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.
Nyons
Lovely town just to the north of Provence
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.
Events in Aix-en-Provence
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.
Events in Aix-en-Provence
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Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
History & Culture in Aix-en-Provence
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.
Sights & Attractions in Aix-en-Provence
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:
- The Olive Museum takes you round olive presses and millstones and has information boards on cultivation, harvesting and processing.
- There is also a Muesum of History and Archaeology.
Sights in Aix-en-Provence
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Musee des tapisseries Tapestry
A rich collection of ancient and contemporary tapestry
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.
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Fondation Vasarely
Abstract art & architecture from the Hungarian artist
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'.
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Carriere de Bibemus
The quarry that inspired Cezanne in many of his paintings
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.
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Museum d'Histoire Naturelle
Great collection of dinosaurs and plant fossils
The Muséum d'Aix was founded in 1838 by Henri Coquand, geologist ; it is one of the oldest in Provence.
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Shan-Art Gallery
Gallery of modern & contemporary art in Aix
A small gallery with a good collection of contemporary and modern art.
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Calisson Museum
Take a visit to the place where they make Provence's most famous confectionery - Calissons
Located not far from Aix centre, this museum and shop explains a little about the history of how this unusual sweet is made.
Dining in Aix-en-Provence
Restaurants in Aix-en-Provence
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Mickael Feval Restaurant
Fine dining restaurant with 1 Michelin star
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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Le Art Restaurant
Michelin-starred restaurant in a charming chateau
Located inside the luxury Chateau de la Gaude, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves the elaborate cuisine of chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal.
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Villa Gallici Restaurant, Aix en Provence
Provencal cuisine in a beautiful setting overlooking the hotel grounds
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.
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Le Comptoir du Clos
The sophisticated restaurant located at the Renaissance Hotel
Open daily, the Clos du Comptoir offers a sophisticated atmosphere for lunch and dinner in the same setting.
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Cote Cour Restaurant
Modern & creative cooking located on the prestigious Cours Mirabeau
Cote Cour is a mix of modern and traditional mediterranean French cuisine. Situated on the well known street of Cours Mirabeau on the edge of the old town of Aix. Expert chef Ronan Kernen, who is famous for his appearance and skill in the show TOP CHEF, creates intense flavoursome dishes.
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Le Jardin d'Amalula
Delicious snacks & salads on a quiet, shaded terrace
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.
Nightlife in Aix-en-Provence
Bars & Clubs in Aix-en-Provence
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Le Cardeur Bacchus Bar
A bar & restaurant in the centre of Aix
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.
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Le Scat Nightclub
Jazz club in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, live music & a great atmosphere
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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Mistral Nighclub
Trendy club in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, international DJ's & acts
The Mistral is Aix-en-Provence's answer to those looking for a trendy night out listening to the latest DJ's.
Things to do in Aix-en-Provence
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.
Things To Do in Aix-en-Provence
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Country Club Aixois Tennis, Aix en Provence
Renowned club with excellent 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.
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Club Hippique d'Aix Marseille horse riding
A reputed, long-established equestrian club for all
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.
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Aix Marseille Golf Course
Very close to Aix-en-Provence it is a fairly flat course
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.
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Set Club, Aix en Provence
Clay & hard courts
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.
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Sainte-Victoire Aquatic Centre, Venelles
Aquatic centre with indoor & outdoor pools, lazy river & childrens area
This leisure centre has two indoor pools, a 50 metre outdoor heated swimming pool, with terraces and beaches, and water sports.There is also a weights room and dance studio.
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Aix Yoga Center, Aix en Provence
Yoga centre offering regular Ashtanga & Iyengar lessons, courses & retreats
The Aix Yoga Center is a 150m2 studio yoga in the heart of Aix en Provence.
Watersports in Aix-en-Provence
Watersports in Aix-en-Provence
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Exo 84 Watersports, Lamotte-du-Rhône
A centre dedicated to wake-boarding and waterskiing
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.
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Le lac de Monteux, Monteux
Leisure centre with plenty of water based fun & activities
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.
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Kayak Vert, Fontaine de Vaucluse
Canoe along the green coloured rivers of the Sorgue
This company offers an 8 kilometre canoe trip along the river near Fontaine de Vaucluse.
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Caminaterra Activity Company, Vedene
Adventure tourism company with a wide range of activities
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
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Canoe Evasion, near Isle sur la Sorgue
Canoe trips between Fontaine de Vaucluse & Isle sur la Sorgue
This company offers a 2 hour river descent from Isle sur la Sorgue to Fontain de Vaucluse in canoes.
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Goud' Canoe, La Roque sur Ceze
Discover the beauty of the Ceze Valley by canoe
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.
Holiday Rentals in Aix-en-Provence
Holiday Rentals in Aix-en-Provence
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La Badassière Villa, Bonnieux
5 bedroom Villa in Bonnieux. Sleeps 10
Villa rental in the Luberon - La Badassière
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La Villa Plein Soleil Villa, Cadenet
4 bedroom Villa in Cadenet. Sleeps 8
Architect-designed villa for holiday rental, with swimming pool, in the heart of the Luberon with an elevated position in the village of Cadenet.
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Luberon Le Mas Wisteria Villa, Bonnieux
5 bedroom Villa in Bonnieux. Sleeps 10
Mas Wisteria is located 2.5km from Bonnieux, a lovely Provençal village perched in the foothills of the Luberon in Provence.
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La Villa Paulanne Villa, Bonnieux
4 bedroom Villa in Bonnieux. Sleeps 8
House for rent in Provence with swimming pool, terrace and garden.
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Le Mas Douceur De Vivre Villa, Bonnieux
8 bedroom Villa in Bonnieux. Sleeps 20
A few kilometers from the charming village of Bonnieux, enjoying a superb view of the Luberon, this tastefully restored old farmhouse will amaze you as soon as you arrive.
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La Bohème Villa, Bonnieux
6 bedroom Villa in Bonnieux. Sleeps 15
Magnificent villa near Bonnieux, in the heart of the Luberon, with swimming pool, for a unique holiday.
Hotels in Aix-en-Provence
Hotels in Aix-en-Provence
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Renaissance Hotel
Contemporary style 5 star hotel with works of art & stylish furnishings
Built in 2013 this modern, contemporary five star hotel in Provence combines art work in contemporary spaces, filled with uber stylish furniture and fittings.
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Villa Gallici Hotel
Small luxury hotel in the centre of Aix en Provence but surrounded by gardens
Under the light Cézanne once knew, the Villa Gallici Hotel is an 18th century Provençal house and a member of Relais et Châteaux portfolio.
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La Maison d'Aix Hotel
Small hotel built from an old house in 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.
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Moulin de Lourmarin Hotel, Lourmarin
Former oil mill converted into a charming Provencal style hotel
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.
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Le Pigonnet Hotel
Grand hotel with magical gardens just outside centre of Aix-en-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.
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Le Galinier de Lourmarin B&B, Lourmarin
Beautiful Provencal farmhouse dating from the 18th & 19 centuries
Set in a 3 hectare park, this 19th-Century Provencal country house offers an outdoor swimming pool and a terrace. It is just an 8-minute walk to the centre of Lourmarin village and its castle.
How to get to Aix-en-Provence
Transfers for Provence
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Helicopter Transfers & Scenic Flights
Passenger transport, aerial photography, freight , etc...
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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Marseille Taxis
Taxis in Marseille
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
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Helicopter Transfers & Scenic Flights
Helicopter charter company based in Monaco with over 25 years experience
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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Private Airport Transfers
Reliable private airport transfer & taxi service
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
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Private Jet & Helicopter Transfers
Aircraft & helicopter charter company based at Nice Airport in the South of France
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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Avignon Taxis
Taxis in Avignon and the entire region
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
Property For Sale in Aix-en-Provence
Property for Sale in Aix-en-Provence
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Villa for Sale | VAL240008
4 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 240m² Villa in Var
Set in the prestigious Domaine de Terre Blanche, Villa Augusta is the epitome of contemporary luxury.
Villa for Sale | VAL240008
€3,200,000 -
Villa for Sale | VAL240033
4 bedroom, 5 bathroom, 330m² Villa in Var
Elegant villa in the sought-after Terre Blanche estate
Villa for Sale | VAL240033
€3,750,000 -
Villa for Sale | VAL250082
6 bedroom, 428m² villa in Var
Nestled in the heart of the prestigious Terre Blanche estate, this superb property of approximately 428 m² of living space is set on one hectare of landscaped grounds, one of the largest on the estate, offering spectacular views of the surrounding hilltop villages and a rare living environment that is both luxurious and peaceful.
Villa for Sale | VAL250082
€9,800,000 -
Villa for Sale | val260153
4 bedroom, 320.95m² Villa in Tourrettes
This contemporary property, inspired by neo-Provençal architecture, offers approximately 300 sqm of living space and is set within a beautifully landscaped 3,300 sqm garden, providing a private living environment.
Villa for Sale | val260153
€4,500,000 -
Land (Plot) for Sale | VAL250058
10 bedroom, 9 bathroom, 1350m² plot in Var
An exceptional estate in landscaped grounds
Land (Plot) for Sale | VAL250058
€39,850,000 -
Villa for Sale | STZ250285
7 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 233.84m² Villa in Var
A Provencal villa at the foot of the village of Grimaud.
Villa for Sale | STZ250285
€2,690,000





















































































