Richerenches Truffle Market
Head to the Avenue de la Rabasse in Richerenches for the famous Saturday truffle markets, which take place from November to March every year.
Beautiful village of winding lanes and an impressive castle
Lourmarin has become very popular and chic thanks to its pretty centre, its wonderful Renaissance castle and its proximity to the TGV train in Avignon (for Parisien weekenders of course).
The village is filled with characterful squares and winding lanes, and pretty fountains can be found dotted throughout. It has a good selection of antique shops, art galleries, gift shops, gourmet delis and cafés. It also has the best ice cream shop in Provence - the deli La Place des Delices on Rue de Temple - don't miss it!
The weekly market is held on Friday mornings, and there is a farmers market held during Tuesday evenings (from 18:30) of the summer months in the Old Fruit Co-operative.
Head to the Avenue de la Rabasse in Richerenches for the famous Saturday truffle markets, which take place from November to March every year.
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 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.
Archaeological remains suggest Lourmarin has been occupied since prehistoric times, with evidence of an ancient settlement refered to as 'Castle Sarrazin'. The Romans also settled here before being driven out in the early Middle Ages by Saracen tribes.
But it wasn't until the 14th century that Lourmarin began to flourish, with the arrival of the powerful Agoult family. They started the construction of Lourmarin's château during the 15th century (on the ruins of a 12th century fortress).
In 1526, a Renaissance wing was added to the 'château-vieux' - the first of its kind in Provence. After the Wars of Religion and a plague in 1720, Lourmarin returned to prosperity with both farming and manufacturing activities. Vines, olives, wheat, and production of silk and wool fabrics all contributed to the economy.
During the 20th century, efforts were made to renovate and modernise the castle, and a number of writers and artists made Lourmarin their home.
The Château de Lourmarin should be the first stop for you on a sightseeing trip. The village itself also has a number of historical monuments - a Protestant church and temple, the Catholic church St André, and the 17th century bell tower (registered as an Historic Monument).
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'.
The Muséum d'Aix was founded in 1838 by Henri Coquand, geologist ; it is one of the oldest in Provence.
An old quarry, the Carrieres de Bibemus lies on the western slopes of Montagne St Victoire and is a place that inspired Paul Cezanne through out his life.
A small gallery with a good collection of contemporary and modern art.
Aurélien Raynaud displays his unique gift in capturing the wonderful wildlife kingdom in a range of artforms.
You won't be short of a choice when it comes to dining, Lourmarin has a good selection of cafés and restaurants.
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.
Open daily, the Clos du Comptoir offers a sophisticated atmosphere for lunch and dinner in the same setting.
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.
This beautiful restaurant is hidden away from the main town of Aix located just a short drive from the centre. Decorated in the classic Mediterranean style and complimented by parks and woodland, its a truly magnificent setting for lunch or dinner.
Nestled in the narrow streets of the old town in Aix. This traditional French restaurant offers simple but ambitious cuisine made using fresh local produce.
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.
The surrounding countryside is filled with vineyards that you can visit, and there is a host of outdoor activities to enjoy during the summer. Horse riding, mountain biking and hiking are all very popular in the area, with a good variety of trails to follow.
Set CLub is a sports complex which has 13 tennis courts, eight of which are clay courts and five are the faster green set. Lessons and competitions are all part of the club. Non-members are welcome.
The Club, established in 1932 has a long and interesting history. Situated on the banks of the river l'Arc over 30 acres, 5 minutes away from the city centre the Club Hippique Aix Marseille offers a full range of facilities.
Just an hour long ride through the city of Aix, learning about its history and a good introduction to this beautiful area.
The area is split into two areas - one for the 1-5 years age group, and the other for 6-12 year olds.
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.
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.
This company offers two different types of excursions by kayak or canoe for either an hour and 15 minutes or 3 hours.
Bonde Lake is situated in the heart of the Luberon and offers activities and relaxation for all the family.
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 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.
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.
Farmhouse available to rent for holidays with a large pool in the Golden Triangle in Bonnieux.
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.
Architect-designed villa for holiday rental, with swimming pool, in the heart of the Luberon with an elevated position in the village of Cadenet.
Villa rental in the Luberon - La Badassière
Come and discover this house with large swimming pool, near Bonnieux, for a holiday in the heart of nature.
A magnificent "Mas" in Bonnieux to rent in the Luberon, with a large landscaped garden for a dream holiday between Bonnieux and Lacoste.
Magnificent villa near Bonnieux, in the heart of the Luberon, with swimming pool, for a unique holiday.
Beautiful holiday home for rent in Provence, in Lourmarin, with garden and swimming pool.
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.
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.
Stone house with pool for rent in Bonnieux - La Prairie du Luberon
Come and discover this house with large swimming pool, near Bonnieux, for a holiday in the heart of nature.
There are some lovely places to stay in and around Lourmarin.
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 hotel is a beautiful renovated house located on a quiet street, and walking distance to all the hustle and bustle of Aix.
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.
Built in 2013 this modern, contemporary five star hotel in Provence combines art work in contemporary spaces, filled with uber stylish furniture and fittings.
Set in a 3 hectare park, this 19th-Century Provencal country house offers an outdoor swimming pool and a terrace. It is just an 8-minute walk to the centre of Lourmarin village and its castle.
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
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.
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.
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
Set on a 2,090 m² plot in the heart of a peaceful hamlet surrounded by nature, this character-filled stone property is a true haven of tranquillity.
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.
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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