
Carriere de Bibemus
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.
© uneminutevin
© ctc-ni
© Rasteau OT
© Rasteau OT
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
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.
Located inside the luxury Chateau de la Gaude, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves the elaborate cuisine of chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal.
Delicious, homely, comforting and satisfying. This restaurant serves up traditional cuisine and is a true taste of the south.
A modern establishment in the heart of Aix, Mitch offers contemporary French cuisine every evening from 7.30pm except on Sundays.
Events here focus on the vineyards and wine tasting, check with the local tourist office for what's on and when.
The Nimes Metroppole Jazz Festival brings together the best of traditional jazz right up to the more modern and contemporary styles.
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.
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.
Head to the Avenue de la Rabasse in Richerenches for the famous Saturday truffle markets, which take place from November to March every year.
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.
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).
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.
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 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.
Provence Wine Tours offer a variety of wine tours from private visits, to group tours and even corporate events.
An exciting path through the forest...but not on the ground! This tree top adventure will have you swinging from the branches and enjoying the sights and sounds of nature.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Once in the town of Jonquieres there are several choices of cycle routes around the area. The country roads are the perfect platform to discover the local villages, view points and historical points of interest.
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.
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.
The vast numbers of lovely Vineyards in Provence make for great places to go on a walking or hiking tour.
Explore the valleys of Le Beaucet situated between the Mountains of Vaucluse and the Luberon Valley.
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 watersports centre is based on a 10 hectare lake with boxes and features in the water that you can practise your wakeboarding moves on.
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
This company offers an 8 kilometre canoe trip along the river near Fontaine de Vaucluse.
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.
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.
A few minutes walk from the charming village of Bonnieux, on the heights towards Lourmarin, this charming stone house, freshly renovated by architects, is for rent for your holidays.
Wonderful holiday rental farmhouse in Bonnieux, in the Luberon’s golden triangle, with swimming pool and a lovely, unobstructed view of the countryside.
House for rent in Provence with swimming pool, terrace and garden.
Come and discover this house with large swimming pool, near Bonnieux, for a holiday in the heart of nature.
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.
A magnificent "Mas" in Bonnieux to rent in the Luberon, with a large landscaped garden for a dream holiday between Bonnieux and Lacoste.
Superb 5 star rated property located in Bonnieux with swimming pool
Wonderful holiday rental farmhouse in Bonnieux, in the Luberon’s golden triangle, with swimming pool and a lovely, unobstructed view of the countryside.
Former 17th century farmhouse in Bonnieux, fully restored by a renowned architect.
Farmhouse available to rent for holidays with a large pool in the Golden Triangle in Bonnieux.
A few minutes walk from the charming village of Bonnieux, on the heights towards Lourmarin, this charming stone house, freshly renovated by architects, is for rent for your holidays.
18th century stone farmhouse on a landscaped park of approximately 1 hectare with panoramic views of the Luberon.
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.
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.
Under the light Cézanne once knew, the Villa Gallici Hotel is an 18th century Provençal house and a member of Relais et Châteaux portfolio.
Located around 10 km from Aix-en-Provence, this hotel is a peaceful hideaway in a beautiful Provençal estate.
Rasteau lies between Orange and Vaison la Romaine, around 15 minutes drive west of Vaison la Romaine.
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating 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.
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.
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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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