This little hilltop village is surrounded by around 1,300 hectares of vineyards, the reason that most people may have come across its name.
Gigondas
A small village made famous thanks to its wine production
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.
Events in Aix-en-Provence
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 Aix-en-Provence
See all Events in Aix-en-Provence-
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.
-
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
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 Aix-en-Provence
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 Aix-en-Provence
See all Sights in Aix-en-Provence-
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.
-
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.
-
Carriere de Bibemus
The quarry that inspired Cezanne in many of his paintings
An old quarry, the Carrieres de Bibemus lies on the western slopes of Montagne St Victoire and is a place that inspired Paul Cezanne through out his life.
-
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.
-
Site Memorial des Milles
Factory used as a prison during World War II, now a museum
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.
-
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.
Dining in Aix-en-Provence
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 Aix-en-Provence
See all Restaurants in Aix-en-Provence-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Le Poivre d'Ane Restaurant
Delightful restaurant in the tourist trap area of Place Cardeurs
Open for dinner only, this restaurant is popular with the locals of Aix. French classics are on the menu, and all the dishes are beautifully presented.
Nightlife in Aix-en-Provence
Bars & Clubs in Aix-en-Provence
See all Bars & Clubs in Aix-en-Provence-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Things to do in Aix-en-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.
Things To Do in Aix-en-Provence
See all Things To Do in Aix-en-Provence-
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.
-
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.
-
Gulli Parc Indoor Play Area
Indoor soft play area for kids up to 12 years old
The area is split into two areas - one for the 1-5 years age group, and the other for 6-12 year olds.
-
Aix Yoga Center, Aix en Provence
Yoga centre offering regular Ashtanga & Iyengar lessons, courses & retreats
The Aix Yoga Center is a 150m2 studio yoga in the heart of Aix en Provence.
-
Cabre d'Or Golf Course, Cabries
A superb natural site of 180 acres overlooking Provence
The Golf de la Cabre d'Or is only 20 minutes away from Aix-en-Provence et Marseille. This is a fairly new golf course which opened only in 2008.
-
Country Club Aixois Tennis, Aix en Provence
Renowned club with excellent facilities
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.
Watersports in Aix-en-Provence
Watersports in Aix-en-Provence
See all Watersports in Aix-en-Provence-
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.
-
Caminaterra Activity Company, Vedene
Adventure tourism company with a wide range of activities
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
-
Exo 84 Watersports, Lamotte-du-Rhône
A centre dedicated to wake-boarding and waterskiing
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Goud' Canoe, La Roque sur Ceze
Discover the beauty of the Ceze Valley by canoe
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.
Holiday Rentals in Aix-en-Provence
Holiday Rentals in Aix-en-Provence
See all Holiday Rentals in Aix-en-Provence-
La Badassière Villa, Bonnieux
5 bedroom Villa in Bonnieux. Sleeps 10
Villa rental in the Luberon - La Badassière
-
La Cavalière Villa, Bonnieux
7 bedroom Villa in Bonnieux. Sleeps 13
Former 17th century farmhouse in Bonnieux, fully restored by a renowned architect.
-
La Grande Bergerie Villa, Bonnieux
4 bedroom Villa in Bonnieux. Sleeps 8
Holiday house with pool located in the heart of the Luberon.
-
Le Mas Entre Monts Et Merveilles Villa, Bonnieux
4 bedroom Villa in bonnieux. Sleeps 8
House for rent in Luberon - Le Mas entre Monts et Merveilles. The perfect holiday location in Provence!
-
La Villa Paulanne Villa, Bonnieux
4 bedroom Villa in Bonnieux. Sleeps 8
House for rent in Provence with swimming pool, terrace and garden.
-
Le Lieutenant Villa, Bonnieux
2 bedroom Villa in Bonnieux. Sleeps 4
The Lieutenant is an apartment for rent for holidays in Provence, located on the 1st floor of a pretty country house in Bonnieux.
Hotels in Aix-en-Provence
Hotels in Aix-en-Provence
See all Hotels in Aix-en-Provence-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Chateau d'Alpheran, Puyricard
An 18th century building set in 20 hectares of land
A beautifully renovated castle, with 5 rooms and suites, a stunning reception room and an outdoor pool
How to get to Aix-en-Provence
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
See all Transfers for Provence-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
Monaco - Nice Helicopter Shuttles, plus French Riviera 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.
-
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.
-
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.
Property For Sale in Aix-en-Provence
Property for Sale in Aix-en-Provence
See all Property for Sale in Aix-en-Provence-
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































































































