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 castle houses the town hall of Gordes and a museum containing works by the painter Pol Mara, a Flemish artist who lived in Gordes.

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.

The gourmet restaurant at Les Bories & Spa has one Michelin star to it's name, courtesy of head chef Pascal Ginoux.

This is a family-run business serving fresh organic food on a nice shady terrace. 

This gourmet restaurant can be found at the Mas des Romains hotel in Gordes. 

Seasonal local produce is used to create exquisite dishes under the expert eye of chef Alexis Osmont.

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. 

La Trinquette wine bar is a place where you can enjoy fine wines accompanied by delicious tapas in a setting facing the sunset. 

This modern revival of the jazz festivals of the 70s and 80s is held under the stars in St Rémy.

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.

Two races plus a kids event starting and ending in the medieval mountain village of Sospel.

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.

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.

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.

Wander around the castle, church and the pretty cobbled streets of Gordes on a night time walking tour.

This ride is bursting with colour and vibrant views; starting off in the pretty little village of Roussillon it passes through the vivid landscape of the Ochre region, an area characterised by its deep red soil and golden wheat fields.

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 fun 20km circuits takes in three short climbs on a scenic route that takes in some of the famous “Perched Villages” of Provence.

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.

Second only to the Gorges du Verdon, the Gorge de la Nesque is one of the most visited and cycled parts of Provence. A stunning hydro geological site with fantastic cliffs, overhanging rock and a long winding river deep in the valley.

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.

Take your time, explore and discover the rich historical heritage and natural surroundings, fashioned by centuries of work which continues to the present day.

Roussillon is a wonderful little village located about 10km outside of Apt. This gorgeous walk that explores the Ochre cliffs of Rousillon is relatively easy and will be enjoyable for everyone. Not to be confused with the Ochre Trail, which which has a visitor fee for entry into the park.

This lovely hike in the Luberon region of Provence is great for most abilities of walkers. Stunning views and landscape on every part of the trail will make the 2hr 30 minute walk well worth it. Walking along the top of the large rocky cliff you can see for miles and enjoy the cool breeze.

Explore the valleys of Le Beaucet situated between the Mountains of Vaucluse and the Luberon Valley.

This easy and gentle 3km walk is perfect for families as most of the route is shaded by large billowing trees with ideal spots for picnics, wondeful views and interesting forestry along the way.

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.

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.

Discover this lovely family holiday house with swimming pool located in the heart of Luberon

In Provence, a beautiful and charming farmhouse with heated swimming pool available for holiday lets in Lacoste in the Luberon.

Charming holiday house with pool in the Luberon to go for with your family or friends. 

A charming farmhouse available for holiday lets, set in a peaceful area in the Provence and enjoying an exceptional view.

 Attractive house in Roussillon in Provence for rent, with swimming pool and a large, landscaped garden. Perfect for a dream holiday.

Charming house exposed on a beautifully wooded ground with stunning views, for rent for 10 people in the heart of the Luberon.

Farmhouse in the heart of the Luberon, near Coustellet, providing peace and quiet and a breathtaking view of the countryside. 

Magnificent holiday home for 8 people to rent in the beautiful village of Gordes, 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.

Charming holiday house with pool in the Luberon to go for with your family or friends. 

In the heart of the Luberon and near the village of Ménerbes, one of the most beautiful villages in France, discover this villa for rent for an idyllic holiday.

A few minutes from the charming village of Ménerbes, in the heart of the Luberon in the countryside between vineyards, lavender and the forest, discover this former 19th century sheepfold with natural and harmonious decoration.

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.

A five star hotel with 33 bedrooms and seven suites in the heart of beautiful Luberon. Les Bories sits in eight hectares of gardens and grounds and is close to the famous village of Gordes.

This traditional country house hotel is set in a tranquil estate with wonderful views over the Luberon.

Set in one of the most beautiful villages in France, this hotel is a little Provencal paradise.