Brignoles
Traditional authentic Provençal market town
Brignoles lies at the heart of the Côtes de Provence wine region.
It's a busy town in a very central location and close to the motorway, so it's a good base if you're looking to explore a wide area of Provence (Aix in 30 minutes, the beach in 30 minutes, Nice in one hour).
History & Culture in [locality]
It has some Roman history thanks to the nearby Roman road, the Via Aurelia (a Roman tomb can be seen in the town's museum), but Brignoles came into its own during medieval times when the Counts of Provence used to stay here for the summer. Noble families settled here and the 10th century castle was converted into a palace (Palais des Comtes de Provences).
Brignoles made money initially from agriculture and then in the 19th century from its tanneries.
Afterwards, bauxite mining proved to be a valuable source of income and today, it's the wine industry which sustains the area.
A marble quarry to the south west of Brignoles, which has been mined since Roman times, is still in use.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
The medieval centre is guarded by towers and gates. The church, Saint Sauveur, was built upon an existing 11th century church (which subsequently became the chapel) and is built in a Romanesque style. Many of the 16th and 17th century buildings have been renovated - look out for Roman façades and decorative alcoves. You'll also find a Knights Templar house dating back to the 12th century, a 'Jewish quarter' and plenty of mansion houses with fascinating histories.
The highlight of the town is the Palais des Comtes de Provences. The building dates back to the 12th century and now houses the Musée du Pays Brignolais. The exhibits include all sorts of items from Brignoles history and an ancient Christian sarcophagus, as well as paintings, etchings and drawings.
The Abbaye de la Celle is a 13th century Benedictine convent and lies 2km south west of Brignoles. The attached priory is now a hotel, but you can still visit the cloisters, chapter house and the refectory.
Sights in Provence
See all Sights & Sites-
Emperi Museum in the Chateau d'Emperi
An opportunity to discover Salon's heritage and view the work of contemporary artists in the regular exhibitions held at the Château.
-
Motorbike Museum, Entrevaux
This little museum is jam-packed from floor to ceiling with a great collection of vintage and classic motorbikes.
-
Orange Cathedral
The cathedral of our lady of Nazareth, or Notre Dame de Nazareth, lies in the centre of Orange not far from the river.
-
Les Arenes, Nimes
The Nimes Roman Arena is an amphitheatre that dates back to the end of the first century AD. It is an impressive sight, with two levels of 60 superposed arches.
-
Musee du Vin Brotte, Chateauneuf du Pape
Created in 1972 by Jeanne Brotte, this wine museum is unique in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. First a modest museum displaying an impressing collection of old tools it has been renovated in 2002 and 2014 now presenting you with a museography called “In the footstep of the winegrower”.
-
Atelier Cezanne
Cezannes studio was created in Aix-en-Provence in 1902 and this is where he worked until he died in 1906.
Events in [locality]
Market day is on Wednesday and there is a fragrant flower market on Saturdays.
Events in Provence
See all Events Calendar-
Liszt en Provence festival, Uchaux
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
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
'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
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
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
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 river Le Caramy flows through Brignoles and offers a welcome piece of green in the town centre. During the summer, the area is popular with swimmers and there are picnic tables by the Notre Dame bridge.
It acts as the market centre for the area and so it can get pretty busy, although most of the traffic is kept away from the old town with a new ring road. The town centre has it's share of medieval architecture and grand mansions, and the main square (Place Caramy) hosts the town hall and a number of cafés that are perfect for watching the world go by. There are many fountains dotted throughout the centre, but many do not run due to the need to conserve water.
An old train line runs a 1950's railcar through Brignoles - it starts in Carnoules to the south west and goes in a circular route via Platanes and Sainte Anastasie. It runs in the summer months only and you can find out more at the tourist office.
Brignoles is surrounded by walking trails through forests - one that is well signposted is from Brignoles to Camps la Source vis the Chapel of St Sebastian - a loop of 11.5km.
Horse riding is popular in this area, and there is a karting track to the west of Brignoles.
Things To Do in Provence
See all Activities & Trips-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Hotels in [locality]
There are several nice B&Bs in the area.
Hotels in Provence
See all Hotels-
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.
Price: €1,243
-
Chateau de Massillan Hotel, Uchaux
Chateau de Massillan is a small luxury hotel with a gourmet restaurant located in Uchaux.
Price: €1,898
-
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.
Price: €5,640
-
La Maison sur la Sorgue Hotel, Isle dur 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.
-
Chateau de Berne Hotel
Set deep in the lush Var region of Provence, this country house hotel is set within a 550 hectare vineyard. So if food and wine are high on your agenda, then you may well want to consider a stay in the this charming Provencal hotel.
Price: €29,568
-
Baumaniere Hotel, Les Baux
This charming 5 star hotel offers guests the best in luxury accommodation and services whilst still retaining an air of simple, classic style.