Staying in a villa is one of the most enchanting ways to experience Provence. Whether you’re enjoying the sun-drenched terraces of the Luberon, sipping rosé by the pool, or waking to the sound of cicadas in a restored farmhouse, a villa holiday is a dream come true. But with great beauty comes great responsibility: how do you ensure you’re the kind of guest your host would welcome back in a heartbeat?
This guide covers villa etiquette, practical dos and don’ts, and those unwritten social rules that make all the difference — especially in France. From arrival to departure, here’s how to be a brilliant guest in Provence.
1. Respect the Rhythm of the Region
Provence isn’t Paris. Life here moves slower — and that’s a good thing. Embrace the pace. Don’t complain that shops close for lunch (they do). Don’t honk in tiny villages. Smile, say bonjour, and savour the calm. Locals will respond warmly if you match their vibe.
Bonus tip: Learn a few phrases in French. A simple “Merci, c’était magnifique!” when leaving can go a long way.
2. Mind the Villa Rules (Yes, Even the Weird Ones)
French villas can be quirky — and so can their house rules. There might be specific instructions about where to park, how to manage the shutters, or why you mustn’t flush that loo. This isn’t about being fussy; it’s often about keeping a centuries-old property in good shape.
Good guest behaviour:
- Read the welcome booklet carefully.
- Ask questions if something isn’t clear.
- Respect quiet hours, especially in rural areas.
3. Treat the House Like It’s Your Own — But Cleaner
This one’s universal: clean up after yourself. No, you don’t have to scrub the tile grout, but don’t leave the place looking like a rosé-fueled tornado hit it. Tidy the kitchen, empty the bins, strip the beds if asked, and recycle properly (more on that below).
Pro tip: Treat it like a friend’s home, not a hotel.
4. Keep Outdoor Noise in Check
Pool parties? Lovely. All-night techno rave in a sleepy hamlet? Not so much. Sound travels in the countryside. Be considerate of neighbours (and wildlife). If you’re playing music outside, keep it at a low volume — and switch it off when the cicadas take over.
5. Careful with Critters and Climate
Doors and windows without screens = bugs. Don’t invite a Provençal insect party into your villa by leaving the terrace doors open at night. Similarly, don’t blast the air con and then leave windows wide open. It’s bad for the environment and the energy bill.
6. Learn the Art of Recycling in Provence
Provence is big on sustainability — and as a guest, you’re expected to do your bit. Here’s how:
- Yellow bins: All packaging — plastic, paper, cartons, tins. Rinse and flatten.
- Green bins: General waste only (non-recyclables).
- Glass bins: Usually separate, found in communal areas or at the village recycling point.
- Compost: Some villas have a compost pile. Ask your host.
If you don’t have time to drop it off at the local village recycling depot, please leave your recycling properly sorted and clean — it’s appreciated more than you know.
7. Don’t Raid the Owner’s Olive Oil Stash
If the kitchen comes with some basics (salt, pepper, olive oil, herbs), use them modestly. Don’t assume it’s a free-for-all. Replenishing what you use is always a thoughtful touch — or leave behind something lovely for the next guest.
8. Don’t Ghost Your Host
Arriving late? Running into trouble with the gate code? Just message or call. Villa owners and local property managers are happy to accommodate changes, but no one likes being left in the dark. Likewise, check in with them before your checkout time. Say thanks. Let them know about any minor damage — honesty is appreciated far more than surprise repairs.
9. Leave a Review: Eats, Shoots, Leaves a Review
Seriously, it helps. That charming little olive mill-turned-villa you adored? The one with lavender-scented sheets and a fig tree in the garden? It thrives on good reviews. Hosts who go the extra mile deserve to hear about it — and future guests rely on your honest experience.
Plus, you might just become a favourite guest. Guess who gets offered first dibs for next summer? Voilà, c’est toi.
10. Bring a Bit of Provence Home — But Not the Towels
Take photos, buy artisanal soap, stock up on rosé. But leave the villa’s cushions, cutlery, and decor where they belong. You’d be surprised what goes missing after peak season — and nothing ruins a host’s week faster than a disappearing table lamp.
Final Thoughts
Being a good guest isn’t just about etiquette — it’s about entering into the rhythm of life in Provence. It’s about slowing down, noticing the scent of thyme in the air, the bells in the distance, and the sheer joy of eating outside under plane trees. Treat your villa as a home, not a hotel. Respect the land and the locals. Say “bonjour” and “merci.” And when you leave? Leave it better than you found it.
Bonnes vacances!