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.
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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La Fontaine Obscure Gallery
This gallery was set up by photographers, for photographers to create a working space and gallery to bring together image creators, both professional and amateur alike.
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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.
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Parfumerie Molinard, Grasse
Grasse is the world capital of perfumes. At this museum you can discover the ancient tradition of parfumerie and learn how to create your own, unique scent.
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Occitane Museum, Manosque
Guided tours of the facilities via the stages of fabrication and an walk through the history of the brand.
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Fondation Vasarely
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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Shan-Art Gallery
A small gallery with a good collection of contemporary and modern art.
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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a-part Festival, Les Alpilles region
'a-part' re-invents nature and surrounding landscapes with contemporary art that invigorates your senses, promoting new artists alongside established names.
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Fête du Romerage
A very traditional religious parade accompanied by folk dancing and music, and finished with three short theatre pieces.
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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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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.
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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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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.
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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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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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.
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: €974
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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: €3,460
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Le Clos de la Glycine Hotel, Roussillon
Set in one of the most beautiful villages in France, this hotel is a little Provencal paradise.
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Baumaniere Hotel, Les Baux
This charming 5 star hotel offers guests the best in luxury accommodation and services whilst still retaining an air of simple, classic style.
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Hotel du Parc, Fontaine de Vaucluse
Located in the Luberon region in the heart of Provence this charming hotel sits in grounds of 6000m2.
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La Maison sur la Sorgue Hotel, Isle dur la Sorgue
La Maison sur la Sorgue is a small boutique hotel in the heart of the village of the same name, renowned for it's antiques stores and markets. The lovely and generously sized rooms are decorated in a chic Provencal tone and feature antique furniture and modern touches. Wifi is available in the public areas and breakfast is served on the terrace by the pool. There isn't a restaurant, but there are plenty to choose from in the pretty town.
How to get to [locality]
Transfers for Provence
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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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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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ABCD Taxi, Apt
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
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Chabe Airport Transfers, Marseille
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
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Helicopter Leisure Flights & Transfers, Marseille
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.
Property For Sale in [locality]
Property for Sale in Provence
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Villa for Sale
Located in a sought-after area not far from Gigaro beach, this plot offers open views of the sea (on a side) and countryside.
Price: €756,000
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Villa for Sale
Ideally nestled in the sought-after town of Cavalaire, just a few steps from the Mediterranean and the village, this villa enjoys a truly exceptional location.
Price: €1,490,000
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Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere
Rarely available Savoyard chalet in an elevated position with far reaching viewings over Val d'Isère
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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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Villa for Sale
Situated in the heart of the Baie of Saint-Tropez, this charming property boasts meticulous design and refined amenities.
Price: €1,995,000