist, as if forgotten by modernity. Some shelter ancient monasteries, hidden behind
stone walls where the years have left their mark but have not diminished the serenity they radiate.
Walking these trails invites you to take a deep breath and feel each step connecting directly
with nature. The mountain offers a sense of chosen isolation, a place where time is
measured by the sunlight, the birdsong, and the crunch of grass underfoot.
Montagne de Lure is the kind of place that allows you to close a contemplative
journey: a space to absorb the purest Provence, to understand that the region’s beauty is
not only in its icons but in its quietest, most authentic corners. Here, the traveler does
not merely observe nature; they become part of it. Montbrun-les-Bains
Following our route through Provence, we arrive at Montbrun-les-Bains, a small medieval
village that seems to have stopped in time. Nestled at the foot of the Vaucluse mountains,
this place combines history, architecture, and an air of tranquility that makes it unique. From the
road, its watchtower stands out, a silent witness to centuries of life and defense in these lands.
Upon entering the village, the first thing that catches the eye is the narrow alleys, flanked
by perfectly preserved stone houses. Every door, every window seems to tell a
story: centuries of daily life, neighbors walking the same passageways,
histories etched into the stones. There are no large tourist-filled squares or souvenir
shops to disrupt the harmony; here, one breathes in the slow rhythm of authentic Provençal time.
Montbrun-les-Bains is known for its thermal waters, which for centuries attracted those
seeking relief and well-being. But beyond the treatments, the village itself is a refuge for
those looking for a more intimate experience: sitting on a bench, listening to the wind rustle
through the stone rooftops, watching the sunlight filter through the centuries-old façades.
Walking through its streets feels like stepping into an old painting, where every
corner invites you to pause and admire the details that go unnoticed in more crowded places.
The sensation is that of discovering a secret: a corner where Provence reveals itself in its
most authentic and relaxed version, perfect for closing the day after exploring gorges, mountains,
and hidden villages. Montbrun-les-Bains offers not only historical beauty but also a moment
of calm and deep connection with the region. To conclude our journey, we arrive at the
Abbaye de Silvacane. At first glance, it may seem sober and unassuming, but its historical and
spiritual value is immense. This Cistercian abbey, surrounded by gardens and open fields, offers
a profound silence that contrasts with the more visited sites of Provence, like Sénanque,
where crowds can dilute the experience. Upon entering, the first thing that strikes you is
the austerity of its architecture: clean arches, uniform walls, a clarity that conveys order and
calm. Every room and corridor seems to tell the story of monks who, for centuries, led lives
devoted to meditation, work, and contemplation. Walking among the cloisters, feeling
the light filtering through the windows, and hearing only your own footsteps creates
a sense of peace that completely envelops you. It is a poetic ending to our journey: after
exploring forgotten villages, silent mountains, and secret gorges, here one can pause for
a moment and absorb everything experienced. Silvacane is not just a place to admire; it is
a space to feel, reflect, and close the journey on a contemplative note. Provence, in its most
hidden version, leaves us here with its history, its beauty, and its intact calm, ready
for anyone who decides to rediscover it. Our journey through Provence took us
from mysterious springs to stone huts that seem from another world, passing through
villages suspended in time, secret gorges, and tranquil mountains. We ended among the silent
walls of the Abbaye de Silvacane, where history, nature, and calm come together in perfect harmony.
What this journey reminds us is that Provence is much more than lavender fields and famous cities.
Its secrets are hidden in the stillness of its villages, in the strength of its untouched
landscapes, and in the serenity of monuments that have withstood the passage of centuries.
Exploring these corners allows us to connect with a version of Europe that few know and to
experience a journey measured not in photos, but in sensations and memories.
Our journey is just beginning. The map of Europe is full of secret corners,
and we’re going to explore them together.
Discover a different side of Provence — far from the postcard images of lavender fields and crowded cities. In this journey, we explore Europe’s Forgotten Corners: the Provence no one shows you. From mysterious springs and stone huts that feel otherworldly, to timeless villages, hidden gorges, and peaceful mountains, every stop reveals a more authentic and quiet face of southern France.
We end our route in the silent walls of the Abbaye de Silvacane, where history, nature, and serenity blend in perfect harmony. This is not the Provence of clichés — it’s the Provence of secrets, sensations, and memories.
Join us as we uncover places that escape the crowds and remind us why traveling is about connection, not just photographs.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:31 Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
02:56 Village des Bories
04:16 Oppède-le-Vieux
06:26 Les Ocres de Mormoiron
07:41 Brantes
09:06 Montagne de Lure
10:26 Montbrun-les-Bains
12:11 Abbaye de Silvacane
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Europe’s Forgotten Corners: The PROVENCE No One Shows You
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