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.
Avignon Guide
Discover the city of Avignon
Avignon, the capital city of the Vaucluse is a town that is alive all year round. With its busy street life of sidewalk cafés, musicians, mime and dance, you will not be bored one minute. All this is set against a backdrop of medieval palaces, ramparts and churches, where you can explore the unique history of Avignon in the Middle Ages.
It's difficult to snap a picture of the old city as an entity. The best place to do so is from the river Rhône, even better from its western bank. Yet, when you are inside the city, it's hard to catch a glimpse of the river, or even feel that it's there. You need to climb up to the park, Rocher des Doms, to get a proper look and take a picture of the famous "Pont d'Avignon."
Today, Avignon is a city of lively peace. It's a city of students, tourists, and artists of every kind. The Place de l'Horloge is the center-point from where you can participate in the soul of the city.
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- Events in Avignon
- History & Culture in Avignon
- Sights & Attractions in Avignon
- Dining in Avignon
- Nightlife in Avignon
- Things to do in Avignon
- Cycling in Avignon
- Hiking in Avignon
- Watersports in Avignon
- Where to stay in Avignon
- Chalets in Avignon
- Villas in Avignon
- Holidays Rentals in Avignon
- Hotels in Avignon
- Luxury Hotels in Avignon
- How to get to Avignon
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Events in Avignon
The Avignon Festival in July is one of the most famous cultural manifestations in France, attracting artists and visitors from all over the world.
Events in Avignon
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Markets in Provence
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.
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Fête de la Musique
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
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Bastille Day
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
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European Heritage Days
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.
History & Culture in Avignon
In 1335, under Pope Benoit XII, the construction of an enormous palace began, to house the Pope and his court. It was finished less than 30 years later, an astounding feat for those times. The vast Palais des Papes was a testimony of opulence and ostentation. With rich frescoes, painted by Matteo Giovanetti, intricate woodcarvings, splendidly tiled floors, a real luxury in those days, the palace was fit for King Midas.
The city seems built as a fortress, ready to defend itself against outside invaders, protecting its treasures as best it can. In the 14th century it had every right to feel threatened by thieves and looters. In 1309 Pope Clement V settled in Avignon, rather than Rome, where the political climate had become too dangerous for him and his entourage. Under pressure from the French King (who had seen to it that the new pope was of French origin, as were the six pontiffs that followed) the Pope chose sleepy Avignon as his new residence. With the new court came an influx of hangers-on, from minstrels to thieves, from academics to prostitutes. The population grew from 5000 to 40 000 in only a few years.
After Pope Gregory XI had returned to Rome, the steady decline of the palace began. During the following centuries, much of the richness was stolen or chipped away. When, in the 18th and 19th century, the palace housed soldiers, the grateful occupants took chisels and hacked away most of the precious frescoes to sell them in the streets.
Even after the papal court left Avignon, the city retained its presence in the world, with strife and finally peace. First, there were the counter-popes, during the time of the great Schism. Later the conflict with the protestants in the 16th century, when the Palais des Papes was used as a concentration camp for the religious rebels
Sights & Attractions in Avignon
Today, when you visit the Palais des Papes, you need a bit of imagination to see the opulence. You see it in the frescoes, left untouched, in a splendid vestiary, or in the tiled floor in the Pope's chamber.
During your visit to the palace, you'll be struck by its labyrinth of narrow corridors, opening to vast halls, connected to small annex-chambers, leading to secret stairways. Everywhere there's this sense of secrecy, of confusion, of hiding and protecting. Numerous are the secret caves and nooks, under granite slabs, hiding places for gold and coins. And judging from the repeated attacks on the papal house, and the ransoms paid from the papal coffers, the precautions were justified.
There's much more to the city than the papal palace and the festival of artists. True, in Roman times, Avignon (or "Avenio" = town of the strong wind - indeed the mistral here can be most forceful) was insignificant by comparison to Arles or Marseille. You'll find few Roman ruins in the city. Its rich history stems from the papal legacy and its spoils, such as the Petit Palais, a former palace for cardinals, now a delightful museum of medieval art, or the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-Doms.
And last, but not least, there's the bridge, commonly known as Pont d'Avignon. Its official name is Pont St-Bénézet, named after a 12th-C shepherd who had received a command from heaven to build this essential bridge over the Rhône. Everyone thought he was crazy, but with help from other believers, he finished the work. Alas, the skeptics were right. The violent currents in the Rhône, compounded with the mistral, refused to ignore an obstacle such as a bridge. Again and again the, first wooden, structure crumbled. Later the granite enforcements fared no better. Finally, in the 17th C, the people gave up.
Now the bridge stands alone, cut off half way, serving no purpose but as an attraction and a reminder of the song: 'Sur le pont d'Avignon, l'on y danse'.
Just over the Rhone River is Villeneuve des Avignon which is a beautiful old medieval town that was the residence of cardinals in the 14th century. The town was originally called Villenvue Saint Andre by King Philip the Fair and during the papacy, popes and cardinals built many convents and churches here. It later became known Villenvue des Avignon.
If you want to see all the main sights it may be worth getting the Avignon Passion, a free pass that you can pick up from the tourist office (on Cours Jean Jaures/Rue de la Republique). It gives you 10% off all monuments, museums and tourist transport and is eligible for a family of up to 5 people. There are also plenty of different city tours giving you the full Avignon experience, head to the tourist office for more information on these.
Most of the main sights are located within the area bounded by the old city walls. The impressive Papal structures are to the north of the city and afford wonderful views over the River Rhone. Wander along any alley in the ancient medieval quarter, peering through wrought-iron gates and heavy wooden doors, and you will find magnificent patios with their stone staircases, galleries and arcades.
Sights in Avignon
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Petit Palais museum
The Petit Palais museum owes its name to the familiar name of the Archbishops Palace in which it is installed, name that it was given by reference to the great neighbouring palace: the Palais des Papes.
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Angladon Museum
Located in a gorgeous 18th century building int eh centre of Avignon, this museum's mission is to share with the public the wonderful collection of paintings and furniture inherited from the couturier Jacques Doucet (1853-1929).
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Coca-Cola Museum
Collector Michel Houche, has filled his house in Avignon, with over 4000 different pieces of Coca Cola memorabilia, creating a unique collection which tells an interesting story behind the brand.
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Musée Calvet Fine Art and Archeology
The Calvet Museum today houses works of art from the 16th to 20th century, and holds innumerable collections donated or bequeathed by patrons, art lovers and collectors, such as Baron de Montfaucon, Esprit Requien, Noël Biret, the Montlaur family, and recently Marcel Puech.
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Requien Museum of natural history
This museum owes its growth to the naturalist Esprit Requien (1758-1851), who was the most famous of Avignon scientists of his time. From an old middle class family, he devoted himself early to botany. By age 18, he is active in the Botanical Garden of the city of Avignon and is a herbarium that quickly acquired great importance.
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Collection Lambert
The Collection Lambert is a wonderful gallery featuring modern art from the 1960's.
Dining in Avignon
With a large selection of restaurants, cafes and bistros, you are never short of finding a good eatery in the city. The Michelin Starred La Vielle Fontaine is notably one of the best in town and definitely worth a visit if you are looking for something special. Restaurant Christain Etienne, another Michelin starred restaurant, is located right next to the Palais des Papes with food made from fresh Provencal produce and set menus of up to 7 courses.
Restaurants in Avignon
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L'Epice & Love Restaurant
This is a popular place with both locals and travellers. It has a small cosy interior so if you want to dine there, best to get there earlier rather than later.
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La Vache a Carreaux Restaurant
This small restaurant is on the Rue Peyrollerie, a winding alley just off the Place St Pierre. It is a great option for vegetarians, offering a wide variety of cheese dishes and salads but there are also fish dishes available.
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La Cour d'Honneur Restaurant
Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
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Auberge De Cassagne Restaurant
In each of his dishes, Philippe Boucher places Provence centre stage. Thanks to different associations of spices and carefully selected products, he offers a regional and gourmet menu.
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Cloitre Saint-Louis Restaurant
Situated in a vaulted room by the beautiful cloister of a 15th-century monastery, this restaurant serves refined traditional French cuisine. They also have a carefully selected wine list.
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La Mirande Restaurant
A grand and luxurious dining room with a beautiful garden terrace and gourmet dishes are offered at this Michelin-starred restaurant.
Nightlife in Avignon
If you want a casual drink or bite to eat, Rue des Teinturiers is lined with various cafes and in the summer the large sycamores provide some cool and much needed shade. L’offest is a café and restaurant is favourite by locals, with outside seating on Rue des Teinturiers itself. La Tachedencre is a cafe-theatre that will be slightly different to your average dining experience, with performances and entertainment every night ranging from theatre to comedy to music, it is at 1 Rue Tarasque.
Bars & Clubs in Avignon
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La Cave des Pas Sages
Small wine bar situated in one of the cobbled streets of Avignon that hosts regular market stalls.
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Bokao's Nighclub
With a varied musical line-up, Bokao's combines good fun and great music.
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Ajmi Jazz Club
The Ajmi has played host to numerous talented international Jazz artists, and the Ajmi is classed as one of the top 3 jazz venues in France and is located in the heart of Avignon next to the beautiful Palais des Papes.
Things to do in Avignon
If it is shopping you are after, there are some great markets, speciality food shops, high street stores and malls. The best shopping streets are Rue de la Republique, where you will find the tourist office as well as food shops, boutiques, restaurants, cafes and high street stores, and Rue Joseph Vernet where you will find French boutiques offering high-end fashion and accessories. Just outside of the city centre you can find Buld’air which is a large mall for home accessories, perfumes and cafes.
Les Halles is a gourmet food market and, although set in a rather unattractive market hall, it provides the best place to get regional produce likes cheeses, meat, fish, bread and charcuterie. Around 40 stalls set up and open every morning except Mondays. If it is flea markets that tickle your fancy then the Marche aux Puces takes place every Sunday morning and is located near Place des Carmes. It is worth getting there early to find various antiques, nic-nacs and goodies. On a Saturday you can also find a lovely flower market in Places des Carmes.
There are various other activities other than sightseeing available during a trip to the area. Just a 25 minute drive from the city centre is Amazonia, a Jungle themed park where you can take the kids to have a little run around, have a go on a waterslide and burn off some energy. If you fancy yourself as a bit of a chef or just want to learn more about cooking then there are a few courses you can attend. The most noticeable are the cookery courses that take place in Les Halles where you start off wandering the market purchasing the fresh Provencal produce, and then cook and taste during a lesson from 9.30am to 1.30pm. There are lessons available for children too so the whole family can enjoy the experience.
Things To Do in Avignon
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Manolaya Yoga Centre
Yoga classes, workshops and retreats - the Manolaya Yoga Centre offers all things yoga.
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Caneton swimming pool, Sorgues
There are two swimming pools here - an indoor one for winter and outdoor one for summer.
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Caminaterra Activity Company, Vedene
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
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Le Petit Train d'Avignon
You will discover the city's most beautiful sites: the Popes Palace, classified as worldwide heritage by the UNESCO, the "Rochers des Doms", the old medieval streets and shopping areas, the town's picturesque quarters, and not to forget the famous "Pont d'Avignon"
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Pro Vans Tours
This company offers either shared or private tours of Provence in an 8 seater air-conditioned minibus.
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Skydive Pujaut Activity Company, Pujaut
This company offers several forms of discovery and progress to practise free fall. Whether you want to make your first parachute jump or move up the discipline, you will find all the necessary information and guidance.
Cycling in Avignon
Cycling Routes in Provence
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Vineyards & Villages Along the River Sorgue
From the perched village of Châteauneuf de Gadagne, this gentle family-friendly cycle route goes from the foot of the Colline de Thouzon, round in a loop to the town of Le Thor, via the cool waters of the River Sorgue.
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Chateauneuf du Pape vineyards and towns
This 28.5km long route is a journey of discovery through the Ile de l'Oiselay and the vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape.
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Mont Ventoux to L'Isle Sur la Sorgue
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.
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Cycling through the Comtadin Vineyards
This 35km loop takes you through the famous vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône, as well as past strawberry fields, olive groves and fruit orchards. It is a wonderfully scenic ride with the opportunity to do some tasting along the way!
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From Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
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.
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Via Venaissia from Jonquieres
Once in the town of Jonquieres there are several choices of cycle routes around the area. The country roads are the perfect platform to discover the local villages, view points and historical points of interest.
Hiking in Avignon
Walking Routes in Provence
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St Michel de Frigolet Walk
Starting in Barbentane, a short 15 minute drive from Avignon, this gentle and easy walk is great for all abilities of walker. WIth a shady tracks and only a 2 hour and 45 minute round trip you can amble along this walk and enjoy the surrouding scenery.
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Vineyard Walks
The vast numbers of lovely Vineyards in Provence make for great places to go on a walking or hiking tour.
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Les Alpilles, Col de Vallongue-Pas de l'Aigle
A great walk in any season as it gets the sun throughout the day and is sheltered from the sometimes strong, Mistral wind.
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La Fontaine de Saint-Gens
Explore the valleys of Le Beaucet situated between the Mountains of Vaucluse and the Luberon Valley.
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Cabrieres tour
Take your time, explore and discover the rich historical heritage and natural surroundings, fashioned by centuries of work which continues to the present day.
Watersports in Avignon
Watersports in Avignon
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Caminaterra Activity Company, Vedene
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
Where to stay in Avignon
A l'Ombre du Palais B&B is a small guest house that has an owner as bright and welcoming as the exotic interior; it also benefits from an excellent view overlooking the square of the Palais des Papes. Le Limas B&B is a more modern and contemporary B&B with four rooms, also with great views over the palace.
Chalets in Avignon
Chalets in Avignon
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Les Hautes Prairies Campsite, Lourmarin
Located right in the centre of Provence with the feet of Lubéron. A 9 acre campsite with 165 spacious pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes.
Villas in Avignon
Villas in Avignon
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Horizon Villa, Eygalieres
House for rent with view of les Alpilles
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La Peyrière Villa, Saumane-de-Vaucluse
Farmhouse with pool for rent in Provence with lovely surroundings
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Le Mas Des Oliviers Villa, Vers-Pont-du-Gard
Beautiful holiday property close to Uzès, first Dukedom of France and town of art and history, as well as the Pont du Gard, the most visited ancient monument of France.
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Les 7 Lauriers Villa, Maubec
Beautiful holiday house for rent in the Luberon, nearby a charming, authentic Provencal village at the foot of the Luberon, close to the most beautiful villages of France : Gordes, Ménerbes, Bonnieux
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Mas Du Soleil Villa, Eygalieres
If you dream of spending your holidays in the famous village of Eygalières, come and discover this pretty Mas with a 10 person capacity located 750m from the center of the village.
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Mas Glanum Villa, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
This beautiful Provençal farmhouse with swimming pool is located 900 m from the center of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. It’s a quiet and ideal place to spend the holidays discovering the Alpilles and their beautiful landscapes.
Holidays Rentals in Avignon
Holiday Rentals in Avignon
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L'Orangerie Villa, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Succumb to the charm of this holiday rental in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence - L'Orangerie
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Provence Country Club Studio Apartment
Located in the Residence Provence Country Club in the heart of the Luberon mountain, this studio enjoys a serene and tranquil atmosphere with close proximity to all the sites and attractions of this area of the South of France. An ideal location for nature and golf lovers.
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Mas Farniente Villa, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Superb, very bright mas, freshly renovated with high quality materials while preserving the charm of the old stone.
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Julii Villa, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
This holiday rental with swimming pool will allow you to fully enjoy all the shops and restaurants of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the city centre is accessible on foot.
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La Peyrière Villa, Saumane-de-Vaucluse
Farmhouse with pool for rent in Provence with lovely surroundings
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Serenity Villa, Saint-Victor-des-Oules
Not far from an authentic village and 7 km from Uzès, first Dukedom of France and town of art and history, you can discover this unique holiday house, with a big overflow swimming pool with massage wall, jacuzzi and pool house with summer kitchen.
Hotels in Avignon
Avignon has a large choice of hotels and B&B's within reach of its centre, from small, classic Provencale style rooms to the more opulent mansion style houses with ornate furniture and uniquely styled boutique hotels.
Hotels in Avignon
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Le Vallon de Valrugues Hotel & Spa, St Remy
The Vallon de Valrugues is located in the centre of St Remy, a stylish Provencial town filled with chic boutiques and galleries.
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L'Oustau de Baumaniere Hotel, Les Baux
This unique hotel has a two Michelin-starred restaurant and is located within the Les Baux region of Provence, famed for its vineyards and incredible hilltop castle.
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L'Horloge Hotel
This lovely hotel is full of character and is ideally situated in historic 19th century building in the heart of Avignon's historic centre, just a short walk from all local attractions.
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Auberge de Cassagne Spa Hotel
The Auberge de Cassagne consists of a converted family home, the Château de Cassagne (1850), plus it's outbuildings which have been transformed to provide luxurious accommodation close to the historic city of Avignon.
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Chateau de Varenne Hotel, Sauveterre
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.
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La Mirande Hotel
La Mirande is a 5 star 'grand dame' luxury hotel that has been decorated with 18th century interiors, period tapestries and chandeliers.
Luxury Hotels in Avignon
If you are looking for a luxury accomodation in Avignon, La Mirande will not fail to disappoint, with its beautiful and opulent fittings and an 18th century interior. The Hotel d'Europe is set in a beautiful bustling square and combines luxury with a great location and a Michelin starred hotel restaurant.
How to get to Avignon
Transfers for Provence
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Les Marseillais Taxi, Marseille
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
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Helicopter Leisure Flights & Transfers, Marseille
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.
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ABCD Taxi, Apt
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
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Avignon City Taxis
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
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Chabe Airport Transfers, Marseille
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
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Radio Aixois Taxi
49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
