Nyons
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.
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History & Culture in [locality]
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 [locality]
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 Provence
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Chateau de la Tour d'Aigues
This castle was first built in 1550 by Baron Jean-Louis-Nicolas de Bouliers and parts of its huge walls and intricately carved stonework still survives to this day.
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Provence Art & History Museum, Grasse
With items from prehistoric times, and fine arts and decorative arts from as early as the 17th century, all the way up to the first half of the 20th century.
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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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Chateau d'Ansouis, Ansouis
The Chateau d'Ansouis was originally a fortress back in the 12th century and become one of the grandest mansions in Provence during the Renaissance.
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Site Memorial des Milles
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.
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Les Grottes de Thouzon, Isle sur la Sorgue
You will be able to walk along the fossil bed of an ancient underground river, and discover the richness and diversity of this cave and eco-museum.
Dining in [locality]
Restaurants in Provence
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L'Autruche Restaurant
Small restaurant where you will never eat the same thing twice. Their menu is solely based on what good fresh ingredients the local market has to offer in the mornings.
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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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L'Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel Restaurant
This wonderful contemporary-styled restaurant features dishes that you may never have suspected to have existed.
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La Cour d'Honneur Restaurant
Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
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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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La Vache a Carreaux Restaurant
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.
Events in [locality]
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 Provence
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European Heritage Days
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.
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Jazz à Saint Rémy
This modern revival of the jazz festivals of the 70s and 80s is held under the stars in St Rémy.
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Trail des Alpes Maritimes
Two races plus a kids event starting and ending in the medieval mountain village of Sospel.
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Markets in Provence
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.
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Fête de la Chataignes - Chestnut festival, Collobrières
In Provence, the department of the Var is the place to look for chestnuts. The Var village of Collobrières regards itself as chestnut capital of the world and in late October it's time for the chestnut festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from near and far.
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Liszt en Provence festival, Uchaux
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.
Things to do in [locality]
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 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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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, 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.
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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, 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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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.
Cycling in [locality]
Cycling Routes in Provence
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Following the Knights Templar through the Cote du Rhone, Vaison la Romaine
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.
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Vallee du Tourourenc & villages perches du Ventoux
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.
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Entre Ventoux et Dentelles
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.
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Chapels & Orchards of Malaucene
This loop takes you round the medieval village of Malaucène in the cycling mecca of the Mont Ventoux region.
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Cycling in the Cotes du Rhone from Sainte-Cecile-des-Vignes
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.
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The Foothills of Mont Ventoux, Bedoin
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.
Hiking in [locality]
Walking Routes in Provence
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Gorges du Toulourenc, near Malaucene
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.
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Les Rochers des Rams
From the look out point at 965m you are rewarded with fantastic views of the Alazards valley and the Rhone valley.
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Combe de Malaval Hike
Throughout the duration of this hike you have breathtaking views over the Comtat Venaissin plain and the Dentelles de Montmirail range.
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Vineyard Walks
The vast numbers of lovely Vineyards in Provence make for great places to go on a walking or hiking tour.
Yachts & Sailing in [locality]
Watersports in [locality]
Watersports in Provence
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Exo 84 Watersports, Lamotte-du-Rhône
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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Lac de Sainte Croix, Gorges du Verdon
A really fabulous lake with excellent leisure facilities and watersports.
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Bureau des Guides de Canyon, Castellane
Range of water sports and outdoor activities proposed by a professional guiding company.
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Cable Wakeboarding, Le Muy
Cable park on Lake Rabinon (5 hectares) where you can water ski, knee board, and wake board.
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Plan d’eau des Ferreols, Digne-les-Bains
Located on the Route de Nice, close to the city centre, the waters of Ferréols has free parking and is accessible by public transport or by bicycle through a cycle track.
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Nice Rafting, Breil-sur-Roya
For those looking for an adrenalin rush, Nice Rafting is the place to go to!
Families in [locality]
Nightlife in [locality]
Bars & Clubs in Provence
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Mistral Nighclub
The Mistral is Aix-en-Provence's answer to those looking for a trendy night out listening to the latest DJ's.
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Le Scat Nightclub
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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La Cave des Pas Sages
Small wine bar situated in one of the cobbled streets of Avignon that hosts regular market stalls.
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21 Chai d'Oeuvre Bar, 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.
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Bokao's Nighclub
With a varied musical line-up, Bokao's combines good fun and great music.
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Le Cardeur Bacchus Bar
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.
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 Colline Villa
Welcome to La Colline, a stunning villa built from honey-colored local stone, nestled among Provençal vineyards with breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux and the distant hilltop villages. The villa offers a peaceful setting, perfect for spending a summer day by the swimming pool, accompanied only by the gentle song of the cicadas.
Price: €3,164
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La Lézardière Villa, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Beautiful Provençal farmhouse for rent with swimming pool and large garden for the perfect holiday
Price: €3,163
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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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Luberon Valse En Eté Villa, Ménerbes
Prestigious rental located in an absolutely enchanting setting, in the heart of a lavender field, between the beautiful hilltop villages of Ménerbes and Lacoste.
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La Peyrière Villa, Saumane-de-Vaucluse
Farmhouse with pool for rent in Provence with lovely surroundings
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La Borie Villa, Ménerbes
Beautiful single-storey villa to rent for vacations in the Luberon, nicely decorated, of about 185m² on a beautiful land of 6,035 m² closed and raised, with automatic gate and spacious parking.
Price: €4,870
Holidays Rentals in [locality]
Holiday Rentals in Provence
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La Villa Plein Soleil Villa, Cadenet
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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Mas Glamour Villa, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Located a few minutes from the village centre of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, you will be able to take full advantage of the restaurants and shops of the village whilst having a haven of peace to relax in.
Price: €7,316
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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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La Colline Villa
Welcome to La Colline, a stunning villa built from honey-colored local stone, nestled among Provençal vineyards with breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux and the distant hilltop villages. The villa offers a peaceful setting, perfect for spending a summer day by the swimming pool, accompanied only by the gentle song of the cicadas.
Price: €3,164
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Le Mas Douceur De Vivre Villa, Bonnieux
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.
Price: €8,341
Hotels in [locality]
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: €1,156
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Moulin de Lourmarin Hotel, Lourmarin
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.
Price: €6,897
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Villa Josephine B&B
Villa Josephine is located in the middle of the Var region of Provence on the outskirts of the market town of Lorgues.
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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: €2,277
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Le Couvent des Minimes Hotel & Spa, Mane
A partnership between those in charge at l’Occitane (natural beauty products) and professionals working in the hotel and spa sectors.
Price: €5,703
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La Bastide Saint Antoine Hotel, 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.
Campsites in [locality]
How to get to [locality]
Transfers for Provence
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Radio Aixois Taxi
49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
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Private Jet and Helicopter Transfers
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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Les Marseillais Taxi, Marseille
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
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Avignon City Taxis
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
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Events-Cars Taxi, Grigan
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
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ABCD Taxi, Apt
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
Property For Sale in [locality]
Property for Sale in Provence
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Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere
A 5 bedroom chalet set in a small development located in the quiet enclave of Le Châtelard
Price: €2,600,000
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New development for Sale, Val d'Isere
A first and second floor apartment in a brand new development in the heart of Le Fornet
Price: €4,150,000
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Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere
Exquisite and exclusive new development of ski-in, ski out chalet-style apartments
Price: €8,395,000
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