Traditional Provençal village with a modern public art gallery and château
The tiny village of Cadenet is less showy than neighboring Lourmarin, but it's also less crowded and more unspoiled by the glossy effect tourism tends to have on the appearance of Provençal villages.
You'll actually hear more French than English spoken by shoppers at the Monday morning market.
Stop in to see the 13th century church, or hike up to the site of the château ruins, which is the perfect spot for a picnic in the shade with a magnificent panoramic view.
Monday morning is market day in the village, where you will find the usual wonderful mix of fresh Provençal produce, arts and crafts.
Friday afternoons feature a weekly boules tournament held behind the church, fuelled with ample supplies of pastis and rosé from the bar across the street.
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
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.
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
There's also a surprisingly large and modern public art gallery at the Centre Culturel.
For a taste of the local wine, stop in at the co-op, where the Tambour d'Arcole red is a delightful bargain, or make an appointment to taste the crisp, floral white at Château Mauconseil.
And be sure not to miss the truffle and olive farm of Les Pastras - what better thing to do in the heart of Provence than search for the white gold that is the French truffle.
The Muséum d'Aix was founded in 1838 by Henri Coquand, geologist ; it is one of the oldest in 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.
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'.
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.
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.
A small gallery with a good collection of contemporary and modern art.
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.
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.
Open daily, the Clos du Comptoir offers a sophisticated atmosphere for lunch and dinner in the same setting.
Located inside the luxury Chateau de la Gaude, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves the elaborate cuisine of chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal.
Enjoy home cooked meals made using the best fresh produce in a stunning setting, just outside of Aix.
Located in a street right off the main food market, La Bota is a small restaurant with about eight tables outside.
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.
The Mistral is Aix-en-Provence's answer to those looking for a trendy night out listening to the latest DJ's.
The Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
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.
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.
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.
Provence Wine Tours offer a variety of wine tours from private visits, to group tours and even corporate events.
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.
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.
This company offers two different types of excursions by kayak or canoe for either an hour and 15 minutes or 3 hours.
Bonde Lake is situated in the heart of the Luberon and offers activities and relaxation for all the family.
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.
This company offers an 8 kilometre canoe trip along the river near Fontaine de Vaucluse.
This company offers a 2 hour river descent from Isle sur la Sorgue to Fontain de Vaucluse in canoes.
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.
House for rent in Provence with swimming pool, terrace and garden.
A few minutes walk from the charming village of Bonnieux, on the heights towards Lourmarin, this charming stone house, freshly renovated by architects, is for rent for your holidays.
This fully restored nineteenth-century farmhouse for holiday rental is located 3 km from Bonnieux, a lovely Provençal village perched in the foothills of the Luberon in Provence.
Beautiful holiday home for rent in Provence, in Lourmarin, with garden and swimming pool.
Former 17th century farmhouse in Bonnieux, fully restored by a renowned architect.
Superb 5 star rated property located in Bonnieux with swimming pool
This hotel is a beautiful renovated house located on a quiet street, and walking distance to all the hustle and bustle of Aix.
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.
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.
Under the light Cézanne once knew, the Villa Gallici Hotel is an 18th century Provençal house and a member of Relais et Châteaux portfolio.
Built in 2013 this modern, contemporary five star hotel in Provence combines art work in contemporary spaces, filled with uber stylish furniture and fittings.
This aparthotel offers 89 air-conditioned apartments, from studios for 2 people, to 3 bedroom apartments for 6.
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating 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.
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
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.
Near Cotignac, in Fox-Amphoux, this elegant and spacious stone bastide is set within one hectare of beautifully landscaped gardens featuring 45 olive trees, lavender, a magnificent ancient chestnut tree, and recently planted maples among others.
A Provencal villa at the foot of the village of Grimaud.
A spacious villa with a pool close to the beaches.
A peaceful villa with unobstructed views of the countryside
Contemporary villa with two building plots
A beautifully renovated 16th century bastide with panoramic views.
Find out all about what is happening in Provence and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this picturesque French region.
See allLatest News & ReviewsProvence has a busy calendar of events all year round featuring art exhibitions, charming markets, cultural festivals and concerts. Spring and autumn are the time to celebrate local produce while during the peak holiday times, in the summer months, you will find world-renowned music and cultural events like the Choregies d'Orange or the Avignon Festival.
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