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.
Gargas
A small village in the heart of the Luberon
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.
Events in Aix-en-Provence
Events in Aix-en-Provence
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Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
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
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Museum d'Histoire Naturelle
Great collection of dinosaurs and plant fossils
The Muséum d'Aix was founded in 1838 by Henri Coquand, geologist ; it is one of the oldest in Provence.
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Musee Granet
Fine art gallery showing European paintings & sculpture
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.
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Musee des tapisseries Tapestry
A rich collection of ancient and contemporary tapestry
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.
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Calisson Museum
Take a visit to the place where they make Provence's most famous confectionery - Calissons
Located not far from Aix centre, this museum and shop explains a little about the history of how this unusual sweet is made.
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Atelier Cezanne
Cezanne's work studio, as the famous French painter left it
Cezannes studio was created in Aix-en-Provence in 1902 and this is where he worked until he died in 1906.
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Wildlife Art Gallery, Aix en Provence
Painter & sculptor Aurélien Raynaud collection of wildlife inspired art
Aurélien Raynaud displays his unique gift in capturing the wonderful wildlife kingdom in a range of artforms.
Dining in Aix-en-Provence
Restaurants in Aix-en-Provence
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Mickael Feval Restaurant
Fine dining restaurant with 1 Michelin star
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.
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Le Art Restaurant
Michelin-starred restaurant in a charming chateau
Located inside the luxury Chateau de la Gaude, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves the elaborate cuisine of chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal.
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Villa Gallici Restaurant, Aix en Provence
Provencal cuisine in a beautiful setting overlooking the hotel grounds
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.
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Le Comptoir du Clos
The sophisticated restaurant located at the Renaissance Hotel
Open daily, the Clos du Comptoir offers a sophisticated atmosphere for lunch and dinner in the same setting.
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Le Jardin d'Amalula
Delicious snacks & salads on a quiet, shaded terrace
Serving a wide range of classic and modern snacks, sandwiches and pastries this secluded bistro/cafe offers a calm oasis in a busy city centre.
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Le Patio Restaurant
Characterful bistro with friendly service and delicious local dishes
Traditionally styled restaurant run by a husband & wife team. Classic French family favorites feature on the menu.
Nightlife in Aix-en-Provence
Bars & Clubs in Aix-en-Provence
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Le Cardeur Bacchus Bar
A bar & restaurant in the centre of Aix
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.
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Mistral Nighclub
Trendy club in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, international DJ's & acts
The Mistral is Aix-en-Provence's answer to those looking for a trendy night out listening to the latest DJ's.
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Le Scat Nightclub
Jazz club in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, live music & a great atmosphere
The Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
Things to do in Aix-en-Provence
Things To Do in Aix-en-Provence
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Set Golf Course
18-hole golf course close to Aix
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.
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Sainte-Victoire Aquatic Centre, Venelles
Aquatic centre with indoor & outdoor pools, lazy river & childrens area
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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Aix Marseille Golf Course
Very close to Aix-en-Provence it is a fairly flat course
The Golf Club Aix-Marseille is only 5 minutes away from Aix-en-Provence TGV railway station. As the course is faily level it is possible to play without the use of a buggy.
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Gardanne Swimming Pool, nr Aix-en-Provence
Municipal outdoor swimming pool
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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Set Club, Aix en Provence
Clay & hard courts
Set CLub is a sports complex which has 13 tennis courts, eight of which are clay courts and five are the faster green set. Lessons and competitions are all part of the club. Non-members are welcome.
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Provence Wine Tours
A great way to visit the vineyards of Provence, from Aix en Provence
Provence Wine Tours offer a variety of wine tours from private visits, to group tours and even corporate events.
Watersports in Aix-en-Provence
Watersports in Aix-en-Provence
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Raille Lake Watersports
Sailing, windsuring, watersports and more in this lake near 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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AFDA Canoe & Kayak, Lauris
Canoe or kayak trips along the river in the South Luberon
This company offers two different types of excursions by kayak or canoe for either an hour and 15 minutes or 3 hours.
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Kayak Vert, Fontaine de Vaucluse
Canoe along the green coloured rivers of the Sorgue
This company offers an 8 kilometre canoe trip along the river near Fontaine de Vaucluse.
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La Bonde Lake, Cabrieres d'Aigues
Swimming, watersports & trails
Bonde Lake is situated in the heart of the Luberon and offers activities and relaxation for all the family.
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Canoe Evasion, near Isle sur la Sorgue
Canoe trips between Fontaine de Vaucluse & Isle sur la Sorgue
This company offers a 2 hour river descent from Isle sur la Sorgue to Fontain de Vaucluse in canoes.
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Le lac de Monteux, Monteux
Leisure centre with plenty of water based fun & activities
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.
Holiday Rentals in Aix-en-Provence
Holiday Rentals in Aix-en-Provence
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Le Mas Des Secrets Villa, Bonnieux
6 bedroom Villa in Bonnieux. Sleeps 12
Wonderful holiday rental farmhouse in Bonnieux, in the Luberon’s golden triangle, with swimming pool and a lovely, unobstructed view of the countryside.
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Le Mas Des Jardins Toscans Villa, Bonnieux
4 bedroom Villa in Bonnieux. Sleeps 8
A magnificent "Mas" in Bonnieux to rent in the Luberon, with a large landscaped garden for a dream holiday between Bonnieux and Lacoste.
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La Bastide Bitrona Villa, Bonnieux
4 bedroom Villa in Bonnieux. Sleeps 8
Beautiful holiday villa with swimming pool for rent in the South of France, near the village of Bonnieux in Provence.
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Le Mas Du Haut Trigaud Villa, Bonnieux
4 bedroom Villa in Bonnieux. Sleeps 8
Superb 5 star rated property located in Bonnieux with swimming pool
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Mas Du Criquet Villa, Bonnieux
4 bedroom Villa in Bonnieux. Sleeps 6
A few minutes walk from the charming village of Bonnieux, on the heights towards Lourmarin, this charming stone house, freshly renovated by architects, is for rent for your holidays.
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Infiniment Bonnieux Villa, Bonnieux
7 bedroom Villa in Bonnieux. Sleeps 13
This fully restored nineteenth-century farmhouse for holiday rental is located 3 km from Bonnieux, a lovely Provençal village perched in the foothills of the Luberon in Provence.
Hotels in Aix-en-Provence
Hotels in Aix-en-Provence
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Renaissance Hotel
Contemporary style 5 star hotel with works of art & stylish furnishings
Built in 2013 this modern, contemporary five star hotel in Provence combines art work in contemporary spaces, filled with uber stylish furniture and fittings.
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Villa Gallici Hotel
Small luxury hotel in the centre of Aix en Provence but surrounded by gardens
Under the light Cézanne once knew, the Villa Gallici Hotel is an 18th century Provençal house and a member of Relais et Châteaux portfolio.
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Le Pigonnet Hotel
Grand hotel with magical gardens just outside centre of Aix-en-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.
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Moulin de Lourmarin Hotel, Lourmarin
Former oil mill converted into a charming Provencal style hotel
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.
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La Maison d'Aix Hotel
Small hotel built from an old house in Aix en Provence
This hotel is a beautiful renovated house located on a quiet street, and walking distance to all the hustle and bustle of Aix.
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Hotel du Globe
A centrally located hotel, with a private roof terrace
The hotel has 46 rooms and is well located to visit all the main attractions of 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.
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
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Private Jet & Helicopter Transfers
Aircraft & helicopter charter company based at Nice Airport in the South of France
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.
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Marseille Taxis
Taxis in Marseille
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
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Private Airport Transfers
Reliable private airport transfer & taxi service
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
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Avignon Taxis
Taxis in Avignon and the entire region
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
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Helicopter Transfers & Scenic Flights
Helicopter charter company based in Monaco with over 25 years experience
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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Helicopter Transfers & Scenic Flights
Passenger transport, aerial photography, freight , etc...
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.
Property For Sale in Aix-en-Provence
Property for Sale in Aix-en-Provence
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Villa for Sale | VAL240008
4 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 240m² Villa in Var
Set in the prestigious Domaine de Terre Blanche, Villa Augusta is the epitome of contemporary luxury.
Villa for Sale | VAL240008
€3,200,000 -
Villa for Sale | VAL240033
4 bedroom, 5 bathroom, 330m² Villa in Var
Elegant villa in the sought-after Terre Blanche estate
Villa for Sale | VAL240033
€3,750,000 -
Villa for Sale | VAL250082
6 bedroom, 428m² villa in Var
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.
Villa for Sale | VAL250082
€9,800,000 -
Villa for Sale | val260153
4 bedroom, 320.95m² Villa in Tourrettes
This contemporary property, inspired by neo-Provençal architecture, offers approximately 300 sqm of living space and is set within a beautifully landscaped 3,300 sqm garden, providing a private living environment.
Villa for Sale | val260153
€4,500,000 -
Land (Plot) for Sale | VAL250058
10 bedroom, 9 bathroom, 1350m² plot in Var
An exceptional estate in landscaped grounds
Land (Plot) for Sale | VAL250058
€39,850,000 -
Villa for Sale | STZ250285
7 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 233.84m² Villa in Var
A Provencal villa at the foot of the village of Grimaud.
Villa for Sale | STZ250285
€2,690,000
























































