© the french cellar
© ascapado
Small Provençal village famous for its wine
Vacqueyras is a village most well known for its wine production. Its small centre retains a lot of charm and you can enjoy a stroll around the narrow streets, soaking up the atmosphere of this sunny, agricultural village.
The village centre still houses a medieval guard tower dating from the 11th/12th century and you'll be able to spot signs of the Knights Templar in some places around it, as well as the walls of the old town which date back to the 15th century.
At one stage the portal into the old village was the only way in and out, but then a second entrance was build in around 1761 next to the church.
You'll notice quite a few fountains dotted about the village, one of which "La Grand Fontaine" was the first public drinking fountain in the village, fed by the waters from the Tombadou river. There are also a small handful of pretty stone houses around the village centre and two small chapels.
The Fête des Vins takes place here in July each year.
In Provence, the department of the Var is the place to look for chestnuts. The Var village of Collobrières regards itself as chestnut capital of the world and in late October it's time for the chestnut festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from near and far.
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.
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.
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 first official record of the village was in 1137, although the area was inhabited back in prehistoric times, with some neolithic remains having been found here. Lots of Roman artefacts have also been found in the vicinity although all of the buildings you see to this day are from medieval times or later.
This gallery was set up by photographers, for photographers to create a working space and gallery to bring together image creators, both professional and amateur alike.
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.
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'.
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.
The Musee des Tapisseries houses a rich collection of 17th and 18th Century tapestries, including a collection called 'Grotesques' - theatrical taspestrie made in Beauvais cir. 1689, and also 'L'histoire de Don Quichotte' of 1735 unique in the world.
There are a small handful of cafés and restaurants in Vacqueyras for lunch or dinner.
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.
Located inside the luxury Chateau de la Gaude, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves the elaborate cuisine of chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal.
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.
The restaurant is situated just a step from the law court of Aix en Provence in Rue Constantin near Rue Mignet. It has a welcoming terrace with a view of the church Sainte-Catherine.
Le Pain Quotidien is an international chain of delis and cafes across europe. Serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and snacks soups and hot food.
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.
The Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
The reason most people visit this area is for its wine, the famous Vacqueyras label, which is grown on 1,441 hectares of land. The vineyards are arranged in terraces that spread over the commune of Vacqueyras and its neighbour Sarrians.
The vineyards produce mostly red wines, although some white wines and even fewer rosé wines are grown in the area. It was only relatively recently in 1990 that the AOC appellation was awarded.
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 Club, established in 1932 has a long and interesting history. Situated on the banks of the river l'Arc over 30 acres, 5 minutes away from the city centre the Club Hippique Aix Marseille offers a full range of facilities.
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 area is split into two areas - one for the 1-5 years age group, and the other for 6-12 year olds.
Just to the south of Aix is the town of Gardanne. They open an outdoor swimming pool in the summer, with a 50m pool, baby pool, slides, playgrounds and a relaxation area.
The Aix Yoga Center is a 150m2 studio yoga in the heart of Aix en Provence.
This 35km loop takes you through the famous vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône, as well as past strawberry fields, olive groves and fruit orchards. It is a wonderfully scenic ride with the opportunity to do some tasting along the way!
Once in the town of Jonquieres there are several choices of cycle routes around the area. The country roads are the perfect platform to discover the local villages, view points and historical points of interest.
Most of this circuit follows the canal tow paths to the north of Carpentras, within sight of Mont Ventoux.
The Comtat Venaissin (County of Venaissin), often called the Comtat for short, dates back to the middle ages and was politically significant throughout the 16th and 17th centuries.
This loop takes you round the medieval village of Malaucène in the cycling mecca of the Mont Ventoux region.
A challenging short circuit starting from Malaucene, that takes you through the vineyards and typical pine forests of Provence. Stunning scenery and great views of the landscape between Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles mountain range.
From the look out point at 965m you are rewarded with fantastic views of the Alazards valley and the Rhone valley.
The vast numbers of lovely Vineyards in Provence make for great places to go on a walking or hiking tour.
Throughout the duration of this hike you have breathtaking views over the Comtat Venaissin plain and the Dentelles de Montmirail range.
Explore the valleys of Le Beaucet situated between the Mountains of Vaucluse and the Luberon Valley.
This river gorge runs for around 30 kilometres from the small village of Saint Leger, heading west along the borders of the Vaucluse and Drome regions.
Take your time, explore and discover the rich historical heritage and natural surroundings, fashioned by centuries of work which continues to the present day.
Located in the heart of the EcoQuartier Beaulieu, Lake Monteux is an open every day of the year. Ideal for the whole family, this area offers a multitude of activities.
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
This company offers an 8 kilometre canoe trip along the river near Fontaine de Vaucluse.
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.
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.
A magnificent "Mas" in Bonnieux to rent in the Luberon, with a large landscaped garden for a dream holiday between Bonnieux and Lacoste.
The Lieutenant is an apartment for rent for holidays in Provence, located on the 1st floor of a pretty country house in Bonnieux.
Holiday house with pool located in the heart of the Luberon.
Beautiful holiday villa with swimming pool for rent in the South of France, near the village of Bonnieux in Provence.
Beautiful holiday home for rent in Provence, in Lourmarin, with garden and swimming pool.
House for rent in Provence with swimming pool, terrace and garden.
Holiday house with pool located in the heart of the Luberon.
The Capitaine is an apartment located on the 2nd floor, its exposure is ideal for holidays in Provence, beautiful atmosphere.
House for rent in Luberon - Le Mas entre Monts et Merveilles. The perfect holiday location in Provence!
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 Lieutenant is an apartment for rent for holidays in Provence, located on the 1st floor of a pretty country house in Bonnieux.
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.
You have a limited choice of B&B's or hotels in the area.
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.
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.
This hotel is a beautiful renovated house located on a quiet street, and walking distance to all the hustle and bustle of Aix.
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 B&B is located around 10 minutes north of Aix en Provence centre, and houses 4 separate bedrooms, each designed with their own unique style.
Vacqueyras is around a 25 minute drive east from Orange or a 20 minute drive north from Carpentras, in the Vaucluse region of Provence.
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.
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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
