© Seeprovence.com
© Seeprovence.com
© seeprovence.com
© seeprovence.com
© seeprovence.com
Traditional authentic Provençal market town
Brignoles lies at the heart of the Côtes de Provence wine region.
It's a busy town in a very central location and close to the motorway, so it's a good base if you're looking to explore a wide area of Provence (Aix in 30 minutes, the beach in 30 minutes, Nice in one hour).
Market day is on Wednesday and there is a fragrant flower market on Saturdays.
Read our Provence markets page to find out which market to visit when in Provence. From the vibrant array of local produce to the delightful scent of freshly baked delicacies, visiting a Provencal market is an absolute must for anyone exploring the charms of Provence.
Head to the Avenue de la Rabasse in Richerenches for the famous Saturday truffle markets, which take place from November to March every year.
Uchaux is the venue for this series of summer concerts that celebrates the music of Liszt. Set in the fabulous grounds of Chateau Saint Esteve, the venue could not be more magical or romantic.
An annual agricultural fair, the Foire de la Saint Siffrein is named after the saint who resided in Carpentras during the 7th century. Plenty of local produce is available in the market and the wine fair is one of the largest in the area (and not restricted to wines from Provence).
It has some Roman history thanks to the nearby Roman road, the Via Aurelia (a Roman tomb can be seen in the town's museum), but Brignoles came into its own during medieval times when the Counts of Provence used to stay here for the summer. Noble families settled here and the 10th century castle was converted into a palace (Palais des Comtes de Provences).
Brignoles made money initially from agriculture and then in the 19th century from its tanneries.
Afterwards, bauxite mining proved to be a valuable source of income and today, it's the wine industry which sustains the area.
A marble quarry to the south west of Brignoles, which has been mined since Roman times, is still in use.
The medieval centre is guarded by towers and gates. The church, Saint Sauveur, was built upon an existing 11th century church (which subsequently became the chapel) and is built in a Romanesque style. Many of the 16th and 17th century buildings have been renovated - look out for Roman façades and decorative alcoves. You'll also find a Knights Templar house dating back to the 12th century, a 'Jewish quarter' and plenty of mansion houses with fascinating histories.
The highlight of the town is the Palais des Comtes de Provences. The building dates back to the 12th century and now houses the Musée du Pays Brignolais. The exhibits include all sorts of items from Brignoles history and an ancient Christian sarcophagus, as well as paintings, etchings and drawings.
The Abbaye de la Celle is a 13th century Benedictine convent and lies 2km south west of Brignoles. The attached priory is now a hotel, but you can still visit the cloisters, chapter house and the refectory.
Located on the outskirts of Aix, not far from the Atelier Cezanne is the Terrain des Peintres.
This is Aix's fine art gallery, housed in the 17th century Palais de Malte. The collections includes works by a variety of European painters, including two by Rubens and a small selection of Paul Cezanne.
Aurélien Raynaud displays his unique gift in capturing the wonderful wildlife kingdom in a range of artforms.
Hungarian artist Victor Vasarely established this foundation in 1966 with the aim of promoting 'art for all' where art blends beautifully with architecture in the 'city of tomorrow'.
At the beginning of World War II, France interned all Austrian and German nationals who were living in France at the time, and Les Milles was the prison for the south eastern region.
Located not far from Aix centre, this museum and shop explains a little about the history of how this unusual sweet is made.
This elegant restaurant is a must-visit for any lovers of modern cuisine and cooking methods. They embrace local produce and evolve their dishes according to the seasons.
Open daily, the Clos du Comptoir offers a sophisticated atmosphere for lunch and dinner in the same setting.
Located inside the luxury Chateau de la Gaude, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves the elaborate cuisine of chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal.
A quiet atmosphere, beautiful grounds and wonderful flavours can be found at Villa Gallici Restaurant. Part of the 5 star Villa Gallici hotel you can indulge in lunch or dinner at this top quality restaurant.
Quality over quantity with their small, yet impressive selection of hot soups, fresh salads and delicious tarts.
Enjoy imaginative yet authentic French cuisine at Pierre Reboul's funky restaurant in Aix. The menu is redesigned every six weeks together with matching wine.
The Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
The Mistral is Aix-en-Provence's answer to those looking for a trendy night out listening to the latest DJ's.
This small bar has a nice seating area outside next to one of Aix's many fountains and it catches the sun late into the evening.
The river Le Caramy flows through Brignoles and offers a welcome piece of green in the town centre. During the summer, the area is popular with swimmers and there are picnic tables by the Notre Dame bridge.
It acts as the market centre for the area and so it can get pretty busy, although most of the traffic is kept away from the old town with a new ring road. The town centre has it's share of medieval architecture and grand mansions, and the main square (Place Caramy) hosts the town hall and a number of cafés that are perfect for watching the world go by. There are many fountains dotted throughout the centre, but many do not run due to the need to conserve water.
An old train line runs a 1950's railcar through Brignoles - it starts in Carnoules to the south west and goes in a circular route via Platanes and Sainte Anastasie. It runs in the summer months only and you can find out more at the tourist office.
Brignoles is surrounded by walking trails through forests - one that is well signposted is from Brignoles to Camps la Source vis the Chapel of St Sebastian - a loop of 11.5km.
Horse riding is popular in this area, and there is a karting track to the west of Brignoles.
The Club, established in 1932 has a long and interesting history. Situated on the banks of the river l'Arc over 30 acres, 5 minutes away from the city centre the Club Hippique Aix Marseille offers a full range of facilities.
Provence Wine Tours offer a variety of wine tours from private visits, to group tours and even corporate events.
This leisure centre has two indoor pools, a 50 metre outdoor heated swimming pool, with terraces and beaches, and water sports.There is also a weights room and dance studio.
Set CLub is a sports complex which has 13 tennis courts, eight of which are clay courts and five are the faster green set. Lessons and competitions are all part of the club. Non-members are welcome.
Open to all, this small golf club offers a clubhouse, restaurant, driving range, putting green and 6 holes. It is home to an academy that offers lessons at all levels.
Just an hour long ride through the city of Aix, learning about its history and a good introduction to this beautiful area.
This half-day circuit takes you away from the bustle of the city and into the countryside, passing some historical landmarks along the way.
Following the Calavon river, this 28km long path was previously a railway track and is a great way to explore the hilltop villages around the area.
This ride is bursting with colour and vibrant views; starting off in the pretty little village of Roussillon it passes through the vivid landscape of the Ochre region, an area characterised by its deep red soil and golden wheat fields.
This delightful ride takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the area; vast Sault highlands, fields of lavender and golden crops. Along the way you can admire the magnificent views of Mont Ventoux and Montagne de Lure Mountain. You’ll pass through four charming old villages; each one crammed with ancient churches, crooked alleyways, splashing fountains and quaint little squares.
Second only to the Gorges du Verdon, the Gorge de la Nesque is one of the most visited and cycled parts of Provence. A stunning hydro geological site with fantastic cliffs, overhanging rock and a long winding river deep in the valley.
This ride takes us along the banks of the river Sorgue, crossing picturesque bridges and cycling past tranquil orchards. You’ll visit a number of fascinating little villages and take in some wonderful scenery along the way.
An interesting site not to be missed whilst in Provence. The wonderful views of the Villecroze caves and impressive scenery will take your breath away.
Regarded as one of the more difficult trails of the Verdon region, the l'Imbut trail is perfectly manageable for the competent hiker with the use of the fixed cables and ladders.
Regarded as a 'classic' walk and from the summit cross you are rewarded with 360 degree views of the Luberon, Mount Ventoux, the Alps and Cap Canaille.
A 5-7 day walk leaving near the coast and making its way up the Verdon Gorge through the heart of the Verdon natural park.
An great easy walk for the days after rain fall to avoid the mud. Passing by the Chapel Toutes Aures, nestled in an olive grove.
Cable park on Lake Rabinon (5 hectares) where you can water ski, knee board, and wake board.
A really fabulous lake with excellent leisure facilities and watersports.
Explore the beautiful Gorges du Verdon by paddling down the river in canoes or kayaks. A fun activity for everyone to explore the beautiful Gorges du Verdon and paddle on the beautiful blue water.
A team of state qualified guides sharing their enthusiasm for great outdoor activities with you.
The vastness and richness of this protected site offers an extraordinary dimension to sports such as rock-climbing and canyoning.
Sun Force is located on the famous Pampelonne beach. Its owner, Pierre Tourneq, has been running this business for over 30 years, surrounded by a fully qualified team.
18th century stone farmhouse on a landscaped park of approximately 1 hectare with panoramic views of the Luberon.
The Lieutenant is an apartment for rent for holidays in Provence, located on the 1st floor of a pretty country house in Bonnieux.
This fully restored nineteenth-century farmhouse for holiday rental is located 3 km from Bonnieux, a lovely Provençal village perched in the foothills of the Luberon in Provence.
Magnificent villa near Bonnieux, in the heart of the Luberon, with swimming pool, for a unique holiday.
House for rent in Luberon - Le Mas entre Monts et Merveilles. The perfect holiday location in Provence!
Come and discover this house with large swimming pool, near Bonnieux, for a holiday in the heart of nature.
This fully restored nineteenth-century farmhouse for holiday rental is located 3 km from Bonnieux, a lovely Provençal village perched in the foothills of the Luberon in Provence.
Holiday house with pool located in the heart of the Luberon.
Beautiful holiday home for rent in Provence, in Lourmarin, with garden and swimming pool.
A magnificent "Mas" in Bonnieux to rent in the Luberon, with a large landscaped garden for a dream holiday between Bonnieux and Lacoste.
Architect-designed villa for holiday rental, with swimming pool, in the heart of the Luberon with an elevated position in the village of Cadenet.
Superb 5 star rated property located in Bonnieux with swimming pool
There are several nice B&Bs in the area.
This hotel is a beautiful renovated house located on a quiet street, and walking distance to all the hustle and bustle of Aix.
Under the light Cézanne once knew, the Villa Gallici Hotel is an 18th century Provençal house and a member of Relais et Châteaux portfolio.
Built in 2013 this modern, contemporary five star hotel in Provence combines art work in contemporary spaces, filled with uber stylish furniture and fittings.
The five star Pigonnet hotel in Aix is an 18th-century mansion surrounded with stunning floral gardens, situated just outside the centre of Aix-en-Provence.
Located in one of the most beautiful villages in France, this former oil mill welcomes its guests in an enchanting setting surrounded by lime trees.
This aparthotel offers 89 air-conditioned apartments, from studios for 2 people, to 3 bedroom apartments for 6.
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
Find out all about what is happening in Provence and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this picturesque French region.
See allLatest News & ReviewsProvence has a busy calendar of events all year round featuring art exhibitions, charming markets, cultural festivals and concerts. Spring and autumn are the time to celebrate local produce while during the peak holiday times, in the summer months, you will find world-renowned music and cultural events like the Choregies d'Orange or the Avignon Festival.
See allUpcoming Events
