Richerenches Truffle Market
Head to the Avenue de la Rabasse in Richerenches for the famous Saturday truffle markets, which take place from November to March every year.
Gorgeous arty village famous for its red ochre rocks
Roussillon is wonderful village that is notable for its red rocks. You could be forgiven for thinking you've taken a wrong turn into Utah, with the starkly contrasting blue sky, red rocks and green vegetation.
The red earth comes from a large vein of ochre in the earth, and you'll see that Rousillon has used this natural pigment in the rendering of its houses.
The town market is held on Thursdays. At the beginning of June, there is a pottery market and on midsummers eve on the 22nd and 23rd June, Roussillon hosts St Jean des Couleurs with torchlit processions and bonfires followed by daytime markets and an agricultural fair.
Head to the Avenue de la Rabasse in Richerenches for the famous Saturday truffle markets, which take place from November to March every year.
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.
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
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.
The ochre vein in this region of France is one of the largest in the world, and it stretches through the Luberon from Apt to Roussillon. It's commonly referred to the Colorado Provençal. The ochre was mined very successfully in the 19th and 20th centuries, until synthetic pigments started to be manufactured in the 1950's.
On the outskirts of Roussillon there is a disused quarry where an 'Ochre Trail' has been created. You can follow trails where you can examine the red rock up close in a 30 minute or a 60 minute walk.
The ochre pigment has been quarried here for many years which left some of the formations that you will see. There is also a centre dedicated to ochre on the road to Apt - the Ochre and Colour Conservatory that offers guided visits around an old factory, information on the geology and history, and workshops on the use of the colour in a variety of decoration techniques.
Roussillon lacks the historical buildings that nearby villages in the Luberon have - there are no grand castles or churches here. Instead, what you'll find is a less imposing village, unique in its use of ochre rendering, with little lanes and alleys tumbling through a mix of ramshackle buildings and somewhat swankier restored residences. Look out for beautifully carved, ancient wooden doors, hidden stairways and stone arches.
The church sits at the top of the village. It originated in the 11th century and has undergone a number of rebuilds and enhancements over the years. Above the church there is a little square with a viewing platform and orientation table where you can find a great view of the Luberon all the way up to the mountains of Vaucluse.
There are a few vineyards in the area that you can visit and sample their fine Provençal wines and buy yourself a bottle or two...or even a case.
Probably thanks to its connection to pigments, plus its location and the natural light of the Luberon, Roussillon has been popular with artists for many years. This has led to a number of art galleries opening in the village and you can follow an art itinerary where you will visit participating galleries and artists workshops, specialising in paintings, sculpture, jewellery and ceramics. Ask for the Parcours de l'Art leaflet at the tourist office.
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.
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.
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.
A small gallery with a good collection of contemporary and modern art.
The Muséum d'Aix was founded in 1838 by Henri Coquand, geologist ; it is one of the oldest in Provence.
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'.
This town is perfect for sitting at a café and watching the world go by...but having said that, you will want to eat! And there is no shortage of nice cafés and restaurants in the town.
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.
A quirky library of international literature and a great spot for a cup of tea, coffee, smoothie accompanied with muffins or cookies.
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.
The Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
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.
The Mistral is Aix-en-Provence's answer to those looking for a trendy night out listening to the latest DJ's.
When visiting by car, you'll find a pay car park at either end of the village - they are both quite small and you may have to park further away on the roads leading up to Roussillon before walking to the village. Or if you are staying here, ask if your accommodation provider has car parking!
There are several short hikes in the area and you can buy maps from the tourist office. The ochre geology has given rise to different plants and and trees in this area compared to the rest of the Luberon, and you may come across silicicola (southern redcedar), Norwegian pine trees, heather and wild orchids on your travels.
As throughout the rest of the Luberon, cycling is a popular activity. Try Luberon Biking in Roussillon or Bike Aptitude Cycling in Goult for your cycle hire.
The Golf de la Cabre d'Or is only 20 minutes away from Aix-en-Provence et Marseille. This is a fairly new golf course which opened only in 2008.
Tour Designer in Provence provide tailor made tours of the best of Provence with day trips and walking tours on offer.
The Aix Yoga Center is a 150m2 studio yoga in the heart of Aix en Provence.
Open to all, this small golf club offers a clubhouse, restaurant, driving range, putting green and 6 holes. It is home to an academy that offers lessons at all levels.
Just an hour long ride through the city of Aix, learning about its history and a good introduction to this beautiful area.
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.
Just to the north of Apt lies the Plan d'Eau de la Raille. You can practice all sorts of watersports here, with a sailing & windsurfing school. All equipment is available to rent - dinghies, windsurfs, pedal boats and kayaks.
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.
This company offers two different types of excursions by kayak or canoe for either an hour and 15 minutes or 3 hours.
Bonde Lake is situated in the heart of the Luberon and offers activities and relaxation for all the family.
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.
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.
Holiday house with pool located in the heart of the Luberon.
Beautiful holiday villa with swimming pool for rent in the South of France, near the village of Bonnieux in Provence.
Beautiful holiday home for rent in Provence, in Lourmarin, with garden and swimming pool.
Come and discover this house with large swimming pool, near Bonnieux, for a holiday in the heart of nature.
The Capitaine is an apartment located on the 2nd floor, its exposure is ideal for holidays in Provence, beautiful atmosphere.
Farmhouse available to rent for holidays with a large pool in the Golden Triangle in Bonnieux.
Come and discover this house with large swimming pool, near Bonnieux, for a holiday in the heart of nature.
Beautiful holiday home for rent in Provence, in Lourmarin, with garden and swimming pool.
House for rent in Luberon - Le Mas entre Monts et Merveilles. The perfect holiday location in Provence!
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.
Architect-designed villa for holiday rental, with swimming pool, in the heart of the Luberon with an elevated position in the village of Cadenet.
Surprisingly, for a popular village like Roussillon, there aren't any really nice hotels in the village or the immediate surrounding area. There is one two-star hotel in the village, and there are a handful of equally basic but pleasant Chambres d'Hôtes within walking distance of the village. Apartment and villa rentals are also available.
Under the light Cézanne once knew, the Villa Gallici Hotel is an 18th century Provençal house and a member of Relais et Châteaux portfolio.
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.
This hotel is a beautiful renovated house located on a quiet street, and walking distance to all the hustle and bustle of Aix.
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.
Built in 2013 this modern, contemporary five star hotel in Provence combines art work in contemporary spaces, filled with uber stylish furniture and fittings.
A beautifully renovated castle, with 5 rooms and suites, a stunning reception room and an outdoor pool
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
A beautifully renovated 16th century bastide with panoramic views.
Set on a 2,090 m² plot in the heart of a peaceful hamlet surrounded by nature, this character-filled stone property is a true haven of tranquillity.
Set in the prestigious Domaine de Terre Blanche, Villa Augusta is the epitome of contemporary luxury.
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.
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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