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.
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.
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.
The Long Night of Museums is an annual event where museums across Europe remain open late into the night, and Provence is no exception.
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.
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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.
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.
Cezannes studio was created in Aix-en-Provence in 1902 and this is where he worked until he died in 1906.
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'.
The Muséum d'Aix was founded in 1838 by Henri Coquand, geologist ; it is one of the oldest in Provence.
Located not far from Aix centre, this museum and shop explains a little about the history of how this unusual sweet is made.
Aurélien Raynaud displays his unique gift in capturing the wonderful wildlife kingdom in a range of artforms.
This is Aix's fine art gallery, housed in the 17th century Palais de Malte. The collections includes works by a variety of European painters, including two by Rubens and a small selection of Paul Cezanne.
There are a couple of gift shops and galleries in Venasque, and a handful of restaurants.
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.
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.
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 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 Mistral is Aix-en-Provence's answer to those looking for a trendy night out listening to the latest DJ's.
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.
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.
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 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.
The Aix Yoga Center is a 150m2 studio yoga in the heart of Aix en Provence.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This company offers two different types of excursions by kayak or canoe for either an hour and 15 minutes or 3 hours.
Mas Wisteria is located 2.5km from Bonnieux, a lovely Provençal village perched in the foothills of the Luberon in Provence.
House for rent in Provence with swimming pool, terrace and garden.
Stone house with pool for rent in Bonnieux - La Prairie du Luberon
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.
Holiday house with pool located in the heart of the Luberon.
Superb 5 star rated property located in Bonnieux with swimming pool
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.
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.
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.
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.
Located a 5-minute walk from the heart of Bonnieux, this charming guest house features 3 comfortable rooms suitable for families as every room has a mezzanine for 2 children.
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.
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
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.
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
A 5 bedroom chalet set in a small development located in the quiet enclave of Le Châtelard
Rarely available Savoyard chalet in an elevated position with far reaching viewings over Val d'Isère
Exquisite and exclusive new development of ski-in, ski out chalet-style apartments
Exquisite and exclusive new development of ski-in, ski out chalet-style apartments
A first and second floor apartment in a brand new development in the heart of Le Fornet
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
