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/
Home of the enormous Basilica and relics of Mary Magdalene
When driving on the Highway of the Sun, l'Autoroute du Soleil, past Aix-en-Provence towards Brignoles and the Côte d'Azur, your eye will be caught by an imposing building that sluggishly towers over its neighboring houses, like a Gulliver in Lilliput.
An earlier sign let you know that you were approaching the exit for St. Maximin. If you feel tempted to explore this awkward giant, take the exit. You'll be rewarded with medieval gems, religious mysteries and a friendly town of curving houses and an old Jewish quarter.
The traditional Provençal-style market is held here every Wednesday morning.
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.
With some 9,000 inhabitants, St. Maximin is a small town with a huge basilica. That and the monastery next to it are its primary attractions. The story behind the building of the two structures is told in the page of Mary Magdalene in Provence.
Apart from its medieval architecture and the legendary relics, the basilica is renowned for its magnificent organ, considered one of the finest in France. During the revolution, it -- with the entire basilica and monastery -- was saved from destruction by Lucien Bonaparte, the brother of Napoleon, who lived in the town for two years. He used the church as a depot and regularly let the Marseillaise be played on the organ.
The town hall is located in the same square as the basilica and was originally built in the 18th century to house distinguished visitors who came to pay respects to the relics of Mary Magdalene.
The Royal Convent, the Dominican monastery abutting the basilica, is an oasis of medieval quiet. First built in the 14th century, alongside the basilica, it has undergone several additions, the last of which was the west wing rebuilt in the 19th century. Especially impressive are the cloisters with their 32 bays. Today, you can have a coffee there and appreciate the atmosphere. If you like, you can dine or stay the night.
Beyond the basilica and the monastery, St. Maximin offers a typical town in Provence where busy squares with fountains, outdoor cafés and even a traffic light give way to quiet streets, lined with houses that seem to bend over in deference to the history of the town. There's a medieval Jewish quarter, where the 14th century arcades are the last witness of that era. In one of the squares you can find a lovely clock tower from 1476.
There are a couple of arts and crafts shops - pottery and ceramics, stained glass and Provençal fabrics are just some of the locally made products. There are also several vineyards in the region where you can taste and buy AOC Coteaux Varois en Provence.
Building of this old mansion began back in 1715 when the first stone was laid. It was not fully complete until 1748, after all three stages of the building were finished.
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.
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'.
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.
Located not far from Aix centre, this museum and shop explains a little about the history of how this unusual sweet is made.
A small gallery with a good collection of contemporary and modern art.
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.
Open daily, the Clos du Comptoir offers a sophisticated atmosphere for lunch and dinner in the same setting.
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.
Located inside the luxury Chateau de la Gaude, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves the elaborate cuisine of chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal.
Little restaurant in the centre of old Aix, on a quiet square, with six tables outside serving fresh simple organic food. Christian is the owner, the cook, the waiter, the story-teller of this tiny eating house.
There are 5 La Fournee de Joseph boulangeries dotted around Aix en Provence. Selling delicious pastries, treats, teas, sandwiches and bread.
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.
There are plenty of lovely hikes in the area, you can explore ancient marble quarries, rolling hills to the south and the area around Pourrieres - ask at the tourist office for maps.
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.
Set in the beautiful wooded countryside, this 18-hole golf course was designed by American architect Ronald Fream. The club incorporates the David Leadbetter Academy that offers lessons to suit players of all levels.
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.
The Aix Yoga Center is a 150m2 studio yoga in the heart of Aix en Provence.
Tour Designer in Provence provide tailor made tours of the best of Provence with day trips and walking tours on offer.
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.
No matter what your level is, Aquadomia offers you the chance to enhance your skills with quality diving courses... and to discover underwater splendors from the archipelago of Riou to the islands around the bay of Marseille.
Bonde Lake is situated in the heart of the Luberon and offers activities and relaxation for all the family.
A really fabulous lake with excellent leisure facilities and watersports.
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.
The vastness and richness of this protected site offers an extraordinary dimension to sports such as rock-climbing and canyoning.
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.
Superb 5 star rated property located in Bonnieux with swimming pool
Elegant and pleasant Provencal holiday villa, located in a residential area a few minutes away from the picturesque village of Bonnieux with a beautiful view of the Luberon and Mont Ventoux.
Come and discover this house with large swimming pool, near Bonnieux, for a holiday in the heart of nature.
Beautiful holiday villa with swimming pool for rent in the South of France, near the village of Bonnieux in Provence.
The Capitaine is an apartment located on the 2nd floor, its exposure is ideal for holidays in Provence, beautiful atmosphere.
Former 17th century farmhouse in Bonnieux, fully restored by a renowned architect.
18th century stone farmhouse on a landscaped park of approximately 1 hectare with panoramic views of the Luberon.
Farmhouse available to rent for holidays with a large pool in the Golden Triangle in Bonnieux.
The Chef d’Escadron is located on the 1st floor. The apartment for rent for holidays is bright and includes a private terrace enjoying a beautiful view of Provence.
House for rent in Luberon - Le Mas entre Monts et Merveilles. The perfect holiday location in Provence!
House for rent in Provence with swimming pool, terrace and garden.
The Royal Convent as mentioned above is probably your best bet in the village of St Maximin.
Alternatives include Chateau de Nans Hotel, in Nans les Pins just to the south of St Maximin. If you want a fairytale castle with a gourmet restaurant, this is the one to try.
Towards Brignoles is the lovely La Bastide de Messine B&B with a pool and views of the hills, or the upmarket Abbaye de la Celle Hotel in La Celle, which is run by the Alain Ducasse empire.
A more contemporary choice is the Maison d'Hôtes Bertine in Tourves which has a boutique feel, swimming pool and relaxing atmosphere.
This hotel is a beautiful renovated house located on a quiet street, and walking distance to all the hustle and bustle of Aix.
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.
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.
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.
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
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.
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
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.
High-potential property in the heart of a private estate, just a few steps from the beach.
Exceptional provençal property in the heart of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez
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.
See allUpcoming Events