Another medieval town that is dominated by its castle, Suze la Rousse is full of charming cobbled streets and ancient stone buildings.
The name comes from the Celtic word 'Uz' which translates as 'high place', and the Rousse is derived from the red colour of some local stone.
History & Culture in [locality]
During the Middle Ages, Suze la Rousse was the largest city in this Tricastin region and was therefore graced with a large fortress castle that was built in the 12th-14th centuries. Built with both military and civil purpose, it has fortifications and battlements on its exterior and a Renaissance style interior, with a fine Italian inner courtyard.
The castle is now home to the Universite du Vin - a private educational institute dedicated to the vine and wine. It has it's own vineyard with over 70 grape varieties and also offers courses for the amateur wine lover. The castle is open to the public.
The small town also features a church, pretty medieval lanes and houses with ancient carved stone doorways, and a charming bell tower with a wrought iron campanile.
The surrounding area is full of vineyards, with the resulting wine belonging to the AOC Côtes du Rhône appelation, although some are of sufficient qaulity to belong to the more exclusive label of AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages.
Wine is the biggest commercial activity in the area, and there are over 1,600 hectares of vines. There are over half a dozen vineyards close to the town that you can visit for tastings - red, white and rosé wines are all made here.
The centre piece of this square is the famous Roman obelisk which sits on top of a fountain. It dates from the 4th century and was originally located at the Roman circus in Arles, moving to its current location in 1676.
Occitane Museum, Manosque
Guided tours of the facilities via the stages of fabrication and an walk through the history of the brand.
Carre d'Art Museum, Nimes
Not only is this modern building home to the museum of contemporary art, but it also houses Nimes central library.
Collection Lambert
Located in Avignon
The Collection Lambert is a wonderful gallery featuring modern art from the 1960's.
Atelier Cezanne
Located in Aix-en-Provence
Cezannes studio was created in Aix-en-Provence in 1902 and this is where he worked until he died in 1906.
Musee Departemental de l'Arles Antiques
Immerse yourself in the history of Provence by visiting this collection of archaeological remains.
Events in [locality]
Local produce includes black truffles (during the winter), lavender, honey, olives and apricots. Suze la Rousse weekly market is held on Friday mornings.
Things to do in [locality]
There are several marked hiking trails in the area that are also suitable for mountain biking - ask at the tourist office for maps and information.
This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.
Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons
Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
Domaine Le Sagittaire Waterpark, Nyons
In the depths of the Drôme countryside in the French Provence, this 5 Star Residential Campsite comes complete with an entirely heated Aquatic Complex, which is open to the public.
Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux
This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer
Aqualand in St Cyr Sur Mer offer you 11 wicked slides in a great park environment with drinks, food, and shops for you to enjoy.
Hotels in [locality]
Accommodation in Suze la Rousse is limited to a couple of basic Provençal hotels and some Chambre d'Hôtes. In the surrounding area, there is a bit more choice of upmarket properties.
In the heart of the Luberon National Park, a beautiful and charming B&B welcomes you for a relaxing stay.
19 July 20257 Nights
€1,195
Le Saint Laurent Hotel, Saint Laurent des Arbres
A warm welcome, friendly atmosphere and personal service make the Saint Laurent a charming place to stay and relax.
La Bastide de Marie B&B, Menerbes
This lovely B&B has 15 rooms and is set in 57 acres of vineyards. Each bedroom has its own charm and character, decorated in ecclectic antique furniture.
19 July 20257 Nights
€16,940
Chateau de Varenne Hotel, Sauveterre
Located in Avignon
This charming hotel is housed in a former XVIIIth century residence, on a beautiful green three-hectare estate above the small village of Sauveterre in the heart of Provence.
Domaine des Andeols Hotel, Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt
A design hotel filled with the owners striking art collection. The rooms are referred to as 'Maisons' and each is uniquely designed with modern bathrooms.
Jules Cesar Hotel
This luxurious property has been lavishly renovated to overcome its austere background, whilst still retaining its sense of history.
