© Seeprovence.com
© Seeprovence.com
© Seeprovence.com
© Seeprovence.com
© Seeprovence.com
© Seeprovence.com
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.
In Provence, the department of the Var is the place to look for chestnuts. The Var village of Collobrières regards itself as chestnut capital of the world and in late October it's time for the chestnut festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from near and far.
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.
Head to the Avenue de la Rabasse in Richerenches for the famous Saturday truffle markets, which take place from November to March every year.
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.
An annual agricultural fair, the Foire de la Saint Siffrein is named after the saint who resided in Carpentras during the 7th century. Plenty of local produce is available in the market and the wine fair is one of the largest in the area (and not restricted to wines from Provence).
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.
A small gallery with a good collection of contemporary and modern art.
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.
The Muséum d'Aix was founded in 1838 by Henri Coquand, geologist ; it is one of the oldest in Provence.
Aurélien Raynaud displays his unique gift in capturing the wonderful wildlife kingdom in a range of artforms.
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'.
Located not far from Aix centre, this museum and shop explains a little about the history of how this unusual sweet is made.
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.
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.
Big tasty burgers, great home cooked meals and enticing deserts. This hidden gem is a must for anyone visiting the old town.
The Mistral is Aix-en-Provence's answer to those looking for a trendy night out listening to the latest DJ's.
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 Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Golf de la Cabre d'Or is only 20 minutes away from Aix-en-Provence et Marseille. This is a fairly new golf course which opened only in 2008.
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 28.5km long route is a journey of discovery through the Ile de l'Oiselay and the vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape.
Once in the town of Jonquieres there are several choices of cycle routes around the area. The country roads are the perfect platform to discover the local villages, view points and historical points of interest.
This 35km loop takes you through the famous vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône, as well as past strawberry fields, olive groves and fruit orchards. It is a wonderfully scenic ride with the opportunity to do some tasting along the way!
From the perched village of Châteauneuf de Gadagne, this gentle family-friendly cycle route goes from the foot of the Colline de Thouzon, round in a loop to the town of Le Thor, via the cool waters of the River Sorgue.
The Comtat Venaissin (County of Venaissin), often called the Comtat for short, dates back to the middle ages and was politically significant throughout the 16th and 17th centuries.
Most of this circuit follows the canal tow paths to the north of Carpentras, within sight of Mont Ventoux.
The vast numbers of lovely Vineyards in Provence make for great places to go on a walking or hiking tour.
Starting in Barbentane, a short 15 minute drive from Avignon, this gentle and easy walk is great for all abilities of walker. WIth a shady tracks and only a 2 hour and 45 minute round trip you can amble along this walk and enjoy the surrouding scenery.
Explore the valleys of Le Beaucet situated between the Mountains of Vaucluse and the Luberon Valley.
From the look out point at 965m you are rewarded with fantastic views of the Alazards valley and the Rhone valley.
Throughout the duration of this hike you have breathtaking views over the Comtat Venaissin plain and the Dentelles de Montmirail range.
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.
The Lieutenant is an apartment for rent for holidays in Provence, located on the 1st floor of a pretty country house in Bonnieux.
Elegant and pleasant Provencal holiday villa, located in a residential area a few minutes away from the picturesque village of Bonnieux with a beautiful view of the Luberon and Mont Ventoux.
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.
Beautiful holiday villa with swimming pool for rent in the South of France, near the village of Bonnieux in Provence.
Superb 5 star rated property located in Bonnieux with swimming pool
18th century stone farmhouse on a landscaped park of approximately 1 hectare with panoramic views of the Luberon.
Stone house with pool for rent in Bonnieux - La Prairie du Luberon
The Capitaine is an apartment located on the 2nd floor, its exposure is ideal for holidays in Provence, beautiful atmosphere.
Magnificent villa near Bonnieux, in the heart of the Luberon, with swimming pool, for a unique holiday.
Architect-designed villa for holiday rental, with swimming pool, in the heart of the Luberon with an elevated position in the village of Cadenet.
Superb 5 star rated property located in Bonnieux with swimming pool
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.
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.
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.
Just three kilometres from Aix-en-Provence’s historic city centre, one of the most beautiful and richest cities in France, and at the end of a long drive lined with century-old trees, the 4-star Château de la Pioline hotel is waiting to welcome you.
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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.
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
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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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