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.

© SeeProvence.com/

© SeeProvence.com/

© SeeProvence.com/

© SeeProvence.com/

© SeeProvence.com/

© SeeProvence.com/
Peaceful and pretty medieval perched village
Seillans is a very charming medieval village that has been recognised as one of the 'most beautiful villages in France'.
Filled with cobblestoned lanes, squares and fountains and many ancient buildings, it's a lovely place to explore for a couple of hours.
If you arrive by car, you'll find a large car park to the south of the village off the main road. Seillans can only be explored by foot thanks to it's tiny winding alleys and narrow cobbled streets. There are many nooks and crannies to explore, and you'll come across little squares and fountains throughout the village.
The main square La Place du Thouron provides a shady area for hot summer days and has a couple of restaurants and a pretty fountain. You may come across roads named after professions, such as Rue de la Boucherie (butchery) and Rue de la Perfumerie which refers to Seillans relationship with the nearby town of Grasse, famed for its tannery business in the 15th century and its subsequent emergence as a centre for perfume production.
The town hall has very strict planning policies, so that large commercial shops are not allowed to open in the village - instead they are banished to Fayence (this is where you'll find a decent supermarket). In Seillans, the only shopping you have is the Provençal market on Wednesday mornings and a number of good quality arts and crafts shops and art galleries. Note that some of the galleries are only open in the afternoon Thursday to Saturday or by appointment.
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.
Legend would have it said that the name Seillans is derived from the Greek goddess of the moon, Selene, or alternatively that the name is from a Roman knight called Selenus. It is probably more likely that the name was derived from some of the first settlers here, the Celtic-Ligurian tribe, the Sayllens in around 500 BC.
Some of the earliest surviving buildings include the feudal castle from the 11th century. It's located at the top of the village and consists of a number of buildings from various times in history up to the 15th century. The road below, la rue du Valat follows the old castle's moat - this is also where you will find the 12th century town hall.
Further up towards the top of the village is the L'église Saint Léger, a Romanesque church from the 11th century that has been rebuilt throughout the subsequent years, and especially in the 15th century. Inside you'll find a 16th century finely carved wooden triptych as well as paintings and altar pieces from the 17th century.
Other ancient remains include the 12th century Saracen Gate and the Font d'Amour fountain.
Seillans was home to the surreal artist Max Ernst and his wife Dorothea Tanning from 1953 until he died in 1976. One of his sculptures 'The Genius of the Bastille' can be seen in Place de la République, and a selection of his lithographs can be seen in the Tourist Office on La Place du Thouron. Paintings by French-Polish artist Stan Appenzeller are also on display here. Entrance is free of charge.
Outside the village on the road to Fayance is the 12th century Chapelle Notre Dame de l'Ormeau. This Cistercian chapel contains a Baroque carved wood altarpiece from the 16th century amongst other treasures. Guided visits are available - ask at the tourist office.
Vineyards surround Seillans and the wines produced belong to the AOC Côtes de Provence appellation.You can visit for tastings and tours - let the vineyard know you are coming in advance.
A small gallery with a good collection of contemporary and modern art.
Located not far from Aix centre, this museum and shop explains a little about the history of how this unusual sweet is made.
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'.
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 Muséum d'Aix was founded in 1838 by Henri Coquand, geologist ; it is one of the oldest in Provence.
Aurélien Raynaud displays his unique gift in capturing the wonderful wildlife kingdom in a range of artforms.
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.
If you are looking for a great meal and a few drinks to end your evening look no further than Jardin Mazarin in the centre of Aix.
Delicious, homely, comforting and satisfying. This restaurant serves up traditional cuisine and is a true taste of the south.
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.
The Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
The village hosts a number of festivals and fairs during the year and the surrounding area is good for hiking and cycling, and horse riding. You can follow a cycling route from Seillans to several of the perched villages in the area - Tourettes, Mons, Caillan, Saint Paul en Foret, Claviers and Bargemon. The route is 85km and climbs 1,275m.
Seillans and the surrounding area is popular with international second home owners, many of whom have restored neglected houses back to their former glories. Driving through the meandering lanes feels like driving through private gardens, such is the variety and condition of the trees, shrubs and flowers.
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.
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.
The Aix Yoga Center is a 150m2 studio yoga in the heart of Aix en Provence.
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.
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.
Following the Calavon river, this 28km long path was previously a railway track and is a great way to explore the hilltop villages around the area.
This half-day circuit takes you away from the bustle of the city and into the countryside, passing some historical landmarks along the way.
This delightful ride takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the area; vast Sault highlands, fields of lavender and golden crops. Along the way you can admire the magnificent views of Mont Ventoux and Montagne de Lure Mountain. You’ll pass through four charming old villages; each one crammed with ancient churches, crooked alleyways, splashing fountains and quaint little squares.
This ride is bursting with colour and vibrant views; starting off in the pretty little village of Roussillon it passes through the vivid landscape of the Ochre region, an area characterised by its deep red soil and golden wheat fields.
Second only to the Gorges du Verdon, the Gorge de la Nesque is one of the most visited and cycled parts of Provence. A stunning hydro geological site with fantastic cliffs, overhanging rock and a long winding river deep in the valley.
The climb of Mont Ventoux is perhaps most well known to those outside of the cycling community as a name associated with the Tour de France.
Regarded as one of the more difficult trails of the Verdon region, the l'Imbut trail is perfectly manageable for the competent hiker with the use of the fixed cables and ladders.
An interesting site not to be missed whilst in Provence. The wonderful views of the Villecroze caves and impressive scenery will take your breath away.
A 5-7 day walk leaving near the coast and making its way up the Verdon Gorge through the heart of the Verdon natural park.
This walking route is for strong walkers or hikers, and can be completed in anywhere from 8-10 days.
An great easy walk for the days after rain fall to avoid the mud. Passing by the Chapel Toutes Aures, nestled in an olive grove.
A lovely natural lake surrounded by the wooded landscape of the Var. The lake is perfect for a pedaloe trip rather than an adrenaline filled water sport, but it means it is perfect for families!
Cable park on Lake Rabinon (5 hectares) where you can water ski, knee board, and wake board.
Range of water sports and outdoor activities proposed by a professional guiding company.
The vastness and richness of this protected site offers an extraordinary dimension to sports such as rock-climbing and canyoning.
A team of state qualified guides sharing their enthusiasm for great outdoor activities with you.
Explore the beautiful Gorges du Verdon by paddling down the river in canoes or kayaks. A fun activity for everyone to explore the beautiful Gorges du Verdon and paddle on the beautiful blue water.
Come and discover this house with large swimming pool, near Bonnieux, for a holiday in the heart of nature.
Wonderful holiday rental farmhouse in Bonnieux, in the Luberon’s golden triangle, with swimming pool and a lovely, unobstructed view of the countryside.
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.
House for rent in Provence with swimming pool, terrace and garden.
Farmhouse available to rent for holidays with a large pool in the Golden Triangle in Bonnieux.
A magnificent "Mas" in Bonnieux to rent in the Luberon, with a large landscaped garden for a dream holiday between Bonnieux and Lacoste.
18th century stone farmhouse on a landscaped park of approximately 1 hectare with panoramic views of the Luberon.
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.
House for rent in Provence with swimming pool, terrace and garden.
This fully restored nineteenth-century farmhouse for holiday rental is located 3 km from Bonnieux, a lovely Provençal village perched in the foothills of the Luberon in Provence.
The Capitaine is an apartment located on the 2nd floor, its exposure is ideal for holidays in Provence, beautiful atmosphere.
Beautiful holiday villa with swimming pool for rent in the South of France, near the village of Bonnieux in Provence.
There is a three-star hotel in the village, the Hotel des Deux Rocs which is within a 17th century mansion that overlooks the main square. Just as you enter the village is La Magnanerie de Seillans, which has some smart bedrooms and suites, and a couple of apartments. The Magnanerie also offers cookery courses and training for professionals and individuals. In nearby Fayance is the Mas de la Coste, a luxury B&B with a pool and small spa.
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.
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.
Built in 2013 this modern, contemporary five star hotel in Provence combines art work in contemporary spaces, filled with uber stylish furniture and fittings.
Under the light Cézanne once knew, the Villa Gallici Hotel is an 18th century Provençal house and a member of Relais et Châteaux portfolio.
This hotel is a beautiful renovated house located on a quiet street, and walking distance to all the hustle and bustle of Aix.
There are five double bedrooms and a two bedroom apartment in the L'Elephant de Vaugines. The house has a swimming pool and breakfast is served on the terrace with its panoramic views.
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
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.
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
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.
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.
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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