Bonnieux

History & Culture in [locality]

It's a strategic position that has made Bonnieux a desirable place from the very early ages, there are even indications that the area was inhabited from as early as the Neolithic age.

In Roman times, the region of Bonnieux was a very important thoroughfare for the Romans, travelling from Cadiz to Milan. The Pont Julien (see below) is proof of this.

In the Middle Ages, Bonnieux became a Papal enclave, through a bizarre chain of events. This meant that the town was a tax-free haven in the centre of the French kingdom. Smuggling was rampant and the town prospered. Only the French Revolution was able to put a stop to the special privileges of the townspeople.

See our History Guide

Sights & Attractions in [locality]

The best view point can be reached by climbing the many (86) steps up to the 12th century church on top of the hill. It's undeniably one of the best perched villages' views.

After the top view and your descent, you may feel that you've seen it all in Bonnieux. But wait...its terraced structure tends to hide the rest of the village. Descend a few streets down and you find yourself in a pleasant square with colourful houses, tasteful stores and outside cafés. Close by is the "new church," from the 19th century. It's as if there are two Bonnieux: the stern, older part along the main road and above it, and the "newer," more playful part with, granted, a lesser view.

With its long history, it's surprising that Bonnieux does not have a local museum to tell its story. What it does have, however, is a Musée de la Boulangerie (a bread baker's museum), the only one in Provence. It's housed in a quirky 17th century building and celebrates the making of the wonderful sourdough bread (closed November to April).

The Jardin de la Louve is a private contemporary garden which has won awards for being 'outstanding'. It's open to the public at certain times during the year, there is an entrance fee.

The Enclos des Bories is an authentic drystone village in a cedar forest - it's to the south of Bonnieux and is open during the summer; there is a small entrance fee.

With or without a museum, its long history is best told by the Pont Julien, located 5km north of Bonnieux. The name Julien refers to Julius, as in Julius Cesar. It's one of the best preserved and important Roman bridges in the region.

The are several art galleries in the village, some clothing boutiques and gift shops, but it's fairly limited in its scope.

Château Canorgue - made famous by the Ridley Scott / Russell Crowe film, 'A Good Year' - is on the outskirts of Bonnieux. It produces organic wine and you can only visit to buy the wine - there are no tours.

Fort St Roch, Sospel

This remnant of the second world war is a huge engineering feat made from lots of concrete and once housed machine guns and barracks.
Site Memorial des Milles

Located in
Aix-en-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.
Parfumerie Molinard, Grasse

Located in
Grasse

Grasse is the world capital of perfumes. At this museum you can discover the ancient tradition of parfumerie and learn how to create your own, unique scent.
Theatre Antique, Orange

Orange boasts the best preserved Roman Amphitheatre in the western world.
Mathieu Lustrerie Museum, Gargas

This museum houses a collection of around 250 chandeliers and a large library and collection of photos dedicated to these wonderful pieces of art.
Le Musee du Tire-Bouchon, Menerbes

A private collection of ornate, unusual and ancient corkscrews in the vineyards of the Domaine de La Citadelle.

Events in [locality]

The market in Bonnieux takes place every Wednesday and Friday morning. You can expect wonderful local produce, cheeses, olive oils, honey, nougat, flowers, baskets, kitchenware, and arts and crafts from local artesans.

Each year, Bonnieux holds a heritage celebration weekend - on the third weekend of September, where there are guided tours, displays by artisans and concerts.

Liszt en Provence festival, Uchaux

Event next occurs on
Sun 24 Aug

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.
Arelate Festival

Event next occurs on
Fri 22 Aug
Located in
Arles

Relive the Roman days in Arles during the Arelate Festival, with daily shows that will transport you back into the days of gladiator battles and horse races.
a-part Festival, Les Alpilles region

Event next occurs on
Fri 22 Aug
Located in
Aix-en-Provence

'a-part' re-invents nature and surrounding landscapes with contemporary art that invigorates your senses, promoting new artists alongside established names.
Anniversary of the liberation of Avignon

Event next occurs on
Mon 25 Aug
Located in
Avignon

As part of the Commemoration of the liberation of Avignon, a day of festivities honouring this historical event takes place.
Reves de Camargue Horse Show

Event next occurs on
Fri 22 Aug
Located in
Arles

Come and watch this memorable horse show with dancing horses and cowboys at the Mas des Jasses de la Ville/Manade Fernay.
Markets in Provence

Event next occurs on
Mon 25 Aug

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.

Things to do in [locality]

The Luberon is criss-crossed with walking trails. most of which eventually join the Grand Randonnee route GR97 (the Tour du Luberon). You can take a trail from Bonnieux heading either north or south to join this established route, it's about 10km either way. There are other, circular hikes which you join directly from Bonnieux - check with the tourist office for maps and trails.

You may prefer to explore the countryside on a bicycle, in case you are in luck. A circular route around the Luberon National Park has been marked out for cyclists. For something shorter, there is La Route des Crètes - a 14km (28km round trip) cycle path through cedar forests on a paved road (no traffic and flat, so great for families).

The 'Luberon à l’Infini' is a slightly longer 50km loop taking you through Oppede, Menerbes and Lacoste before finishing at Bonnieux. Ask at the tourist office for information about all these routes.

The Veloroute Calavon is a dedicated cycle path that follows an old railway line. It starts at Pont Julien and you can ride to Apt (east - 10km) or Beaumettes (west - 10km) depending which way you turn. Take a look at our Cycle Hire pages to obtain your bikes.

Bonnieux also features tennis courts and a golf course.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

See our Activity Guide

Hotels in [locality]

Le Clos des Lavandes B&B

In the heart of the Luberon National Park, a beautiful and charming B&B welcomes you for a relaxing stay.

30 August 20257 Nights
Price: €974
Baumaniere Hotel, Les Baux

Located in
Les Baux-de-Provence

This charming 5 star hotel offers guests the best in luxury accommodation and services whilst still retaining an air of simple, classic style.

30 August 20257 Nights
Price: €7,209
La Bastide de Marie B&B, Menerbes

This lovely B&B has 15 rooms and is set in 57 acres of vineyards. Each bedroom has its own charm and character, decorated in ecclectic antique furniture.
Le Mas de Peint Hotel

This 17th-century home has been inhabited by several generations of the BON family, ranchers (“manadiers”) from one generation to the next.

30 August 20257 Nights
Price: €3,640
La Maison sur la Sorgue Hotel, Isle dur la Sorgue

Located in
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

La Maison sur la Sorgue is a small boutique hotel in the heart of the village of the same name, renowned for it's antiques stores and markets. The lovely and generously sized rooms are decorated in a chic Provencal tone and feature antique furniture and modern touches. Wifi is available in the public areas and breakfast is served on the terrace by the pool. There isn't a restaurant, but there are plenty to choose from in the pretty town.
La Bastide de Moustiers Hotel, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

La Bastide de Moustiers is a house full of charm situated in the north of Provence close to Verdon National Park.

How to get to [locality]

ABCD Taxi, Apt

All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
Les Marseillais Taxi, Marseille

300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights

Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
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.
Radio Aixois Taxi

49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
Events-Cars Taxi, Grigan

Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.

See our Getting Here Guide

Property For Sale in [locality]

Villa for Sale

Located in
Saint Tropez

Stunning property ideally set in a private domain with views over the sea and the vineyards.

Price: €23,000,000
Villa for Sale

Located in
Cogolin

Situated in the heart of the Baie of Saint-Tropez, this charming property boasts meticulous design and refined amenities.

Price: €1,995,000
Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere

Located in
Val d’Isere

Rarely available Savoyard chalet in an elevated position with far reaching viewings over Val d'Isère
Villa for Sale

Located in
Sainte-Maxime

Contemporary villa with sea view in a secure estate in Sainte-Maxime

Price: €5,490,000
Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere

Located in
Val d’Isere

Exquisite and exclusive new development of ski-in, ski out chalet-style apartments

Price: €16,900,000
Hotel for Sale

Located in
Sainte-Maxime

Located just 100 meters from the sea, this unique property, currently operated as a charming 4-star hotel, enjoys a spectacular view of the sea and Saint-Tropez.

Price: €6,383,000