A hilltop village in north Provence
Banon sits on a hilltop overlooking lots of farm land, and its most famous regional product, lavender.
The area enjoys almost year round sunshine, which helps the lavender thrive, and the village is also known for its production of goats milk which you can buy locally.
You'll find some impressive battlements, a 14th century gateway, a tower and ramparts that you are allowed to climb up.
You should aim to visit here in late June / early July when the lavender should be in full bloom.
A number of music concerts take place here in the height of summer at the church. You'll find jazz as well as classical music concerts on offer.
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.
The Long Night of Museums is an annual event where museums across Europe remain open late into the night, and Provence is no exception.
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
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.
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
On the ramparts, houses were built in the Rue des Arcades and in one of them, JF Palhier, deputy of the department of the "Council of Five Hundred" of the Revolution, hosted the young Robespierre and Ricord in August 1793. Facades of medieval stalls remain in place to this day.
The town hall or 'Hotel de Ville' in Aix en Provence originally dates back to the fourteenth century, with two subsequent building phases taking place in 1655 and 1678.
A small gallery with a good collection of contemporary and modern art.
The Muséum d'Aix was founded in 1838 by Henri Coquand, geologist ; it is one of the oldest in Provence.
Building of this old mansion began back in 1715 when the first stone was laid. It was not fully complete until 1748, after all three stages of the building were finished.
Cezannes studio was created in Aix-en-Provence in 1902 and this is where he worked until he died in 1906.
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'.
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.
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 inside the luxury Chateau de la Gaude, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves the elaborate cuisine of chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal.
With a very impressive selection of over 100 cheeses and 200 different wines there will be something for nearly every palette at this well presented establishment.
Located in a stunning park stretching over several hectares, this restaurant lies within a hotel with real Mediterranean charm.
The Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
The Mistral is Aix-en-Provence's answer to those looking for a trendy night out listening to the latest DJ's.
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.
There is a sports centre in the village where you can play badminton, football, and go to yoga classes. If you're looking for something more adventurous there is a local parapente pilot who can take you into the skies above the village for a totally different perspective.
Tour Designer in Provence provide tailor made tours of the best of Provence with day trips and walking tours on offer.
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.
Set CLub is a sports complex which has 13 tennis courts, eight of which are clay courts and five are the faster green set. Lessons and competitions are all part of the club. Non-members are welcome.
The Golf de la Cabre d'Or is only 20 minutes away from Aix-en-Provence et Marseille. This is a fairly new golf course which opened only in 2008.
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.
Just an hour long ride through the city of Aix, learning about its history and a good introduction to this beautiful area.
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.
Bonde Lake is situated in the heart of the Luberon and offers activities and relaxation for all the family.
This company offers two different types of excursions by kayak or canoe for either an hour and 15 minutes or 3 hours.
This company offers an 8 kilometre canoe trip along the river near Fontaine de Vaucluse.
This company offers a 2 hour river descent from Isle sur la Sorgue to Fontain de Vaucluse in canoes.
Located on the Route de Nice, close to the city centre, the waters of Ferréols has free parking and is accessible by public transport or by bicycle through a cycle track.
Architect-designed villa for holiday rental, with swimming pool, in the heart of the Luberon with an elevated position in the village of Cadenet.
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.
Villa rental in the Luberon - La Badassière
The Lieutenant is an apartment for rent for holidays in Provence, located on the 1st floor of a pretty country house in Bonnieux.
Farmhouse available to rent for holidays with a large pool in the Golden Triangle in Bonnieux.
Superb 5 star rated property located in Bonnieux with swimming pool
There are a few hotels and B&B's in the village and most accommodate hikers and cyclists. A couple of them have outdoor pools. You'll need to ask in advance if you're bringing pets as not all places welcome your furry friends.
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.
Under the light Cézanne once knew, the Villa Gallici Hotel is an 18th century Provençal house and a member of Relais et Châteaux portfolio.
This hotel is a beautiful renovated house located on a quiet street, and walking distance to all the hustle and bustle of Aix.
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.
Built in 2013 this modern, contemporary five star hotel in Provence combines art work in contemporary spaces, filled with uber stylish furniture and fittings.
Once owned by the famous classical music composer, Darius Mihaud, this converted townhouse offers 48 stylish and well designed rooms.
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
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.
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
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.
A 5 bedroom chalet set in a small development located in the quiet enclave of Le Châtelard
Exquisite and exclusive new development of ski-in, ski out chalet-style apartments
Exquisite and exclusive new development of ski-in, ski out chalet-style apartments
Rarely available Savoyard chalet in an elevated position with far reaching viewings over Val d'Isère
A first and second floor apartment in a brand new development in the heart of Le Fornet
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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