Gargas
A small village in the heart of the Luberon
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.
History & Culture in [locality]
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 [locality]
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 Provence
See all Sights & Sites-
Musee Departemental de l'Arles Antiques
Immerse yourself in the history of Provence by visiting this collection of archaeological remains.
-
Maison Carree, Nimes
A very well preserved Roman temple in the heart of Nimes.
-
Angladon Museum
Located in Avignon
Located in a gorgeous 18th century building int eh centre of Avignon, this museum's mission is to share with the public the wonderful collection of paintings and furniture inherited from the couturier Jacques Doucet (1853-1929).
-
Cathedrale St Sauveur
Located in Aix-en-Provence
Aix's cathedral has its origins in the 5th century and it has been added to throughout the centuries.
-
Site Memorial des Milles
Located in Aix-en-Provence
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.
-
MuCEM, Marseille
This museum (Musée des civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée — MuCEM) showcases civilisations in the Mediterranean in the twenty first century, and has been developed by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication.
Dining in [locality]
Restaurants in Provence
See all Restaurants-
Le Temp de Vivre Restaurant, Uchaux
Le Temps de Vivre is situated in the little hamlet of Les Farjons just down the road from Uchaux.
-
La Vache a Carreaux Restaurant
Located in Avignon
This small restaurant is on the Rue Peyrollerie, a winding alley just off the Place St Pierre. It is a great option for vegetarians, offering a wide variety of cheese dishes and salads but there are also fish dishes available.
-
L'Autruche Restaurant
Small restaurant where you will never eat the same thing twice. Their menu is solely based on what good fresh ingredients the local market has to offer in the mornings.
-
La Cour d'Honneur Restaurant
Located in Avignon
Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
-
La Chassagnette Restaurant
This organic Michelin starred restaurant is situated just 12km outside Arles on the road to Sambuc and is run by the chef Armand Arnal.
-
Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour
This Michelin starred restaurant is situated on the outskirts of Tourtour and specialise in truffle dishes.
Things to do in [locality]
Things To Do in Provence
See all Activities & Trips-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Nightlife in [locality]
Bars & Clubs in Provence
See all Bars & Clubs-
Le Longchamp Bar & Brasserie, Isle sur la Sorgue
Located in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
This place is a bar, restaurant and tabac all rolled into one, on the side of the river in the centre of Isle de la Sorgue.
-
21 Chai d'Oeuvre Bar, Saint Remy de Provence
Located in Saint-Remy-de-Provence
This bar is located in the centre of Saint Remy de Provence. It has a good selection of wines by the glass, as well as bottles and champagne. They even serve charcuterie and cheese plates.
-
Ajmi Jazz Club
Located in Avignon
The Ajmi has played host to numerous talented international Jazz artists, and the Ajmi is classed as one of the top 3 jazz venues in France and is located in the heart of Avignon next to the beautiful Palais des Papes.
-
Le Cardeur Bacchus Bar
Located in Aix-en-Provence
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.
-
Le Scat Nightclub
Located in Aix-en-Provence
The Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
-
Bokao's Nighclub
Located in Avignon
With a varied musical line-up, Bokao's combines good fun and great music.
Chalets in [locality]
Chalets in Provence
See all Chalets-
Les Hautes Prairies Campsite, Lourmarin
Located right in the centre of Provence with the feet of Lubéron. A 9 acre campsite with 165 spacious pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes.
Villas in [locality]
Villas in Provence
See all Villas-
La Villa Martine Villa, Saignon
A house for rent in Saignon, in the Vaucluse, with a swimming pool and large garden for the perfect holiday.
-
La Cavalière Villa, Bonnieux
Former 17th century farmhouse in Bonnieux, fully restored by a renowned architect.
-
Maison Saint Amant Villa
Exclusive family property situated at the top of the Dentelles de Montmirail, in an untouched natural environment.
-
Carpe Diem Villa, Verbier
Superb 5-bedroom villa with swimming pool, ideal for 10 people, 5 minutes from the sea
-
Ulysse Villa, Saignon
Let yourself be surprised by the originality of this house for rent in Provence close to the centre of the village of Saignon.
Price: €2,256
-
La Colline Villa, Provenc
Welcome to La Colline, a beautiful villa made of honey-colored local stone, nestled among the Provençal vineyards, with breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux and the small hilltop villages in the distance. You will enjoy a magnificent and peaceful setting, the villa being the ideal place to spend a summer day by the swimming pool*, in absolute silence, except for the gentle song of the cicadas......
Price: €3,082
Holidays Rentals in [locality]
Holiday Rentals in Provence
See all Holiday Rentals-
Provence Country Club Studio Apartment, Luberon
Located in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Located in the Residence Provence Country Club in the heart of the Luberon mountain, this studio enjoys a serene and tranquil atmosphere with close proximity to all the sites and attractions of this area of the South of France. An ideal location for nature and golf lovers.
-
Un Été Indien Villa, Apt
The perfect holiday home in the Luberon with a heated swimming pool.
Price: €6,430
-
La Colline Villa, Provenc
Welcome to La Colline, a beautiful villa made of honey-colored local stone, nestled among the Provençal vineyards, with breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux and the small hilltop villages in the distance. You will enjoy a magnificent and peaceful setting, the villa being the ideal place to spend a summer day by the swimming pool*, in absolute silence, except for the gentle song of the cicadas......
Price: €3,082
-
Carpe Diem Villa, Verbier
Superb 5-bedroom villa with swimming pool, ideal for 10 people, 5 minutes from the sea
-
Provence Country Club - 2 Bed Apartment, Luberon
Located in the Residence Provence Country Club in the heart of the Luberon mountain range, this apartment enjoys a serene and tranquil atmosphere with close proximity to all the sites and attractions of this area of the South of France. An ideal location for nature and golf lovers.
-
Joudi Villa, Grimaud
Luxury villa for 10 people with tennis court, swimming pool, putting green
Price: €20,101
Hotels in [locality]
Hotels in Provence
See all Hotels-
Le Clos des Lavandes B&B
In the heart of the Luberon National Park, a beautiful and charming B&B welcomes you for a relaxing stay.
Price: €1,190
-
Le Phebus Hotel & Spa, Joucas (nr Gordes)
A beautiful hotel situated between the lovely villages of Roussillon and Gordes. The charming old stone farmhouse hides 24 elegant bedrooms and suites, some of which have private pools.
Price: €3,920
-
Le Clos de la Glycine Hotel, Roussillon
Set in one of the most beautiful villages in France, this hotel is a little Provencal paradise.
Price: €1,845
-
Domaine des Andeols Hotel, Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt
A design hotel filled with the owners striking art collection. The rooms are referred to as 'Maisons' and each is uniquely designed with modern bathrooms.
Price: €9,660
-
Le Chateau des Alpilles Hotel, St Remy
Located in Saint-Remy-de-Provence
This charming chateau provides a wide range of accommodation from rooms and suites to mini apartments. Renowned for its beauty and excellent service, this is a very popular destination in Provence.
-
Les Bories Spa Hotel, Gordes
Located in Gordes
A five star hotel with 33 bedrooms and seven suites in the heart of beautiful Luberon. Les Bories sits in eight hectares of gardens and grounds and is close to the famous village of Gordes.
Luxury Hotels in [locality]
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 [locality]
Transfers for Provence
See all Airport Transfers-
Les Marseillais Taxi, Marseille
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
-
Avignon City Taxis
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
-
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.
-
ABCD Taxi, Apt
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
-
Private Jet and Helicopter Transfers
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.
-
Events-Cars Taxi, Grigan
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
Directions
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.