© SeeProvence.com/
© SeeProvence.com/
© SeeProvence.com/
© SeeProvence.com/
© SeeProvence.com/
© SeeProvence.com/
© SeeProvence.com/
© SeeProvence.com/
Lovely town just to the north of Provence
Nyons is mainly famous for being the most northerly olive growing region in Europe. Sheltered as it is by its location in the Eygues Valley, it is blessed with many days of sunshine, mild winters and hot summers.
With historic buildings such as its Roman bridge, ruins of a feudal castle and a 13th century prison, Nyons also has a beautiful medieval town centre.
Market day is Thursday and on Sundays during the summer, a Provençal market is also held.
Nyons is a decent sized town so the shops here are useful rather than just souvenir orientated.
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).
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.
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.
Humans have long recognised the fertile valley of Eygues as an excellent place to settle, and archaeological remains from Neolithic times have been collected.
The Greeks and the Romans made their mark here too, along with the warring tribes of the Middle Ages.
During the 12th century, the town came under the protection of the Barons of Montauban before eventually it was ceded to the King of France in 1349.
The area went through a tough time during the 16th and 17th centuries, when it was hit hard by the Wars of Religion and then plague.
There are plenty of historical sights in Nyons.
One of the first you will see if driving from the south is the 'Roman Bridge' which was actually built in the medieval period. This beautiful single arch bridge dates from 1341-1409 and is 43m long.
The centre of the town is marked with a roundabout and Place de la Liberation where you'll find the tourist office. To the east is where the old medieval town (Quartier des Forts) can be found. This is a really beautiful part of Nyons and well worth a tour on foot. The tiny alleys are filled with nooks and crannies, ancient buildings and stairs that lead to nowhere. You'll come across the Château Delphinal and the Tour Randonne (c.1280) which was turned into a chapel in 1863, and an 11th century Vieux Chateau, which is now privately owned.
The main church of Nyons is Sant Vincent, which dates from 1614. A church has been situated on this site since the advent of Christianity, but earlier constructions were destroyed during Nyons turbulent history. It's well worth a look inside as it was completely renovated in 2010 and holds a collection of important historical paintings.
There are a couple of museums in Nyons:
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.
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.
Located not far from Aix centre, this museum and shop explains a little about the history of how this unusual sweet is made.
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.
Cezannes studio was created in Aix-en-Provence in 1902 and this is where he worked until he died in 1906.
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.
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.
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.
Open daily, the Clos du Comptoir offers a sophisticated atmosphere for lunch and dinner in the same setting.
Quality over quantity with their small, yet impressive selection of hot soups, fresh salads and delicious tarts.
Serving a wide range of classic and modern snacks, sandwiches and pastries this secluded bistro/cafe offers a calm oasis in a busy city centre.
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.
Agriculture has been staple part of economic life for centuries and these days it's the black olive which thrives - so good, that it has an AOC quality ranking.
There are 160,000 olive trees in the AOC Nyon area and you can take a tour of the signposted Path of Olives - ask at the tourist office for details. Not only will you learn all about the olive, you'll also get to enjoy fabulous views of Nyons and the countryside. The olive takes centre stage with its own festival in February. Other products in the area include black truffles, honey, apricots and oranges, vineyards and lavender.
The surrounding area provides 400km of marked trails for hikers and there are a number of mountain bike trails.
The tourist office has four trails that are themed - one around the vineyards - you can choose trails by foot, by bike or even by car. The Path of Olives we have mentioned (it's 4km), a 2km nature walk through the woods and a 5km cultural walk through the town. For other more comprehensive walks in the area, the tourist office sells a hiking guide.
For mountain biking, there are marked trails available for all levels. These trails may change each year depending on how the environment is holding up. Again, you'll find all the current details at the tourist office.
For the young at heart, there is a water park, Nyonsoleïado, with slides, cascades, and 'beaches'. It's just on the riverbanks in the town on Promenade de la Digue.
A 'tree-climbing adventure course' Les Barons Perchés is just a bit further down the river (still in Nyons) and has three courses of varying difficulty. It's also only open during the summer from June to September.
The area is split into two areas - one for the 1-5 years age group, and the other for 6-12 year olds.
The Aix Yoga Center is a 150m2 studio yoga in the heart of Aix en Provence.
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.
Provence Wine Tours offer a variety of wine tours from private visits, to group tours and even corporate events.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This loop takes you round the medieval village of Malaucène in the cycling mecca of the Mont Ventoux region.
This short and relatively easy circuit goes through a number of pretty little villages and past a multitude of vineyards, streams and creeks, crossing the Aygues river twice along the way.
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.
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.
From the look out point at 965m you are rewarded with fantastic views of the Alazards valley and the Rhone valley.
Throughout the duration of this hike you have breathtaking views over the Comtat Venaissin plain and the Dentelles de Montmirail range.
The vast numbers of lovely Vineyards in Provence make for great places to go on a walking or hiking tour.
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.
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 all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
This company offers a 2 hour river descent from Isle sur la Sorgue to Fontain de Vaucluse in canoes.
The Ceze is a calm river and accessible for all. Along the trip you’ll find enough spots and beaches where you’ll be able to get out of your boat to eat, sunbathe or swim.
Superb 5 star rated property located in Bonnieux with swimming pool
House for rent in Luberon - Le Mas entre Monts et Merveilles. The perfect holiday location in Provence!
Come and discover this house with large swimming pool, near Bonnieux, for a holiday in the heart of nature.
Stone house with pool for rent in Bonnieux - La Prairie du Luberon
The Capitaine is an apartment located on the 2nd floor, its exposure is ideal for holidays in Provence, beautiful atmosphere.
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.
Architect-designed villa for holiday rental, with swimming pool, in the heart of the Luberon with an elevated position in the village of Cadenet.
Beautiful holiday home for rent in Provence, in Lourmarin, with garden and swimming pool.
House for rent in Provence with swimming pool, terrace and garden.
Beautiful holiday villa with swimming pool for rent in the South of France, near the village of Bonnieux in Provence.
A magnificent "Mas" in Bonnieux to rent in the Luberon, with a large landscaped garden for a dream holiday between Bonnieux and Lacoste.
Stone house with pool for rent in Bonnieux - La Prairie du Luberon
Built in 2013 this modern, contemporary five star hotel in Provence combines art work in contemporary spaces, filled with uber stylish furniture and fittings.
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.
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.
Under the light Cézanne once knew, the Villa Gallici Hotel is an 18th century Provençal house and a member of Relais et Châteaux portfolio.
A four star hotel in a traditional Provençal house, just 35km from Aix en Provence. This hotel is well located for exploring the surroundings, Luberon, Forcalquier, and the Durance valley.
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.
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
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.
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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