Traditional rural town in the foothills of the Alps
One of the most scenic routes through Provence is the tail end of autoroute 81 and its continuation to national route 75, which finally ends in Grenoble. Just at the junction where the four-lane highway becomes a two-lane local road, the medieval citadel of Sisteron towers over the town beneath on the slopes towards the Durance river.
In summer, Sisteron is quite busy with tourists, searching out the water sports on the Durance and beyond. The bridges that cross the Durance river offer spectacular views of both the town, the medieval walls and buildings and the rocky cliffs that seem to explode out of the ground around the town.
Leaving Sisteron, we recommend the route nationale 75 heading north to Grenoble. The road is spectacular with vistas towards the snow-capped peaks of the lower Alps.
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 Long Night of Museums is an annual event where museums across Europe remain open late into the night, and Provence is no exception.
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 third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
As so often with a location that seems too good to be true, Sisteron has lived through ages of being a fortress of ultimate defense to a target of ferocious attacks. Since its existence in Roman times, the town has been regularly sacked, burned, and bombed, most recently by the allied forces in World War II, and stubbornly rebuilt.
Despite all the damaging attacks, there is still some of the old to be admired in Sisteron. You can wander through the narrow winding streets and alleys of Old Sisteron, a small part in the centre of the town, or admire the medieval towers still standing, although the old walls in between are long gone.
Close by these towers and the old part of the town is the 12th century Cathedral of Notre Dame des Pommiers, an attractive medieval Provençal church, whose name is deceiving. "Pommiers" here does not mean apple trees, as it does in everyday French, but comes from the Latin 'pomoerii', meaning between the walls of the town - a wisdom we found in the Guide Michelin.
Still, Pommiers (as in apple trees) would be an apt designation for a major church in Sisteron. In the valleys beyond the town you can see vast stretches of fruit orchards, no doubt some of them with sparkling apples. Fruits aside, Sisteron is famous for its local lamb. Everywhere in France, a gigot (leg of lamb) from Sisteron is an indication of sumptuous quality.
A Michelin-starred restaurant in Chateau Arnoux on the 'Route Napoleon'. A gastromic experience in great surroundings and atmosphere.
This restaurant serves a mix of French Provencal and Mediterranean influenced dishes.
Every dish in this restaurant is made in-house and they serve traditional French food.
This small restaurant offers Indian and vegetarian food to eat in or take away.
This little restaurant has a large outdoor seating area for the summer, or tables inside for colder days.
This little restaurant has just 25 seats and offers a small menu, including vegetarian options that changes depending on the season.
This place is a bar, restaurant and tabac all rolled into one, on the side of the river in the centre of Isle de la Sorgue.
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 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.
With a varied musical line-up, Bokao's combines good fun and great music.
Small wine bar situated in one of the cobbled streets of Avignon that hosts regular market stalls.
The local market (Wednesday and Saturday) is bustling and fun, as so many are in Provence. Why spend your euros in a restaurant when you can assemble a treasure from what's available at the market, some cheese, a sausage, roasted chicken, a loaf of bread and a basket of fruit? Then head down to the banks of the Durance for a sun-filled picnic.
This lake boasts a huge 5000m2 area and is dedicated purely to swimming.
The Méaouge canyon is classed as a biological reserve thanks to its diverse flora and fauna, some of which come from as far away as north Africa and Iberia.
This unique natural area was designated as a 'Geoparc', the first of its kind, by UNESCO in 2000 and has since become the model for the development of Geoparks across the world.
Located on the Route de Nice, close to the city centre, the waters of Ferréols has free parking and is accessible by public transport or by bicycle through a cycle track.
In Digne les Bains the tourist office offers a number of different outdoor activities, guided walks and visits, all free of charge.
France-Balloons operate from various bases throughout France. Their newest balloon base is located half way between the Alps and the Mediterranean at Forcalquier, in Haute Provence.
Located on the Route de Nice, close to the city centre, the waters of Ferréols has free parking and is accessible by public transport or by bicycle through a cycle track.
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.
A team of state qualified guides sharing their enthusiasm for great outdoor activities with you.
A really fabulous lake with excellent leisure facilities and watersports.
The vastness and richness of this protected site offers an extraordinary dimension to sports such as rock-climbing and canyoning.
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 superb house, a completely renovated old sheepfold located in Viens, offers you peace and serenity for a stay in the heart of the Luberon.
Located in the Luberon Park between the villages of Viens and Saint Martin de Castillon is this architect-designed villa with swimming pool for 8 people to rent for a dream vacation.
Come and discover this magnificent bastide with a breathtaking panorama! It is located less than 2 km from the center of Viens. The 250m2 house can accommodate up to 14 people in its 7 air-conditioned bedrooms.
Superb vacation rental in Provence for this majestic property on 2 hectares with heated swimming pool and tennis court in the Luberon.
Discover this Domaine for rent for twelve people in Saint-Martin-de-Castillon in the Vaucluse, on the border with the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.
Property for vacation rental in the Luberon - Le Domaine de Saint Pons
This hotel is centrally located and offers 16 rooms to stay in.
A partnership between those in charge at l’Occitane (natural beauty products) and professionals working in the hotel and spa sectors.
An excellently priced option located deep in the countryside of Provence. This is a beautifully decorated hotel, with a lovely swimming pool and a highly regarded restaurant. The rooms feature neutral colours, Provencal furniture, flat screen TV and wifi - some also have private terraces.
This B&B has unbroken views of the mighty Mont Ventoux and is decorated with a charming mix of old and new fixtures and fittings.
This hotel is made up like a small village with a dozen Provençal houses, dominating a valley with fields of lavender and spelt and magnificent views of the Ventoux.
La Bastide de Moustiers is a house full of charm situated in the north of Provence close to Verdon National Park.
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
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.
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.
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.
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
A beautifully renovated 16th century bastide with panoramic views.
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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