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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Traditional rural town in the heart of Provence
Barjols is a charming town in the centre of Provence Verte - green Provence - and is well known for its abundant water sources. With 43 fountains and lavoirs (communal wash basins) it shows off the richness of this liquid gold, all year round.
Located just to the south of the Verdon National Park, at the head of a valley that allows for lovely views of the Var.
The market takes place on Sunday mornings on La Place de la Rouguière, and there are stalls selling local produce, flowers, clothing and general souvenirs.
On Thursday and Saturday mornings you'll find a food market on La Place Capitaine Vincens.
There is very little other shopping to be had in Barjols.
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.
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.
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 Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
With Roman heritage and an active church in the 14th century, Barjols then became known for processing leather.
In the 19th century, the village was home to 24 tanneries, 19 tan mills, three paper mills, and a card manufacturing factory. This was a time of prosperity and it lasted throughout the 20th century where Barjols became renowned for French leather.
Sadly, international competition meant that the tanneries slowly closed down and the last of them shut in 1983. The old tannery buildings have now been converted into artist's workshops.
Above all, Barjols is known for its yearly celebration of Les Tripettes, a bizarre feast that mixes the profane with the sacred. Imagine attending a church mass, which concludes by a joyous dance of everyone in attendance. Flutes and drums provide the music, no-one can resist; even the priest jumps up and down. History tells that in the 6th century an abbot, Marcel, returns from a trip to Rome, where he met the Pope. Soon afterwards he dies and is interred in his monastery near Montmeyan. Because he is well known, people flock to his grave, and miracles are said to have occurred. Marcel is elevated to sainthood and his tomb and relics continue to receive pilgrims from far away.
Then the decline of the monastery begins and in the early 14th century it's not much more than a ruin. The monks have gone; the only person left is the groundskeeper. One night Saint Marcel appears before him, asking the groundskeeper to move his body to a place "more dignified and more religious." The gardien relates his dream to the bishop of Brignolles who consults others in power. Two villages, Aups and Barjols, offer to receive the relics of Saint Marcel.
While the bishop hesitates, wanting to measure the distance between the monastery and each village to know which is closer, the people of Barjols are pushed by those of a nearby village Tavernes (from then on known as les avocats) to take matters into their own hands. The Barjolais listen to the advice and set out for the monastery. The poor guardian had forgotten to lock the door and the removal of Saint Marcel was a cinch.
On the way back to Barjols, the "thieves" meet up with women from the village (les Tripettes), who are busy cleaning the tripe of a slaughtered cow, a yearly ritual to commemorate a time when the village was besieged and famine was near, were it not for a lone cow. The women join the procession back into the village, into the church. There everyone, young and old, celebrates the arrival of Saint Marcel, as well as les Tripettes and their bounty, with utter joy by chanting and dancing.
Ever since, the occasion is celebrated each year with a solemn mass, followed by dancing and a procession through the village where at each stop the authentic flutes and drums play again, the muskets fire into the air and everyone dances and sings, 'San Marcel, San Marcel, les Tripettes, les Tripettes.'
Barjols is full of fountains of different styles, shapes and sizes.
It's a fun way to explore the village to discover all these fountains and the other sights and attraction. Try the tourist office for a map so you can follow a trail.
The church - Collégiale Notre Dame de l’Assomption - dates back to the 11th century with various additions from the 13th and 16th centuries.
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.
Aurélien Raynaud displays his unique gift in capturing the wonderful wildlife kingdom in a range of artforms.
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'.
Cezannes studio was created in Aix-en-Provence in 1902 and this is where he worked until he died in 1906.
The Muséum d'Aix was founded in 1838 by Henri Coquand, geologist ; it is one of the oldest in Provence.
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.
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.
A modern establishment in the heart of Aix, Mitch offers contemporary French cuisine every evening from 7.30pm except on Sundays.
Fresh & original French cuisine is conjured by chef/owner Olivier Scola in this small Aix restaurant.
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.
At the top of the village on the road towards Drauguigan, you'll find a footpath on the right taking you to the Vallon des Carmes. The walk follows a river featuring many waterfalls until you eventually reach a view point and the main waterfall des Carmes. There are some caves up here too as well as a number of other paths that explore the area.
Other hikes will take you through the surrounding countryside and forests - ask at the tourist office (maps available for a small fee).
There is an outdoor swimming pool open during the summer, and a couple of municipal tennis courts.
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.
Plenty of clay tennis courts are available at the Aix Country Club. It provide lessons and coaching, and there is a pro shop too. Other facilities include a pool and a gym.
The Aix Yoga Center is a 150m2 studio yoga in the heart of Aix en Provence.
Tour Designer in Provence provide tailor made tours of the best of Provence with day trips and walking tours on offer.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bonde Lake is situated in the heart of the Luberon and offers activities and relaxation for all the family.
Cable park on Lake Rabinon (5 hectares) where you can water ski, knee board, and wake board.
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.
House for rent in Luberon - Le Mas entre Monts et Merveilles. The perfect holiday location in Provence!
Wonderful holiday rental farmhouse in Bonnieux, in the Luberon’s golden triangle, with swimming pool and a lovely, unobstructed view of the countryside.
Villa rental in the Luberon - La Badassière
Beautiful holiday home for rent in Provence, in Lourmarin, with garden and swimming pool.
Magnificent villa near Bonnieux, in the heart of the Luberon, with swimming pool, for a unique holiday.
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.
18th century stone farmhouse on a landscaped park of approximately 1 hectare with panoramic views of the Luberon.
Beautiful holiday villa with swimming pool for rent in the South of France, near the village of Bonnieux in Provence.
Beautiful holiday home for rent in Provence, in Lourmarin, with garden and swimming pool.
Farmhouse available to rent for holidays with a large pool in the Golden Triangle in Bonnieux.
There are a couple of budget options in Barjols, ask at the tourist office. Barjols is probably not a place that tourists would like to stay, it still has a fairly industrial feel and lacks the charm of some other Provençal towns. You might be better staying in Cotignac or the surrounding area and then take a day trip to Barjols.
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.
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.
Built in 2013 this modern, contemporary five star hotel in Provence combines art work in contemporary spaces, filled with uber stylish furniture and fittings.
Just three kilometres from Aix-en-Provence’s historic city centre, one of the most beautiful and richest cities in France, and at the end of a long drive lined with century-old trees, the 4-star Château de la Pioline hotel is waiting to welcome you.
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
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.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
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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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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