Malaucène
A pretty village not far from Mont Ventoux
Malaucène lies almost due west of Mont Ventoux and is a great place to base yourselves if you're thinking of cycling or taking part in any other activities in the area.
The small village is home to less than 3,000 inhabitants, but its history dates back to prehistoric times, some 40,000 - 50,000 years ago when Neanderthals lived in the area.
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History & Culture in [locality]
Neolithic flints have been found in the area dating back to around 3,000 BC, when it's believed the area was a centre for flint production.
In its early history the town saw the arrival of Celtic invaders, and after that came the Romans from the 2nd - 4th centuries BC. Roman artefacts from the area are rare, but the proximity of Vaison la Romaine and its importance to the Roman empire suggests an important Gallo-Roman presence in the overall area. Traces of a viaduct can be found here but not a lot else.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
Malaucène is the source of the Groseau river and you can visit the spring to drink from its fresh waters.
The church of St Michel, which was the previous summer home of Pope Clement V, has a rather unusually fortified appearance for a religious building and is definitely a place to visit while you're here - tours can be arranged via the tourist office in town.
While wandering around the old town, look out for the "passage de l'ane" or passage of the donkey - a quirky looking, narrow route through the buildings.
The chapel of Notre-Dame du Groseau can also be found a few kilometres from the centre of the town.
Sights in Provence
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Musée Calvet Fine Art and Archeology
The Calvet Museum today houses works of art from the 16th to 20th century, and holds innumerable collections donated or bequeathed by patrons, art lovers and collectors, such as Baron de Montfaucon, Esprit Requien, Noël Biret, the Montlaur family, and recently Marcel Puech.
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Train des Merveilles
Merveilles means “marvels” and it’s hard to know whether they named the area for the stunning scenery, the beautiful old medieval villages or the archaeological findings going back 5000 years. The railway carriages are painted with designs inspired by the prehistoric rock carvings that have been discovered in the region.
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Musee des Alpilles, Saint Remy de Provence
Created in 1919, this museum is located inside a former townhouse, the Hôtel Mistral de Montdragon, which dates from the Renaissance period and is classified as an historical landmark.
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Parfumerie Fragonard, Grasse
This historic perfume factory is in the heart of the Old Town and is one of the oldest in Grasse, constructed in 1782.
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Le Musee du Tire-Bouchon, Menerbes
A private collection of ornate, unusual and ancient corkscrews in the vineyards of the Domaine de La Citadelle.
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Site Memorial des Milles
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.
Dining in [locality]
From budget eateries to the more refined restaurant, Malaucène has a fair selection of places to eat.
Restaurants in Provence
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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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La Cour d'Honneur Restaurant
Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
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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 Vache a Carreaux Restaurant
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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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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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.
Events in [locality]
There is a weekly Wednesday market where you can find an abundance of locally produced cherries and other farm produce for sale.
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]
Malaucène is a great base for cyclists taking on the challenge of climbing Mont Ventoux, and there are also a number of hiking trails, mountain bike trails and horse riding trails that set out from the town.
You can also visit a number of surrounding villages from here, including Le Barroux with its medieval castle and monastery.
Things To Do in Provence
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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.
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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.
Cycling in [locality]
Cycling Routes in Provence
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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.
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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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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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The Foothills of Mont Ventoux, Bedoin
Mont Ventoux is famous for being one of the toughest climbs on the Tour de France, keen cyclists come from all over the world to pit themselves against the long steep ascent to the summit. This route gives you a gentle tour of the area surrounding the “windy mountain” without actually battling your way to the top.
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Climbing Mont Ventoux
The climb of Mont Ventoux is perhaps most well known to those outside of the cycling community as a name associated with the Tour de France.
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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.
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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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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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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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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Lac de Saint Cassien Watersports, Fayence
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!
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Kayak Vert, Fontaine de Vaucluse
This company offers an 8 kilometre canoe trip along the river near Fontaine de Vaucluse.
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Nice Rafting, Breil-sur-Roya
For those looking for an adrenalin rush, Nice Rafting is the place to go to!
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Sunforce Watersports, Ramatuelle
Sun Force is located on the famous Pampelonne beach. Its owner, Pierre Tourneq, has been running this business for over 30 years, surrounded by a fully qualified team.
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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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Caminaterra Activity Company, Vedene
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
Families in [locality]
Nightlife in [locality]
Bars & Clubs in Provence
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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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La Cave des Pas Sages
Small wine bar situated in one of the cobbled streets of Avignon that hosts regular market stalls.
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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.
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Le Scat Nightclub
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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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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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.
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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La Carte Postale Villa, Saint-Remy-de-Provence
Luxury holiday rental in Saint Rémy de Provence - La Carte Postale
Price: €11,493
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Domaine Des 3 Fontaines Villa, Saint-Saturnin-Les-Apt
Located about 2km from the charming village of Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt, close to all amenities, this large capacity holiday home for rent offers 10 hectares of wooded land with a panoramic view of the Luberon and a swimming pool.
Price: €8,607
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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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Douce France Villa, Oppede
Farmhouse in the heart of the Luberon, near Coustellet, providing peace and quiet and a breathtaking view of the countryside.
Price: €3,138
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Les Demoiselles En Eté Villa, Gordes
Very beautiful mas (stone house) to rent for the holidays in Gordes, decorated with exclusive and tasteful materials, all modern comfort.
Price: €4,123
Holidays Rentals in [locality]
Holiday Rentals 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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Julii Villa, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
This holiday rental with swimming pool will allow you to fully enjoy all the shops and restaurants of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the city centre is accessible on foot.
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Provence Country Club - 1 Bed Apartment, Luberon
Located in the Residence Provence Country Club in the heart of the Luberon mountain, 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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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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Le Domaine De Battarel Villa, Saint-Martin-de-Castillon
Discover this Domaine for rent for twelve people in Saint-Martin-de-Castillon in the Vaucluse, on the border with the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.
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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.
Hotels in [locality]
There are a small handful of B&B's and hotels in and around the village, some of which are a few kilometres from the centre.
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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Le Clos de la Glycine Hotel, Roussillon
Set in one of the most beautiful villages in France, this hotel is a little Provencal paradise.
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Moulin de Lourmarin Hotel, 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.
Price: €4,318
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Jules Cesar Hotel
This luxurious property has been lavishly renovated to overcome its austere background, whilst still retaining its sense of history.
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Le Clair de la Plume Hotel, Grignan
This stunning boutique hotel is situated at the base of the Grignan castle and has three different sites (The Main House, The Private House and the Mediterranean Garden) spread throughout the beautiful Provencal village.
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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: €4,963
Campsites in [locality]
How to get to [locality]
Located 9km south of Vaison-la-Romaine and 18km north of Carpentras, Malaucène is less than 50km from the TGV station and Avignon airport and 30km from the A7 motorway.
Transfers for Provence
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Helicopter Leisure Flights & Transfers, Marseille
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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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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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.
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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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ABCD Taxi, Apt
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
Property For Sale in [locality]
Property for Sale in Provence
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Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere
Rarely available Savoyard chalet in an elevated position with far reaching viewings over Val d'Isère
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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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House for Sale
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.
Price: €750,000