Just as other Provence perched villages, such as Ramatuelle or Mons, Bonnieux clings to the hill side, just below its top.
Bonnieux
Wonderful perched village in the Luberon
Today, you find little evidence of the prosperity that it once enjoyed, more of a pretty, sleepy village.
What takes your breath away here is the splendid view over the, often wind swept, valleys of the Luberon below, the fertile plains of Cavaillon and beyond - all the way to Mont Ventoux on a clear day.
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Events in Aix-en-Provence
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.
Events in Aix-en-Provence
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Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
History & Culture in Aix-en-Provence
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.
Sights & Attractions in Aix-en-Provence
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.
Sights in Aix-en-Provence
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Musee des tapisseries Tapestry
A rich collection of ancient and contemporary tapestry
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.
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Fondation Vasarely
Abstract art & architecture from the Hungarian artist
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'.
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Carriere de Bibemus
The quarry that inspired Cezanne in many of his paintings
An old quarry, the Carrieres de Bibemus lies on the western slopes of Montagne St Victoire and is a place that inspired Paul Cezanne through out his life.
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Museum d'Histoire Naturelle
Great collection of dinosaurs and plant fossils
The Muséum d'Aix was founded in 1838 by Henri Coquand, geologist ; it is one of the oldest in Provence.
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Shan-Art Gallery
Gallery of modern & contemporary art in Aix
A small gallery with a good collection of contemporary and modern art.
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Calisson Museum
Take a visit to the place where they make Provence's most famous confectionery - Calissons
Located not far from Aix centre, this museum and shop explains a little about the history of how this unusual sweet is made.
Dining in Aix-en-Provence
Restaurants in Aix-en-Provence
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Mickael Feval Restaurant
Fine dining restaurant with 1 Michelin star
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.
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Le Art Restaurant
Michelin-starred restaurant in a charming chateau
Located inside the luxury Chateau de la Gaude, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves the elaborate cuisine of chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal.
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Villa Gallici Restaurant, Aix en Provence
Provencal cuisine in a beautiful setting overlooking the hotel grounds
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.
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Le Comptoir du Clos
The sophisticated restaurant located at the Renaissance Hotel
Open daily, the Clos du Comptoir offers a sophisticated atmosphere for lunch and dinner in the same setting.
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Cote Cour Restaurant
Modern & creative cooking located on the prestigious Cours Mirabeau
Cote Cour is a mix of modern and traditional mediterranean French cuisine. Situated on the well known street of Cours Mirabeau on the edge of the old town of Aix. Expert chef Ronan Kernen, who is famous for his appearance and skill in the show TOP CHEF, creates intense flavoursome dishes.
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Le Jardin d'Amalula
Delicious snacks & salads on a quiet, shaded terrace
Serving a wide range of classic and modern snacks, sandwiches and pastries this secluded bistro/cafe offers a calm oasis in a busy city centre.
Nightlife in Aix-en-Provence
Bars & Clubs in Aix-en-Provence
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Le Cardeur Bacchus Bar
A bar & restaurant in the centre of Aix
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.
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Le Scat Nightclub
Jazz club in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, live music & a great atmosphere
The Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
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Mistral Nighclub
Trendy club in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, international DJ's & acts
The Mistral is Aix-en-Provence's answer to those looking for a trendy night out listening to the latest DJ's.
Things to do in Aix-en-Provence
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.
Things To Do in Aix-en-Provence
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Country Club Aixois Tennis, Aix en Provence
Renowned club with excellent 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.
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Club Hippique d'Aix Marseille horse riding
A reputed, long-established equestrian club for all
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.
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Aix Marseille Golf Course
Very close to Aix-en-Provence it is a fairly flat course
The Golf Club Aix-Marseille is only 5 minutes away from Aix-en-Provence TGV railway station. As the course is faily level it is possible to play without the use of a buggy.
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Set Club, Aix en Provence
Clay & hard 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.
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Sainte-Victoire Aquatic Centre, Venelles
Aquatic centre with indoor & outdoor pools, lazy river & childrens area
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.
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Aix Yoga Center, Aix en Provence
Yoga centre offering regular Ashtanga & Iyengar lessons, courses & retreats
The Aix Yoga Center is a 150m2 studio yoga in the heart of Aix en Provence.
Watersports in Aix-en-Provence
Watersports in Aix-en-Provence
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Raille Lake Watersports
Sailing, windsuring, watersports and more in this lake near Apt
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.
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AFDA Canoe & Kayak, Lauris
Canoe or kayak trips along the river in the South Luberon
This company offers two different types of excursions by kayak or canoe for either an hour and 15 minutes or 3 hours.
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La Bonde Lake, Cabrieres d'Aigues
Swimming, watersports & trails
Bonde Lake is situated in the heart of the Luberon and offers activities and relaxation for all the family.
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Kayak Vert, Fontaine de Vaucluse
Canoe along the green coloured rivers of the Sorgue
This company offers an 8 kilometre canoe trip along the river near Fontaine de Vaucluse.
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Canoe Evasion, near Isle sur la Sorgue
Canoe trips between Fontaine de Vaucluse & Isle sur la Sorgue
This company offers a 2 hour river descent from Isle sur la Sorgue to Fontain de Vaucluse in canoes.
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Le lac de Monteux, Monteux
Leisure centre with plenty of water based fun & activities
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.
Holiday Rentals in Aix-en-Provence
Holiday Rentals in Aix-en-Provence
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La Badassière Villa, Bonnieux
5 bedroom Villa in Bonnieux. Sleeps 10
Villa rental in the Luberon - La Badassière
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La Villa Plein Soleil Villa, Cadenet
4 bedroom Villa in Cadenet. Sleeps 8
Architect-designed villa for holiday rental, with swimming pool, in the heart of the Luberon with an elevated position in the village of Cadenet.
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Luberon Le Mas Wisteria Villa, Bonnieux
5 bedroom Villa in Bonnieux. Sleeps 10
Mas Wisteria is located 2.5km from Bonnieux, a lovely Provençal village perched in the foothills of the Luberon in Provence.
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La Villa Paulanne Villa, Bonnieux
4 bedroom Villa in Bonnieux. Sleeps 8
House for rent in Provence with swimming pool, terrace and garden.
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Le Mas Douceur De Vivre Villa, Bonnieux
8 bedroom Villa in Bonnieux. Sleeps 20
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.
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La Bohème Villa, Bonnieux
6 bedroom Villa in Bonnieux. Sleeps 15
Magnificent villa near Bonnieux, in the heart of the Luberon, with swimming pool, for a unique holiday.
Hotels in Aix-en-Provence
Hotels in Aix-en-Provence
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Renaissance Hotel
Contemporary style 5 star hotel with works of art & stylish furnishings
Built in 2013 this modern, contemporary five star hotel in Provence combines art work in contemporary spaces, filled with uber stylish furniture and fittings.
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Villa Gallici Hotel
Small luxury hotel in the centre of Aix en Provence but surrounded by gardens
Under the light Cézanne once knew, the Villa Gallici Hotel is an 18th century Provençal house and a member of Relais et Châteaux portfolio.
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La Maison d'Aix Hotel
Small hotel built from an old house in 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.
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Moulin de Lourmarin Hotel, Lourmarin
Former oil mill converted into a charming Provencal style hotel
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.
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Le Pigonnet Hotel
Grand hotel with magical gardens just outside centre of Aix-en-Provence
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.
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Le Galinier de Lourmarin B&B, Lourmarin
Beautiful Provencal farmhouse dating from the 18th & 19 centuries
Set in a 3 hectare park, this 19th-Century Provencal country house offers an outdoor swimming pool and a terrace. It is just an 8-minute walk to the centre of Lourmarin village and its castle.
How to get to Aix-en-Provence
Transfers for Provence
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Helicopter Transfers & Scenic Flights
Passenger transport, aerial photography, freight , etc...
Helitec caters for all your helicopter needs from passenger transport to aerial photography, filming, transport of heavy goods, leisure flights over Provence and the South of France. A great way to see the most beautiful spots from the air.
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Marseille Taxis
Taxis in Marseille
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
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Helicopter Transfers & Scenic Flights
Helicopter charter company based in Monaco with over 25 years experience
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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Private Airport Transfers
Reliable private airport transfer & taxi service
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
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Private Jet & Helicopter Transfers
Aircraft & helicopter charter company based at Nice Airport in the South of France
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.
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Avignon Taxis
Taxis in Avignon and the entire region
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
Property For Sale in Aix-en-Provence
Property for Sale in Aix-en-Provence
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Villa for Sale | VAL240008
4 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 240m² Villa in Var
Set in the prestigious Domaine de Terre Blanche, Villa Augusta is the epitome of contemporary luxury.
Villa for Sale | VAL240008
€3,200,000 -
Villa for Sale | VAL240033
4 bedroom, 5 bathroom, 330m² Villa in Var
Elegant villa in the sought-after Terre Blanche estate
Villa for Sale | VAL240033
€3,750,000 -
Villa for Sale | STZ250285
7 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 233.84m² Villa in Var
A Provencal villa at the foot of the village of Grimaud.
Villa for Sale | STZ250285
€2,690,000 -
Villa for Sale | VAL250082
6 bedroom, 428m² villa in Var
Nestled in the heart of the prestigious Terre Blanche estate, this superb property of approximately 428 m² of living space is set on one hectare of landscaped grounds, one of the largest on the estate, offering spectacular views of the surrounding hilltop villages and a rare living environment that is both luxurious and peaceful.
Villa for Sale | VAL250082
€9,800,000 -
Villa for Sale | val260153
4 bedroom, 320.95m² Villa in Tourrettes
This contemporary property, inspired by neo-Provençal architecture, offers approximately 300 sqm of living space and is set within a beautifully landscaped 3,300 sqm garden, providing a private living environment.
Villa for Sale | val260153
€4,500,000 -
Land (Plot) for Sale | VAL250058
10 bedroom, 9 bathroom, 1350m² plot in Var
An exceptional estate in landscaped grounds
Land (Plot) for Sale | VAL250058
€39,850,000
