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.
There is a weekly Wednesday market where you can find an abundance of locally produced cherries and other farm produce for sale.
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 Long Night of Museums is an annual event where museums across Europe remain open late into the night, and Provence is no exception.
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.
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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.
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.
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.
Located not far from Aix centre, this museum and shop explains a little about the history of how this unusual sweet is made.
The Muséum d'Aix was founded in 1838 by Henri Coquand, geologist ; it is one of the oldest in Provence.
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'.
Cezannes studio was created in Aix-en-Provence in 1902 and this is where he worked until he died in 1906.
From budget eateries to the more refined restaurant, Malaucène has a fair selection of places to eat.
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.
Located inside the luxury Chateau de la Gaude, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves the elaborate cuisine of chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal.
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.
If you are looking for a great meal and a few drinks to end your evening look no further than Jardin Mazarin in the centre of Aix.
Le Pain Quotidien is an international chain of delis and cafes across europe. Serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and snacks soups and hot food.
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.
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.
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.
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 Aix Yoga Center is a 150m2 studio yoga in the heart of Aix en Provence.
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.
Just an hour long ride through the city of Aix, learning about its history and a good introduction to this beautiful area.
Provence Wine Tours offer a variety of wine tours from private visits, to group tours and even corporate events.
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.
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.
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
This watersports centre is based on a 10 hectare lake with boxes and features in the water that you can practise your wakeboarding moves on.
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.
Holiday house with pool located in the heart of the Luberon.
The Lieutenant is an apartment for rent for holidays in Provence, located on the 1st floor of a pretty country house in Bonnieux.
Superb 5 star rated property located in Bonnieux with swimming pool
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.
Farmhouse available to rent for holidays with a large pool in the Golden Triangle in Bonnieux.
House for rent in Provence with swimming pool, terrace and garden.
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.
Built in 2013 this modern, contemporary five star hotel in Provence combines art work in contemporary spaces, filled with uber stylish furniture and fittings.
Under the light Cézanne once knew, the Villa Gallici Hotel is an 18th century Provençal house and a member of Relais et Châteaux portfolio.
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.
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.
This hotel is a beautiful renovated house located on a quiet street, and walking distance to all the hustle and bustle of Aix.
The hotel has 46 rooms and is well located to visit all the main attractions of Aix-en-Provence.
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.
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
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.
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.
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
A 5 bedroom chalet set in a small development located in the quiet enclave of Le Châtelard
Rarely available Savoyard chalet in an elevated position with far reaching viewings over Val d'Isère
Exquisite and exclusive new development of ski-in, ski out chalet-style apartments
Exquisite and exclusive new development of ski-in, ski out chalet-style apartments
A first and second floor apartment in a brand new development in the heart of Le Fornet
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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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