Gigondas
A small village made famous thanks to its wine production
This little hilltop village is surrounded by around 1,300 hectares of vineyards, the reason that most people may have come across its name.
Home to around 700 inhabitants, the ruins of a medieval castle and church overlook the houses below.
Gigondas has been lovingly looked after by a local association of volunteers, making sure that any restorations and repairs are in keeping with the local heritage and style of the buildings already there, some of which date back to the 1600's.
Wine is believed to have been cultivated in Gigondas for around 2,000 years and back in 1971 it was the first region to gain the “Cru des Côtes du Rhône” appellation. Its full bodied and robust flavour is what makes it so popular, and its definitely on our list of favourites.
History & Culture in [locality]
There are a few theories about how Gigondas got its name, but in Roman times it was called "Jocunditas" meaning jubilation or joy, which we like to think goes hand in hand with drinking its wine.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
Saint Catherine's church at the top of the village dates back to the 11th century and has a charming little bell tower and sundial on the outer wall.
You can also see the remains of a medieval castle and its fortifications a little further up the hill.
Dotted around the village are around 20 sculptures by different contemporary artists, and if this sort of art is to your liking, you can see more in an exhibit in the upper floors of the old hospice next to the church.
Sights in Provence
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La Grotte de St Marcel d'Ardeche, St Paul Trois Chateau
Discovered in 1836 by a hunter whose ferret slid into a cavity! Since then 57 km of galleries have been explored and listed.
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La Scourtinerie, Nyons
Originally founded in 1882, this family run business making traditional Scourtins survives to this day.
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Le Musee du Tire-Bouchon, Menerbes
A private collection of ornate, unusual and ancient corkscrews in the vineyards of the Domaine de La Citadelle.
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Musee des tapisseries 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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Petit Palais museum
The Petit Palais museum owes its name to the familiar name of the Archbishops Palace in which it is installed, name that it was given by reference to the great neighbouring palace: the Palais des Papes.
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Motorbike Museum, Entrevaux
This little museum is jam-packed from floor to ceiling with a great collection of vintage and classic motorbikes.
Dining in [locality]
There are a small number of cafés and restaurants in the village where you can stop for lunch or dinner, mainly around the small village square.
Restaurants in Provence
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L'Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel Restaurant
This wonderful contemporary-styled restaurant features dishes that you may never have suspected to have existed.
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Mickael Feval Restaurant
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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La Cour d'Honneur Restaurant
Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
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L'Epice & Love Restaurant
This is a popular place with both locals and travellers. It has a small cosy interior so if you want to dine there, best to get there earlier rather than later.
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Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour
This Michelin starred restaurant is situated on the outskirts of Tourtour and specialise in truffle dishes.
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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.
Events in [locality]
From May to October you'll find a small number of events taking place in the village, with free guided tours of the village in July and August.
Events in Provence
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Liszt en Provence festival, Uchaux
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.
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Arelate Festival
Relive the Roman days in Arles during the Arelate Festival, with daily shows that will transport you back into the days of gladiator battles and horse races.
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a-part Festival, Les Alpilles region
'a-part' re-invents nature and surrounding landscapes with contemporary art that invigorates your senses, promoting new artists alongside established names.
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Anniversary of the liberation of Avignon
As part of the Commemoration of the liberation of Avignon, a day of festivities honouring this historical event takes place.
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Reves de Camargue Horse Show
Come and watch this memorable horse show with dancing horses and cowboys at the Mas des Jasses de la Ville/Manade Fernay.
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Markets in Provence
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.
Things to do in [locality]
The infamous mountains of the Dentelles de Montmirail are easily visible from here, with their jagged peaks rising above the vineyards. It's a popular place to go climbing, hiking and mountain biking. You can of course enjoy wine tasting here in one of the many shops in the village.
Things To Do in Provence
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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.
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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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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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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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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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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.
Nightlife in [locality]
Bars & Clubs in Provence
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Le Scat Nightclub
The Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
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Ajmi Jazz Club
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.
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Le Cardeur Bacchus Bar
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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Le Longchamp Bar & Brasserie, 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.
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Bokao's Nighclub
With a varied musical line-up, Bokao's combines good fun and great music.
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La Cave des Pas Sages
Small wine bar situated in one of the cobbled streets of Avignon that hosts regular market stalls.
Chalets in [locality]
Chalets in Provence
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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
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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.
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Mas De L'Aigo Villa, Verquieres
In the heart of the Alpilles, this recently renovated property will be the ideal setting for you holidays with your family or friends.
Price: €11,240
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Maison Saint Amant Villa
Exclusive family property situated at the top of the Dentelles de Montmirail, in an untouched natural environment.
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Carpe Diem Villa, Verbier
Superb 5-bedroom villa with swimming pool, ideal for 10 people, 5 minutes from the sea
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La Maison De Michèle Villa, Roussillon
Attractive house in Roussillon in Provence for rent, with swimming pool and a large, landscaped garden. Perfect for a dream holiday.
Price: €2,018
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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: €3,120
Holidays Rentals in [locality]
Holiday Rentals in Provence
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Provence Country Club Studio Apartment, Luberon
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.
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Domaine Bellevue Villa, Saint-Remy-de-Provence
An exceptional location for your next holidays with a view on the Alpilles: Domaine Bellevue
Price: €20,101
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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.
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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: €3,120
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Carpe Diem Villa, Verbier
Superb 5-bedroom villa with swimming pool, ideal for 10 people, 5 minutes from the sea
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La Cavalière Villa, Bonnieux
Former 17th century farmhouse in Bonnieux, fully restored by a renowned architect.
Hotels in [locality]
Hotels in Provence
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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: €974
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Villa Gallici Hotel
Under the light Cézanne once knew, the Villa Gallici Hotel is an 18th century Provençal house and a member of Relais et Châteaux portfolio.
Price: €19,320
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La Coquillade Hotel, Gargas nr Roussillon
This is a small luxury hotel offering 28 rooms in the wonderful countryside of the Luberon, with its own vineyard.
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Domaine de Manville, Les Baux
Offering you a taste of the Provencal lifestyle, with linen sheets, sunrise over the drystone architecture, wildflowers overflowing from vases, the fragrance of fresh baked bread, creamy butter and golden honey, the true taste of fresh products raised on the estate.
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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.
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Crillon le Brave Luxury Hotel, Crillon le Brave
Set in a beautiful location overlooking the Rhone valley and Mont Ventoux, this 33 bedroom hotel can be found around 25 miles North East of Avignon. There are 15 double bedrooms and 18 suites available, ranging from 25m² for the smallest standard room up to 85m² for the largest suite.
How to get to [locality]
Gigondas lies around 45 minutes drive north east from Avignon and around 1h40 north west of Aix en Provence. The closest large town to the village is Orange which lies to the west and which can be reached in around 25 minutes by car. Park your car at the foot of the village and walk up to get to the main square and a handful of wine shops and cafés.
Transfers for Provence
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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.
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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.
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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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Chabe Airport Transfers, Marseille
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
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Helicopter Transfers and Scenic Flights
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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Radio Aixois Taxi
49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
Property For Sale in [locality]
Property for Sale in Provence
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Villa for Sale
Stunning property ideally set in a private domain with views over the sea and the vineyards.
Price: €23,000,000
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Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere
Exquisite and exclusive new development of ski-in, ski out chalet-style apartments
Price: €16,900,000
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Villa for Sale
Provencal villa with sea view in Saint-Tropez - close to the center
Price: €6,500,000
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Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere
Rarely available Savoyard chalet in an elevated position with far reaching viewings over Val d'Isère
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Villa for Sale
Ideally nestled in the sought-after town of Cavalaire, just a few steps from the Mediterranean and the village, this villa enjoys a truly exceptional location.
Price: €1,490,000