
Cathedrale St Sauveur
Aix's cathedral has its origins in the 5th century and it has been added to throughout the centuries.
© SeeProvence.com
© SeeProvence.com
© SeeProvence.com
© SeeProvence.com
© SeeProvence.com
© SeeProvence.com
Packed with history, from Roman ruins to medieval structures
Vaison la Romaine has it all, Roman ruins, a historic and delightful medieval town centre, a castle on a rock, arts festivals, wonderful vineyards and glorious countryside for hiking and biking.
The town is neatly split in two by the Ouveze River, with the medieval town on one side snaking up the hill to the castle, and the Roman-Gallo and today's modern town on the other.
It can feel like you've stepped back in time when you visit Vaison la Romaine. As the name suggests, this was an important town for the Romans, who liked its location and climate, and built many rather magnificent structures. Vaison became a federated city under the Romans which explains why so many public buildings were constructed.
The most obvious Roman heritage is the Roman bridge (one of only five still standing in Provence), but there are two important excavation sites right in the centre of town - the Site de la Villasse is the biggest archaeological site in France that's open to the public. You can discover the remnants of Roman villas and wander around their extensive gardens. Just to the north of this site lies the Site de Puymin which includes the grand Antique Theatre (and hosts events during the summer). Some of the ancient Roman artefacts have been collected and are on display in the Musée Theo Desplans.
Across the Roman bridge that straddles the river L'Ouveze sits the medieval town. Thanks to the conflicts between the Counts of Toulouse at this time, a castle was built at the top of the hill in the 13th century, and shortly afterwards, the villagers moved to the relative safety beneath its walls. This is where the majority of Vaison's residents stayed until the 19th century when the industrial revolution lead to a resettlement of the lands below the castle.
The medieval town holds lots of treasures. You enter through a 14th century fortified gate with its belfry tower, which used to have a portcullis and drawbridge. As you wander, you'll come across 16th century doorways, many fine mansions, fountains and tiny alleys and stairways. The site covers three acres so there is plenty to explore. The reasonably central square Place d'Orme is where you'll find the Chapelle St Constance and just beyond is the church which was built in the 15th century, where you'll see a Jesuit style façade, medieval decorations and tower. There are also wonderful views to be enjoyed here.
The castle at the top of the hill is not open to the public but you can get up close to the exterior and inspect the stone work and exceptionally thick walls. The gatehouse, watch tower and fortified gateway were added in the 15th century and confirm the castle's use as a military fortress. The castle was abandoned in 1791, when it was acquired by the community.
The Cathedral Notre Dame de Nazareth lies just on the other side of the river from the medieval town. The church was first built in the 11th century and is an example of Romanesque architecture. There is a lovely cloister attached which has a small garden and a mixture of arches and columns with some fine stone carvings. The Chapel St Quenin a few streets further into the town is another Romanesque structure, built in the12th century. It's classified as a Historic Monument thanks to its murals, decorative freizes and Corinthian columns.
Vaison has much to offer the visitor in addition to all the Roman sites and the medieval village, there are plenty of gift shops and pretty cafés to while the day away.
Make sure you allow time to explore this wonderful town, both north and south of the river. You can easily spend a couple of hours wandering the little lanes of the medieval town and exploring the art galleries of this picture-postcard ancient village.
Vineyards fill the land and flourish on the hillsides that lead up to Mont Ventoux - the wine produced belongs to AOC Côtes du Rhône and AOC Côtes du Ventoux. Full bodied red wine forms the bulk of the wine produced, and features the Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre grapes.
Rosé wine is also produced in the vineyards. The area is filled with small producers rather than a major Domaine, so there are a couple of co-operatives that blend the grapes to produce the annual vintage.
Aix's cathedral has its origins in the 5th century and it has been added to throughout the centuries.
Located not far from Aix centre, this museum and shop explains a little about the history of how this unusual sweet is made.
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.
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 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.
The Muséum d'Aix was founded in 1838 by Henri Coquand, geologist ; it is one of the oldest in Provence.
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.
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.
Open daily, the Clos du Comptoir offers a sophisticated atmosphere for lunch and dinner in the same setting.
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.
This infamous restaurant has been serving diners since 1792 and is probably the most famous restaurant in Aix en Provence.
The town plays host to a thriving (and huge - 450 stall holders!) market on Tuesdays (plus Thursday and Saturday in summer) which reflects the amount of produce that can be grown in the surrounding area. Truffles, fruits, herbs, and honey are all produced in abundance.
A flea market (Brocante) is held on the third Sunday of the month in Place Montfort.
The town also hosts a modern dance festival Vaison Danses in July, and a Blues and Jazz festival in August.
The Rencontres Gourmandes is a food festival held at the end of October.
The Nimes Metroppole Jazz Festival brings together the best of traditional jazz right up to the more modern and contemporary styles.
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 surrounding countryside is filled with opportunities for cyclists, ask at the tourist office for maps for both mountain biking trails and road cycling circuits. Mont Ventoux is close by and those who follow the Tour de France may wish to test themselves up this infamous 1,912m mountain.
There are plenty of walking trails in the wooded hillsides of Ventoux for hikers. Other trails include the Grand Randonee GR4 route which will take you to Roaix or Malaucene. You can also walk to Gigondas (around 4 miles) or Beaumes de Venise (around 6 miles) along paths that run off the GR4.
Horse riding for all abilities can both be enjoyed year round. Rock climbing is very popular in the Dentelles de Montmirail, the area offers limestone cliffs with bolted routes and there is a school for beginners.
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.
An exciting path through the forest...but not on the ground! This tree top adventure will have you swinging from the branches and enjoying the sights and sounds of nature.
Just an hour long ride through the city of Aix, learning about its history and a good introduction to this beautiful area.
The Golf de la Cabre d'Or is only 20 minutes away from Aix-en-Provence et Marseille. This is a fairly new golf course which opened only in 2008.
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.
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.
This intermediate level bike ride takes in a few gentle hills as it makes its way through the villages commandeered by the Order of the Knights Templar during the middle ages.
This circular route through the Haute Vaucluse region takes you to the villages of the Vallee du Tourourenc that offer stunning views of the steep northern slopes of Mont Ventoux.
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.
This loop takes you round the medieval village of Malaucène in the cycling mecca of the Mont Ventoux region.
This short and relatively easy circuit goes through a number of pretty little villages and past a multitude of vineyards, streams and creeks, crossing the Aygues river twice along the way.
Mont Ventoux is famous for being one of the toughest climbs on the Tour de France, keen cyclists come from all over the world to pit themselves against the long steep ascent to the summit. This route gives you a gentle tour of the area surrounding the “windy mountain” without actually battling your way to the top.
From the look out point at 965m you are rewarded with fantastic views of the Alazards valley and the Rhone 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.
Throughout the duration of this hike you have breathtaking views over the Comtat Venaissin plain and the Dentelles de Montmirail range.
The vast numbers of lovely Vineyards in Provence make for great places to go on a walking or hiking tour.
Explore the valleys of Le Beaucet situated between the Mountains of Vaucluse and the Luberon Valley.
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 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 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.
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.
The Mistral is Aix-en-Provence's answer to those looking for a trendy night out listening to the latest DJ's.
The Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
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.
A magnificent "Mas" in Bonnieux to rent in the Luberon, with a large landscaped garden for a dream holiday between Bonnieux and Lacoste.
18th century stone farmhouse on a landscaped park of approximately 1 hectare with panoramic views of the Luberon.
House for rent in Luberon - Le Mas entre Monts et Merveilles. The perfect holiday location in Provence!
The Capitaine is an apartment located on the 2nd floor, its exposure is ideal for holidays in Provence, beautiful atmosphere.
Magnificent villa near Bonnieux, in the heart of the Luberon, with swimming pool, for a unique holiday.
House for rent in Provence with swimming pool, terrace and garden.
Magnificent villa near Bonnieux, in the heart of the Luberon, with swimming pool, for a unique holiday.
Wonderful holiday rental farmhouse in Bonnieux, in the Luberon’s golden triangle, with swimming pool and a lovely, unobstructed view of the countryside.
A few kilometers from the charming village of Bonnieux, enjoying a superb view of the Luberon, this tastefully restored old farmhouse will amaze you as soon as you arrive.
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.
Former 17th century farmhouse in Bonnieux, fully restored by a renowned architect.
A magnificent "Mas" in Bonnieux to rent in the Luberon, with a large landscaped garden for a dream holiday between Bonnieux and Lacoste.
Surprisingly, for a town with so much to offer, there are no characterful hotels in Vaison. There are a couple of basic B&B's and dated hotels but for something a bit more special, you will have to look further afield.
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 in one of the most beautiful villages in France, this former oil mill welcomes its guests in an enchanting setting surrounded by lime trees.
This hotel is a beautiful renovated house located on a quiet street, and walking distance to all the hustle and bustle of Aix.
Built in 2013 this modern, contemporary five star hotel in Provence combines art work in contemporary spaces, filled with uber stylish furniture and fittings.
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 B&B leans against Bonnieux, a charming village built in the Middle Ages. The heart of the village is within walking distance and has many shops and restaurants.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
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.
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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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