© Alison Shayler
© Alison Shayler
© Alison Shayler
© Alison Shayler
© Alison Shayler
© Alison Shayler
© Alison Shayler
© Alison Shayler
© Alison Shayler
Medieval town with prehistoric artefacts and great hiking routes
Tende is a wonderful little town right on the Italian border with a rich heritage, fascinating architecture, prehistoric relics and plenty of outdoor activities to keep everyone happy.
From the centre of the town you can take a stroll up one of the narrow side streets that climb steeply up to the remains of the Château Lascaris, the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption, the old medieval village and spectacular views over the lower part of the town and the valley beyond. The village is steeply terraced and old stone bridges link some of the streets with little hobbit-sized tunnels running underneath others.
One of the many charming things about Tende is that it is a true community, not just a tourist destination or a monument to years gone by. All the ramshackle streets are home to local families and, consequently, the bars and restaurants are frequented by locals as well as holidaymakers.
August is a good time to visit Tende; not so busy as some of the more famous towns and they have a number of local festivals going on celebrating local traditions.
July and August see many local events taking place, such as agricultural fairs and traditional parades. Tende holds an annual celebration of the humble chestnut with the "Fête des Châtaignes" every October.
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.
Head to the Avenue de la Rabasse in Richerenches for the famous Saturday truffle markets, which take place from November to March every year.
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.
Tende was Italian for many years (since 1860) and only became French as recently as 1947, meaning that it still has a strong Italian influence in its architecture, cuisine and way of life. The streets of Tende have an air of Italian flamboyance about them with brightly painted facades and intricate little features, mixed in with some very Provencal-style barns and wooden houses.
Tende is home to the Musée des Merveilles, a modern exhibition space showcasing discoveries that date back almost 5,000 years. Excavations have revealed prehistoric settlements and the museum featured lots of artefacts relating to their daily life. You can also find out where to hike to see prehistoric and bronze age rock carvings in their original location.
Originally founded in 1882, this family run business making traditional Scourtins survives to this day.
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.
The church of Saint Leger sits amongst the narrow cobbled medieval streets in the very pretty little town that is Seillans.
The tour will tell you the fascinating story of soap in Provence, which starts in the Middle Ages.
This historic perfume factory is in the heart of the Old Town and is one of the oldest in Grasse, constructed in 1782.
Opened in 1991, the Yves Brayer Museum displays a hundred or so canvas paintings, watercolours and drawings representative of the artist's work.
Le Temps de Vivre is situated in the little hamlet of Les Farjons just down the road from Uchaux.
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.
Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
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 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.
Small restaurant where you will never eat the same thing twice. Their menu is solely based on what good fresh ingredients the local market has to offer in the mornings.
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.
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.
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.
With a varied musical line-up, Bokao's combines good fun and great music.
Tende is part of the Mercantour National Park and the surrounding countryside is perfect for rugged hikes, long mountain bike rides, rock climbing, via ferrata, canyoning and paragliding. It's also one of the best sites in the world for potholing (or “spelunking”, as it is also known), with the nearby Piaggia Bella being one of the deepest potholes in the world at -850m.
The GR52 “Grande Randonée” hiking trail passes by Tende on the way to Saorge, as well as many other routes of varying lengths. All trails in this region are marked on the map IGN (1/25,000) #3841 OT "Vallée de la Roya".
In winter you can ski at Réserve Blanche, a ski resort with over 100km of pistes straddling the French and Italian borders, just 20 minutes drive from Tende. There are also cross-country ski trails amongst the forests of Casterino, also about 20 minutes from Tende.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 interesting site not to be missed whilst in Provence. The wonderful views of the Villecroze caves and impressive scenery will take your breath away.
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.
This company are based in Breil sur Roya and offer a huge range of outdoor sports and activities for groups and individuals.
Jet-ski, waterskiing, wakeboard, wakesurf, parachute, canoe and paddleboard, Glisse Paradise have it all!
A team of state qualified guides sharing their enthusiasm for great outdoor activities with you.
This company offers a 2 hour river descent from Isle sur la Sorgue to Fontain de Vaucluse in canoes.
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.
The Ceze is a calm river and accessible for all. Along the trip you’ll find enough spots and beaches where you’ll be able to get out of your boat to eat, sunbathe or swim.
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
This villa, located in Murs, is ideal for 10 vacationers. You will have at your disposal a private swimming pool with a remarkable view of the Luberon, the Alpilles and near Gordes.
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.
Beautiful village Mas less than quarter of an hour away from Avignon.
Located in the prestigious private Golf & Country Club estate in Gassin, come and discover this beautiful bastide in a privileged location, at the end of a cul-de-sac in a quiet environment without vis-à-vis.
Succumb to the charm of this holiday rental in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence - L'Orangerie
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.
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.
Villa in Provence to rent for your holidays in Oppède, in the heart of the Luberon.
Superb 5-bedroom villa with swimming pool, ideal for 10 people, 5 minutes from the sea
Located in the Residence Provence Country Club in the heart of the Luberon mountain, this studio 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.
Superb castle for rent in Villedieu, in the quiet countryside, with swimming pool and tennis court, for a dream holiday.
In the heart of the Luberon National Park, a beautiful and charming B&B welcomes you for a relaxing stay.
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.
A partnership between those in charge at l’Occitane (natural beauty products) and professionals working in the hotel and spa sectors.
Set in the heart of Arles, the Nord-Pinus was once the place of choice for artists, writers and bullfighters.
This hotel is set in 300 hectares and has 115 rooms plus independent suites and villas. On site you'll find a golf academy with two 18 hole courses, and a luxury spa.
Villa Josephine is located in the middle of the Var region of Provence on the outskirts of the market town of Lorgues.
Getting to Tende from the Riviera is fairly straightforward; you can either hop on the Train des Merveilles from Nice or drive up on the D2204 via Sospel, the train takes just two hours and it’s a little over an hour by car. Once there, there is a free car park right in the centre of town.
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.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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.
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
SOLE AGENT - Stylish Villa in Saint-Tropez – Peaceful, Stylish & Exceptionally Well-Located
Rarely available Savoyard chalet in an elevated position with far reaching viewings over Val d'Isère
Contemporary villa with exceptional views - sea and countryside - near Pampelonne and L’Escalet.
Exquisite and exclusive new development of ski-in, ski out chalet-style apartments
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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