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.
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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Musee de la Lavande
This a popular museum to visit for anyone following the Lavender routes around Provence, attracting around 50,000 visitors per year.
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Château Lourmarin, Lourmarin
It was the first Renaissance château to be built in Provence, although a fortress has stood on this ground since the 12th century.
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Maison Carree, Nimes
A very well preserved Roman temple in the heart of Nimes.
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Commanderie de Peyrassol, Flassans sur Issole
Acquired in 2001 the Commanderie de Peyrassol, an old Knights Templar staging post, is now one of the outstanding vineyards of Provence. Its reds, whites and rosés are to be found in the finest dining establishments in France and throughout the world.
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Campredon Centre d'Art, Isle sur la Sorgue
The building itself has been protected as a historic monument since 1979 and is worth the journey just for that, let alone the art works inside.
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Chauvet Cave - Caverne du Pont d'Arc Gallery, St Marcel d'Ardeche
Finally visitors will be able to experience the cave paintings of the Grotte Chauvet in the state of the art replica that has been created by artists and builders.
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.
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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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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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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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.
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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, 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.
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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Le Temp de Vivre Restaurant, Uchaux
Le Temps de Vivre is situated in the little hamlet of Les Farjons just down the road from Uchaux.
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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.
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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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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 in Avignon
Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
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La Vache a Carreaux Restaurant
Located in Avignon
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.
Nightlife in [locality]
Bars & Clubs in Provence
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Le Longchamp Bar & Brasserie, Isle sur la Sorgue
Located in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
This place is a bar, restaurant and tabac all rolled into one, on the side of the river in the centre of Isle de la Sorgue.
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La Cave des Pas Sages
Located in Avignon
Small wine bar situated in one of the cobbled streets of Avignon that hosts regular market stalls.
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Le Scat Nightclub
Located in Aix-en-Provence
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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Bokao's Nighclub
Located in Avignon
With a varied musical line-up, Bokao's combines good fun and great music.
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Ajmi Jazz Club
Located in Avignon
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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21 Chai d'Oeuvre Bar, Saint Remy de Provence
Located in 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.
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 Villa Martine Villa, Saignon
A house for rent in Saignon, in the Vaucluse, with a swimming pool and large garden for the perfect holiday.
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Valderrama Villa, Gassin
Located in the prestigious private Golf & Country Club estate in Gassin, come and discover this beautiful bastide in a privileged location, at the end of a cul-de-sac in a quiet environment without vis-à-vis.
Price: €6,100
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Maison Saint Amant Villa
Exclusive family property situated at the top of the Dentelles de Montmirail, in an untouched natural environment.
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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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Le Capitaine Villa, Bonnieux
The Capitaine is an apartment located on the 2nd floor, its exposure is ideal for holidays in Provence, beautiful atmosphere.
Price: €510
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La Colline Villa, Provenc
Welcome to La Colline, a beautiful villa made of honey-colored local stone, nestled among the Provençal vineyards, with breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux and the small hilltop villages in the distance. You will enjoy a magnificent and peaceful setting, the villa being the ideal place to spend a summer day by the swimming pool*, in absolute silence, except for the gentle song of the cicadas......
Price: €3,116
Apartments in [locality]
Holiday Rentals in Provence
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Provence Country Club Studio Apartment, Luberon
Located in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Located in the Residence Provence Country Club in the heart of the Luberon mountain, this studio 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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Mas Formiga Villa, Cavaillon
Located in Cavaillon
Come and spend your holidays in a quiet haven in the very heart of Provence - Mas Formiga
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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.
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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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Maison Saint Amant Villa
Exclusive family property situated at the top of the Dentelles de Montmirail, in an untouched natural environment.
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L'inégalable Apartment, Lacoste
Holiday home for rent in the heart of the golden triangle of the Luberon, in one of the most preserved places in the Luberon, in Lacoste: superb very bright property, offerring a spectacular 180° view. A few minutes from Ménerbes and Bonnieux, on the hillside but still high up to enjoy the changes in light over the valleys and gorges
Price: €9,088
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: €1,059
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Europe Hotel
Located in Avignon
The former residence of the Marquis of Graveson, the Hotel d'Europe is a luxury residence in the centre of Avignon.
Price: €4,690
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La Bastide Saint Antoine Hotel, Grasse
Located in Grasse
La Bastide Saint-Antoine in Grasse sits within five hectares of lush Mediterranean gardens and olive groves. It overlooks the surrounding plains and the Bay of Cannes, offering stunning views and a feast for the senses.
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Le Mas de Peint Hotel
This 17th-century home has been inhabited by several generations of the BON family, ranchers (“manadiers”) from one generation to the next.
Price: €3,640
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La Bastide de Gordes Hotel & Spa, Gordes
Located in Gordes
This is a luxury hotel and spa perched in the heart of Gordes, one of the most beautiful towns in France.
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Le Mas des Herbes Blanches Hotel, Gordes
This traditional country house hotel is set in a tranquil estate with wonderful views over the Luberon.
Price: €4,147
Directions
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.