The village of Salernes is renowned for its terracotta hexagonal-shaped tiles, but Alain Vagh brings them into the realm of high art with his wacky creations that range from a life-size ceramic Harley Davidson to more easily transportable earthenware and bold colored jewelry.

Mézard is the high priestess of lovely embroidered linens and gauzy curtains, in a palette of soft greys, whites and creamy beiges, linen dresses, fragrant candles and hand-stitched with quotes from Provencal writers. It's a boutique not to be missed if you are staying at any of the hotels in the area, including La Bastide de Marie.

When you're in Moustiers (for example, if you're a guest at La Bastide de Moustiers), head to this atelier to find the best selection of the village's faïence. This famed style of ceramics is white with delicate arabesques of birds and flowers and is made from the fine local clay. There are lots of faïence boutiques in this region. This one is the real deal.

Don't leave St. Rémy de Provence without a stop at the garden boutique Jeanne Bayol, owned by a well-known interior designer. It is a regular haunt for the hip Parisian fashion crowd. Expect a fanciful collection of one-off relaxed chic threads and unusual housewares in a rainbow of eye-popping colors. Check out the flamboyant Gypsy-inspired accessories.

This historic 13th-century olive mill is still family run and features a tiny boutique of soaps, olive-paste tapenade and the mill's own delicious golden nectar. They make great, small gifts to bring back from your travels.