Charming village in the Drome, with a wonderful medieval castle
Grignan is a small village that overlooks the plains of the Rhône valley, just over the border of northern Provence into the Drome region. It's a charming little place but most visitors come here to see its castle.
Farming plays a major role in local life, and vineyards cover much of the land in the area. A number of the vineyards are open to the public - check at the tourist office.
Truffles are also big business here. When some of the vines were destroyed by disease in the 19th century, oak trees took their place and are now a source for these black tubers - the countryside around Grignan accounts for 70% of France's truffle production.
Another crop you will see whilst touring the area is lavender - rows and rows of this fragrant purple plant thrive in the dry climate.
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 Long Night of Museums is an annual event where museums across Europe remain open late into the night, and Provence is no exception.
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.
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
The village of Grignan grew up in the shadows of the dominant medieval castle, Château de Grignan. A fortress has been located on this site since the 11th century and it was transformed into a more palatial dwelling during the Renaissance. It became renowned in France when in the 17th century, the Marquise de Sevigne wrote in her letters about the brilliance of its court and the surroundings. A garden was created in her memory in 1996 - it sits below the castle off the road Cours Adhémar.
Other sights to see in Grignan include the collegiate church of Saint Sauveur, which dates from the 16th century, La Maison du Bailli (Bailiff's House), a 13th century court house and now a municipal building, and numerous fountains and the lavoir (wash house) in the market place. The market is held in Tuesday mornings.
The village is also proud of its rose gardens, with over 150 varieties on display throughout the village - best enjoyed from late April to June. There are some arts and crafts shops in the village where you can pick up souvenirs or something a bit more special. Local craftsmen include wrought ironmongers, jewellery makers, pottery; there are also a few art galleries, some of whom offer painting classes.
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.
Cezannes studio was created in Aix-en-Provence in 1902 and this is where he worked until he died in 1906.
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'.
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.
A small gallery with a good collection of contemporary and modern art.
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.
The village has a handful of restaurants serving Provençal food - expect truffle to dominate the menus in the season from November to March.
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.
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.
Located inside the luxury Chateau de la Gaude, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves the elaborate cuisine of chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal.
Fresh & original French cuisine is conjured by chef/owner Olivier Scola in this small Aix restaurant.
If you are looking for a great meal and a few drinks to end your evening look no further than Jardin Mazarin in the centre of Aix.
The Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
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 Mistral is Aix-en-Provence's answer to those looking for a trendy night out listening to the latest DJ's.
There are a number of activities to enjoy in the surrounding area, from horse riding, rock climbing, tree top adventures, paragliding and hiking. A range of long and short walks are available and you can buy flyers and maps (only a small fee) from the tourist office. An outdoor swimming pool is open during July and August.
Another popular attraction in the area is the Crocodile Farm in Pierrelatte (back west towards the A7) which has an 8,000m² greenhouse filled with 400 crocodiles, some giant tortoises and lush vegetation.
Provence Wine Tours offer a variety of wine tours from private visits, to group tours and even corporate events.
Open to all, this small golf club offers a clubhouse, restaurant, driving range, putting green and 6 holes. It is home to an academy that offers lessons at all levels.
Tour Designer in Provence provide tailor made tours of the best of Provence with day trips and walking tours on offer.
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.
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.
Just an hour long ride through the city of Aix, learning about its history and a good introduction to this beautiful area.
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.
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.
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 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.
A few minutes walk from the charming village of Bonnieux, on the heights towards Lourmarin, this charming stone house, freshly renovated by architects, is for rent for your holidays.
Beautiful holiday villa with swimming pool for rent in the South of France, near the village of Bonnieux in Provence.
Stone house with pool for rent in Bonnieux - La Prairie du Luberon
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.
House for rent in Luberon - Le Mas entre Monts et Merveilles. The perfect holiday location in 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.
This hotel is a beautiful renovated house located on a quiet street, and walking distance to all the hustle and bustle of Aix.
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.
This B&B leans against Bonnieux, a charming village built in the Middle Ages. The heart of the village is within walking distance and has many shops and restaurants.
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
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.
A beautifully renovated 16th century bastide with panoramic views.
Set in the prestigious Domaine de Terre Blanche, Villa Augusta is the epitome of contemporary luxury.
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.
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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