Troglodyte Hikes & Walks
Step back in time and explore the cave dwellings of the past
An interesting site not to be missed whilst in Provence. The wonderful views of the Villecroze caves and impressive scenery will take your breath away.
Just outside of Villecroze you will find the Troglodyte caves and botanical gardens. With access to the inside of the caves limited to the summer months of May to September you can experience the cool inside whilst strolling through the botanical gardens surrounding the caves. An easy walk and explore for families, made even more interesting by the wonderful gardens and plants.
The Troglodyte caves in the Barry Troglodyte Village located North of Orange also are extrememly interesting to explore during a hike or walk. For a short wander you can take a trail that goes through the village itself and includes the most intersting sites. For a slightly longer walk you can take the route leading higher into the hills providing a lovely views and giving you the opportunity to explore the Chateau Barry. Alternatively you can do a harder longer hike that takes you up the hill and over to the ancient troglodyte caves and cathedrals, taking only a few hours to do the trail itself but with lots to explore it is likely to take you longer.
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What to see
Sights in Provence
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Les Grottes de Villecroze, Villecroze
These caves were formed some 700,000 years at the end of the last ice age. They are the the result of a slow calcification of plants and mosses in a huge waterfall that covered the whole of the current cliff.
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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.
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Maison de la Truffe, Aups
The truffle has a long history here in Aups; for many years now they have been grown, harvested, retailed, shared and eaten.
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Musee Simon Segal Contemporary Art, Aups
The museum groups 3 schools of painting - Toulon, Bourges and Paris - with over 280 works on show.
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Chateau Entrecasteaux, Entrecasteaux
The 17th century castle was first restored by Scottish artist Ian McGarvie-Munn in the 1970's. It's current owner, Alain Gayral has redecorated the castle with genuine antique furniture, paintings and tapestries.
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Troglodyte Caves & Rocks, Cotignac
Towering an incredible 80 metres above ground this rock face is home to numerous crevices and cave dwellings.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Provence
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L'Epice & Love Restaurant
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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Le Temp de Vivre Restaurant, Uchaux
Le Temps de Vivre is situated in the little hamlet of Les Farjons just down the road from Uchaux.
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La Cour d'Honneur Restaurant
Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
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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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Cote Sud Restaurant, Uchaux
The Cote Sud has a charming sophisticated interior and includes a lovely terrace where you can enjoy your food when the weather is warm enough.
What to do
Things To Do in Provence
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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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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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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, 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.
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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.
Where to stay
Cycling Hotels in Provence
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Domaine de Pierravon B&B, Bedoin
This fortified farmhouse has been converted into a lovely B&B not far from Bedoin village centre.
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L'Escapade Hotel, Bedoin
Located in a charming small village, with free parking and bike storage.
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La Bastide des Bourguets B&B, Sault
Perched on a small cliff, this B&B enjoys great views of the village of Sault below.
Price: €1,617
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Une Sieste en Luberon B&B, Bonnieux
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.
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Villa Champ Signoret B&B, Malaucene
Located just 2 kilometres north of the village of Malaucene, this charming B&B has great views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
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Hotel des Pins, Bedoin
Hotel des Pins has 25 rooms and suites, a restaurant, a terrace, and a garden.
Price: €1,498