 
    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.

© Seeprovence.com

© seeprovence.com

© Anna Croll

© Seeprovence.com

© Seeprovence.com

© seeprovence.com

© Seeprovence.com
Medieval village in the heart of the Luberon
Another village noted for being one of the 'most beautiful villages in France', Menerbes has a wonderfully authentic feel to it and is full of historical charm.
With medieval churches and houses, and a number of Renaissance homes there is certainly enough here to warrant a visit.
 
    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.
 
    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.
 
    An annual agricultural fair, the Foire de la Saint Siffrein is named after the saint who resided in Carpentras during the 7th century. Plenty of local produce is available in the market and the wine fair is one of the largest in the area (and not restricted to wines from Provence).
Man has settled on the site of Menerbes since prehistoric times, its elevated position allowed for easy defence against invading tribes.
The Romans enjoyed these surroundings, remains from their villas have been identified.
During the Middle Ages, Menerbes was the site of a big confrontation between the Protestant Hugenots and the Catholics. From 1573-78 during the Wars of Religion, the Protestants held Menerbes against a great Catholic force for 15 months before an agreement was negotiated. Sadly the town did not fare as well as the Protestants, much of the village suffered from fire damage and the defensive towers were destroyed during the assault.
The citadel was rebuilt after the Wars of Religion (and again in the 19th century) and sits impressively on a rock overlooking the west, whilst the church Notre Dame des Graces also dates from the 16th century. There is a small castle (the Castelet) that has been built on the ruins of an old fortress, an impressive bell tower and an 18th century chapel, St Blaise. Two arched fortified gates, the Porte St Sauveur and Porte Notre Dame were used as entrances to the village until the 18th century.
Famous artists including Picasso have lived in Menerbes, and this arty tradition continues today as you will see through the number of art galleries strewn through the village.
In the middle of Menerbes in a beautifully restored Renaissance house, is the House of Wine et Truffles. It runs workshops on wine tasting and on wines from Provence and also one on discovering black truffles. There is also a shop if you just want to buy. Of course, the area also has its fair share of vineyards if you prefer to visit them directly.
On the road out to Bonnieux you will find the corkscrew museum, where you can view over 1,000 examples of this clever little instrument.
And on the road to Lacoste, there is the Dolmen Pichone, a Neolithic tomb made using dry stone technique.
The Abbey of Saint-Hilaire is a Carmelite convent building from the 12th and 13th centuries, where you can pay a small fee to explore chapel, cloisters, terraces and caves.
 
    The Musee des Tapisseries houses a rich collection of 17th and 18th Century tapestries, including a collection called 'Grotesques' - theatrical taspestrie made in Beauvais cir. 1689, and also 'L'histoire de Don Quichotte' of 1735 unique in the world.
 
    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.
 
    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.
 
    Aurélien Raynaud displays his unique gift in capturing the wonderful wildlife kingdom in a range of artforms.
 
    Cezannes studio was created in Aix-en-Provence in 1902 and this is where he worked until he died in 1906.
There aren't many shops or cafés/restaurants in Menerbes, but you'll be able to enjoy Provençal food and pizza.
 
    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.
 
    Big tasty burgers, great home cooked meals and enticing deserts. This hidden gem is a must for anyone visiting the old town.
 
    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 Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
 
    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.
As a 'perched village', Menerbes sits on top of a rock 230m above sea level and has impressive views over the Luberon.
You'll find a car park at the bottom and then you must take a walk to explore the village, which is of course the best way to do it. The narrow streets follow the contours of the slim hilltop and have a historical ambience. Some of the houses you pass by are a bit ramshackle, others have clearly had some money spent on them.
Hiking trails abound in the Luberon and Menerbes has the luck of being right on one of them that will take you south to the hills of the Luberon. There are many more trails towards Bonnieux and the Foret des Cedres (also good for mountain biking).
You may also like to read about our Day Trip to Menerbes.
 
    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.
 
    An exciting path through the forest...but not on the ground! This tree top adventure will have you swinging from the branches and enjoying the sights and sounds of nature.
 
    Provence Wine Tours offer a variety of wine tours from private visits, to group tours and even corporate events.
 
    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.
 
    Set in the beautiful wooded countryside, this 18-hole golf course was designed by American architect Ronald Fream. The club incorporates the David Leadbetter Academy that offers lessons to suit players of all levels.
 
    Just an hour long ride through the city of Aix, learning about its history and a good introduction to this beautiful area.
 
    This ride is bursting with colour and vibrant views; starting off in the pretty little village of Roussillon it passes through the vivid landscape of the Ochre region, an area characterised by its deep red soil and golden wheat fields.
 
    This ride takes us along the banks of the river Sorgue, crossing picturesque bridges and cycling past tranquil orchards. You’ll visit a number of fascinating little villages and take in some wonderful scenery along the way.
 
    This scenic cycle ride goes in a figure of eight, starting and finishing in Velleron, but also visiting Pernes-les-Fontaines to the north and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue to the south.
 
    This fun 20km circuits takes in three short climbs on a scenic route that takes in some of the famous “Perched Villages” of Provence.
 
    From the perched village of Châteauneuf de Gadagne, this gentle family-friendly cycle route goes from the foot of the Colline de Thouzon, round in a loop to the town of Le Thor, via the cool waters of the River Sorgue.
 
    Following the Calavon river, this 28km long path was previously a railway track and is a great way to explore the hilltop villages around the area.
 
    Take your time, explore and discover the rich historical heritage and natural surroundings, fashioned by centuries of work which continues to the present day.
 
    This easy and gentle 3km walk is perfect for families as most of the route is shaded by large billowing trees with ideal spots for picnics, wondeful views and interesting forestry along the way.
 
    A slightly more challenging hike through the most spectactular gorge in Provence, with its narrow high walls and dark alleyway you can witness the amazing vegetation and plants. A 3 hour and 30 minute walk you can enjoy this popular walking route, recommended during the week when it is likely to be quieter.
 
    Roussillon is a wonderful little village located about 10km outside of Apt. This gorgeous walk that explores the Ochre cliffs of Rousillon is relatively easy and will be enjoyable for everyone. Not to be confused with the Ochre Trail, which which has a visitor fee for entry into the park.
 
    This lovely hike in the Luberon region of Provence is great for most abilities of walkers. Stunning views and landscape on every part of the trail will make the 2hr 30 minute walk well worth it. Walking along the top of the large rocky cliff you can see for miles and enjoy the cool breeze.
 
    Explore the valleys of Le Beaucet situated between the Mountains of Vaucluse and the Luberon Valley.
 
    This company offers a 2 hour river descent from Isle sur la Sorgue to Fontain de Vaucluse in canoes.
 
    This company offers an 8 kilometre canoe trip along the river near Fontaine de Vaucluse.
 
    This company offers two different types of excursions by kayak or canoe for either an hour and 15 minutes or 3 hours.
 
    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.
 
    Bonde Lake is situated in the heart of the Luberon and offers activities and relaxation for all the family.
 
    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 house with pool located in the heart of the Luberon.
 
    Beautiful holiday home for rent in Provence, in Lourmarin, with garden and swimming pool.
 
    The Lieutenant is an apartment for rent for holidays in Provence, located on the 1st floor of a pretty country house in Bonnieux.
 
    Magnificent villa near Bonnieux, in the heart of the Luberon, with swimming pool, for a unique holiday.
 
    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.
 
    18th century stone farmhouse on a landscaped park of approximately 1 hectare with panoramic views of the Luberon.
 
    Villa rental in the Luberon - La Badassière
 
    Holiday house with pool located in the heart of the Luberon.
 
    House for rent in Provence with swimming pool, terrace and garden.
 
    Come and discover this house with large swimming pool, near Bonnieux, for a holiday in the heart of nature.
 
    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.
 
    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.
 
    Under the light Cézanne once knew, the Villa Gallici Hotel is an 18th century Provençal house and a member of Relais et Châteaux portfolio.
 
    Built in 2013 this modern, contemporary five star hotel in Provence combines art work in contemporary spaces, filled with uber stylish furniture and fittings.
 
    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.
 
    This hotel is a beautiful renovated house located on a quiet street, and walking distance to all the hustle and bustle of Aix.
 
    This hotel can be found in Aix-les-Milles not far from the centre of Aix, and on the doorstep of Aix golf course.
 
    300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
 
    All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
 
    With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
 
    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.
 
    Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
 
    49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
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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