© 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.
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.
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.
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.
Located not far from Aix centre, this museum and shop explains a little about the history of how this unusual sweet is made.
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.
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.
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.
Cezannes studio was created in Aix-en-Provence in 1902 and this is where he worked until he died in 1906.
Aurélien Raynaud displays his unique gift in capturing the wonderful wildlife kingdom in a range of artforms.
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 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.
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.
Enjoy home cooked meals made using the best fresh produce in a stunning setting, just outside of Aix.
Enjoy imaginative yet authentic French cuisine at Pierre Reboul's funky restaurant in Aix. The menu is redesigned every six weeks together with matching wine.
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 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.
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.
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.
Open to all, this small golf club offers a clubhouse, restaurant, driving range, putting green and 6 holes. It is home to an academy that offers lessons at all levels.
Just an hour long ride through the city of Aix, learning about its history and a good introduction to this beautiful area.
Provence Wine Tours offer a variety of wine tours from private visits, to group tours and even corporate events.
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.
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.
Farmhouse available to rent for holidays with a large pool in the Golden Triangle in Bonnieux.
18th century stone farmhouse on a landscaped park of approximately 1 hectare with panoramic views of the Luberon.
House for rent in Provence with swimming pool, terrace and garden.
Holiday house with pool located in the heart of the Luberon.
Wonderful holiday rental farmhouse in Bonnieux, in the Luberon’s golden triangle, with swimming pool and a lovely, unobstructed view of the countryside.
Stone house with pool for rent in Bonnieux - La Prairie du Luberon
Wonderful holiday rental farmhouse in Bonnieux, in the Luberon’s golden triangle, with swimming pool and a lovely, unobstructed view of the countryside.
The Capitaine is an apartment located on the 2nd floor, its exposure is ideal for holidays in Provence, beautiful atmosphere.
Villa rental in the Luberon - La Badassière
18th century stone farmhouse on a landscaped park of approximately 1 hectare with panoramic views of the Luberon.
Stone house with pool for rent in Bonnieux - La Prairie du Luberon
Former 17th century farmhouse in Bonnieux, fully restored by a renowned architect.
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.
This hotel is a beautiful renovated house located on a quiet street, and walking distance to all the hustle and bustle of Aix.
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.
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.
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.
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
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.
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
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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