© Seeprovence.com
© Seeprovence.com
© Seeprovence.com
© Seeprovence.com
Traditional market town in the south of the Provence region
Lorgues is a typical Provençal market town with a medieval centre which is surrounded by beautiful countryside of pine and oak forests, olive groves and vineyards.
Well located in the heart of the Var region and about an hour drive from the coast and St Tropez.
During July the Abbey hosts a series of concerts celebrating medieval music - a fantastic venue to experience this atmospheric music.
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.
Head to the Avenue de la Rabasse in Richerenches for the famous Saturday truffle markets, which take place from November to March every year.
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.
Ligurian tribes settled here before the Romans colonised the area, only traces remain of their occupation.
During the Middle Ages, Lorgues was important enough to have solid defence walls built that repelled invasions by the Saracens and other barbarian tribes.
The Knights Templar had a Commanderie du Riou here and whilst here, they strengthened the walls and gates, some of which are still visible today. Lorgues continued to prosper in the 18th and 19th centuries and many mansions were constructed at this time. The town hall was completed in 1833 and is a statement of the importance Lorgues had after the Revolution.
The main street is lined with cafés and plane trees, and the town comes into its own on Tuesday mornings when the very good market comes to town. There are plenty of other shops to browse through too, from gift shops and art galleries aswell as the more practical supermarkets and clothes shops.
The vibrant centre lends itself well to walking tours - there are plenty of sights to see, from ancient 12th century buildings, to the dominant 18th century church, La Collégiale Saint Martin.
Amongst the little lanes, you may come across fountains and wash houses, and remains of old mills and chapels. The striking clock tower dates back to 1623. You can pick up a map with some of the historical sites marked on it at the tourist office. They also offer guided tours.
For the less active, there are plenty of vineyards to visit and some excellent restaurants in the town.
Other cultural highlights nearby include the wonderful Thoronet Abbey.
Located not far from Aix centre, this museum and shop explains a little about the history of how this unusual sweet is made.
A small gallery with a good collection of contemporary and modern art.
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'.
The Musee des Tapisseries houses a rich collection of 17th and 18th Century tapestries, including a collection called 'Grotesques' - theatrical taspestrie made in Beauvais cir. 1689, and also 'L'histoire de Don Quichotte' of 1735 unique in the world.
The Muséum d'Aix was founded in 1838 by Henri Coquand, geologist ; it is one of the oldest in Provence.
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.
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.
Located inside the luxury Chateau de la Gaude, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves the elaborate cuisine of chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal.
Open daily, the Clos du Comptoir offers a sophisticated atmosphere for lunch and dinner in the same setting.
Big tasty burgers, great home cooked meals and enticing deserts. This hidden gem is a must for anyone visiting the old town.
Fresh hearty meals prepared with love. Vegetarians catered for at this restaurant come deli come bio food shop.
The Mistral is Aix-en-Provence's answer to those looking for a trendy night out listening to the latest DJ's.
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 Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
There is plenty to do in the area, from horse riding to bungee jumping and canoeing in the nearby Gorges du Verdon.
Loads of hiking trails exist in the area and you can pick up maps from the tourist office.
There is an open air swimming pool in the summer months and waterparks can be found down by the coast.
The Golf de la Cabre d'Or is only 20 minutes away from Aix-en-Provence et Marseille. This is a fairly new golf course which opened only in 2008.
Just to the south of Aix is the town of Gardanne. They open an outdoor swimming pool in the summer, with a 50m pool, baby pool, slides, playgrounds and a relaxation area.
The Golf Club Aix-Marseille is only 5 minutes away from Aix-en-Provence TGV railway station. As the course is faily level it is possible to play without the use of a buggy.
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.
The area is split into two areas - one for the 1-5 years age group, and the other for 6-12 year olds.
Just an hour long ride through the city of Aix, learning about its history and a good introduction to this beautiful area.
This half-day circuit takes you away from the bustle of the city and into the countryside, passing some historical landmarks along the way.
Following the Calavon river, this 28km long path was previously a railway track and is a great way to explore the hilltop villages around the area.
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 delightful ride takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the area; vast Sault highlands, fields of lavender and golden crops. Along the way you can admire the magnificent views of Mont Ventoux and Montagne de Lure Mountain. You’ll pass through four charming old villages; each one crammed with ancient churches, crooked alleyways, splashing fountains and quaint little squares.
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.
This fun 20km circuits takes in three short climbs on a scenic route that takes in some of the famous “Perched Villages” of Provence.
An interesting site not to be missed whilst in Provence. The wonderful views of the Villecroze caves and impressive scenery will take your breath away.
Regarded as one of the more difficult trails of the Verdon region, the l'Imbut trail is perfectly manageable for the competent hiker with the use of the fixed cables and ladders.
A 5-7 day walk leaving near the coast and making its way up the Verdon Gorge through the heart of the Verdon natural park.
An great easy walk for the days after rain fall to avoid the mud. Passing by the Chapel Toutes Aures, nestled in an olive grove.
Regarded as a 'classic' walk and from the summit cross you are rewarded with 360 degree views of the Luberon, Mount Ventoux, the Alps and Cap Canaille.
Cable park on Lake Rabinon (5 hectares) where you can water ski, knee board, and wake board.
The vastness and richness of this protected site offers an extraordinary dimension to sports such as rock-climbing and canyoning.
A really fabulous lake with excellent leisure facilities and watersports.
Explore the beautiful Gorges du Verdon by paddling down the river in canoes or kayaks. A fun activity for everyone to explore the beautiful Gorges du Verdon and paddle on the beautiful blue water.
A team of state qualified guides sharing their enthusiasm for great outdoor activities with you.
A lovely natural lake surrounded by the wooded landscape of the Var. The lake is perfect for a pedaloe trip rather than an adrenaline filled water sport, but it means it is perfect for families!
Wonderful holiday rental farmhouse in Bonnieux, in the Luberon’s golden triangle, with swimming pool and a lovely, unobstructed view of the countryside.
Come and discover this house with large swimming pool, near Bonnieux, for a holiday in the heart of nature.
18th century stone farmhouse on a landscaped park of approximately 1 hectare with panoramic views of the Luberon.
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.
The Lieutenant is an apartment for rent for holidays in Provence, located on the 1st floor of a pretty country house in Bonnieux.
Stone house with pool for rent in Bonnieux - La Prairie du Luberon
Mas Wisteria is located 2.5km from Bonnieux, a lovely Provençal village perched in the foothills of the Luberon in Provence.
Stone house with pool for rent in Bonnieux - La Prairie du Luberon
Beautiful holiday home for rent in Provence, in Lourmarin, with garden and swimming pool.
House for rent in Luberon - Le Mas entre Monts et Merveilles. The perfect holiday location in Provence!
Superb 5 star rated property located in Bonnieux with swimming pool
Beautiful holiday villa with swimming pool for rent in the South of France, near the village of Bonnieux in Provence.
This hotel is a beautiful renovated house located on a quiet street, and walking distance to all the hustle and bustle of Aix.
Under the light Cézanne once knew, the Villa Gallici Hotel is an 18th century Provençal house and a member of Relais et Châteaux portfolio.
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.
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.
Built in 2013 this modern, contemporary five star hotel in Provence combines art work in contemporary spaces, filled with uber stylish furniture and fittings.
Charming guest house boasting well-appointed guest rooms ideally located in the heart of the village of Lourmarin.
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
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.
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.
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
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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