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.
Famous wine growing region in the Rhône valley
Châteauneuf du Pape lies in the heart of the Vaucluse region, 19km to the north of Avignon and 10km south of Orange. It is of course, most famous for the wine it produces, but the village itself is also worth a trip, with its pretty medieval lanes and ruined castle.
The town's history dates back to the 12th century when it was called Castrum Novum. When the Popes moved to Avignon in the 14th century, they built the castle which became their summer residence throughout that century. The castle was destroyed in the 16th century during the Wars of Religion, and again in World War II.
The market is held on Friday mornings, in La Place de la Renaissance.
Head to the Avenue de la Rabasse in Richerenches for the famous Saturday truffle markets, which take place from November to March every year.
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.
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.
This famous wine producing region was first cultivated by monks over a thousand years ago, and the popes in Avignon developed the vines in the 14th century.
The composition of Châteauneuf du Pape wines is tightly controlled by the AOC - a blend of thirteen varieties of grape, of which the main ones are grenache, syrah and mourvedre.
The wine is farmed organically and there are many regulations wine-makers have to follow in order to gain the prestigious label of AOC Châteauneuf du Pape.
The unique conditions in which the grapes grow are largely responsible for the quality. The patch of land on which the vines are grown (the terroir) is fairly stony. The stones heat up from the sunshine during the day and then slowly release their heat during the night, so that the vines never get too cold. The mistral wind that blows from the north keeps away insects and pests, meaning no artifical pesticides are required. These robust, rich wines are best suited to cold winter evenings. They don't come cheap, but you can be sure of a high quality, distinctive wine.
There are many wine producers in the area who welcome visitors for tastings and tours. Indeed the village is full of 'caves' where you can taste the wines for free (degustation gratuite) or 'caves' where you pay a small fee to hear about the production of the wine and taste domaine-specific wines (degustation) - some of these include sampling local produce or cheese at the same time. There are plenty to choose from in the village centre, so if you want to just have a general introduction to the wine of the region, just pick a few at random! The tourist office may also be able to point you in the right direction if you want a little bit of help.
For vineyard tours, you will probably have to arrange these in advance by calling the specific domaines ahead of your visit. Try our recommended Vineyards, or have a look at the complete list of Domaines and Caves, courtesy of the tourist office. Alternatively, book yourselves on to a guided tour, there are a number of companies who arrange visits, workshops and tastings, both in the village and around the vineyards.
The Musée du Vin displays the history of Châteauneuf du Pape wine and its vineyards, along with ancient tools and presses. You also have the chance to enjoy tastings in their cellar and shop. On a different note, there is a chocolatier Vin, Chocolat et Compagnie at the edge of the village which offers chocolate making workshops, tastings of both chocolate and wine, and of course, their shop.
The village has a smattering of art galleries and artisan workshops.
A few kilometres away is the village of Courthezon is also worth a visit, it's a medieval village set on the banks of the rivers Seille and Rhoannel. It has a number of formal gardens and an arboretum, as well as nature trails around salt ponds.
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.
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.
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.
Cezannes studio was created in Aix-en-Provence in 1902 and this is where he worked until he died in 1906.
A small gallery with a good collection of contemporary and modern art.
The Muséum d'Aix was founded in 1838 by Henri Coquand, geologist ; it is one of the oldest in Provence.
There are the usual number of traditional cafés and restaurants in the centre of the village, all of which will provide a perfectly decent meal. You may find they charge a higher price than restaurants in the surrounding villages simply because of the well known name.
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.
Located inside the luxury Chateau de la Gaude, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves the elaborate cuisine of chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal.
Open daily, the Clos du Comptoir offers a sophisticated atmosphere for lunch and dinner in the same setting.
The restaurant is situated just a step from the law court of Aix en Provence in Rue Constantin near Rue Mignet. It has a welcoming terrace with a view of the church Sainte-Catherine.
Located in a stunning park stretching over several hectares, this restaurant lies within a hotel with real Mediterranean charm.
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.
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 village is a nice place to wander around for a few hours, even if you do not want to taste any wine. It has a medieval feel to it, with charming lanes, tumbling flowers, pretty squares and plenty of places to grab a drink and sit and watch the world go by. It's a fairly polished affair, no doubt thanks to its fame.
The tourist office arranges guided tours of the village during the summer months (for a small fee), but you can easily wander around and discover the village by yourself (you can also pick up Heritage Trail brochures that help guide you at the tourist office). Some of the sights to see include the Romanesque church Notre Dame de l'Assomption (from the 12th century), the chapel Saint Pierre de Luxembourg (from the 19th century), the chapel Saint Theodoric with its protected frescoes, and of course the ruined castle. Only a couple of the walls and a tower remain of this ancient Papal palace but the views from the top of a valley of vineyards with the mighty River Rhône in the background are sure to impress.
If you'd like to explore the countryside a bit more, you can do so by foot or by bicycle. There is a 16km walking trail which starts at the castle (circuit is brown trail) which takes you through vineyards towards the River Rhône, around in a loop to finish back in the village.
A shorter alternative is vineyard trail which leaves from La Maison des Vignerons. The trail follows fifteen marked panels with information about the vines and the area and you can choose between 3, 5 or 7km routes. For more nature, try the 10km path around Islon St-Luc. It 's a circular route that follows a river tow-path that takes you down to the Rhône, and has useful information boards around the route. There is also a much shoter walk that starts here, of 2km, which is suitable for families.
A cycle route around the vineyards starts in the village and takes you to Sorgues and Bedarrides before returning to your starting point. It's 28km and should take 2h30 - 3 hours. It's signposted all the way and is of an easy level.
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.
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 area is split into two areas - one for the 1-5 years age group, and the other for 6-12 year olds.
Tour Designer in Provence provide tailor made tours of the best of Provence with day trips and walking tours on offer.
An exciting path through the forest...but not on the ground! This tree top adventure will have you swinging from the branches and enjoying the sights and sounds of nature.
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.
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.
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
This watersports centre is based on a 10 hectare lake with boxes and features in the water that you can practise your wakeboarding moves on.
This company offers a 2 hour river descent from Isle sur la Sorgue to Fontain de Vaucluse in canoes.
This company offers an 8 kilometre canoe trip along the river near Fontaine de Vaucluse.
The Ceze is a calm river and accessible for all. Along the trip you’ll find enough spots and beaches where you’ll be able to get out of your boat to eat, sunbathe or swim.
Come and discover this house with large swimming pool, near Bonnieux, for a holiday in the heart of nature.
Villa rental in the Luberon - La Badassière
Beautiful holiday home for rent in Provence, in Lourmarin, with garden and swimming pool.
The Lieutenant is an apartment for rent for holidays in Provence, located on the 1st floor of a pretty country house in Bonnieux.
Superb 5 star rated property located in Bonnieux with swimming pool
Architect-designed villa for holiday rental, with swimming pool, in the heart of the Luberon with an elevated position in the village of Cadenet.
Farmhouse available to rent for holidays with a large pool in the Golden Triangle in Bonnieux.
The Chef d’Escadron is located on the 1st floor. The apartment for rent for holidays is bright and includes a private terrace enjoying a beautiful view of Provence.
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.
18th century stone farmhouse on a landscaped park of approximately 1 hectare with panoramic views of the Luberon.
A magnificent "Mas" in Bonnieux to rent in the Luberon, with a large landscaped garden for a dream holiday between Bonnieux and Lacoste.
Mas Wisteria is located 2.5km from Bonnieux, a lovely Provençal village perched in the foothills of the Luberon in 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.
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.
This hotel is a beautiful renovated house located on a quiet street, and walking distance to all the hustle and bustle of Aix.
Built in 2013 this modern, contemporary five star hotel in Provence combines art work in contemporary spaces, filled with uber stylish furniture and fittings.
Under the light Cézanne once knew, the Villa Gallici Hotel is an 18th century Provençal house and a member of Relais et Châteaux portfolio.
Set in a 5 acre park, a few kilometres from Aix-en-Provence, this hotel offers 39 rooms and suites with garden and countryside views.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
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.
A beautifully renovated 16th century bastide with panoramic views.
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.
Set in the prestigious Domaine de Terre Blanche, Villa Augusta is the epitome of contemporary luxury.
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.
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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