Visan
Small village in the middle of the Côtes du Rhône wine region
Visan is a tiny village in the Vaucluse, to the north east of Orange and on the border of the Drome.
Visan lies in the Enclave des Papes and is named after the time when the Pope resided in Avignon.
It seems that Popes Clement V and his successor John XXII enjoyed the region's wine so much, that they bought a number of vineyards and the area became the property of the Popes. Because of this influence, a number of Renaissance and Baroque mansions were built in this small village.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
The pretty church St Pierre has a mix of architectural styles - the doorway from the 15th century (the walnut doors were added later in 1637), the bell dates from the 16th century, and the alters were added in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Just outside Visan on the road to Vaison la Romaine is the chapel Notre Dame des Vignes from around the 13th century. It has a very ornate interior and is one of France's Historical Monuments. Check with the tourist office for opening hours.
However, it is mainly for the vineyards that visitors come these days - Visan is surrounded by rolling hills that are covered in vineyards. The wine produced belongs to the AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages and is distinctive thanks to its relatively northerly altitude, stony soils and hours of sunshine. There are many vineyards in the area who will welcome you for tastings.
Sights in Provence
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La Collegiale Notre Dame des Anges, Isle sur la Sorgue
Originally built in 1222 this church was renovated and extended in the Italian Baroque style in the 17th century and was consecrated in 1672 by the Bishop of Cavaillon.
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Parfumerie Molinard, Grasse
Grasse is the world capital of perfumes. At this museum you can discover the ancient tradition of parfumerie and learn how to create your own, unique scent.
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Calisson Museum
Located not far from Aix centre, this museum and shop explains a little about the history of how this unusual sweet is made.
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Chauvet Cave - Caverne du Pont d'Arc Gallery, St Marcel d'Ardeche
Finally visitors will be able to experience the cave paintings of the Grotte Chauvet in the state of the art replica that has been created by artists and builders.
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Le Musee du Tire-Bouchon, Menerbes
A private collection of ornate, unusual and ancient corkscrews in the vineyards of the Domaine de La Citadelle.
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Musee des Arts & des Metiers du Vin
This wine museum situated just outside of Ansouis is a must for all wine lovers, and a fascinating for all amateurs.
Events in [locality]
There is an evening market on Mondays and a farmers market every Friday morning in La Place de la Coconnière.
Events in Provence
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Fête du Romerage
A very traditional religious parade accompanied by folk dancing and music, and finished with three short theatre pieces.
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Markets in Provence
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.
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Liszt en Provence festival, Uchaux
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.
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Jazz à Saint Rémy
This modern revival of the jazz festivals of the 70s and 80s is held under the stars in St Rémy.
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European Heritage Days
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.
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Trail des Alpes Maritimes
Two races plus a kids event starting and ending in the medieval mountain village of Sospel.
Things to do in [locality]
The village itself is pleasant to wander around, although it's somewhat lacking in shops or attractions. The ruined medieval (12-13th century) castle was originally a court for the Dauphins. It has peaceful views over gentle hills and the caves below are used to store wine. Two ancient fortified gates built by the Dauphins still exist today - Porte du Puy-Baret and Porte Saint-Martin and date back to the 14th century.
Rue des Nobles is lined with 16th-18th century mansions with Renaissance features and arched windows. La Place de la Fontaine is also surrounded by Renaissance mansions. Many have inner courtyards and some are joined by soustets (covered walkways) over the road.
The tourist office is found in an 18th century mansion, L'Hôtel de Pélissier. It remains unaltered since this time and has undergone restoration in recent years by the town hall. It's intended to use some of the rooms for exhibitions and concerts.
The area is also known for its black truffles (November to March) and lavender fields (in bloom mid June to mid July).
Things To Do in Provence
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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, 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.
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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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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, 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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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.
Hotels in [locality]
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: €974
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Le Clos de la Glycine Hotel, Roussillon
Set in one of the most beautiful villages in France, this hotel is a little Provencal paradise.
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Domaine des Andeols Hotel, Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt
A design hotel filled with the owners striking art collection. The rooms are referred to as 'Maisons' and each is uniquely designed with modern bathrooms.
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Terre Blanche Spa & Golf Resort Hotel, Tourrettes
This hotel is set in 300 hectares and has 115 rooms plus independent suites and villas. On site you'll find a golf academy with two 18 hole courses, and a luxury spa.
Price: €7,949
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Le Pigonnet Hotel
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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Le Chateau des Alpilles Hotel, St Remy
This charming chateau provides a wide range of accommodation from rooms and suites to mini apartments. Renowned for its beauty and excellent service, this is a very popular destination in Provence.
How to get to [locality]
Transfers for Provence
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Les Marseillais Taxi, Marseille
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
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Chabe Airport Transfers, Marseille
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
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Helicopter Leisure Flights & Transfers, Marseille
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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Radio Aixois Taxi
49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
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Helicopter Transfers and Scenic Flights
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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ABCD Taxi, Apt
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
Property For Sale in [locality]
Property for Sale in Provence
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Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere
A 5 bedroom chalet set in a small development located in the quiet enclave of Le Châtelard
Price: €2,600,000
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Villa for Sale
Located in a sought-after area not far from Gigaro beach, this plot offers open views of the sea (on a side) and countryside.
Price: €756,000
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Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere
Exquisite and exclusive new development of ski-in, ski out chalet-style apartments
Price: €8,395,000
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Hotel for Sale
Located just 100 meters from the sea, this unique property, currently operated as a charming 4-star hotel, enjoys a spectacular view of the sea and Saint-Tropez.
Price: €6,600,000
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Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere
Exquisite and exclusive new development of ski-in, ski out chalet-style apartments
Price: €16,900,000
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