Beaujolais Nouveau
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.

© SeeProvence.com

© SeeProvence.com

© SeeProvence.com

© SeeProvence.com
Astounding Roman monuments and ancient settlement
Just 1km south of St. Rémy-de-Provence, you can enter a world more than 2,000 years old. Here the Celtic-Ligurians, Greeks and later, the Romans, settled down in a strategic valley and built and rebuilt a town that was known as Glanum.
Until 1921 the ancient settlement was lost, buried under earth and rocks. The major road in les Alpilles went right over it. Only the well-preserved Mausoleum of the Julii and the Triumphal Arch of Glanum were the reminders of this old settlement. These two impressive monuments (known as les Antiques) were an indication of the importance of Glanum.
The mausoleum (of c.30 BC) is believed to have been a memorial, not a tomb, to an important Roman family, once believed that of Caesar. Today, historians are not so certain. The arch was most likely constructed in the days of Emperor Augustus. It was and is the triumphal entrance to the old town of Glanum.
When you cross the street from the arch, you'll see a vast plain of ruins, walls, a lopped-off tower, the pillars of a temple, with the majestic mountains of les Alpilles in the background. This is Glanum, the town that was sacked by Germanic tribes in 270 and then abandoned by its people. Only in 1921 did the first excavations begin, and they continue to this day. The road to St. Rémy that covered the ruins had to be diverted.
Before you enter the ancient town, it's best to spend a little time at the small visitor centre, where you also buy your ticket. There, with the help of models, you can get a sense of what the town must have looked like during its three phases of occupation. The museum also offers insightful guides and displays a number of objects, or casts of them, that have been found on the site. The majority of the precious ones can be seen in the museum Hotel de Sade in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
With plan in hand, you then wander over the vast site of old Glanum. For the most part, you're free to wander about, enter what's left of the temple of Valetudo, goddess of health, discover the bath in a citizen's home, hunt for treasures, such as the inscription on this base.
The site of Glanum is open throughout the year except for public holidays.
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
Head to the Avenue de la Rabasse in Richerenches for the famous Saturday truffle markets, which take place from November to March every year.
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.
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 Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
Created in 1919, this museum is located inside a former townhouse, the Hôtel Mistral de Montdragon, which dates from the Renaissance period and is classified as an historical landmark.
Originally a stone quarry, the Carrieres de Lumieres has been transformed into a backdrop for a stunning audio visual show, where images are projected on to the walls and the floor. Each year a different artist and theme is chosen to lead the display.
Opened in 1991, the Yves Brayer Museum displays a hundred or so canvas paintings, watercolours and drawings representative of the artist's work.
After your explorations in Glanum, it's worth visiting the asylum where Vincent van Gogh spent one year after the dramatic incident in Arles. The Monastère de St-Paul-de-Mausole is just a short ride from Glanum. Since 1605 it has functioned as a psychiatric hospital, remaining so today.
Since 1989 the association ‘Présence Van Gogh’ has developped an important artistic programme, loyal to the desires of the great Dutch artist who lived in St.Remy de Provence between 1888-1889 who wished that ‘living artists are not unjustly unknown’.
This large natural area envelops 16 small towns and villages between the Luberon and the Camargue, not far from Arles.
Located near the centre of Saint Remy, this restaurant offers a luxury fine dining experience in their elegant dining room or their relaxing terrace. Chef Thibaut Serin Moulin has worked in various Michelin-starred restaurants and now creates imaginative dishes made with fresh produce.
Fine regional cuisine by a Michelin-star experienced chef, made only with fresh local produce. Located at the Domaine de Manville Hotel.
Situated in Le Chateau des Alpilles Hotel, this restaurant serves modern French recipes with a focus on healthy eating.
Head chef Michel Hulin uses fresh produce from the restaurant's extensive organic kitchen garden, as well as locally grown olive oils.
Situated in the Auberge de la Reine Jeanne Hotel, this restaurant offers Provençal and Mediterranean dishes made only with fresh regional ingredients in a menu that is constantly evolving.
Beautifully presented French cuisine awaits you at L'Oustau de Baumanière. The elegant dining room is set in a vaulted stone hall and it opens up on to a terrace for dining during the warmer seasons.
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.
The Domaine de Manville has a renowned architect and landscaper designed 18-hole golf course allying technicality and game attraction in an eco-responsible and respectful way to produce a truly very special course.
This leisure park in the Alpilles located in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence offers entertainment for young and old: fun activities, sports activities and ultimately outdoor activities.
This large natural area envelops 16 small towns and villages between the Luberon and the Camargue, not far from Arles.
From the perched village of Châteauneuf de Gadagne, this gentle family-friendly cycle route goes from the foot of the Colline de Thouzon, round in a loop to the town of Le Thor, via the cool waters of the River Sorgue.
This ride takes us along the banks of the river Sorgue, crossing picturesque bridges and cycling past tranquil orchards. You’ll visit a number of fascinating little villages and take in some wonderful scenery along the way.
This scenic cycle ride goes in a figure of eight, starting and finishing in Velleron, but also visiting Pernes-les-Fontaines to the north and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue to the south.
This 28.5km long route is a journey of discovery through the Ile de l'Oiselay and the vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape.
This fun 20km circuits takes in three short climbs on a scenic route that takes in some of the famous “Perched Villages” of Provence.
The Comtat Venaissin (County of Venaissin), often called the Comtat for short, dates back to the middle ages and was politically significant throughout the 16th and 17th centuries.
A great walk in any season as it gets the sun throughout the day and is sheltered from the sometimes strong, Mistral wind.
Starting in Barbentane, a short 15 minute drive from Avignon, this gentle and easy walk is great for all abilities of walker. WIth a shady tracks and only a 2 hour and 45 minute round trip you can amble along this walk and enjoy the surrouding scenery.
A slightly more challenging hike through the most spectactular gorge in Provence, with its narrow high walls and dark alleyway you can witness the amazing vegetation and plants. A 3 hour and 30 minute walk you can enjoy this popular walking route, recommended during the week when it is likely to be quieter.
Take your time, explore and discover the rich historical heritage and natural surroundings, fashioned by centuries of work which continues to the present day.
The vast numbers of lovely Vineyards in Provence make for great places to go on a walking or hiking tour.
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
This company offers a 2 hour river descent from Isle sur la Sorgue to Fontain de Vaucluse in canoes.
This company offers an 8 kilometre canoe trip along the river near Fontaine de Vaucluse.
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 two different types of excursions by kayak or canoe for either an hour and 15 minutes or 3 hours.
If you're looking to try out kitesurfing for the first time, this company can help you get to grips with the basics from professional instruction.
Authentic farmhouse of 320m² to rent for your holidays and located on a large plot of land with a beautiful heated swimming pool.
Superb bastide in the heart of its private valley for your holidays in the Alpilles. Let yourself be seduced by the charm of this 19th century property!
Provencal farmhouse with swimming pool to rent in Paradou, in the heart of the Alpilles, for a dream holiday.
This very welcoming farmhouse is located in the heart of the Alpilles, close to unmissable places such as the Baux de Provence, Eygalières, and Maussane.
Close to the Isle sur la Sorgue, superb renovated contemporary property composed of 5 suites, one of which is on the ground floor, is available for holiday rental. Inside, the concrete gives a lot of character to the space and the choice of furniture and accessories make it a perfect complement.
Superb, very bright mas, freshly renovated with high quality materials while preserving the charm of the old stone.
Succumb to the charm of this holiday rental in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence - L'Orangerie
In the heart of the Alpilles Regional Natural Park in the south of France, the Mas de la Cigale in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is an exceptional place for a dream holiday in Provence.
Come and spend your holidays in a quiet haven in the very heart of Provence - Mas Formiga
This very welcoming farmhouse is located in the heart of the Alpilles, close to unmissable places such as the Baux de Provence, Eygalières, and Maussane.
New to the rental market: this magnificent stone mas, which has been freshly renovated in the center of Eygalières.
Authentic farmhouse of 320m² to rent for your holidays and located on a large plot of land with a beautiful heated swimming pool.
This 17th century palais in charming Saint Remy de Provence is a historic-meets-contemporary sanctuary for lovers of all things gourmet.
The Auberge de Cassagne consists of a converted family home, the Château de Cassagne (1850), plus it's outbuildings which have been transformed to provide luxurious accommodation close to the historic city of Avignon.
Located just within a 5 minute walk from the town's main square, this small and charming hotel offers traditional Provençal decoration and a gourmet restaurant.
This charming 5 star hotel offers guests the best in luxury accommodation and services whilst still retaining an air of simple, classic style.
This quirky hotel has something of a Gaudi-esque influence, with uniquely designed rooms and common areas.
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.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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.
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
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.
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
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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.
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