Grignan
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.
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Sights & Attractions in [locality]
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.
Sights in Provence
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Glanum archaeological site, near Saint Remy de Provence
Just 1 km south of St. Rémy-de-Provence, you can enter a world more than 2000 years old. Here the Celtic-Ligurian, Greek and later, the Roman people, settled down in a strategic valley and built and rebuilt a town that was known as Glanum.
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Atelier Cezanne
Cezannes studio was created in Aix-en-Provence in 1902 and this is where he worked until he died in 1906.
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Maison Carree, Nimes
A very well preserved Roman temple in the heart of Nimes.
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Provence Art & History Museum, Grasse
With items from prehistoric times, and fine arts and decorative arts from as early as the 17th century, all the way up to the first half of the 20th century.
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Musee Departemental de l'Arles Antiques
Immerse yourself in the history of Provence by visiting this collection of archaeological remains.
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Musee Archeologique, Nimes
Objects from local and regional sources, with the exception of a fund of Greek ceramics, Etruscan, Italiot, derived from bequests from private collections and a deposit of the State (Campana).
Dining in [locality]
The village has a handful of restaurants serving Provençal food - expect truffle to dominate the menus in the season from November to March.
Restaurants in Provence
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L'Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel Restaurant
This wonderful contemporary-styled restaurant features dishes that you may never have suspected to have existed.
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Cote Sud Restaurant, Uchaux
The Cote Sud has a charming sophisticated interior and includes a lovely terrace where you can enjoy your food when the weather is warm enough.
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Mickael Feval Restaurant
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.
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L'Epice & Love Restaurant
This is a popular place with both locals and travellers. It has a small cosy interior so if you want to dine there, best to get there earlier rather than later.
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La Chassagnette Restaurant
This organic Michelin starred restaurant is situated just 12km outside Arles on the road to Sambuc and is run by the chef Armand Arnal.
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La Cour d'Honneur Restaurant
Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
Events in [locality]
Events in Provence
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Jazz à Saint Rémy
This modern revival of the jazz festivals of the 70s and 80s is held under the stars in St Rémy.
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European Heritage Days
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.
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Trail des Alpes Maritimes
Two races plus a kids event starting and ending in the medieval mountain village of Sospel.
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Markets in Provence
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.
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Fête de la Chataignes - Chestnut festival, Collobrières
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.
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Liszt en Provence festival, Uchaux
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.
Things to do in [locality]
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.
Things To Do in Provence
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Domaine Le Sagittaire Waterpark, Nyons
In the depths of the Drôme countryside in the French Provence, this 5 Star Residential Campsite comes complete with an entirely heated Aquatic Complex, which is open to the public.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.
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Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons
Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
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Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer
Aqualand in St Cyr Sur Mer offer you 11 wicked slides in a great park environment with drinks, food, and shops for you to enjoy.
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Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux
This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
Cycling in [locality]
Cycling Routes in Provence
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Cycling in the Cotes du Rhone from Sainte-Cecile-des-Vignes
This short and relatively easy circuit goes through a number of pretty little villages and past a multitude of vineyards, streams and creeks, crossing the Aygues river twice along the way.
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Le Tour du Massif d'Uchaux
This circular route offers a variety of scenery and landscapes, with gently rolling hills to ensure a bit of downhill after any short climbs.
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Following the Knights Templar through the Cote du Rhone, Vaison la Romaine
This intermediate level bike ride takes in a few gentle hills as it makes its way through the villages commandeered by the Order of the Knights Templar during the middle ages.
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Vallee du Tourourenc & villages perches du Ventoux
This circular route through the Haute Vaucluse region takes you to the villages of the Vallee du Tourourenc that offer stunning views of the steep northern slopes of Mont Ventoux.
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Entre Ventoux et Dentelles
A challenging short circuit starting from Malaucene, that takes you through the vineyards and typical pine forests of Provence. Stunning scenery and great views of the landscape between Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles mountain range.
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Chapels & Orchards of Malaucene
This loop takes you round the medieval village of Malaucène in the cycling mecca of the Mont Ventoux region.
Hiking in [locality]
Walking Routes in Provence
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Les Rochers des Rams
From the look out point at 965m you are rewarded with fantastic views of the Alazards valley and the Rhone valley.
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Gorges du Toulourenc, near Malaucene
This river gorge runs for around 30 kilometres from the small village of Saint Leger, heading west along the borders of the Vaucluse and Drome regions.
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Combe de Malaval Hike
Throughout the duration of this hike you have breathtaking views over the Comtat Venaissin plain and the Dentelles de Montmirail range.
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Vineyard Walks
The vast numbers of lovely Vineyards in Provence make for great places to go on a walking or hiking tour.
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La Fontaine de Saint-Gens
Explore the valleys of Le Beaucet situated between the Mountains of Vaucluse and the Luberon Valley.
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Yachts & Sailing in [locality]
Watersports in [locality]
Watersports in Provence
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Bureau des Guides de Canyon, Castellane
Range of water sports and outdoor activities proposed by a professional guiding company.
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Plan d’eau des Ferreols, Digne-les-Bains
Located on the Route de Nice, close to the city centre, the waters of Ferréols has free parking and is accessible by public transport or by bicycle through a cycle track.
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La Bonde Lake, Cabrieres d'Aigues
Bonde Lake is situated in the heart of the Luberon and offers activities and relaxation for all the family.
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Cable Wakeboarding, Le Muy
Cable park on Lake Rabinon (5 hectares) where you can water ski, knee board, and wake board.
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Glisse Paradise Watersports, Saint Laurent du Var
Jet-ski, waterskiing, wakeboard, wakesurf, parachute, canoe and paddleboard, Glisse Paradise have it all!
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Canoe Evasion, near Isle sur la Sorgue
This company offers a 2 hour river descent from Isle sur la Sorgue to Fontain de Vaucluse in canoes.
Families in [locality]
Nightlife in [locality]
Bars & Clubs in Provence
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Mistral Nighclub
The Mistral is Aix-en-Provence's answer to those looking for a trendy night out listening to the latest DJ's.
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Le Longchamp Bar & Brasserie, Isle sur la Sorgue
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.
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Ajmi Jazz Club
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.
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Bokao's Nighclub
With a varied musical line-up, Bokao's combines good fun and great music.
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Le Cardeur Bacchus Bar
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.
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21 Chai d'Oeuvre Bar, Saint Remy de Provence
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.
Chalets in [locality]
Chalets in Provence
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Les Hautes Prairies Campsite, Lourmarin
Located right in the centre of Provence with the feet of Lubéron. A 9 acre campsite with 165 spacious pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes.
Villas in [locality]
Villas in Provence
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Carpe Diem Villa, Verbier
Superb 5-bedroom villa with swimming pool, ideal for 10 people, 5 minutes from the sea
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Horizon Villa, Eygalieres
House for rent with view of les Alpilles
Price: €4,402
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La Colline Villa
Welcome to La Colline, a stunning villa built from honey-colored local stone, nestled among Provençal vineyards with breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux and the distant hilltop villages. The villa offers a peaceful setting, perfect for spending a summer day by the swimming pool, accompanied only by the gentle song of the cicadas.
Price: €3,129
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Martin Villa, Gassin
Villa for Rent for 10 People in Gassin with pool
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Mas Glanum Villa, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
This beautiful Provençal farmhouse with swimming pool is located 900 m from the center of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. It’s a quiet and ideal place to spend the holidays discovering the Alpilles and their beautiful landscapes.
Price: €3,581
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La Bastide De Maubec Villa, Maubec
Superb farmhouse for rent in Provence in the Luberon for 2 to 4 people. It enjoys a heated swimming pool, a beautiful interior courtyard and a large covered terrace with a magnificent summer kitchen.
Price: €2,360
Holidays Rentals in [locality]
Holiday Rentals in Provence
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Le Mas Des Cigales Villa, Pernes-Les-Fontaines
Beautiful Provençal farmhouse to rent for your holiday.
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La Peyrière Villa, Saumane-de-Vaucluse
Farmhouse with pool for rent in Provence with lovely surroundings
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Provence Country Club - 2 Bed Apartment, Luberon
Located in the Residence Provence Country Club in the heart of the Luberon mountain range, this apartment 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.
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Carpe Diem Villa, Verbier
Superb 5-bedroom villa with swimming pool, ideal for 10 people, 5 minutes from the sea
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La Colline Villa
Welcome to La Colline, a stunning villa built from honey-colored local stone, nestled among Provençal vineyards with breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux and the distant hilltop villages. The villa offers a peaceful setting, perfect for spending a summer day by the swimming pool, accompanied only by the gentle song of the cicadas.
Price: €3,129
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La Belle Etoile Villa, Saignon
Charming holiday house entirely renovated, approximately 100 sqm, with heated pool in a dominant position on a plot of 3000 sqm, near the village of Saignon, offering splendid views of the Monts de Vaucluse and the Mont Ventoux.
Hotels in [locality]
Hotels in Provence
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Le Clos des Lavandes B&B
In the heart of the Luberon National Park, a beautiful and charming B&B welcomes you for a relaxing stay.
Price: €1,156
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La Bastide Saint Antoine Hotel, Grasse
La Bastide Saint-Antoine in Grasse sits within five hectares of lush Mediterranean gardens and olive groves. It overlooks the surrounding plains and the Bay of Cannes, offering stunning views and a feast for the senses.
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Jardins Secrets Hotel, Nimes
Tucked away in the old district of Nimes lies 18th century former coach house, decorated with style and elegance.
Price: €3,360
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Villa Gallici Hotel
Under the light Cézanne once knew, the Villa Gallici Hotel is an 18th century Provençal house and a member of Relais et Châteaux portfolio.
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Chateau de Varenne Hotel, Sauveterre
This charming hotel is housed in a former XVIIIth century residence, on a beautiful green three-hectare estate above the small village of Sauveterre in the heart of Provence.
Price: €2,390
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Europe Hotel
The former residence of the Marquis of Graveson, the Hotel d'Europe is a luxury residence in the centre of Avignon.
Price: €4,690
Campsites in [locality]
How to get to [locality]
Transfers for Provence
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Radio Aixois Taxi
49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
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Events-Cars Taxi, Grigan
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
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Les Marseillais Taxi, Marseille
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
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Avignon City Taxis
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
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Helicopter Transfers and Scenic Flights
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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Private Jet and Helicopter Transfers
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 [locality]
Property for Sale in Provence
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Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere
Exquisite and exclusive new development of ski-in, ski out chalet-style apartments
Price: €8,395,000
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Villa for Sale
A Provencal property near the centre of Saint-Tropez and the beaches.
Price: €7,500,000
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Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere
A 5 bedroom chalet set in a small development located in the quiet enclave of Le Châtelard
Price: €2,600,000
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Villa for Sale
Magnificent renovated farm house just a few minutes from Pampelonne beach and Saint-Tropez
Price: €5,490,000
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Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere
Exquisite and exclusive new development of ski-in, ski out chalet-style apartments
Price: €16,900,000
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