Skip to main content

This content featured in Towns & Villages

Suze la Rousse

Home to an impressive castle and the Université du Vin

Location
Aix-en-Provence
Imprint
Updated

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.

Jump to

  1. Events in Aix-en-Provence
  2. History & Culture in Aix-en-Provence
  3. Sights & Attractions in Aix-en-Provence
  4. Dining in Aix-en-Provence
  5. Nightlife in Aix-en-Provence
  6. Things to do in Aix-en-Provence
  7. Cycling in Aix-en-Provence
  8. Hiking in Aix-en-Provence
  9. Yachts & Sailing in Aix-en-Provence
  10. Watersports in Aix-en-Provence
  11. Families in Aix-en-Provence
  12. Villas in Aix-en-Provence
  13. Holidays Rentals in Aix-en-Provence
  14. Hotels in Aix-en-Provence
  15. Campsites in Aix-en-Provence
  16. How to get to Aix-en-Provence

Events in Aix-en-Provence

Local produce includes black truffles (during the winter), lavender, honey, olives and apricots. Suze la Rousse weekly market is held on Friday mornings.

Events in Aix-en-Provence

See all Events in Aix-en-Provence

History & Culture in Aix-en-Provence

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.

Sights & Attractions in Aix-en-Provence

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.

Sights in Aix-en-Provence

See all Sights in Aix-en-Provence

Dining in Aix-en-Provence

Restaurants in Aix-en-Provence

See all Restaurants in Aix-en-Provence

Nightlife in Aix-en-Provence

Bars & Clubs in Aix-en-Provence

See all Bars & Clubs in Aix-en-Provence

Things to do in Aix-en-Provence

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.

Things To Do in Aix-en-Provence

See all Things To Do in Aix-en-Provence

Cycling in Aix-en-Provence

Cycling Routes in Provence

See all Cycling Routes in Provence

Hiking in Aix-en-Provence

Walking Routes in Provence

See all Walking Routes in Provence

Yachts & Sailing in Aix-en-Provence

Watersports in Aix-en-Provence

Watersports in Aix-en-Provence

See all Watersports in Aix-en-Provence

Villas in Aix-en-Provence

Villas in Aix-en-Provence

See all Villas in Aix-en-Provence

Holidays Rentals in Aix-en-Provence

Holiday Rentals in Aix-en-Provence

See all Holiday Rentals in Aix-en-Provence

Hotels in Aix-en-Provence

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.

Hotels in Aix-en-Provence

See all Hotels in Aix-en-Provence

Campsites in Aix-en-Provence

How to get to Aix-en-Provence

Transfers for Provence

See all Transfers for Provence

Latest News & Reviews

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 & Reviews
Splashworld Provence, Monteux
24 Hours in Avignon in 2018
Unique Provence wedding venues for 2019
Top 6 luxury hotels in Avignon for 2019

Upcoming Events

Provence 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
truffle markets in provence
Cadenet Farmers Market in Provence
Liszt Festival, Uchaux
Foire de la Saint Siffrein, Carpentras