Venasque is one of the oldest villages in Provence, and has been rated as one of the 'most beautiful villages in France'.
Venasque
Ancient village in the Vaucluse, one of the oldest in Provence
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.
Events in Aix-en-Provence
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.
Events in Aix-en-Provence
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Beaujolais Nouveau 
Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
History & Culture in Aix-en-Provence
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 Aix-en-Provence
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 Aix-en-Provence
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Atelier Cezanne
Cezanne's work studio, as the famous French painter left it
Cezannes studio was created in Aix-en-Provence in 1902 and this is where he worked until he died in 1906.
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Shan-Art Gallery
Gallery of modern & contemporary art in Aix
A small gallery with a good collection of contemporary and modern art.
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Site Memorial des Milles
Factory used as a prison during World War II, now a museum
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.
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Musee Granet
Fine art gallery showing European paintings & sculpture
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.
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Museum d'Histoire Naturelle
Great collection of dinosaurs and plant fossils
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 des tapisseries Tapestry
A rich collection of ancient and contemporary tapestry
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.
Dining in Aix-en-Provence
There are a couple of gift shops and galleries in Venasque, and a handful of restaurants.
Restaurants in Aix-en-Provence
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Mickael Feval Restaurant
Fine dining restaurant with 1 Michelin star
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.
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Le Comptoir du Clos
The sophisticated restaurant located at the Renaissance Hotel
Open daily, the Clos du Comptoir offers a sophisticated atmosphere for lunch and dinner in the same setting.
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Villa Gallici Restaurant, Aix en Provence
Provencal cuisine in a beautiful setting overlooking the hotel grounds
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.
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Le Art Restaurant
Michelin-starred restaurant in a charming chateau
Located inside the luxury Chateau de la Gaude, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves the elaborate cuisine of chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal.
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L'Auberge Provencale 
L'Auberge Provencale
Great quality cuisine and a wonderful atmoshpere
Located just south of Aix this newly refurbished restaurant serves great quality food at an affordable price.
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Le Mas d'Entremont Restaurant
A rustic hotel with a Mediterranean feel and classic cuisine
Located on the ground floor of the Hotel, this restaurant is packed full of Mediterranean charm and the selection of Provencial rose will not disappoint.
Nightlife in Aix-en-Provence
Bars & Clubs in Aix-en-Provence
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Mistral Nighclub
Trendy club in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, international DJ's & acts
The Mistral is Aix-en-Provence's answer to those looking for a trendy night out listening to the latest DJ's.
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Le Scat Nightclub 
Le Scat Nightclub
Jazz club in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, live music & a great atmosphere
The Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
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Le Cardeur Bacchus Bar 
Le Cardeur Bacchus Bar
A bar & restaurant in the centre of Aix
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.
Things to do in Aix-en-Provence
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 Aix-en-Provence
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Provence Wine Tours
A great way to visit the vineyards of Provence, from Aix en Provence
Provence Wine Tours offer a variety of wine tours from private visits, to group tours and even corporate events.
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Gulli Parc Indoor Play Area
Indoor soft play area for kids up to 12 years old
The area is split into two areas - one for the 1-5 years age group, and the other for 6-12 year olds.
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Aix Marseille Golf Course
Very close to Aix-en-Provence it is a fairly flat course
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.
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Le Train Touristique d'Aix-en-Provence 
Le Train Touristique d'Aix-en-Provence
A delightful way to explore the charming city of Aix-en-Provence
Just an hour long ride through the city of Aix, learning about its history and a good introduction to this beautiful area.
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Country Club Aixois Tennis, Aix en Provence
Renowned club with excellent facilities
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.
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Gardanne Swimming Pool, nr Aix-en-Provence 
Gardanne Swimming Pool, nr Aix-en-Provence
Municipal outdoor swimming pool
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.
Watersports in Aix-en-Provence
Watersports in Aix-en-Provence
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Kayak Vert, Fontaine de Vaucluse
Canoe along the green coloured rivers of the Sorgue
This company offers an 8 kilometre canoe trip along the river near Fontaine de Vaucluse.
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Canoe Evasion, near Isle sur la Sorgue
Canoe trips between Fontaine de Vaucluse & Isle sur la Sorgue
This company offers a 2 hour river descent from Isle sur la Sorgue to Fontain de Vaucluse in canoes.
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Le lac de Monteux, Monteux 
Le lac de Monteux, Monteux
Leisure centre with plenty of water based fun & activities
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.
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Caminaterra Activity Company, Vedene
Adventure tourism company with a wide range of activities
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
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Raille Lake Watersports 
Raille Lake Watersports
Sailing, windsuring, watersports and more in this lake near Apt
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.
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AFDA Canoe & Kayak, Lauris 
AFDA Canoe & Kayak, Lauris
Canoe or kayak trips along the river in the South Luberon
This company offers two different types of excursions by kayak or canoe for either an hour and 15 minutes or 3 hours.
Holiday Rentals in Aix-en-Provence
Holiday Rentals in Aix-en-Provence
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La Cavalière Villa, Bonnieux
7 bedroom Villa in Bonnieux. Sleeps 13
Former 17th century farmhouse in Bonnieux, fully restored by a renowned architect.
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Le Mas Entre Monts Et Merveilles Villa, Bonnieux
4 bedroom Villa in bonnieux. Sleeps 8
House for rent in Luberon - Le Mas entre Monts et Merveilles. The perfect holiday location in Provence!
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L'Inattendue Villa, Cucuron
5 bedroom Villa in Cucuron. Sleeps 11
18th century stone farmhouse on a landscaped park of approximately 1 hectare with panoramic views of the Luberon.
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Au Cœur Du Village Villa, Lourmarin
2 bedroom Villa in Lourmarin. Sleeps 4
Beautiful holiday home for rent in Provence, in Lourmarin, with garden and swimming pool.
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Le Capitaine Villa, Bonnieux
2 bedroom Villa in Bonnieux. Sleeps 4
The Capitaine is an apartment located on the 2nd floor, its exposure is ideal for holidays in Provence, beautiful atmosphere.
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La Villa Saint Vincent Villa, Bonnieux
3 bedroom Villa in Bonnieux. Sleeps 6
Elegant and pleasant Provencal holiday villa, located in a residential area a few minutes away from the picturesque village of Bonnieux with a beautiful view of the Luberon and Mont Ventoux.
Hotels in Aix-en-Provence
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 Aix-en-Provence
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La Maison d'Aix Hotel
Small hotel built from an old house in 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.
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Villa Gallici Hotel
Small luxury hotel in the centre of Aix en Provence but surrounded by gardens
Under the light Cézanne once knew, the Villa Gallici Hotel is an 18th century Provençal house and a member of Relais et Châteaux portfolio.
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Moulin de Lourmarin Hotel, Lourmarin
Former oil mill converted into a charming Provencal style hotel
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.
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Renaissance Hotel
Contemporary style 5 star hotel with works of art & stylish furnishings
Built in 2013 this modern, contemporary five star hotel in Provence combines art work in contemporary spaces, filled with uber stylish furniture and fittings.
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Le Pigonnet Hotel
Grand hotel with magical gardens just outside centre of Aix-en-Provence
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.
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L'Elephant de Vaugines B&B, Vaugines
Contemporary B&B with fabulous views over the Luberon
There are five double bedrooms and a two bedroom apartment in the L'Elephant de Vaugines. The house has a swimming pool and breakfast is served on the terrace with its panoramic views.
How to get to Aix-en-Provence
Transfers for Provence
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Marseille Taxis
Taxis in Marseille
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
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Private Airport Transfers
Reliable private airport transfer & taxi service
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
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Helicopter Transfers & Scenic Flights
Passenger transport, aerial photography, freight , etc...
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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Avignon Taxis
Taxis in Avignon and the entire region
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
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Helicopter Transfers & Scenic Flights
Helicopter charter company based in Monaco with over 25 years experience
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
Monaco - Nice Helicopter Shuttles, plus French Riviera Scenic Flights
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.
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Property For Sale in Aix-en-Provence
Property for Sale in Aix-en-Provence
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Villa for Sale | VAL240008
4 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 240m² Villa in Var
Set in the prestigious Domaine de Terre Blanche, Villa Augusta is the epitome of contemporary luxury.
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Villa for Sale | VAL240033
4 bedroom, 5 bathroom, 330m² Villa in Var
Elegant villa in the sought-after Terre Blanche estate
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Villa for Sale | VAL250082
6 bedroom, 428m² villa in Var
Nestled in the heart of the prestigious Terre Blanche estate, this superb property of approximately 428 m² of living space is set on one hectare of landscaped grounds, one of the largest on the estate, offering spectacular views of the surrounding hilltop villages and a rare living environment that is both luxurious and peaceful.
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Villa for Sale | val260153
4 bedroom, 320.95m² Villa in Tourrettes
This contemporary property, inspired by neo-Provençal architecture, offers approximately 300 sqm of living space and is set within a beautifully landscaped 3,300 sqm garden, providing a private living environment.
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Land (Plot) for Sale | VAL250058
10 bedroom, 9 bathroom, 1350m² plot in Var
An exceptional estate in landscaped grounds
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Villa for Sale | STZ250285
7 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 233.84m² Villa in Var
A Provencal villa at the foot of the village of Grimaud.
