Venasque
Ancient village in the Vaucluse, one of the oldest in Provence
Venasque is one of the oldest villages in Provence, and has been rated as one of the 'most beautiful villages in France'.
Situated in the hills around 20 miles to the east of Avignon, Venasque is built on top of a rock and enjoys wonderful views over the countryside of the Vaucluse. Many of the houses have been wonderfully preserved and the village has a pristine feel about it.
History & Culture in [locality]
Whilst evidence remains of Roman occupation in the area, they did not build their settlement on the current location of Venasque. However, stone blocks from their stay were used in the foundations of the walls and towers of Venasque when it became essential to create defensive villages in the Middle Ages.
The position for the village on top of a rock was carefully chosen by the Bishop of Carpentras in the 6th century, as it provided maximum protection from the war-hungry Barbarians who were busy ransacking the Provençal countryside. The imposing stone walls and towers that surround the village helped to keep the village safe. The gates that you see were restored in the early 20th century.
On the esplanade in front of the walls is a view point over the northern countryside, where you can see all the way to the Dentilles de Montmirail and Mont Ventoux.
The baptistery (next to the 11th century Romanesque church at the far end of the village) dates from this time and is one of the oldest buildings in France. It was designed in the shape of a Greek cross and features arches and ancient columns. It's open throughout the year and you can visit for a small entry fee.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
Vineyards are found throughout the countryside and the grapes are not only used for wine but also for the table - the season for these grapes is late August to October.
Sights in Provence
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Abbaye de Montmajour, near Arles
The Montmajour abbey was founded in 948 by the Benedictines. It sits on a large rock and is surrounded by protected surrounding countryside.
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Fort de Buoux, Apt
The ruins of Fort de Buoux lie on top of hill at the head of the Apt valley. This defensive stronghold was used to protect the surrounding towns and land from Lourmarin to Silvergues and the ruins you see today date from the 13th century.
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Lavender farm & conservation garden, Sault
The lavender collection is certified by French National Conservatory for specialist plant collections, and is located on family land on the Route du Mont Ventoux, near the village.
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Emperi Museum in the Chateau d'Emperi
An opportunity to discover Salon's heritage and view the work of contemporary artists in the regular exhibitions held at the Château.
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Museum d'Histoire Naturelle
Located in Aix-en-Provence
The Muséum d'Aix was founded in 1838 by Henri Coquand, geologist ; it is one of the oldest in Provence.
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Musee de Faykod (De Faykod Museum), Aups
Some 50 white marble sculptures by Maria de Faykod, renowned sculptor with numerous existing works. She had the original idea to open a garden which exhibit some of her work to the public.
Events in [locality]
Cherries are big in Venasque, and cherries grown here carry the quality mark 'Monts de Venasque'. Enjoy the white blossom in the Spring, and then look out for the juicy red fruits from mid-May to mid-July. Venasque holds special markets at this time to promote their treasured cherries.
Dining in [locality]
There are a couple of gift shops and galleries in Venasque, and a handful of restaurants.
Restaurants in Provence
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Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour
This Michelin starred restaurant is situated on the outskirts of Tourtour and specialise in truffle dishes.
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La Chassagnette Restaurant
This organic Michelin starred restaurant is situated just 12km outside Arles on the road to Sambuc and is run by the chef Armand Arnal.
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L'Epice & Love Restaurant
Located in Avignon
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.
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L'Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel Restaurant
This wonderful contemporary-styled restaurant features dishes that you may never have suspected to have existed.
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La Vache a Carreaux Restaurant
Located in Avignon
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.
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L'Autruche Restaurant
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.
Things to do in [locality]
There is a small tourist office in the centre of Venasque, and they offer guided tours in English from April to September - check with them for current times and prices.
Hiking trails crisscross the countryside, and the GR91 hiking trail (from Fontaine de Vaucluse heading north via Mont Ventoux) runs just to the east of Venasque.
Things To Do in Provence
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Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons
Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
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Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux
This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
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.
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Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer
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.
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Domaine Le Sagittaire Waterpark, Nyons
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.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
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.
Hotels in [locality]
There are a couple of Chambre d'Hôtes in the village. A couple of miles to the west in Pernes les Fontaines is a luxury guest house.
Around four miles to the north is the village of Mazan and several good accommodation options.
A bit further north of Mazan is a bastide set within vineyards with a delightful pool.
Hotels in Provence
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Le Clos des Lavandes B&B
In the heart of the Luberon National Park, a beautiful and charming B&B welcomes you for a relaxing stay.
Price: €1,190
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Chateau de Berne Hotel
Set deep in the lush Var region of Provence, this country house hotel is set within a 550 hectare vineyard. So if food and wine are high on your agenda, then you may well want to consider a stay in the this charming Provencal hotel.
Price: €28,490
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L'Horloge Hotel
Located in Avignon
This lovely hotel is full of character and is ideally situated in historic 19th century building in the heart of Avignon's historic centre, just a short walk from all local attractions.
Price: €1,043
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La Bastide de Moustiers Hotel, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
La Bastide de Moustiers is a house full of charm situated in the north of Provence close to Verdon National Park.
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Crillon le Brave Luxury Hotel, Crillon le Brave
Set in a beautiful location overlooking the Rhone valley and Mont Ventoux, this 33 bedroom hotel can be found around 25 miles North East of Avignon. There are 15 double bedrooms and 18 suites available, ranging from 25m² for the smallest standard room up to 85m² for the largest suite.
Price: €4,996
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L'Oustau de Baumaniere Hotel, Les Baux
Located in Les Baux-de-Provence
This unique hotel has a two Michelin-starred restaurant and is located within the Les Baux region of Provence, famed for its vineyards and incredible hilltop castle.