Cultural Activities in Provence
Discover the top Provence cultural activities
Whatever you choose to do on your holiday you are sure to find a huge range of cultural activities across the Provence area. From museums to archaeological sites, live music or wine tastings, there is something for everyone in Provence. Check out the selection of things to do & see below for some holiday inspiration!
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- Archaeological Sites & Roman Ruins
- Boat trips & sailing
- Canoeing / Kayaking
- Canyoning
- Castles & Ruins
- Cave & Rock Climbing
- Cinema
- Climbing
- Coasteering
- Cookery Schools & Courses
- Culture and guided tours
- Cycling
- Fiestas, Fairs & Fetes
- Fitness and swimming
- Flying
- Golf
- Horse riding
- Houses & gardens
- Hydro-speeding
- Ice-climbing
- Indoor activities
- Indoor climbing
- Live Music
- Markets
- Mountain-biking & Fat-biking
- Mountaineering
- Museums & Galleries
- Paragliding / Parapenting
- Religious Buildings
- Sailing & yachting
- Snow and ice activities
- Spas and massages
- Theatres
- Theme parks, waterparks and aquariums
- Via Ferrata
- Walking, hiking and running
- Waterparks
- Watersports
- Wine tasting & vineyard tours
Archaeological Sites & Roman Ruins
Romans arrived in the 2nd century BC to Provence, and you can still see some of their constructions here, many still in excellent condition like the Maison Carrée in Nimes, an ancient temple. There are also incredible bridges, theatres, amphitheatres and other monuments to visit.
Canoeing / Kayaking
Canoeing / Kayaking Watersports in Provence
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Raille Lake Watersports, Apt
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.
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Les Guides Action and Aventure, Aiguines
A team of state qualified guides sharing their enthusiasm for great outdoor activities with you.
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Glisse Paradise Watersports, Saint Laurent du Var
Jet-ski, waterskiing, wakeboard, wakesurf, parachute, canoe and paddleboard, Glisse Paradise have it all!
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Nice Rafting, Breil-sur-Roya
For those looking for an adrenalin rush, Nice Rafting is the place to go to!
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Le lac de Monteux, Monteux
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.
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AFDA Canoe & Kayak, Lauris
This company offers two different types of excursions by kayak or canoe for either an hour and 15 minutes or 3 hours.
Canyoning
Canyoning Watersports in Provence
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Les Guides Action and Aventure, Aiguines
A team of state qualified guides sharing their enthusiasm for great outdoor activities with you.
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Caminaterra Activity Company, Vedene
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
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Air Eau Terre Nature Activity Company, Breil-sur-Roya
This company are based in Breil sur Roya and offer a huge range of outdoor sports and activities for groups and individuals.
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Nice Rafting, Breil-sur-Roya
For those looking for an adrenalin rush, Nice Rafting is the place to go to!
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Aventure et Nature Watersport, La Palude sur Verdon
The vastness and richness of this protected site offers an extraordinary dimension to sports such as rock-climbing and canyoning.
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Bureau des Guides de Canyon, Castellane
Range of water sports and outdoor activities proposed by a professional guiding company.
Castles & Ruins
Provence has a long and varied history reflected in the wide variety of castles scattered across its countryside and towns. Here you can visit wonderful ancient medieval and Renaissance castles that give a taste of the powerful lords that ruled these lands.
Cave & Rock Climbing
With an interesting geologic history, Provence boasts some spectacular natural caves, but also impressive prehistoric caves with paintings.
Climbing Guides & Tours in Provence
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Caminaterra Activity Company, Vedene
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
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Bureau des Guides des Baronnies, Buis les Baronnies
This company offer guides for a wide range of activities both in summer and winter.
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Free walks & tours, Digne-les-Bains
In Digne les Bains the tourist office offers a number of different outdoor activities, guided walks and visits, all free of charge.
Cinema
The wide variety of cinemas in Provence means that you can catch the latest releases, but also independent films or art house features. Look for the VOST sign for English speaking films.
Climbing in Provence
Climbing Guides Guides & Tours in Provence
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Caminaterra Activity Company, Vedene
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
Cookery Schools & Courses
Provence, like the whole of France, is a paradise for any foodie. Local delicacies include cheese, truffles, wonderful sun-ripened fruit and vegetables, olives or pastis, while there are delicious regional recipes like pissaladiere, ratatouille, daube or the sweet calissons. Many culinary schools and restaurants around Provence offer cookery classes where you can learn to prepare traditional dishes or discover the newest trends in French cuisine.
Culture and guided tours in Provence
Sights in Provence
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La Synagogue, Carpentras
The synagogue of Carpentras is the oldest synagogue still in activity in France.
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Place du Forum
Place du Forum is probably most well know for the bright yellow cafe depicted in one of Van Gogh's paintings, which lies to the side of the main square.
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Caumont Centre d'Art
Building of this old mansion began back in 1715 when the first stone was laid. It was not fully complete until 1748, after all three stages of the building were finished.
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Parfumerie Molinard, Grasse
Grasse is the world capital of perfumes. At this museum you can discover the ancient tradition of parfumerie and learn how to create your own, unique scent.
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Le Musee du Savon de Marseille
The tour will tell you the fascinating story of soap in Provence, which starts in the Middle Ages.
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Musee Extraordinaire de Georges Mazoyer, Ansouis
Georges Mazoyer was an accomplished diver and a talented artists. In 1975 he was inspired to create a museum full of his most treasured souvenirs from the sea and as a gallery for his own art.
Cycling in Provence
Road Bike Bike Hire in Provence
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Road bike hire
This shop offers a variety of brands and bikes to choose from, including road bikes, e-bikes, mountain bikes, children's bikes, and tandems.
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Mountain bike hire
This cycle hire shop is located in the centre of Bédoin village, just across the street from the tourist office.
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Road bike hire
This company offers a wide range of leisure and sports bikes for hire, perfectly located for exploring Mont Ventoux.
Fiestas, Fairs & Fetes
There are many village festivals around Provence where you can mingle with the locals, dance to traditional music and taste local specialities while learning more about the region's history and customs.
Fitness and swimming in Provence
Sports & Fitness in Provence
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Public swimming pool, Beaumes de Venise
This outdoor pool is located next to the Gendermerie near the market place in Beaumes de Venise.
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Gardanne Swimming Pool, nr Aix-en-Provence
Just to the south of Aix is the town of Gardanne. They open an outdoor swimming pool in the summer, with a 50m pool, baby pool, slides, playgrounds and a relaxation area.
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Sainte-Victoire Aquatic Centre, Venelles
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.
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Outdoor Swimming Pool, Vaison la Romaine
In the centre of Vaison la Romaine is the 25 metre outdoor swimming pool, a childrens pool and a relaxation area.
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Thermes Sextius Spa
The Thermes Sextius Spa is Aix-en-Provence has long been known for it's thermal treatments, and has now developed a wider range of well-being treatments for a wonderfully relaxing break in Aix.
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Caneton swimming pool, Sorgues
There are two swimming pools here - an indoor one for winter and outdoor one for summer.
Flying in Provence
Flying in Provence
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France-Balloons Hot Air Balloons, Luberon
France-Balloons operate from various bases throughout France. Their newest balloon base is located half way between the Alps and the Mediterranean at Forcalquier, in Haute Provence.
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Roc n' Vol Activity Company, Verdon
Offers climbing, canyoning, via corda, multi-activities, tandem paragliding flights, a paragliding course, hiking and fly, hiking in the Verdon, snow-shoeing.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
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.
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Skydive Pujaut Activity Company, Pujaut
This company offers several forms of discovery and progress to practise free fall. Whether you want to make your first parachute jump or move up the discipline, you will find all the necessary information and guidance.
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Helicopter Scenic Flights
This company offers tourist trips in a helicopter to discover some of the best that Provence has to offer, all from the skies.
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Helicopter Leisure Flights & Transfers, Marseille
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.
Golf in Provence
Golf Courses in Provence
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Domaine de Manville Golf Course, Les Baux
The Domaine de Manville has a renowned architect and landscaper designed 18-hole golf course allying technicality and game attraction in an eco-responsible and respectful way to produce a truly very special course.
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Royal Mougins Golf Course
Founded in 1993, the Royal Mougins Golf Club is a course of exceptional quality. Designed by world-famous American architect, the late Robert von Hagge, the par 71, 18-hole course extends for 6,004 m through a lush, wooded vale.
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Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Course, Tourrettes
This beautiful golf resort offers two courses, each with 18 holes, set amongst pine and oak trees.
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Orange Golf Course, Orange
Very close to the wonderful Roman town of Orange, Golf Orange offers a 9-hole golf course that everyone can enjoy. Lessons are also available.
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Golf Course de la Grande Bastide, Opio
Situated between Nice and Cannes, the Grande Bastide golf course is in one of the beautiful parts of the Côte d’Azur.
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International Pont Royal Golf Course
This beautifully maintained golf course offers superb views over the Alpilles and Luberon, the Durance valley and the mountains of Trévaresse.
Horse riding in Provence
Horse-riding in Provence
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Club Hippique d'Aix Marseille horse riding
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.
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Centre Equestre d'Avignon Horse riding
Le Centre Equestre d'Avignon offers a wide range of activities for riders of all ages and abilities
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Les Ecuyers du Paradou Horse Riding, Tourves
Situated in a stunning environment The Ecuyers du Paradou offer you a wide range of activities such as riding lessons, riding holidays, special occasion parties, hacks in the surrounding countryside, etc...
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Le Petit Roman Horse Riding, Maussane les Alpilles
Le Petit Roman is a family-run 165-acre ranch breeding horses and cattle and farming 3000 olive trees for oil. They offer discovery rides of the nearby Alpilles from 1.5 hours up to full weekends and 3-4 day outings with accommodation available in a typical Provencal estate dating back to the 18th century or for couples they can offer the gypsy caravan!
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Vaison a Cheval Horse Riding, Vaison la Romaine
Horse riding lessons for beginners to experienced riders, for adults and children alike.
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Centre Equestre de Carces, Carces
Centre Equestre de Carces caters for all abilities of riders and provides lessons, trekking, livery and competitions.
Houses & gardens
In Provence you can visit wonderful country houses with stunning gardens. Some have had famous inhabitants like the Jas de Bouffan, where painter Paul Cezanne lived.
Hydro-speeding
Hydro Speeding Watersports in Provence
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Nice Rafting, Breil-sur-Roya
For those looking for an adrenalin rush, Nice Rafting is the place to go to!
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Bureau des Guides de Canyon, Castellane
Range of water sports and outdoor activities proposed by a professional guiding company.
Indoor activities in Provence
Indoor Activities Things To Do in Provence
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Village des Automates, Aix en Provence
Located 12km from Aix en Provence, the Village Automates is a leisure park for children in a wooded area of oaks and pines in eight hectares.
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Sainte-Victoire Aquatic Centre, Venelles
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.
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Vesubia Mountain Park, Saint-Martin-Vesubie
Indoor fun for all the family, regardless of the weather on the outside. The new centre provides a unique experience for those wanting to try caving, canyoning and climbing.
Indoor climbing
Climbing Sports & Fitness in Provence
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AltiGrimp Indoor Climbing, Valreas
Your chance to give climbing a try, improve your technique and skills and have a great time with family and friends.
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Vesubia Mountain Park, Saint-Martin-Vesubie
Indoor fun for all the family, regardless of the weather on the outside. The new centre provides a unique experience for those wanting to try caving, canyoning and climbing.
Live Music
Provence boasts a vibrant music scene with a range of live bands, DJs and jazz clubs to be found, along with a busy calendar of music festivals and street performances. From jazz to latin music, rock, classical or dance music, you will find a spot where to enjoy live bands.
Markets
Provence and the surrounding area have a whole host of markets where you can hunt a bargain, check out the local crafts or buy regional produce. There are also a couple of night markets perfect for those balmy summer evenings.
Mountain-biking & Fat-biking in Provence
Off-road bike Bike Hire in Provence
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Road bike hire
This shop offers a variety of brands and bikes to choose from, including road bikes, e-bikes, mountain bikes, children's bikes, and tandems.
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Mountain bike hire
This cycle hire shop is located in the centre of Bédoin village, just across the street from the tourist office.
Mountaineering
Mountaineering Guides & Tours in Provence
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Bureau des Guides des Baronnies, Buis les Baronnies
This company offer guides for a wide range of activities both in summer and winter.
Museums & Galleries
Provence has a wide range of museums and galleries to keep visitors entertained. From very important art collections, including those dedicated to artists that lived locally like Fernand Léger, Cezanne or Van Gogh, to exhibitions dedicated to typical products like wine, lavender, soap or even fruit and vegetables, there is something for everyone.
Paragliding / Parapenting
Paragliding Flying in Provence
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Roc n' Vol Activity Company, Verdon
Offers climbing, canyoning, via corda, multi-activities, tandem paragliding flights, a paragliding course, hiking and fly, hiking in the Verdon, snow-shoeing.
Religious Buildings
Provence's long history means that there is a wide variety of stunning religious buildings from various eras to visit. Some of the most famous were built in the Middle Ages, like the wonderful cathedral and papal palace in Avignon, home of the pope for a long time.
Sailing & yachting in Provence
Yacht Charter in Provence
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Baby Magic Superyacht
Baby Magic is a beautiful 23 metre Aikon yacht for charter in France. She was first constructed in 2006 by the renowned Italian shipyard Aikon Yachts. Then in 2018 she underwent an extensive refit, including a new painted hull. Thanks to said refit, she is in great condition and certainly has a quality design. Baby Magic is based in Frejus, making her the ideal choice for cruising around the sunny South of France and the West Mediterranean waters.
Spas and massages in Provence
Spas in Provence
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Terre Blanche Hotel Spa, Tourrettes
The Hotel Terre Blanche is nestled just outside of Tourrettes in Provence. Its spa is set down a small lane set away from the hotel, giving a sense of complete calm and relaxation.
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Carita Provence Spa, Joucas (nr Gordes)
This spa, located in the 5-star Phebus Hotel, offers treatments for face, body and hair. There is also a water area.
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Bastide de Gordes Sisley Spa, Gordes
The Sisley Spa provides a welcome chance to rejuvenate, with a range of Phyto Aromatic treatments, hamman, solarium and fitness room.
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Le Vallon de Valruges Spa, St Remy de Provence
A beautiful spa area with a light and calming atmosphere provide instant relaxation and inner peace at Le Vallon de Valruges Hotel & Spa.
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Spa Baumaniere, Les Baux
Located in the luxurious boutique hotel L'Oustau de Baumaniere, they offer a large menu of face and body treatments using Valmont products, which are olive-tree based.
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The Spa at L'Hotel Particulier
Located at L'Hotel Particulier, this spa uses Carita products. They are specialised in massages and beauty treatments.
Theatres
Provence is a large area with a bustling cultural scene, so there is no shortage of theatres. Many of the shows are in French, but you can also head to a dance or circus performance, or even the opera.
Theme parks, waterparks and aquariums in Provence
Theme Park Theme & Adventure Parks in Provence
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Gulli Parc Indoor Play Area
The area is split into two areas - one for the 1-5 years age group, and the other for 6-12 year olds.
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L'Arnaude Aventures
This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful adventure parks you'll visit. You'll climb to new heights in their oak forest and zip line over the grapevines.
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Corbi Animal Parc, Manosque
Corbi Parc is a great mix of animals and playgrounds. With over 250 animals (goats, donkeys, pigs, rabbits, birds, llamas and camels) to see, pet, or feed, it's an animal lover's paradise.
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Vesubia Mountain Park, Saint-Martin-Vesubie
Indoor fun for all the family, regardless of the weather on the outside. The new centre provides a unique experience for those wanting to try caving, canyoning and climbing.
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Acro Pole Adventure, near Montelimar
In a forest of oaks on the banks of the Jabron, this company offers various activities for individuals or groups, with qualified instructors and professional equipment for your safety.
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Le JardiTrain, Carpentras
Within the Jardi Train park you will find around twenty model trains circulating on more than 650m of track in a miniature universe.
Via Ferrata
Via Ferrata Guides & Tours in Provence
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Caminaterra Activity Company, Vedene
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
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Bureau des Guides des Baronnies, Buis les Baronnies
This company offer guides for a wide range of activities both in summer and winter.
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Free walks & tours, Digne-les-Bains
In Digne les Bains the tourist office offers a number of different outdoor activities, guided walks and visits, all free of charge.
Walking, hiking and running in Provence
Walking Guides Guides & Tours in Provence
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Provence Wine Tours
Provence & Wine offer small guided tours from Avignon and Aix en Provence to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Luberon, the Alpilees and the Cotes du Rhone villages.
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Tour Designer in Provence
Tour Designer in Provence provide tailor made tours of the best of Provence with day trips and walking tours on offer.
Waterparks
Waterparks & Aquariums in Provence
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Watersports in Provence
Watersports in Provence
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Raille Lake Watersports, Apt
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.
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Les Guides Action and Aventure, Aiguines
A team of state qualified guides sharing their enthusiasm for great outdoor activities with you.
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Sunforce Watersports, Ramatuelle
Sun Force is located on the famous Pampelonne beach. Its owner, Pierre Tourneq, has been running this business for over 30 years, surrounded by a fully qualified team.
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Glisse Paradise Watersports, Saint Laurent du Var
Jet-ski, waterskiing, wakeboard, wakesurf, parachute, canoe and paddleboard, Glisse Paradise have it all!
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Caminaterra Activity Company, Vedene
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
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Cable Wakeboarding, Le Muy
Cable park on Lake Rabinon (5 hectares) where you can water ski, knee board, and wake board.
Wine tasting & vineyard tours in Provence
The region of Provence produces some of the best wines in the world. Take a tour around one of the beautiful vineyards in Provence. Taste the carefully made wines, learn more about them, the grapes and the wine making process whilst enjoying the wonderful vineyard scenery.