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.
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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Musee Departemental de l'Arles Antiques
Immerse yourself in the history of Provence by visiting this collection of archaeological remains.
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Maison Carree, Nimes
A very well preserved Roman temple in the heart of Nimes.
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Angladon Museum
Located in Avignon
Located in a gorgeous 18th century building int eh centre of Avignon, this museum's mission is to share with the public the wonderful collection of paintings and furniture inherited from the couturier Jacques Doucet (1853-1929).
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Cathedrale St Sauveur
Located in Aix-en-Provence
Aix's cathedral has its origins in the 5th century and it has been added to throughout the centuries.
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Site Memorial des Milles
Located in Aix-en-Provence
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.
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MuCEM, Marseille
This museum (Musée des civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée — MuCEM) showcases civilisations in the Mediterranean in the twenty first century, and has been developed by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication.
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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Le Temp de Vivre Restaurant, Uchaux
Le Temps de Vivre is situated in the little hamlet of Les Farjons just down the road from Uchaux.
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La Vache a Carreaux Restaurant
Located in Avignon
This small restaurant is on the Rue Peyrollerie, a winding alley just off the Place St Pierre. It is a great option for vegetarians, offering a wide variety of cheese dishes and salads but there are also fish dishes available.
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L'Autruche Restaurant
Small restaurant where you will never eat the same thing twice. Their menu is solely based on what good fresh ingredients the local market has to offer in the mornings.
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La Cour d'Honneur Restaurant
Located in Avignon
Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
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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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Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour
This Michelin starred restaurant is situated on the outskirts of Tourtour and specialise in truffle dishes.
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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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, 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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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.
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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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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.
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: €1,190
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Le Phebus Hotel & Spa, Joucas (nr Gordes)
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.
Price: €3,920
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Le Clos de la Glycine Hotel, Roussillon
Set in one of the most beautiful villages in France, this hotel is a little Provencal paradise.
Price: €1,845
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Domaine des Andeols Hotel, Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt
A design hotel filled with the owners striking art collection. The rooms are referred to as 'Maisons' and each is uniquely designed with modern bathrooms.
Price: €9,660
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Le Chateau des Alpilles Hotel, St Remy
Located in Saint-Remy-de-Provence
This charming chateau provides a wide range of accommodation from rooms and suites to mini apartments. Renowned for its beauty and excellent service, this is a very popular destination in Provence.
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Les Bories Spa Hotel, Gordes
Located in Gordes
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.