
Atelier Cezanne
Cezannes studio was created in Aix-en-Provence in 1902 and this is where he worked until he died in 1906.
© SeeProvence.com
© SeeProvence.com
© SeeProvence.com
© SeeProvence.com
© SeeProvence.com
© SeeProvence.com
© SeeProvence.com
© SeeProvence.com
© SeeProvence.com
© SeeProvence.com
© SeeProvence.com
© SeeProvence.com
© SeeProvence.com
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.
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.
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.
Cezannes studio was created in Aix-en-Provence in 1902 and this is where he worked until he died in 1906.
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.
Aurélien Raynaud displays his unique gift in capturing the wonderful wildlife kingdom in a range of artforms.
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.
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.
Hungarian artist Victor Vasarely established this foundation in 1966 with the aim of promoting 'art for all' where art blends beautifully with architecture in the 'city of tomorrow'.
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.
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.
Located inside the luxury Chateau de la Gaude, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves the elaborate cuisine of chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal.
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.
Open daily, the Clos du Comptoir offers a sophisticated atmosphere for lunch and dinner in the same setting.
There are 5 La Fournee de Joseph boulangeries dotted around Aix en Provence. Selling delicious pastries, treats, teas, sandwiches and bread.
Nestled in the narrow streets of the old town in Aix. This traditional French restaurant offers simple but ambitious cuisine made using fresh local produce.
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.
The Nimes Metroppole Jazz Festival brings together the best of traditional jazz right up to the more modern and contemporary styles.
In Provence, the department of the Var is the place to look for chestnuts. The Var village of Collobrières regards itself as chestnut capital of the world and in late October it's time for the chestnut festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from near and far.
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.
Head to the Avenue de la Rabasse in Richerenches for the famous Saturday truffle markets, which take place from November to March every year.
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.
An annual agricultural fair, the Foire de la Saint Siffrein is named after the saint who resided in Carpentras during the 7th century. Plenty of local produce is available in the market and the wine fair is one of the largest in the area (and not restricted to wines from Provence).
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.
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.
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.
Just an hour long ride through the city of Aix, learning about its history and a good introduction to this beautiful area.
The Aix Yoga Center is a 150m2 studio yoga in the heart of Aix en Provence.
Plenty of clay tennis courts are available at the Aix Country Club. It provide lessons and coaching, and there is a pro shop too. Other facilities include a pool and a gym.
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.
This 35km loop takes you through the famous vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône, as well as past strawberry fields, olive groves and fruit orchards. It is a wonderfully scenic ride with the opportunity to do some tasting along the way!
Once in the town of Jonquieres there are several choices of cycle routes around the area. The country roads are the perfect platform to discover the local villages, view points and historical points of interest.
This loop takes you round the medieval village of Malaucène in the cycling mecca of the Mont Ventoux region.
A challenging short circuit starting from Malaucene, that takes you through the vineyards and typical pine forests of Provence. Stunning scenery and great views of the landscape between Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles mountain range.
This intermediate level bike ride takes in a few gentle hills as it makes its way through the villages commandeered by the Order of the Knights Templar during the middle ages.
Most of this circuit follows the canal tow paths to the north of Carpentras, within sight of Mont Ventoux.
From the look out point at 965m you are rewarded with fantastic views of the Alazards valley and the Rhone valley.
Throughout the duration of this hike you have breathtaking views over the Comtat Venaissin plain and the Dentelles de Montmirail range.
The vast numbers of lovely Vineyards in Provence make for great places to go on a walking or hiking tour.
This river gorge runs for around 30 kilometres from the small village of Saint Leger, heading west along the borders of the Vaucluse and Drome regions.
Explore the valleys of Le Beaucet situated between the Mountains of Vaucluse and the Luberon Valley.
Take your time, explore and discover the rich historical heritage and natural surroundings, fashioned by centuries of work which continues to the present day.
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.
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
This watersports centre is based on a 10 hectare lake with boxes and features in the water that you can practise your wakeboarding moves on.
This company offers an 8 kilometre canoe trip along the river near Fontaine de Vaucluse.
This company offers a 2 hour river descent from Isle sur la Sorgue to Fontain de Vaucluse in canoes.
The Ceze is a calm river and accessible for all. Along the trip you’ll find enough spots and beaches where you’ll be able to get out of your boat to eat, sunbathe or swim.
The Mistral is Aix-en-Provence's answer to those looking for a trendy night out listening to the latest DJ's.
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.
The Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
Superb 5 star rated property located in Bonnieux with swimming pool
The Capitaine is an apartment located on the 2nd floor, its exposure is ideal for holidays in Provence, beautiful atmosphere.
Wonderful holiday rental farmhouse in Bonnieux, in the Luberon’s golden triangle, with swimming pool and a lovely, unobstructed view of the countryside.
A few kilometers from the charming village of Bonnieux, enjoying a superb view of the Luberon, this tastefully restored old farmhouse will amaze you as soon as you arrive.
Mas Wisteria is located 2.5km from Bonnieux, a lovely Provençal village perched in the foothills of the Luberon in Provence.
A magnificent "Mas" in Bonnieux to rent in the Luberon, with a large landscaped garden for a dream holiday between Bonnieux and Lacoste.
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.
Superb 5 star rated property located in Bonnieux with swimming pool
Magnificent villa near Bonnieux, in the heart of the Luberon, with swimming pool, for a unique holiday.
Holiday house with pool located in the heart of the Luberon.
House for rent in Provence with swimming pool, terrace and garden.
The Capitaine is an apartment located on the 2nd floor, its exposure is ideal for holidays in Provence, beautiful atmosphere.
This hotel is a beautiful renovated house located on a quiet street, and walking distance to all the hustle and bustle of Aix.
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.
Built in 2013 this modern, contemporary five star hotel in Provence combines art work in contemporary spaces, filled with uber stylish furniture and fittings.
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.
Under the light Cézanne once knew, the Villa Gallici Hotel is an 18th century Provençal house and a member of Relais et Châteaux portfolio.
The alliance of soil, flowers and water gives the hotel great charm. A harmony with the nature where you feel good, surrounded by the careful attentions of a warm host family.
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.
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating 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.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
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.
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 & ReviewsProvence 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