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.
Bonnieux
Wonderful perched village in the Luberon
Just as other Provence perched villages, such as Ramatuelle or Mons, Bonnieux clings to the hill side, just below its top.
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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Markets in Provence
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.
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Fête de la Musique
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
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Bastille Day
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
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European Heritage Days
Exceptional locations around France, including Provence, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
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 Granet
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.
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Shan-Art Gallery
A small gallery with a good collection of contemporary and modern art.
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Wildlife Art Gallery, Aix en Provence
Aurélien Raynaud displays his unique gift in capturing the wonderful wildlife kingdom in a range of artforms.
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Fondation Vasarely
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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Atelier Cezanne
Cezannes studio was created in Aix-en-Provence in 1902 and this is where he worked until he died in 1906.
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Carriere de Bibemus
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.
Dining in Aix-en-Provence
Restaurants in Aix-en-Provence
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Mickael Feval Restaurant
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 Comptoir du Clos
Open daily, the Clos du Comptoir offers a sophisticated atmosphere for lunch and dinner in the same setting.
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Villa Gallici Restaurant, Aix en Provence
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 Art Restaurant
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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La Bota Restaurant
Located in a street right off the main food market, La Bota is a small restaurant with about eight tables outside.
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Rendez-vous bio Restaurant
Fresh hearty meals prepared with love. Vegetarians catered for at this restaurant come deli come bio food shop.
Nightlife in Aix-en-Provence
Bars & Clubs in Aix-en-Provence
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Mistral Nighclub
The Mistral is Aix-en-Provence's answer to those looking for a trendy night out listening to the latest DJ's.
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Le Cardeur Bacchus Bar
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
The Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
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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Provence Wine Tours
Provence Wine Tours offer a variety of wine tours from private visits, to group tours and even corporate events.
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Le Train Touristique d'Aix-en-Provence
Just an hour long ride through the city of Aix, learning about its history and a good introduction to this beautiful area.
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Aix Golf Course
Open to all, this small golf club offers a clubhouse, restaurant, driving range, putting green and 6 holes. It is home to an academy that offers lessons at all levels.
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Gulli Parc Indoor Play Area
The area is split into two areas - one for the 1-5 years age group, and the other for 6-12 year olds.
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Set Golf Course
Set in the beautiful wooded countryside, this 18-hole golf course was designed by American architect Ronald Fream. The club incorporates the David Leadbetter Academy that offers lessons to suit players of all levels.
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Aix Marseille Golf 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.
Watersports in Aix-en-Provence
Watersports in Aix-en-Provence
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Raille Lake Watersports, 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
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
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
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
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
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.
Villas in Aix-en-Provence
Villas in Aix-en-Provence
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La Bastide De La Forêt Villa, Bonnieux
Come and discover this house with large swimming pool, near Bonnieux, for a holiday in the heart of nature.
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La Prairie Du Luberon Villa, Bonnieux
Stone house with pool for rent in Bonnieux - La Prairie du Luberon
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La Cavalière Villa, Bonnieux
Former 17th century farmhouse in Bonnieux, fully restored by a renowned architect.
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Le Capitaine Villa, Bonnieux
The Capitaine is an apartment located on the 2nd floor, its exposure is ideal for holidays in Provence, beautiful atmosphere.
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Le Mas Douceur De Vivre Villa, Bonnieux
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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Au Cœur Du Village Villa, Lourmarin
Beautiful holiday home for rent in Provence, in Lourmarin, with garden and swimming pool.
Holidays Rentals in Aix-en-Provence
Holiday Rentals in Aix-en-Provence
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La Prairie Du Luberon Villa, Bonnieux
Stone house with pool for rent in Bonnieux - La Prairie du Luberon
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Le Capitaine Villa, Bonnieux
The Capitaine is an apartment located on the 2nd floor, its exposure is ideal for holidays in Provence, beautiful atmosphere.
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La Bastide De La Forêt Villa, Bonnieux
Come and discover this house with large swimming pool, near Bonnieux, for a holiday in the heart of nature.
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La Badassière Villa, Bonnieux
Villa rental in the Luberon - La Badassière
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La Cavalière Villa, Bonnieux
Former 17th century farmhouse in Bonnieux, fully restored by a renowned architect.
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La Bastide Bitrona Villa, Bonnieux
Beautiful holiday villa with swimming pool for rent in the South of France, near the village of Bonnieux in Provence.
Hotels in Aix-en-Provence
Hotels in Aix-en-Provence
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Le Pigonnet Hotel
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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Moulin de Lourmarin Hotel, Lourmarin
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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Villa Gallici Hotel
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
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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Renaissance Hotel
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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Une Sieste en Luberon B&B, Bonnieux
Located a 5-minute walk from the heart of Bonnieux, this charming guest house features 3 comfortable rooms suitable for families as every room has a mezzanine for 2 children.
How to get to Aix-en-Provence
Transfers for Provence
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Private Jet and Helicopter Transfers
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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Radio Aixois Taxi
49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
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Helicopter Leisure Flights & Transfers, Marseille
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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Chabe Airport Transfers, Marseille
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
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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.
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Helicopter Transfers and Scenic Flights
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
Property For Sale in Aix-en-Provence
Property for Sale in Aix-en-Provence
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House for Sale
Set on a 2,090 m² plot in the heart of a peaceful hamlet surrounded by nature, this character-filled stone property is a true haven of tranquillity.
House for Sale
€750,000 -
Villa for Sale, Var
High-potential property in the heart of a private estate, just a few steps from the beach.
Villa for Sale, Var
€1,990,000 -
Villa for Sale
Set in the prestigious Domaine de Terre Blanche, Villa Augusta is the epitome of contemporary luxury.
Villa for Sale
€3,200,000 -
