Verdon Hills, Greoux les Bains
460km of trails marked and graded by the FFC in the Nature Park of Verdon
Numerous trails of varied grade in this area, situated in the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon, is a great place to explore the countryside of Provence from the turquoise water of the groves to the sweet smelling fields filled with lavender.
Due to the mild climate the area is open all year round for mountain biking, with many of the trails originating in the ancient Roman town of Greoux les Bains. The thermal baths and hot springs are just one more reason to base you biking holiday in this area!
Trail maps (like this) are available from the local tourist office, giving details of the green, blue, red and black trails. These have been graded and way-marked by the F.F.C. (Federation Francaise de Cyclisme) - more information and GPS data can be found on their website.
What to see
Sights in Provence
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Occitane Museum, Manosque
Guided tours of the facilities via the stages of fabrication and an walk through the history of the brand.
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Chateau de Sauvan, Luberon
This is an impressive 18th century mansion with beautiful gardens that allows visitors a chance to explore elegant rooms decorated in the style of the time. Th gardens contain ponds with swans and ducks, peacocks, lavender fields and terraces. The chateau also produces its own honey courtesy of 25 bee hives.
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Chateau de la Tour d'Aigues
This castle was first built in 1550 by Baron Jean-Louis-Nicolas de Bouliers and parts of its huge walls and intricately carved stonework still survives to this day.
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Musee Simon Segal Contemporary Art, Aups
The museum groups 3 schools of painting - Toulon, Bourges and Paris - with over 280 works on show.
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Maison de la Truffe, Aups
The truffle has a long history here in Aups; for many years now they have been grown, harvested, retailed, shared and eaten.
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Musee des Arts & des Metiers du Vin
This wine museum situated just outside of Ansouis is a must for all wine lovers, and a fascinating for all amateurs.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Provence
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La Chassagnette Restaurant
This organic Michelin starred restaurant is situated just 12km outside Arles on the road to Sambuc and is run by the chef Armand Arnal.
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L'Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel Restaurant
This wonderful contemporary-styled restaurant features dishes that you may never have suspected to have existed.
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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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L'Autruche Restaurant
Small restaurant where you will never eat the same thing twice. Their menu is solely based on what good fresh ingredients the local market has to offer in the mornings.
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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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Cote Sud Restaurant, Uchaux
The Cote Sud has a charming sophisticated interior and includes a lovely terrace where you can enjoy your food when the weather is warm enough.
What to do
Things To Do in Provence
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Domaine Le Sagittaire Waterpark, Nyons
In the depths of the Drôme countryside in the French Provence, this 5 Star Residential Campsite comes complete with an entirely heated Aquatic Complex, which is open to the public.
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Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux
This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
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Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer
Aqualand in St Cyr Sur Mer offer you 11 wicked slides in a great park environment with drinks, food, and shops for you to enjoy.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.
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Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons
Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
Where to stay
Hotels in Provence
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Lou Cardalines B&B, near Bedoin
Set in a traditional Provencal building, and carefully renovated, Lou Cardalines offers two guest houses with direct garden or terrace access.
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L'Escapade Hotel, Bedoin
Located in a charming small village, with free parking and bike storage.
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La Garance Hotel, Bedoin
Set in a renovated farmhouse surrounded by vineyards and olive trees, the hotel has 16 bedrooms with a choice between queen-size or twin beds.
Price: €1,036
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Mon Ventoux B&B, near Sault
This charming B&B has four individually decorated bedrooms, free WiFi and indoor storage for bikes.
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Le Guintrand Hotel, near Bedoin
This small hotel lies just to the east of Bedoin village in Sainte Colomb, within easy reach of Mont Ventoux.
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Domaine de Pierravon B&B, Bedoin
This fortified farmhouse has been converted into a lovely B&B not far from Bedoin village centre.