Cadenet

Traditional Provençal village with a modern public art gallery and château

featured in Towns & Villages Updated 12 June 2025

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.

Sights & Attractions in [locality]

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.

Fort de Buoux, Apt

The ruins of Fort de Buoux lie on top of hill at the head of the Apt valley. This defensive stronghold was used to protect the surrounding towns and land from Lourmarin to Silvergues and the ruins you see today date from the 13th century.
Lac de Saint-Cassien Nature Park, Var

Situated in the Fayence area of the Var, not far from the south coast of France, this lake offers a welcome respite in the heat of the summer months.
Theatre Antique, Orange

Orange boasts the best preserved Roman Amphitheatre in the western world.
Chauvet Cave - Caverne du Pont d'Arc Gallery, St Marcel d'Ardeche

Finally visitors will be able to experience the cave paintings of the Grotte Chauvet in the state of the art replica that has been created by artists and builders.
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.
La Synagogue, Carpentras

Located in Carpentras

The synagogue of Carpentras is the oldest synagogue still in activity in France.

Events in [locality]

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.

Things to do in [locality]

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.
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, 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.
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.
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.