
Fondation Vasarely
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'.
© Seeprovence.com
© Seeprovence.com
© Seeprovence.com
© Seeprovence.com
Traditional rural town famous for its black truffles
Aups is a typical Provençal market town, that sits in the foothills of the Alps and just to the south of the Verdon National Park.
It has a rich and varied history that includes many ancient tribes, the Romans, and local lords. Aups was awarded the Croix de Guerre after the Second World War for its strong resistance to the German occupation.
There are a number of sights within the town.
There is what is known as the Saracen Tower (more of an archway that used to be the entrance to the village) and some remnants of the medieval ramparts next to the church - the 10th century Notre Dame de la Deliverance.
Just around the corner from the tourist office lies the Collegiale Saint Pancrace, named after a young Roman Christian martyr. It dates back to the 15th century and houses a small religious art museum.
The pretty clock tower was built in the 16th century - the bell is protected with a typical Provençal wrought iron campanile which protects it from the gusty Mistral wind.
The Simon Segal Museum has a collection of contemporary paintings, including 58 by this Russian painter himself.
Attched to the museum is the Musée de la Resistance, which recounts the role of Aups in the Resistance movement during World War II.
Just to the east of Aups lies the Musée de Faykod, a sculpture park open throughout the year for a small entrance fee.
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 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.
The Musee des Tapisseries houses a rich collection of 17th and 18th Century tapestries, including a collection called 'Grotesques' - theatrical taspestrie made in Beauvais cir. 1689, and also 'L'histoire de Don Quichotte' of 1735 unique in the world.
Cezannes studio was created in Aix-en-Provence in 1902 and this is where he worked until he died in 1906.
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.
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.
Open daily, the Clos du Comptoir offers a sophisticated atmosphere for lunch and dinner in the same setting.
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.
Located just south of Aix this newly refurbished restaurant serves great quality food at an affordable price.
It may not feature on most visitor's itineries as it lacks a pretty old town, but what does put Aups on the map is its black truffles. Between November and March, the market on Thursdays specialises in the sale of these precious gourmet delicacies.
There is a Provençal market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings - the village also specialises in olive oil, wine, honey, cheeses and wild mushrooms.
In Provence, the department of the Var is the place to look for chestnuts. The Var village of Collobrières regards itself as chestnut capital of the world and in late October it's time for the chestnut festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from near and far.
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).
The village's location at the end of the Gorges du Verdon means it's a popular place for outdoor folks - you can hike, bike, climb, canoe, raft or simply enjoy the scenery in the surrounding countryside.
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.
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.
Just an hour long ride through the city of Aix, learning about its history and a good introduction to this beautiful area.
The Golf Club Aix-Marseille is only 5 minutes away from Aix-en-Provence TGV railway station. As the course is faily level it is possible to play without the use of a buggy.
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.
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 half-day circuit takes you away from the bustle of the city and into the countryside, passing some historical landmarks along the way.
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 fun 20km circuits takes in three short climbs on a scenic route that takes in some of the famous “Perched Villages” of Provence.
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.
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.
This walking route is for strong walkers or hikers, and can be completed in anywhere from 8-10 days.
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.
Cable park on Lake Rabinon (5 hectares) where you can water ski, knee board, and wake board.
Range of water sports and outdoor activities proposed by a professional guiding company.
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.
Holiday house with pool located in the heart of the Luberon.
Former 17th century farmhouse in Bonnieux, fully restored by a renowned architect.
The Lieutenant is an apartment for rent for holidays in Provence, located on the 1st floor of a pretty country house in Bonnieux.
Beautiful holiday villa with swimming pool for rent in the South of France, near the village of Bonnieux in Provence.
Superb 5 star rated property located in Bonnieux with 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.
Villa rental in the Luberon - La Badassière
Magnificent villa near Bonnieux, in the heart of the Luberon, with swimming pool, for a unique holiday.
Wonderful holiday rental farmhouse in Bonnieux, in the Luberon’s golden triangle, with swimming pool and a lovely, unobstructed view of the countryside.
Beautiful holiday villa with swimming pool for rent in the South of France, near the village of Bonnieux in Provence.
House for rent in Provence with swimming pool, terrace and garden.
Former 17th century farmhouse in Bonnieux, fully restored by a renowned architect.
There are a handful of basic hotels in the village of Aups (ask at the tourist office).
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.
This hotel is a beautiful renovated house located on a quiet street, and walking distance to all the hustle and bustle of Aix.
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.
Situated at the foot of the Luberon, this hotel is set in a private garden amongst olive, fig and cherry trees. It boasts 2 private outdoor pools and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
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.
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
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.
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
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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