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.

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© SeeProvence.com

© SeeProvence.com

© seeprovence.com/

© Seeprovence.com

© SeeProvence.com

© SeeProvence.com

© SeeProvence.com

© Seeprovence.com
Characterful city, famous for Cezanne and International Festivals
Aix en Provence is considered by many to be the South's cultural and artistic centre, thanks to its ancient university and its inherent connection to the artist Paul Cezanne.
Aix is one of the most bustling places you can visit in rural Provence. Thanks to its university, art schools and international festivals, the city is busy throughout the year. It's a relatively small city (population 355,000), best explored on foot over several days. The old town is the heart of the city - the famous Cours Mirabeau is the main street and is one of France's most beautiful streets, with ornate fountains, pavement cafés and grand buildings.
The old town of Aix is a delight to wander around, with a range of architectural styles to admire. A warren of tiny alleyways open up into charming squares, suitably adorned with statues and bubbling fountains. You will find shops, cafés and restaurants throughout the centre, along with historical sites and museums.
To the south of the medieval centre lies the Quartier Mazarin, which was created by 17th century high society and is now home to grand houses and museums.
Aix has some of the best shopping to be had in the South of France, with designer boutiques, interior stores, antique shops and markets aplenty. Indeed, every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (08:00 - 13:00), the whole of the city centre becomes one giant market. From the Cours Mirabeau (local produce and textiles), to Place des Precheurs and Place de la Madeleine (fruit and vegetables), the Town Hall (flower market) and Place de Verdun (antiques and bric-a-brac, arts and crafts), you will be sure to find something to consume or to take away as a memento. Of course, if shopping is not your thing, take advantage of the crowds that have gone shopping on these days and go to some of the museums instead. For high street shopping, head to Les Allees Provencal, a shopping centre at the lower end of Cours Mirabeau where you will find plenty of chains to browse in.
The tourist office offers guided tours of the city throughout the year in both French and English. Special tourist passes are also available from the tourist office if you're planning a sight seeing frenzy - the pass allows free entry into the main sights and museums in Aix and discounts in some restaurants and shops. Free bus travel in the Aix region is also included.
Aix is a great centre to base yourself if you want to explore some more of Provence. The Luberon, with its beautiful countryside and idyllic hilltop villages is around a 40-minute drive north. Marseille and the coast, Avignon and Arles are all about an hour's drive away.
Aix hosts a number of cultural festivals during the year, most notably the Festival International d'Art Lyrique which brings some of the best opera stars in the world to Aix every July. As a warm up for this main festival, there is also now a Festival Aix en Juin, where there are daily concerts, recitals and entertainments in the streets of Aix throughout June.
In addition, there are markets held throughout the week, every week in the centre of Aix. The main days (08:00 - 13:00) are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Look out for special markets of crafts, pottery and artisans during the summer months.
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.
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).
The Romans were the first to be attracted by the area's natural warm springs and Aix became a garrison town in 122 BC. A cathedral was added in the 5th century and the university was founded in the early 15th century.
As Aix's intellectual centre grew, so merchants were attracted to the town and began to settle, building grand mansions both in the town and on the surrounding hillsides. Aix did not participate in the industrial revolution and as a result, lost it's place amongst the French elite. It was not until the mid 20th century that the town began to thrive economically again. Today, the university continues to bring intellectuals and high-tech companies to the area.
Despite being the birthplace of Cezanne, only a small number of his paintings are on display in Aix. The Musee Granet holds a small number of his paintings but Cezanne fans should make their way to Cezanne's studio, the Atelier Cezanne to discover more about the artist. You can also visit his family home, Jas de Bouffan, and explore the wonderful countryside around the Sainte Victoire mountain, which inspired so many of his paintings.
The Granet Musuem offers not just a collection of Cezanne paintings, but also Renoir, Van Gogh and Degas from the post-impressionists, to major 20th century artists such as Picasso, Klee, Dubuffet and Braque. The wonderful optical art of Victor Vasarely is on show at the Vasarely Foundation, just outside the city centre.
The Caumont Art Centre is situated in a beautiful 18th century mansion and hosts exhibitions of major masters and contemporary artists. Another 18th century mansion open to the public is the Vendome Pavillion and its formal gardens. This 'pleasure house' contains original furnishings, paintings and objets d'art from the 17th and 18th centuries.
There are plenty of vineyards in the area surrounding Aix. The majority of wines produced here, as with much of Provence, are rosé. There are actually five apellations in the region, the main one being AOP Coteaux d'Aix en Provence. The Cotes de Provence Saint Victoire creates a specific style of wine thanks to its limestone soil and climatic conditions. Make sure you stop by a few of the vineyards to taste for yourself.
You can buy a City Pass to visit 12 major attractions in Aix for either 24, 48 or 72 hours. Don't spend time queuing and paying separately!
Located not far from Aix centre, this museum and shop explains a little about the history of how this unusual sweet is made.
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.
A small gallery with a good collection of contemporary and modern art.
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.
An old quarry, the Carrieres de Bibemus lies on the western slopes of Montagne St Victoire and is a place that inspired Paul Cezanne through out his life.
Cezannes studio was created in Aix-en-Provence in 1902 and this is where he worked until he died in 1906.
You will be spoiled for choice when it comes to eating out in Aix. The town centre is filled with restaurants, most with outdoor terraces or patios which creates a wonderfully vibrant atmosphere for dining.
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.
Located just south of Aix this newly refurbished restaurant serves great quality food at an affordable price.
Serving a wide range of classic and modern snacks, sandwiches and pastries this secluded bistro/cafe offers a calm oasis in a busy city centre.
As you may expect of a University town, Aix has a thriving nightlife scene. The city centre has many bars and pavement cafes, bistros and restaurants. There are also half a dozen nightclubs and a late night casino. And of course, don't forget about the many festivals that take place throughout the year.
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.
One of the main attractions just on the outskirts of the city is the nature reserve of Mont Sainte Victoire. This beautiful area is full of hiking and biking paths to explore, as well as hidden chapels and caves. It's easy to see why it inspired much of Cezanne's work. Check out our review and photos of a hike up Mont Saint Victoire...or if you prefer to be in the comfort of a car then you can get a feel for the area by touring it with the A/C on!
The area is split into two areas - one for the 1-5 years age group, and the other for 6-12 year olds.
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.
The Aix Yoga Center is a 150m2 studio yoga in the heart of Aix en Provence.
Set in the beautiful wooded countryside, this 18-hole golf course was designed by American architect Ronald Fream. The club incorporates the David Leadbetter Academy that offers lessons to suit players of all levels.
An exciting path through the forest...but not on the ground! This tree top adventure will have you swinging from the branches and enjoying the sights and sounds of nature.
Just to the south of Aix is the town of Gardanne. They open an outdoor swimming pool in the summer, with a 50m pool, baby pool, slides, playgrounds and a relaxation 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 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.
This scenic cycle ride goes in a figure of eight, starting and finishing in Velleron, but also visiting Pernes-les-Fontaines to the north and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue to the south.
This fun 20km circuits takes in three short climbs on a scenic route that takes in some of the famous “Perched Villages” of Provence.
Explore some of the beautiful trails Provence has to offer with this 365km circuit.
Located on the outskirts of Aix, not far from the Atelier Cezanne is the Terrain des Peintres.
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.
Explore the source of Le Riou that winds its way down the hillside eventually flowing into the mighty Durance
A slightly more challenging hike through the most spectactular gorge in Provence, with its narrow high walls and dark alleyway you can witness the amazing vegetation and plants. A 3 hour and 30 minute walk you can enjoy this popular walking route, recommended during the week when it is likely to be quieter.
This easy and gentle 3km walk is perfect for families as most of the route is shaded by large billowing trees with ideal spots for picnics, wondeful views and interesting forestry along the way.
This company offers two different types of excursions by kayak or canoe for either an hour and 15 minutes or 3 hours.
Bonde Lake is situated in the heart of the Luberon and offers activities and relaxation for all the family.
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.
Just to the north of Apt lies the Plan d'Eau de la Raille. You can practice all sorts of watersports here, with a sailing & windsurfing school. All equipment is available to rent - dinghies, windsurfs, pedal boats and kayaks.
If you're looking to try out kitesurfing for the first time, this company can help you get to grips with the basics from professional instruction.
This company offers a 2 hour river descent from Isle sur la Sorgue to Fontain de Vaucluse in canoes.
Magnificent villa near Bonnieux, in the heart of the Luberon, with swimming pool, for a unique holiday.
Beautiful holiday villa with swimming pool for rent in the South of France, near the village of Bonnieux in Provence.
Former 17th century farmhouse in Bonnieux, fully restored by a renowned architect.
18th century stone farmhouse on a landscaped park of approximately 1 hectare with panoramic views of the Luberon.
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.
Superb 5 star rated property located in Bonnieux with swimming pool
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.
Former 17th century farmhouse in Bonnieux, fully restored by a renowned architect.
Villa rental in the Luberon - La Badassière
Wonderful holiday rental farmhouse in Bonnieux, in the Luberon’s golden triangle, with swimming pool and a lovely, unobstructed view of the countryside.
A few kilometers from the charming village of Bonnieux, enjoying a superb view of the Luberon, this tastefully restored old farmhouse will amaze you as soon as you arrive.
Elegant and pleasant Provencal holiday villa, located in a residential area a few minutes away from the picturesque village of Bonnieux with a beautiful view of the Luberon and Mont Ventoux.
Aix has a variety of hotels to suit all budgets but the emphasis is on the smaller, more basic hotels that provide a place to sleep but not many comforts. There are some higher end hotels in the city but you may have to travel to the surrounding countryside to increase your choice.
Built in 2013 this modern, contemporary five star hotel in Provence combines art work in contemporary spaces, filled with uber stylish furniture and fittings.
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.
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.
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 on the gateway to Provence and Luberon, this aparthotel also boasts pleasant gardens and a swimming pool.
Aix is situated in the far south of Provence, about an hour drive south of Avignon on the A7, and 40 minutes drive north of Marseille on the A51 and A7. There are regular trains from both Avignon and Marseille to Aix. From Nice, it will take you around two hours to drive. There is also a train from Nice which takes three to four hours.
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
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.
49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
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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