This summer, Frances packed her namesake dress - the one we designed in collaboration together - into a straw bag and escaped to Western Provence. There’s something about this part of France that draws her back year after year: the way the sun hits the limestone buildings, the scent of lavender in the air, the long lunches that stretch into late afternoon swims.
This summer, Frances packed her namesake dress - the one we designed in collaboration The Frances dress is right at home here: light enough for the midday heat, refined enough for evenings out and always just the right amount of effortless.
Here are Frances’ favourite spots:
Where to stay
The best way to experience Provence, is to move around.
– Le Cloître, Arles: charming, creative, and right in the heart of Arles.
– Tuba, Marseille: part hotel, part clubhouse — ideal for sunset swims and seafood dinners.
– Airelles, Gordes: for when you want to feel like you’ve stepped into a painting.
– Capelongue, Bonnieux: rustic luxury and sweeping valley views.
– Crillon le Brave, Vaucluse: a peaceful hideaway in a hilltop village.
Where to swim
Swimming in Provence is a ritual — always cold, always worth it.
– Calanque de Port-Pin: turquoise water, pine trees, and a bit of a scramble to get there (bring good shoes).
– Baie des Singes: tucked away at the edge of Marseille — feels like a secret.
– Pont du Gard: floating beneath Roman aqueducts never gets old.
Favourite lunch spots
Lunch is not just a meal here — it’s a sacred pause.
– Tuba Club: seafood with your toes in the sea, followed by a nap on a rock nearby.
– La Table d’Estoublon: a dreamy château lunch, paired with their own rosé.
– Le Bistro du Paradou: set menu, always excellent. Do not skip the cheese.
– Chez La Belge, Arles: simple, quick, and perfect with a strong coffee.
– Any food market: grab some bread, cheese, fruit — the simplest meals are often the best.
What to explore
Provence invites slow wandering — here are Frances’ favourite spots:
– Atelier Vime: their shop is beautifully curated, and if you’re lucky, you might glimpse their interiors too.
– Carrières des Lumières: a sensory overload in the best way, then a hike to Les Baux-de-Provence for panoramic views.
– Abbey Notre-Dame de Sénanque: visit in June or July for lavender in full bloom.
– Gordes & Roussillon: yes, they’re popular — for good reason.
– L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue: antiques and atmosphere, especially on Sundays.
– Any brocante: stop when you see one — there’s always treasure.
– Château La Coste: art and architecture scattered among vineyards.
– Les Rencontres d’Arles: an incredible photography festival that brings the town to life.
– Fondation Vincent Van Gogh: small but powerful — a must in Arles.
There’s a rhythm to Provence that slows you down in all the right ways. Mornings are for exploring, afternoons for swimming and eating, evenings for wandering cobbled streets. And all the while, our dress came with her — from shady café terraces to calanques at sunset — a reminder of thoughtful design and memories in the making.
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