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.

© Sheehan photo

© SeeProvence.com

© Max Rains

© Max Rains

© Holly Millar

© Max Rains

© RFabregue

© Bedoin OT

© Bedoin OT
A hillside village in the foothills of Mont Ventoux
Bédoin lies within a large territory that includes the impressive Mont Ventoux, home of one of the most iconic stages of the Tour de France and a challenge for any cyclist coming to the area.
Its large postcode area includes a number of smaller hamlets each with their own unique charm and character and you can't fail to miss the mighty Mont Ventoux, which is easily visible from the village.
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.
Rock shelters from prehistoric times have been discovered in the area at sites such as Combe de la Madelène, and the name "Beduinum" can be first found in historic documents from the middle of the 10th century.
In the Roman era, villas and farm lands dominated the lower hillsides around Bédoin, and in 1250, Lord Barral des Baux granted the villagers important privileges, notably the use of the Ventoux farming lands, giving them prosperity for centuries.
In 1271, the Comtat Venaissin became Papal land and Bédoin a part of the papacy until 1791, at which point the Comtat was joined back to France. However Bédoin remained loyal to the pope, and the revolutionary repression that ensued was the most painful episode in the history of the village. Declared in a state of counter-revolution, the village was literally wiped from the map when it was destroyed in 1794. Thankfully, a year later it was restored.
There are a number of sights to visit around the village.
The remains of a Roman villa can be visited on the outskirts, at a little hamlet called Les Bruns. Since the site is protected you can only visit with a guide during designated times, which can be organised through the local tourist office.
To the north you can find the Chapel of the Madeleine, one of the most outstanding examples of primitive Romanesque art in Provence, which is open for visitors on weekends during summer.
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 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.
Aurélien Raynaud displays his unique gift in capturing the wonderful wildlife kingdom in a range of artforms.
Located not far from Aix centre, this museum and shop explains a little about the history of how this unusual sweet is made.
You'll find a nice mix of restaurants, from pizzas and pasta to more traditional local cuisine.
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.
Delicious, homely, comforting and satisfying. This restaurant serves up traditional cuisine and is a true taste of the south.
Fresh & original French cuisine is conjured by chef/owner Olivier Scola in this small Aix restaurant.
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.
Not only is this a popular place for cyclists, it also attracts mountain bikers to the bike park on the south side of Mont Ventoux plus there are plenty of options for hiking, including a few options mentioned here in our reporter review.
The town has its own municipal tennis court and swimming pool too.
The area is split into two areas - one for the 1-5 years age group, and the other for 6-12 year olds.
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.
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.
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.
Mont Ventoux is famous for being one of the toughest climbs on the Tour de France, keen cyclists come from all over the world to pit themselves against the long steep ascent to the summit. This route gives you a gentle tour of the area surrounding the “windy mountain” without actually battling your way to the top.
The climb of Mont Ventoux is perhaps most well known to those outside of the cycling community as a name associated with the Tour de France.
This loop takes you round the medieval village of Malaucène in the cycling mecca of the Mont Ventoux region.
A challenging short circuit starting from Malaucene, that takes you through the vineyards and typical pine forests of Provence. Stunning scenery and great views of the landscape between Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles mountain range.
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 circular route through the Haute Vaucluse region takes you to the villages of the Vallee du Tourourenc that offer stunning views of the steep northern slopes of Mont Ventoux.
Throughout the duration of this hike you have breathtaking views over the Comtat Venaissin plain and the Dentelles de Montmirail range.
From the look out point at 965m you are rewarded with fantastic views of the Alazards valley and the Rhone valley.
This river gorge runs for around 30 kilometres from the small village of Saint Leger, heading west along the borders of the Vaucluse and Drome regions.
Explore the valleys of Le Beaucet situated between the Mountains of Vaucluse and the Luberon Valley.
Located in the heart of the EcoQuartier Beaulieu, Lake Monteux is an open every day of the year. Ideal for the whole family, this area offers a multitude of activities.
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.
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
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.
This watersports centre is based on a 10 hectare lake with boxes and features in the water that you can practise your wakeboarding moves on.
There are a number of campsites in and around the area if you're looking for somewhere to pitch your tent or park your camper.
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.
Mas Wisteria is located 2.5km from Bonnieux, a lovely Provençal village perched in the foothills of the Luberon in Provence.
Magnificent villa near Bonnieux, in the heart of the Luberon, with swimming pool, for a unique holiday.
House for rent in Provence with swimming pool, terrace and garden.
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.
Architect-designed villa for holiday rental, with swimming pool, in the heart of the Luberon with an elevated position in the village of Cadenet.
Beautiful holiday villa with swimming pool for rent in the South of France, near the village of Bonnieux in Provence.
The Lieutenant is an apartment for rent for holidays in Provence, located on the 1st floor of a pretty country house in Bonnieux.
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.
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.
There are a handful of small hotels and B&B's in and around Bédoin.
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.
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.
Hotel Saint Cristophe has 67 air conditioned and sound-proofed rooms in a convenient location to explore the city.
Bédoin lies to the west of Mont Ventoux around 15km from Carpentras.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
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.
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.
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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