It would appear we shall never tire of beautifully timeless and tranquil interiors…especially from French Country homes and gardens. When the rustic and the elegant join together, something quite romantic, welcoming, and charming is born. Indeed, each quality seems to elevate the other in a harmony of contrasts. Soothing French Country Inspiration & Peaceful Quotes includes photos to soothe, decorating ideas to choose, and quotes to move.
Photos: Haven In and The Flying Dutchwoman unless otherwise noted
Soothing French Country Inspiration
A couple of seasons ago, my husband and I toured a 1919 American farmhouse near us which hit the market and piqued our interest since it included both acreage and a friendly price tag.

No this image above from the South of France is not it! Although that lovely farmhouse was beautifully restored for modern living and had even appeared in Architectural Digest, it (obviously) did not become our next home. We remain hard at work renovating the primary bedroom and bath at our ’90s Georgian.

While we were enamored with the home’s limestone exterior, deep window sills, and the rolling landscape, we knew the overwrought interiors would not work for the way we live without extensive changes. We also know our limitations as DIYers so the work would have to be hired.

So here we are making great progress at bringing more timeless style to dated interiors yet still dreaming of old homes. We’re not quite done gazing at the possibilities waiting for us out there. And we remain energized by seeking and peeking at how others create their country house paradise.

So let’s indulge in the fantasy and peek…
Enchanting Provence Home Exterior

ABOVE: Oh those French shutters, climbing vines, and rustic details – Haven In. See also: Convent to Villa: French Country Design in Provence for more interior design inspiration, rustic elegance, and classic French design details.
This historic chateau near Provence France (Villa St-Saturnin) is located in the heart of the Luberon National Park near the medieval village of St-Saturnin-les-Apt. Simple sophistication merges with Old World charm and breathtaking gardens in this South of France paradise retreat for travelers.

ABOVE: Provence Exterior Design Inspiration – The Flying Dutchwoman. Crumbling stone, weathered antique doors, and climbing vines create a romantic sight in the Gulf of St. Tropez village of France.

ABOVE: Provençal home, European farmhouse, French farmhouse, and French country design inspiration from Chateau Mireille – Haven In. This South of France 18th century Provence Villa luxury vacation rental near St-Rémy-de-Provence is lovely indeed!
Rustic Elegance in a Bath
Psst. While we aren’t springing for reclaimed terracotta tiles from France for our own bath’s flooring, we are seriously thinking about covering them with stone in a herringbone pattern.

So don’t immediately dismiss fantasy inspiration when you’re dreaming and scheming.

You can often study a design and tease out elements that are realistic for your budget and lifestyle.


ABOVE: Provençal home, European farmhouse, French farmhouse, and French country design inspiration from Château Mireille – Haven In. South of France 18th century Provence Villa luxury vacation rental near St-Rémy-de-Provence…lovely indeed!
Again, while I may not live in a grand chateau, I can borrow simple ideas that live large. Pea gravel, for example! My plan is to cover the cracked up, buckling cement in a secret garden with pea gravel to soften the look and make it feel more like a European courtyard.
Gustavian & French Style Cottage
When the architecture and finishes are this gorgeous, does it even matter what furnishings are brought into it?

If your own entry is not so blessed, think about how you can use color, texture, and interest to create a peaceful mood that sets the tone at the entrance of your home.

ABOVE: Provence Exterior Design Inspiration, Rustic French Country Doors and also Healing Thoughts – The Flying Dutchwoman. Crumbling stone, weathered antique doors, and climbing vines create a romantic sight indeed in the Gulf of St. Tropez village of France.
Sometimes only time with its weather and magic, can transform materials and landscapes. So the inspiration above may give you ideas about a color story or a painting yet to be painted that awakens beauty in your heart.


ABOVE: Isn’t the facade breathtaking (Haven In)? This historic chateau near Provence France (Villa St-Saturnin) is located in the heart of the Luberon National Park near the medieval village of St-Saturnin-les-Apt.

French Country Shutters and Stone
Would waking up to this sight ever get old?

That’s the beauty of timeless charm – it can feel solidly firm during times of great uncertainty and rapid (often too rapid) changes. As I age, this sort of comfort feels even more comforting and not because I am longing for the past or fearful of the future or scoffing at the present.
IMAGE ABOVE: The Flying Dutchwoman – Crumbling stone, weathered antique doors, and also climbing vines create a romantic sight in the Gulf of St. Tropez village of France.

I think it’s because as I get older, I’m more aware of how everything is fleeting and fading away. The fact that there are these beautiful structures and landscapes imperfectly yet wondrously enduring feels set apart.

Can you relate?

It’s not so much nostalgic as it is a growing gratitude for that which still stands, still retains relevance, and still shelters the living.
Climbing Vines

While I can’t seem to live with red indoors, oh the beauty of a red door!


With the grey skies and bare trees outside my window this moment, glimpses of sunny stone and lush foliage uplift my spirits.
A Home That Only Looks Ancient
Thank goodness there are those among us who transform the dreams in their hearts into reality.

Chateau Domingue – also SEE THE FULL HOME TOUR RIGHT HERE. French country decorating inspiration, lovely Provence photos to inspire, French garden beauty, and also, interior design images to soothe and enlighten.

And thank goodness for creatives in our midst who understand the beauty in simplicity. Who show us by their work and example how to bring together texture and quality-made ingredients for livable luxury that won’t need updates in a few years.

A tranquil and timeless dining room by The French Nest. French country decorating inspiration, lovely Provence photos to inspire, French garden beauty, and also, interior design images to soothe and enlighten too.
If you have ever renovated or built a home, then you know how many decisions are entailed. The easy thing is to reach for what is trending or easily available in the marketplace. It is far different to courageously follow your heart.

But it shows when you do!
Design: Shannon Bowers via Milieu magazine. French country decorating inspiration, lovely Provence photos to inspire, French garden beauty, and also, interior design images to soothe and enlighten.
Blooming With Color

Provence Exterior Design Inspiration. Rustic French Country Doors and also Healing Thoughts. Photo: The Flying Dutchwoman – Crumbling stone, weathered antique doors, and also climbing vines create a romantic sight in the Gulf of St. Tropez village of France.


Charming French country bathroom in a luxurious vacation rental from Haven In.
Resources to Get the Look
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1 Basket|2 Chandelier|3 Stool| 4 Mirror|5 Bench|6 Chair|7 Table|8 Vase/Jug


In case you admire exquisite French garden inspiration too! Château Mireille is a property available to rent from Haven In.

Whimsical Walls in a French Dining Room

South of France 18th century Provence Villa luxury vacation rental near St-Rémy-de-Provence…lovely indeed!


French country decorating inspiration, lovely Provence photos to inspire, French garden beauty, and also, interior design images to soothe.


In case you admire French country bedroom inspiration – Château Mireille.

South of France Countryside

What a garden view! This historic chateau near Provence France (Villa St-Saturnin) is located in the heart of the Luberon National Park near the medieval village of St-Saturnin-les-Apt. Simple sophistication merges with Old World charm and breathtaking gardens in this South of France paradise retreat for travelers.

Atlanta (Southeastern Showhouse!) not France, yet just as inspiring. See this kitchen by Matthew Quinn and Lauren DeLoach. French country decorating inspiration, lovely Provence photos to inspire, French garden beauty, and also, interior design images to soothe.


South of France 18th century Provence Villa luxury vacation rental near St-Rémy-de-Provence…lovely indeed!
French Inspired Kitchen With Stone


St. Tropez Exterior Design Inspiration, Rustic French Country Doors and also Healing Thoughts.



An 18th century Provence chateau’s curvy iron staircase…lovely indeed!

I hope these blissful images capturing beautiful architecture, craftsmanship, history, and gardening splendor inspire a sense of peace and wonder. Another source for soothing ideas?

If you have time to consider and pin timeless bedroom inspiration, see THIS and living rooms HERE!.
Lovely Things.
For more French Country and French farmhouse style goodness, visit this story and this one.
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!
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I have a physical reaction when I see these beautiful homes, my pulse quickens and I forget to breathe. Those crittall doors leading to that glorious view almost gave me a nervy turn! Beauty is just so entrenched in the French lifestyle I think. Thanks for the inspiration to create our own beauty.
Author
Me too! We’re French country design freaks for sure. Thanks for reading! 🙂
Old stones make such a difference. Our house was a business in its previous life, complete with a parking lot and not much charm (but it had mature trees! You can renovate a house and change a garden but it takes decades to get mature trees). A pool replaced the parking lot, and to make it look like and old French farmhouse we bought a huge pile of stones from someone tearing down a derelict stone grange. The stones have gone into a pergola and walls around the pool. Locals who knew our place as a business are shocked to see the change. We didn’t spend a lot–the stones were worth their weight in charm.
Author
My husband and I are obsessed with limestone at the moment. His dream is to learn stone masonry. We were hoping that the interiors within the limestone home we saw yesterday would charm us enough to pull the trigger…Your home sounds like a wonderful transformation from public to private – I would love to feature it on this blog…and don’t you think I should photograph it myself!?! xox
Michele I think you should photograph it and I should tag along to carry your gear. I am fascinated with the history of Carcassonne and would love to see it in person.
Author
It would be a privilege, yes? Let’s go stay in one of her apartments, Elizabeth! We can call it a blog conference with Taste of France! 🙂 p.s. I am serious!
Fine by me!
I love reading about your home. How beautiful it must be with the ancient stones.
It sounds lovely! I would love to see pictures!
I love me some old stone, linen, pea gravel and sunshine. Dreamy eye candy for this Monday morning! Thanks Michelle for the quotes too!
Author
Thanks for reading and the kindness as a kindred spirit! xox
All the images are so lovely. Thank you for this beautiful, inspirational post, Michele.
Author
Thanks for taking the time for these kind words, friend. It’s great to have you here. 🙂
Oooh the outdoors scenes make me so happy….well, of course so do the interiors 🙂 But now that we have spring in our area, we can enjoy our outdoor patio with its French bistro set and soon-to-be-filled pots with pretty annual plants. (Our own little faux French life here in the U.S.)
Glorious views, wonderful words!
Author
Yay for French inspired living wherever we happened to be planted. So happy to hear you are enjoying the weather and these posts, friend. xox
This sets the tone for a beautiful week Michele! Thank you. The outdoor spaces and gardens with their stonework and gravel paths are such a breath of fresh air. Love the CS Lewis quote too?
Author
Thank you for reading with such a kind heart, friend. If you like this one, you are going to really enjoy the next one that goes a little deeper! xox
I needed this today…thanks. I feel better now.
Author
So thankful to you for reading. Hope tomorrow is a lovely one. 🙂
I too feel so much more Relaxed/Inspired, after reading you’re piece!
I’m trying to give my New Home (Welsh Cottage) that relaxed French feel.
Thank you LE.
Author
So glad it brought peace. I never tire of studying these interiors for design cues, and it is so fun to share inspiration. Would love to hear more about how you are achieving this look! 🙂
Thanks I enjoy the inspirational phrases and French decor.
Author
So happy you are here. Thanks for reading. 🙂
I so enjoyed the quotes along the way . . . my first journey on your blog. My husband and I honeymooned near Luberon. It changed the way I thought about a great many things.
Keep up how you are gazing – it’s inspirational.
Author
Welcome! So happy to have you here, and I appreciate the kind words. Hope you’ll be inspired to dig in the archives for more French inspiration. 🙂
I pray for you often my friend. Thank you for sharing these glorious images with us. They say so much about you ❤️
Author
I appreciate it so much, Holly. xox
Everytime I see these lovely homes in the South of France from the 18th century, for example the Provence Villa luxury vacation rental near St-Rémy-de-Provence, I wonder about the wallpaper and if it’s available nowadays. Please share info is possible. Including the name of the wallpapers in Château Mireille.
Thank you!
Susan
Author
A great topic to build upon – thank you for your lovely inquiry – I’ll see what I can learn.