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).
Lourmarin
Beautiful village of winding lanes and an impressive castle
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!
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Events in Aix-en-Provence
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.
Events in Aix-en-Provence
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Beaujolais Nouveau 
Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
History & Culture in Aix-en-Provence
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.
Sights & Attractions in Aix-en-Provence
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).
Sights in Aix-en-Provence
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La Fontaine Obscure Gallery
Gallery dedicated to photographic exhibitions & workshops
This gallery was set up by photographers, for photographers to create a working space and gallery to bring together image creators, both professional and amateur alike.
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Calisson Museum
Take a visit to the place where they make Provence's most famous confectionery - Calissons
Located not far from Aix centre, this museum and shop explains a little about the history of how this unusual sweet is made.
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Atelier Cezanne
Cezanne's work studio, as the famous French painter left it
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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Site Memorial des Milles
Factory used as a prison during World War II, now a museum
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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Musee Granet
Fine art gallery showing European paintings & sculpture
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.
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Fondation Vasarely
Abstract art & architecture from the Hungarian artist
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'.
Dining in Aix-en-Provence
You won't be short of a choice when it comes to dining, Lourmarin has a good selection of cafés and restaurants.
Restaurants in Aix-en-Provence
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Mickael Feval Restaurant
Fine dining restaurant with 1 Michelin star
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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Le Comptoir du Clos
The sophisticated restaurant located at the Renaissance Hotel
Open daily, the Clos du Comptoir offers a sophisticated atmosphere for lunch and dinner in the same setting.
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Villa Gallici Restaurant, Aix en Provence
Provencal cuisine in a beautiful setting overlooking the hotel grounds
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.
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Le Art Restaurant
Michelin-starred restaurant in a charming chateau
Located inside the luxury Chateau de la Gaude, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves the elaborate cuisine of chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal.
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La Mado Restaurant
Stylish restaurant & bar open all day (& night!)
La Mado is a brasserie style eaterie that is open all day for breakfast, lunch & dinner.
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Cote Cour Restaurant 
Cote Cour Restaurant
Modern & creative cooking located on the prestigious Cours Mirabeau
Cote Cour is a mix of modern and traditional mediterranean French cuisine. Situated on the well known street of Cours Mirabeau on the edge of the old town of Aix. Expert chef Ronan Kernen, who is famous for his appearance and skill in the show TOP CHEF, creates intense flavoursome dishes.
Nightlife in Aix-en-Provence
Bars & Clubs in Aix-en-Provence
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Mistral Nighclub
Trendy club in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, international DJ's & acts
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 Scat Nightclub 
Le Scat Nightclub
Jazz club in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, live music & a great atmosphere
The Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
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Le Cardeur Bacchus Bar 
Le Cardeur Bacchus Bar
A bar & restaurant in the centre of Aix
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.
Things to do in Aix-en-Provence
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.
Things To Do in Aix-en-Provence
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Aix Marseille Golf Course
Very close to Aix-en-Provence it is a fairly flat course
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.
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Country Club Aixois Tennis, Aix en Provence
Renowned club with excellent facilities
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.
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Aix Yoga Center, Aix en Provence
Yoga centre offering regular Ashtanga & Iyengar lessons, courses & retreats
The Aix Yoga Center is a 150m2 studio yoga in the heart of Aix en Provence.
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Aix Golf Course
6-hole course, driving range & putting green only five minutes from Aix
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.
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Sainte-Victoire Aquatic Centre, Venelles 
Sainte-Victoire Aquatic Centre, Venelles
Aquatic centre with indoor & outdoor pools, lazy river & childrens area
This leisure centre has two indoor pools, a 50 metre outdoor heated swimming pool, with terraces and beaches, and water sports.There is also a weights room and dance studio.
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Club Hippique d'Aix Marseille horse riding
A reputed, long-established equestrian club for all
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.
Watersports in Aix-en-Provence
Watersports in Aix-en-Provence
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AFDA Canoe & Kayak, Lauris 
AFDA Canoe & Kayak, Lauris
Canoe or kayak trips along the river in the South Luberon
This company offers two different types of excursions by kayak or canoe for either an hour and 15 minutes or 3 hours.
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La Bonde Lake, Cabrieres d'Aigues
Swimming, watersports & trails
Bonde Lake is situated in the heart of the Luberon and offers activities and relaxation for all the family.
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Raille Lake Watersports 
Raille Lake Watersports
Sailing, windsuring, watersports and more in this lake near Apt
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.
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Kayak Vert, Fontaine de Vaucluse
Canoe along the green coloured rivers of the Sorgue
This company offers an 8 kilometre canoe trip along the river near Fontaine de Vaucluse.
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Canoe Evasion, near Isle sur la Sorgue
Canoe trips between Fontaine de Vaucluse & Isle sur la Sorgue
This company offers a 2 hour river descent from Isle sur la Sorgue to Fontain de Vaucluse in canoes.
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Le lac de Monteux, Monteux 
Le lac de Monteux, Monteux
Leisure centre with plenty of water based fun & activities
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.
Holiday Rentals in Aix-en-Provence
Holiday Rentals in Aix-en-Provence
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Le Mas Douceur De Vivre Villa, Bonnieux
A few kilometers from the charming village of Bonnieux, enjoying a superb view of the Luberon, this tastefully restored old farmhouse will amaze you as soon as you arrive.
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La Prairie Du Luberon Villa, Bonnieux
Stone house with pool for rent in Bonnieux - La Prairie du Luberon
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La Cavalière Villa, Bonnieux
Former 17th century farmhouse in Bonnieux, fully restored by a renowned architect.
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Mas Du Criquet Villa, Bonnieux
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.
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Le Mas Des Jardins Toscans Villa, Bonnieux
A magnificent "Mas" in Bonnieux to rent in the Luberon, with a large landscaped garden for a dream holiday between Bonnieux and Lacoste.
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Au Cœur Du Village Villa, Lourmarin
Beautiful holiday home for rent in Provence, in Lourmarin, with garden and swimming pool.
Hotels in Aix-en-Provence
There are some lovely places to stay in and around Lourmarin.
Hotels in Aix-en-Provence
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Moulin de Lourmarin Hotel, Lourmarin
Former oil mill converted into a charming Provencal style hotel
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.
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La Maison d'Aix Hotel
Small hotel built from an old house in 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.
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Villa Gallici Hotel
Small luxury hotel in the centre of Aix en Provence but surrounded by gardens
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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Le Pigonnet Hotel
Grand hotel with magical gardens just outside centre of Aix-en-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.
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Renaissance Hotel
Contemporary style 5 star hotel with works of art & stylish furnishings
Built in 2013 this modern, contemporary five star hotel in Provence combines art work in contemporary spaces, filled with uber stylish furniture and fittings.
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Hotel des Augustins
A charming Provençal style hotel in the heart of the city
Set in a 12th century historic convent, this hotel has some fantastic architectural features, including big stone archways in the reception and entrance hall.
How to get to Aix-en-Provence
Transfers for Provence
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Avignon Taxis
Taxis in Avignon and the entire region
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 & Scenic Flights
Helicopter charter company based in Monaco with over 25 years experience
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 & Helicopter Transfers
Aircraft & helicopter charter company based at Nice Airport in the South of France
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.
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Helicopter Transfers & Scenic Flights
Passenger transport, aerial photography, freight , etc...
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.
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Private Airport Transfers
Reliable private airport transfer & taxi service
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
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Marseille Taxis
Taxis in Marseille
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
Property For Sale in Aix-en-Provence
Property for Sale in Aix-en-Provence
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Villa for Sale | STZ250285
A Provencal villa at the foot of the village of Grimaud.
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Villa for Sale | STZ260356
A peaceful villa with unobstructed views of the countryside
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Land (Plot) for Sale | STZ250321
Contemporary villa with two building plots
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Villa for Sale | VAL240008
Set in the prestigious Domaine de Terre Blanche, Villa Augusta is the epitome of contemporary luxury.
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Villa for Sale | VAL240033
Elegant villa in the sought-after Terre Blanche estate
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Villa for Sale | STZ250324
Exceptional provençal property in the heart of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez
