Skip to main content

This content featured in Towns & Villages

Gargas

A small village in the heart of the Luberon

Location
Aix-en-Provence
Imprint
Updated

Gargas is a small village that sits between three low lying hills and since the Provençal word for hill is 'gargan', you can see why the village got its name. 

What Gargas is probably most famous for is its production of ochre which has been taking place in the village since the 1800's. To this day you can see a few mines dug into the surrounding hillsides and there are some old mines in the area, plus a permanent exhibition in the village where you can learn more about the industry.

Jump to

  1. Events in Aix-en-Provence
  2. History & Culture in Aix-en-Provence
  3. Sights & Attractions in Aix-en-Provence
  4. Dining in Aix-en-Provence
  5. Nightlife in Aix-en-Provence
  6. Things to do in Aix-en-Provence
  7. Cycling in Aix-en-Provence
  8. Hiking in Aix-en-Provence
  9. Yachts & Sailing in Aix-en-Provence
  10. Watersports in Aix-en-Provence
  11. Families in Aix-en-Provence
  12. Villas in Aix-en-Provence
  13. Holidays Rentals in Aix-en-Provence
  14. Hotels in Aix-en-Provence
  15. Luxury Hotels in Aix-en-Provence
  16. Campsites in Aix-en-Provence
  17. How to get to Aix-en-Provence

Events in Aix-en-Provence

Events in Aix-en-Provence

See all Events in Aix-en-Provence

History & Culture in Aix-en-Provence

The village's history stretches back to the stone age and as well evidence in the hill above the village of fossils from the cretaceous period. 

Thanks to these fossils and the rich plants and animal life found here, the site has been given UNESCO biosphere reserve status to ensure that it's protected for future generations. 

Sights & Attractions in Aix-en-Provence

On the summit of the hill above the village are the remains of a a fortification which was occupied up to the 1st century and a small Romanesque chapel which was built in the 1500's.

Surrounding the village are lots of vineyards of the Côtes de Ventoux appelation and there are also a few ochre quarries and mines in the area, but not all of them are open to visitors - check with the tourist office if you're interested in going to see one.

Nearby you can also visit the museum of Chandeliers, Mathieu Lustrerie just on the western side of the village. 

Sights in Aix-en-Provence

See all Sights in Aix-en-Provence

Dining in Aix-en-Provence

Restaurants in Aix-en-Provence

See all Restaurants in Aix-en-Provence

Nightlife in Aix-en-Provence

Bars & Clubs in Aix-en-Provence

See all Bars & Clubs in Aix-en-Provence

Things to do in Aix-en-Provence

Things To Do in Aix-en-Provence

See all Things To Do in Aix-en-Provence

Cycling in Aix-en-Provence

Cycling Routes in Provence

See all Cycling Routes in Provence

Hiking in Aix-en-Provence

Walking Routes in Provence

See all Walking Routes in Provence

Yachts & Sailing in Aix-en-Provence

Watersports in Aix-en-Provence

Watersports in Aix-en-Provence

See all Watersports in Aix-en-Provence

Villas in Aix-en-Provence

Villas in Aix-en-Provence

See all Villas in Aix-en-Provence

Holidays Rentals in Aix-en-Provence

Holiday Rentals in Aix-en-Provence

See all Holiday Rentals in Aix-en-Provence

Hotels in Aix-en-Provence

Hotels in Aix-en-Provence

See all Hotels in Aix-en-Provence

Luxury Hotels in Aix-en-Provence

A small luxury hotel with spa, La Coquillade, with its own vineyard can also be found here. It also has a gastronomic restaurant that's open to non guests. 

Campsites in Aix-en-Provence

How to get to Aix-en-Provence

Gargas lies to the east of Cavaillon around 30km away and can be reached via the D900 in around 35 minutes. To get here from Avignon it's around 60 km and takes at least an hour by car. 

Transfers for Provence

See all Transfers for Provence

Latest News & Reviews

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 & Reviews
Splashworld Provence, Monteux
24 Hours in Avignon in 2018
Unique Provence wedding venues for 2019
Top 6 luxury hotels in Avignon for 2019

Upcoming Events

Provence 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.

See allUpcoming Events
truffle markets in provence
Cadenet Farmers Market in Provence
Liszt Festival, Uchaux
Foire de la Saint Siffrein, Carpentras