Richerenches Truffle Market
Head to the Avenue de la Rabasse in Richerenches for the famous Saturday truffle markets, which take place from November to March every year.
The largest and most visited of the three Iles d'Or that's a joy to visit any time of year
Just a 20-minute ferry ride from the peninsula of Hyères will take you to the different world of the island of Porquerolles. Its popularity is due to the many ways it pleases its visitors.
Do you want to spend a leisurely day on a half-moon beach and swim in the blue water? Rent a bicycle and discover the fjord-like inlets on the southern shore? Walk through the pine forests and vineyards? Let yourself be pampered at the famous Mas du Langoustiers? Plan your trip and take the ferry (or a helicopter for Langoustiers).
The popularity of Porquerolles comes at a price. In the busy summer months the island is invaded by day trippers. The ferry boats from La Tour Fondue (near Hyères) sail back and forth. They operate on a first come, first served basis. There are other and longer ferry trips from Croix-Valmer or Lavandou. These you can book in advance, to be sure of a place. If you want to rent a bicycle in the busy times, it's advisable to book those in advance too. The contacts can be seen on the Porquerolles website (see below).
As with most of southern France, you would do best to visit the island in the off-season. Particularly in spring, Porquerolles presents itself at its best. The fern, rockrose and myrtle are in bloom. The scents will delight you on your bike ride or long walk.
Its climate in the off season is one of the best in France. Last May, when we visited the island, we left a rainy mainland behind and found a sun-filled Porquerolles. The sea temperature was inviting enough for a swim. The colour of the water was a bright turquoise. For a moment we thought we were in the Caribbean.
Head to the Avenue de la Rabasse in Richerenches for the famous Saturday truffle markets, which take place from November to March every year.
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.
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
Exceptional locations around France, including Provence, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
The history of the island is as turbulent as that of many islands, certainly those as strategically located as Porquerolles. From Roman times until 1531 it was the domain of pirates. Then the French King stepped in and established an important garrison.
The fortress Saint Agathe is an imposing witness of those days. (It's worth while to visit the fortress, if only for the magnificent view of the island and the strait of Hyères.) During the French revolution the island was sold to private owners, the last one Monsieur François Fournier, who, on his honeymoon in Antibes in 1912, saw a notice of the island's auction. He bought it as a present for his bride. It was Fournier who planted the vines for the reputed wine of Porquerolles. In 1971 the government bought the island back and designated it as a protected place.
The other two Iles d'Or, Ile du Levant and Ile de Port-Cros, have their unique appeal. Port-Cros is a national park. It draws nature lovers and hikers who prefer a very special and quiet environment. Le Levant is famous for its nudist colony, Héliopolis. And, the French navy has an important base on the island, a peculiar combination. Only in France!
This charming restaurant is located around 30 minutes from Frejus and the French Riviera and is a must visit for lovers of truffles and gastronomic French cuisine.
This Michelin starred restaurant is situated on the outskirts of Tourtour and specialise in truffle dishes.
The Auberge is part of a large vineyard and olive grove. Producing fine ingredients on site means they are fresh when they arrive at your table.
Located just south of Aix this newly refurbished restaurant serves great quality food at an affordable price.
Nestled in an old farmhouse of the nineteenth century, the restaurant decor combines both contemporary and classic style.
Located in a stunning park stretching over several hectares, this restaurant lies within a hotel with real Mediterranean charm.
The Mistral is Aix-en-Provence's answer to those looking for a trendy night out listening to the latest DJ's.
The Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
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.
This place is a bar, restaurant and tabac all rolled into one, on the side of the river in the centre of Isle de la Sorgue.
This bar is located in the centre of Saint Remy de Provence. It has a good selection of wines by the glass, as well as bottles and champagne. They even serve charcuterie and cheese plates.
Small wine bar situated in one of the cobbled streets of Avignon that hosts regular market stalls.
The island is 7km long and 2.5km wide. A typical day visit might include an early arrival, the purchase of picnic ingredients in the village square, a walk to the southern shore over the slightly hilly paths (the highest point is 140m), a lunch there and a leisurely stroll back to one of the beaches on the northern shore, for a swim and a sunbathe.
Visit tortoises from all around the world in this unique park.
AGS FORMULE 1 offers you the opportunity to experience, with one of the school drivers at the wheel, the unique sensation that is taking part in something really special. AGS also offers a range of courses for all levels.
Together with electronic timing, GKL offer you top equipment and professional support for your karting experience.
The Dolce Fregate Provence golf course is located at Saint Cyr sur Mer. It is ideally situated at the heart of Bandol AOC vinyeards and olive trees, overlooking the extraordinary Mediterranean Sea.
Who never dreamt to drive on a race track a Ferrari F458 Italia, a Lamborghini Gallardo, a Porsche 997 GT3 RS or an Audi R8 V10? This dream is now accessible thanks to the Multi GT driving sessions organized by ORECA and the Circuit Paul Ricard.
La Plaine des Maures is the first natural park in the Var department, to the north west of Saint Tropez. It is renowned for it's umbrella pines and cork oak trees, and is rich in fauna and flora.
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.
Cable park on Lake Rabinon (5 hectares) where you can water ski, knee board, and wake board.
No matter what your level is, Aquadomia offers you the chance to enhance your skills with quality diving courses... and to discover underwater splendors from the archipelago of Riou to the islands around the bay of Marseille.
A lovely natural lake surrounded by the wooded landscape of the Var. The lake is perfect for a pedaloe trip rather than an adrenaline filled water sport, but it means it is perfect for families!
A really fabulous lake with excellent leisure facilities and watersports.
The vastness and richness of this protected site offers an extraordinary dimension to sports such as rock-climbing and canyoning.
Luxurious villa for rent with 2 private pools in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez
Located just outside charming Grimaud in the picturesque hamlet of Val de Gilly is la Ruine.
Villa for rent on the French Riviera, close to Saint-Tropez and Sainte-Maxime and a few steps from the beaches, this high standing property enjoys a beautiful 4,800m² land planted with trees with an infinity pool and a basin.
The Villa Serena is a property accessible to people with reduced mobility and is composed of 6 air-conditioned rooms with a panoramic view on the sea and the bay of Saint-Tropez.
Beautiful villa with swimming pool for seasonal rental in Grimaud - Villa Lou
Holiday rental with swimming pool in Grimaud - Villa Kalista
Luxurious villa for rent with 2 private pools in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez
15 minute drive to Port de Saint-Tropez with Restaurants & Shops
Located just outside charming Grimaud in the picturesque hamlet of Val de Gilly is la Ruine.
Villa for rent on the French Riviera, close to Saint-Tropez and Sainte-Maxime and a few steps from the beaches, this high standing property enjoys a beautiful 4,800m² land planted with trees with an infinity pool and a basin.
The Villa Serena is a property accessible to people with reduced mobility and is composed of 6 air-conditioned rooms with a panoramic view on the sea and the bay of Saint-Tropez.
Beautiful villa with swimming pool for seasonal rental in Grimaud - Villa Lou
This traditional country inn is run by the Alain Ducasse empire, and offers 10 bedrooms & suites in an 18th century building in the heart of Provence's vineyards.
The Bastide de Messine is an old country house of Provence, entirely restored, sitting in 7.5 acres of countryside with it's own swimming pool and views on the hills of La Celle and the village of Brignoles.
A pretty, turreted, fairytale castle that has been turned from an old family home into a small hotel with 10 bedrooms. Located in peaceful surroundings, it provides an ideal escape from the hustle of the Riviera (not far away).
This 18th century townhouse has been renovated using traditional materials and beautiful furnishings to produce an elegant guest house with spa facilities in the heart of the medieval market town of Lorgues.
Villa Josephine is located in the middle of the Var region of Provence on the outskirts of the market town of Lorgues.
Set deep in the lush Var region of Provence, this country house hotel is set within a 550 hectare vineyard. So if food and wine are high on your agenda, then you may well want to consider a stay in the this charming Provencal hotel.
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
Helitec caters for all your helicopter needs from passenger transport to aerial photography, filming, transport of heavy goods, leisure flights over Provence and the South of France. A great way to see the most beautiful spots from the air.
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
Ideally nestled in the sought-after town of Cavalaire, just a few steps from the Mediterranean and the village, this villa enjoys a truly exceptional location.
Located in a sought-after area not far from Gigaro beach, this plot offers open views of the sea (on a side) and countryside.
Magnificent renovated farm house just a few minutes from Pampelonne beach and Saint-Tropez
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.
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