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.

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler

© Alison Shayler
Outdoor sports mecca with plenty of medieval charm
Sospel is a more of a mountain town than a quaint little village; as well as having its fair share of crooked back streets and ancient buildings, it also has quite a large population of residents and attracts lots of hikers and bikers, so it doesn't rely entirely on coachloads of sightseers to get by.
On leaving the train station it's a short walk cut through a charming little park to get to the Place des Platanes; a large square with benches, shaded promenades, flowerbeds and a boules club. There is a large market here every Thursday morning and you can still see some 15th century columns dotted about – they are all that remains of the old church of Saint Pierre.
Once you arrive at the River Bévéra look left for a wonderful view of the colourful houses with their trompe l'œil façades on the opposite bank and the old bridge with its fortified gate house. Le Pont Vieux was built as a toll bridge for travellers in the 12th century and was damaged in the Second World War, then rebuilt using the original stones.
Sospel has lots of faded charm in its chipped stones and peeling paintwork; the dark alleyways and hidden courtyards are cool even in the height of summer and far less frenetic than some of the more touristy villages.
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.
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 third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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).
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
If you're a fan of military history then it may be worth making a short journey to the outskirts of Sospel to visit the three forts – Saint-Roch, Barbonnet and Agaisen – all of which are open to the public (although check opening times before you visit as they can be limited).
The famous Maginot Line runs past Sospel, just 3km from the town.
To get a sense of the full history of Sospel (and to have a peek at the locals' gardens), follow the signposts up to the “Ruines du Donjon Romaine et Remparts”, where you'll find the ruins of the Château de Sospel, home to the Counts of Provence. Not much more remains than a few crumbling walls but it's evocative nonetheless and gives you an insight into a different aspect of the town.
The magnificent Catédral de Saint Michel dominates the centre of “old” Sospel; its vivid colours glowing against the dark wood and sombre grey stonework of the neighbouring streets.
The cathedral soars higher than all the surrounding buildings and the square in front has been recobbled with white and grey stones that contrast beautifully with the warm yellow and red tones of the façade.
The 13th century Romanesque bell tower is the only original part of the building, the rest having been rebuilt in the Baroque style during the 17th century.
Once connected to the cathedral by a semicircular vaulted corridor, the baptistery is a beautiful building situated in the narrow streets of Venasque.
You will be able to walk along the fossil bed of an ancient underground river, and discover the richness and diversity of this cave and eco-museum.
This museum houses a collection of around 250 chandeliers and a large library and collection of photos dedicated to these wonderful pieces of art.
From cultivation right through to the essential oil, come here and discover the journey of a plant whose fragrance and many virtues have been our childhood companions!
Originally a stone quarry, the Carrieres de Lumieres has been transformed into a backdrop for a stunning audio visual show, where images are projected on to the walls and the floor. Each year a different artist and theme is chosen to lead the display.
Georges Mazoyer was an accomplished diver and a talented artists. In 1975 he was inspired to create a museum full of his most treasured souvenirs from the sea and as a gallery for his own art.
The old bridge leads to Place Saint Nicolas, a small but very charming square with an 18th century fountain, colourful buildings and Italian-style loggias. Here you'll find a typically French café with a pretty terrace and daily specials.
Alternatively, there is a small cluster of café-bars and brasseries beside the river at Place de Cabraïa, which is local dialect for “goat” and refers to the days when farmers would gather their herds here before leading them to the pastures. The fountain is split in two levels, the lower one for animals and the upper one for people.
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.
This organic Michelin starred restaurant is situated just 12km outside Arles on the road to Sambuc and is run by the chef Armand Arnal.
This small restaurant is on the Rue Peyrollerie, a winding alley just off the Place St Pierre. It is a great option for vegetarians, offering a wide variety of cheese dishes and salads but there are also fish dishes available.
This wonderful contemporary-styled restaurant features dishes that you may never have suspected to have existed.
Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
Le Temps de Vivre is situated in the little hamlet of Les Farjons just down the road from Uchaux.
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.
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 bar is located in the centre of Saint Remy de Provence. It has a good selection of wines by the glass, as well as bottles and champagne. They even serve charcuterie and cheese plates.
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.
The Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
Sospel is a nature junkie's paradise with no less than five GR trails heading out from the town as well as various other hiking and mountain biking routes – you'll often see people checking tyres and brakes in Place des Platanes prior to a day out riding the cross-country trails.
It's also a popular destination for road bikers, with plenty of cols and long challenging itineraries within reach. Rock climbers can find limestone crags with bolted routes up to grade seven – check at the tourist office for information on where to find them.
Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
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 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 half-day circuit takes you away from the bustle of the city and into the countryside, passing some historical landmarks along the way.
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.
This walking route is for strong walkers or hikers, and can be completed in anywhere from 8-10 days.
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.
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.
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.
This company offers a 2 hour river descent from Isle sur la Sorgue to Fontain de Vaucluse in canoes.
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 a range of outdoor activities mostly based around canyoning and rafting white water, as well as via ferrata and mountain biking experiences and snowshoe walks in the winter.
If you're looking to try out kitesurfing for the first time, this company can help you get to grips with the basics from professional instruction.
This company are based in Breil sur Roya and offer a huge range of outdoor sports and activities for groups and individuals.
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.
Superb 5-bedroom villa with swimming pool, ideal for 10 people, 5 minutes from the sea
Holiday house for rent in the Luberon: beautiful authentic farmhouse with heated swimming pool 12x6 in a nice fenced park.
Welcome to La Colline, a stunning villa built from honey-colored local stone, nestled among Provençal vineyards with breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux and the distant hilltop villages. The villa offers a peaceful setting, perfect for spending a summer day by the swimming pool, accompanied only by the gentle song of the cicadas.
Come and enjoy a lovely holiday in the Luberon for 6 people in Saint Saturnin les Apt, a village that kept his authenticity.
An exceptional holiday rental - Villa Perchée
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.
Superb 5-bedroom villa with swimming pool, ideal for 10 people, 5 minutes from the sea
Superb farmhouse for rent in Provence in the Luberon for 2 to 4 people. It enjoys a heated swimming pool, a beautiful interior courtyard and a large covered terrace with a magnificent summer kitchen.
Located in the Residence Provence Country Club in the heart of the Luberon mountain, 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.
Welcome to La Colline, a stunning villa built from honey-colored local stone, nestled among Provençal vineyards with breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux and the distant hilltop villages. The villa offers a peaceful setting, perfect for spending a summer day by the swimming pool, accompanied only by the gentle song of the cicadas.
Everything is there to satisfy your expectations: an authentic farmhouse, a refined decoration, a breathtaking view of the charming village of Oppède and the Luberon, 6 air-conditioned en-suite bedrooms, a heated swimming pool with an equipped pool house and a tennis court. Without a doubt one of their favourite holiday destinations!
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.
In the heart of the Luberon National Park, a beautiful and charming B&B welcomes you for a relaxing stay.
This charming 5 star hotel offers guests the best in luxury accommodation and services whilst still retaining an air of simple, classic style.
This 17th century palais in charming Saint Remy de Provence is a historic-meets-contemporary sanctuary for lovers of all things gourmet.
This traditional country house hotel is set in a tranquil estate with wonderful views over the Luberon.
The Auberge de Cassagne consists of a converted family home, the Château de Cassagne (1850), plus it's outbuildings which have been transformed to provide luxurious accommodation close to the historic city of Avignon.
Housed inside a beautiful old stone building, this hotel is comfortably furnished and decorated in warm inviting colours.
Getting to Sospel is relatively easy on public transport; you can either take the Train des Merveilles from Nice or there is a bus that runs from Menton.
If you're driving you can take the A8 and the D2204 from Nice (40km), or the A8 then D2566 from Menton (15km).
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
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.
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.
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
Exquisite and exclusive new development of ski-in, ski out chalet-style apartments
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.
A first and second floor apartment in a brand new development in the heart of Le Fornet
Rarely available Savoyard chalet in an elevated position with far reaching viewings over Val d'Isère
High-potential property in the heart of a private estate, just a few steps from the beach.
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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