Rasteau
A small hilltop village famous for its wine
The home of AOC Rasteau wines, the village of Rasteau is tiny and can be covered quite easily in an hour's walk.
The village centre is quite small with a central square, lined with plane trees. There is a 17th century church, Notre Dame des Vignerons, in the old part of the village which has been lovingly restored by members of the local parish.
You can enjoy nice views over the surrounding countryside, with views of Mont Ventoux, the French Alps and the Rhône Valley from the top of the village.
History & Culture in [locality]
Like many other hilltop villages in this part of Provence, Rasteau has seen occupation by the Romans, as well as the Carolingians, Goths and Saracens. The Knights Templar also arrived here in 1134.
Olive cultivation has taken place here since the 17th century, wine production since the 18th century, however it wasn't until 1925 that the first wine cooperative was born. The appelation AOC Côtes du Rhône was achieved in 1927 and AOC Rasteau sweet wine in 1944.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
Sights in Provence
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Musée Calvet Fine Art and Archeology
The Calvet Museum today houses works of art from the 16th to 20th century, and holds innumerable collections donated or bequeathed by patrons, art lovers and collectors, such as Baron de Montfaucon, Esprit Requien, Noël Biret, the Montlaur family, and recently Marcel Puech.
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MuCEM, Marseille
This museum (Musée des civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée — MuCEM) showcases civilisations in the Mediterranean in the twenty first century, and has been developed by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication.
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Musee Marc Deydier, Cucuron
This small museum can be found in the centre of Cucuron and houses the collection of a local photographer & prehistorian, Marc Deydier who lived from 1845 to 1920.
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Museum d'Histoire Naturelle
The Muséum d'Aix was founded in 1838 by Henri Coquand, geologist ; it is one of the oldest in Provence.
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Musee de la Lavande
This a popular museum to visit for anyone following the Lavender routes around Provence, attracting around 50,000 visitors per year.
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Shan-Art Gallery
A small gallery with a good collection of contemporary and modern art.
Events in [locality]
Events here focus on the vineyards and wine tasting, check with the local tourist office for what's on and when.
Events in 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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Antiques, Art & You, L'Isle sur la Sorgue
A huge art and antiques fair held in the charming town of l'Isle sur la Sorgue.
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International Piano Festival, La Roque d'Antheron
La Roque d'Antheron is the site for a series of outdoor summer concerts that feature the piano.
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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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Commemoration of the Allied Landing
As part of "Operation Dragoon" to liberate southern France, Allied forces arrived at the coast of Provence on 15 August, 1944. This day is celebrated all around the region with parades, live music and popular dances and aperitifs.
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Reves de Camargue Horse Show
Come and watch this memorable horse show with dancing horses and cowboys at the Mas des Jasses de la Ville/Manade Fernay.
Dining in [locality]
Restaurants in Provence
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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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Mickael Feval Restaurant
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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L'Epice & Love Restaurant
This is a popular place with both locals and travellers. It has a small cosy interior so if you want to dine there, best to get there earlier rather than later.
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Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour
This Michelin starred restaurant is situated on the outskirts of Tourtour and specialise in truffle dishes.
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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.
Things to do in [locality]
Cycling, mountain biking and hiking are popular in this area as are visits to the lavender fields and olive groves.
Several cycling routes criss-cross the area and they're mostly signposted so you don't get lost.
Take the GR4 hiking trail to some of the surrounding villages.
Things To Do in Provence
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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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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, 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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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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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.
Nightlife in [locality]
Bars & Clubs in Provence
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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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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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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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Ajmi Jazz Club
The Ajmi has played host to numerous talented international Jazz artists, and the Ajmi is classed as one of the top 3 jazz venues in France and is located in the heart of Avignon next to the beautiful Palais des Papes.
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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 Villa Martine Villa, Saignon
A house for rent in Saignon, in the Vaucluse, with a swimming pool and large garden for the perfect holiday.
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Mas Des Hirondelles Villa, Eygalieres
New to the rental market: this magnificent stone mas, which has been freshly renovated in the center of Eygalières.
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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, Provenc
Welcome to La Colline, a beautiful villa made of honey-colored local stone, nestled among the Provençal vineyards, with breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux and the small hilltop villages in the distance. You will enjoy a magnificent and peaceful setting, the villa being the ideal place to spend a summer day by the swimming pool*, in absolute silence, except for the gentle song of the cicadas......
Price: €3,111
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La Belle Etoile Villa, Saignon
Charming holiday house entirely renovated, approximately 100 sqm, with heated pool in a dominant position on a plot of 3000 sqm, near the village of Saignon, offering splendid views of the Monts de Vaucluse and the Mont Ventoux.
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Maison Saint Amant Villa
Exclusive family property situated at the top of the Dentelles de Montmirail, in an untouched natural environment.
Holidays Rentals in [locality]
Holiday Rentals in Provence
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Provence Country Club Studio Apartment, Luberon
Located in the Residence Provence Country Club in the heart of the Luberon mountain, this studio 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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Joudi Villa, Grimaud
Luxury villa for 10 people with tennis court, swimming pool, putting green
Price: €20,101
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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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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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La Colline Villa, Provenc
Welcome to La Colline, a beautiful villa made of honey-colored local stone, nestled among the Provençal vineyards, with breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux and the small hilltop villages in the distance. You will enjoy a magnificent and peaceful setting, the villa being the ideal place to spend a summer day by the swimming pool*, in absolute silence, except for the gentle song of the cicadas......
Price: €3,111
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La Maison Maupas Villa, Menerbes
Welcome to their lovely village house in Ménerbes, where Provencal authenticity meets modern comfort. Located in the heart of the village, this picturesque residence offers the ideal setting for an unforgettable getaway in Provence.
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: €1,243
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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: €2,380
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L'Oustau de Baumaniere Hotel, Les Baux
This unique hotel has a two Michelin-starred restaurant and is located within the Les Baux region of Provence, famed for its vineyards and incredible hilltop castle.
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Domaine des Andeols Hotel, Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt
A design hotel filled with the owners striking art collection. The rooms are referred to as 'Maisons' and each is uniquely designed with modern bathrooms.
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La Bastide de Marie B&B, Menerbes
This lovely B&B has 15 rooms and is set in 57 acres of vineyards. Each bedroom has its own charm and character, decorated in ecclectic antique furniture.
Price: €21,560
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L'Horloge Hotel
This lovely hotel is full of character and is ideally situated in historic 19th century building in the heart of Avignon's historic centre, just a short walk from all local attractions.
Price: €903
How to get to [locality]
Transfers for Provence
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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.
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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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Les Marseillais Taxi, Marseille
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
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ABCD Taxi, Apt
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
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Helicopter Transfers and Scenic Flights
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
Directions
Rasteau lies between Orange and Vaison la Romaine, around 15 minutes drive west of Vaison la Romaine.