Richerenches Truffle Market
Head to the Avenue de la Rabasse in Richerenches for the famous Saturday truffle markets, which take place from November to March every year.

© SeeProvence.com

© SeeProvence.com

© Seeprovence.com

© Seeprovence.com

© SeeProvence.com

© Seeprovence.com

© Seeprovence.com

© avignon-et-provence
Famous and popular village overlooking the Luberon
One of the prettiest villages in Provence (one of the 'Plus Beaux Villages'), Gordes is perched on top of a hillside around its historic castle.
Throughout history, the castle has protected its residents from foreign attacks, plagues, and World War II bombings. The views over the Luberon countryside are stunning, and the village itself is a warren of cobbled streets and ancient houses.
Gordes hosts art exhibitions, wine and almond festivals, and its market is held on Tuesdays.
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.
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.
Exceptional locations around France, including Provence, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
Gordes has had a busy history and has its origins from Gallo-Roman times where it was the fortified settlement for the main city of Cavaillon.
In the 4th century, it was inhabited by the Vordenses tribe (from where the name Gordes come from, it was customary then to switch V with G). Gordes has been used as a refuge for the surrounding inhabitants for centuries, to protect the local people from warring tribes, wars of religion and revolutions. This goes someway to explaining its almost austere appearance, as the continual invasions demanded that it be strongly fortified.
It almost looks better from a distance, and indeed you will see many tour buses in the summer stop at lay-by's on the road up to Gordes for the best pictures.
The 16th century castle (originally built in 1031) is a huge stone building that looks almost impenetrable from the exterior, as it should. It has been well preserved and you will see watch towers and battlements that would have been used to spot invaders. It's now both the town hall and a museum that showcases works by Belgium painter Pol Mara - open to the public daily. It also hosts temporary exhibitions every year.
The Village des Bories is an ancient settlement (archaeologists are divided on its date of origin), of dry stone huts that were probably used as shepherds huts during the 19th century. It is located 1.5km from Gordes and is open to the public throughout the year. You'll find a small museum and you can take guided tours if you book in advance - ask at the tourist office.
Also close by to Gordes is the wonderful Cistercian Abbey Senanque which is well worth a visit. The Museum of Glass and Stained Glass lies a few kilometres south of Gordes by Saint Pantaleon and displays ancient glass beads, tiles, jewellery and other objects of both practical utility and beauty. Open throughout the year (closed Tuesdays), you can take tours in French, English and German. An old olive mill is located on the same site.
The Caves of Saint Firmin give you a glimpse into the underworld that was part of the defensive position of Gordes. The network of cellars under the Palais St Firmin have been partly excavated and you can now visit some of the chambers beneath Gordes.
Just outside the village of Gordes lies the archaeological remains of a Bronze age village. The Village des Bories dates back to around 2000BC. You can still see ancient sheep pens, stone beehive houses (bories) and bread ovens.
This 12th century Cistercian monastery is an iconic scene of Provence. With fields of rows of lavender in an isolated valley leading to a beautifully solumn sanctuary, the Abbey Notre Dame de Senanque provides a glimpse back in time - if you can ignore the crowds of tourists that invariably will share the moment with you.
This castle houses the town hall of Gordes and a museum containing works by the painter Pol Mara, a Flemish artist who lived in Gordes.
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out in Gordes, with a good number of restaurants to choose from, along with a range of cuisines.
The gourmet restaurant at Les Bories & Spa has one Michelin star to it's name, courtesy of head chef Pascal Ginoux.
Lovely restaurant with dining terrace just outside the historic village of Gordes. With a fresh & modern Provencal menu, there is a good choice of fish and salads.
Le Loup Blanc is tucked away off Rue de la Combe, just down from the heart of the village of Gordes.
La Trinquette wine bar is a place where you can enjoy fine wines accompanied by delicious tapas in a setting facing the sunset.
This is a family-run business serving fresh organic food on a nice shady terrace.
Run by Daniela Ernandes passionate kitchen leader, and Chef Mr Jean Jacques Marcellin; the brigade works every day to prepare a tasty cuisine that emphasises the freshness of products and authentic flavours.
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.
With a varied musical line-up, Bokao's combines good fun and great music.
Small wine bar situated in one of the cobbled streets of Avignon that hosts regular market stalls.
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.
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.
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.
Wander around the castle, church and the pretty cobbled streets of Gordes on a night time walking tour.
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.
Just to the north of Apt lies the Plan d'Eau de la Raille. You can practice all sorts of watersports here, with a sailing & windsurfing school. All equipment is available to rent - dinghies, windsurfs, pedal boats and kayaks.
This company offers two different types of excursions by kayak or canoe for either an hour and 15 minutes or 3 hours.
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.
Everything is there to satisfy your expectations: an authentic farmhouse, a refined decoration, a breathtaking view of the charming village of Oppède and the Luberon, 6 air-conditioned en-suite bedrooms, a heated swimming pool with an equipped pool house and a tennis court. Without a doubt one of their favourite holiday destinations!
Superb vacation rental in Gordes in the Luberon
Authentic farmhouse in Cabrières d'Avignon, in the Vaucluse, with views of the Luberon Mountains and beautiful swimming pool.
This charming stone farmhouse is located in the heart of Luberon, near the must-see villages, and has been carefully restored.
Holiday house for rent in the Luberon: beautiful authentic farmhouse with heated swimming pool 12x6 in a nice fenced park.
Charming house exposed on a beautifully wooded ground with stunning views, for rent for 10 people in the heart of the 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.
In Provence, a beautiful and charming farmhouse with heated swimming pool available for holiday lets in Lacoste in the Luberon.
Very beautiful mas (stone house) to rent for the holidays in Gordes, decorated with exclusive and tasteful materials, all modern comfort.
Charming house exposed on a beautifully wooded ground with stunning views, for rent for 10 people in the heart of the Luberon.
Wonderful holiday property surrounded by greenery with 6 hectares of three-hundred-year-old olive groves, cypress trees and lavender…
Charming house, for rent in Roussillon, in the heart of the Luberon, with swimming pool. It is the perfect place for an unforgettable stay in Provence.
Gordes also has a very good selection of hotels.
In the heart of the Luberon National Park, a beautiful and charming B&B welcomes you for a relaxing stay.
Located in the Luberon region in the heart of Provence this charming hotel sits in grounds of 6000m2.
La Maison sur la Sorgue is a small boutique hotel in the heart of the village of the same name, renowned for it's antiques stores and markets. The lovely and generously sized rooms are decorated in a chic Provencal tone and feature antique furniture and modern touches. Wifi is available in the public areas and breakfast is served on the terrace by the pool. There isn't a restaurant, but there are plenty to choose from in the pretty town.
This traditional country house hotel is set in a tranquil estate with wonderful views over the Luberon.
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.
Set in one of the most beautiful villages in France, this hotel is a little Provencal paradise.
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
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.
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.
Set on a 2,090 m² plot in the heart of a peaceful hamlet surrounded by nature, this character-filled stone property is a true haven of tranquillity.
Set in the prestigious Domaine de Terre Blanche, Villa Augusta is the epitome of contemporary luxury.
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.
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