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.
There is an evening market on Mondays and a farmers market every Friday morning in La Place de la Coconnière.
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.
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.
The Muséum d'Aix was founded in 1838 by Henri Coquand, geologist ; it is one of the oldest in Provence.
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.
Aurélien Raynaud displays his unique gift in capturing the wonderful wildlife kingdom in a range of artforms.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
Open daily, the Clos du Comptoir offers a sophisticated atmosphere for lunch and dinner in the same setting.
There are 5 La Fournee de Joseph boulangeries dotted around Aix en Provence. Selling delicious pastries, treats, teas, sandwiches and bread.
With a very impressive selection of over 100 cheeses and 200 different wines there will be something for nearly every palette at this well presented establishment.
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.
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).
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.
Set in the beautiful wooded countryside, this 18-hole golf course was designed by American architect Ronald Fream. The club incorporates the David Leadbetter Academy that offers lessons to suit players of all levels.
The Club, established in 1932 has a long and interesting history. Situated on the banks of the river l'Arc over 30 acres, 5 minutes away from the city centre the Club Hippique Aix Marseille offers a full range of 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.
Tour Designer in Provence provide tailor made tours of the best of Provence with day trips and walking tours on offer.
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.
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.
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.
The Ceze is a calm river and accessible for all. Along the trip you’ll find enough spots and beaches where you’ll be able to get out of your boat to eat, sunbathe or swim.
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.
Former 17th century farmhouse in Bonnieux, fully restored by a renowned architect.
Beautiful holiday home for rent in Provence, in Lourmarin, with garden and swimming pool.
Mas Wisteria is located 2.5km from Bonnieux, a lovely Provençal village perched in the foothills of the Luberon in Provence.
Stone house with pool for rent in Bonnieux - La Prairie du Luberon
The Chef d’Escadron is located on the 1st floor. The apartment for rent for holidays is bright and includes a private terrace enjoying a beautiful view of Provence.
This fully restored nineteenth-century farmhouse for holiday rental is located 3 km from Bonnieux, a lovely Provençal village perched in the foothills of the Luberon in Provence.
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.
This hotel is a beautiful renovated house located on a quiet street, and walking distance to all the hustle and bustle of Aix.
Under the light Cézanne once knew, the Villa Gallici Hotel is an 18th century Provençal house and a member of Relais et Châteaux portfolio.
Built in 2013 this modern, contemporary five star hotel in Provence combines art work in contemporary spaces, filled with uber stylish furniture and fittings.
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.
Located a few minutes from the heart of Lourmarin in a 3-hectare garden, this 17th century Provencal-style farmhouse is the ideal place for a stop-over, a leisure break, rest and silence.
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.
49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
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.
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
A beautifully renovated 16th century bastide with panoramic views.
Set in the prestigious Domaine de Terre Blanche, Villa Augusta is the epitome of contemporary luxury.
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.
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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