Banon
A hilltop village in north Provence
Banon sits on a hilltop overlooking lots of farm land, and its most famous regional product, lavender.
The area enjoys almost year round sunshine, which helps the lavender thrive, and the village is also known for its production of goats milk which you can buy locally.
You'll find some impressive battlements, a 14th century gateway, a tower and ramparts that you are allowed to climb up.
You should aim to visit here in late June / early July when the lavender should be in full bloom.
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- Hiking in [locality]
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History & Culture in [locality]
On the ramparts, houses were built in the Rue des Arcades and in one of them, JF Palhier, deputy of the department of the "Council of Five Hundred" of the Revolution, hosted the young Robespierre and Ricord in August 1793. Facades of medieval stalls remain in place to this day.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
Sights in Provence
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Musee des tapisseries 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.
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Ambrussum archaeological site, near Nimes
This large Roman site lies on the outskirts of Nimes on the way to Montpellier. It's an extensive site that requires a fair bit of exploring, although there is a small museum on site which explains the chronology of Ambrussum in a bit more detail.
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Provence Art & History Museum, Grasse
With items from prehistoric times, and fine arts and decorative arts from as early as the 17th century, all the way up to the first half of the 20th century.
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Wildlife Art Gallery, Aix en Provence
Aurélien Raynaud displays his unique gift in capturing the wonderful wildlife kingdom in a range of artforms.
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Train Touristique du Centre-Var
Discover the rhythm of the central Var, situated between the Verdon and the Sainte-Victoire (painted by Cezanne) in the north and the beaches of the coast in the south, this is a truly beautiful region.
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Le Musee du Savon de Marseille
The tour will tell you the fascinating story of soap in Provence, which starts in the Middle Ages.
Dining in [locality]
Restaurants in Provence
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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.
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Mickael Feval Restaurant
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 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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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 Vache a Carreaux Restaurant
This small restaurant is on the Rue Peyrollerie, a winding alley just off the Place St Pierre. It is a great option for vegetarians, offering a wide variety of cheese dishes and salads but there are also fish dishes available.
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L'Autruche Restaurant
Small restaurant where you will never eat the same thing twice. Their menu is solely based on what good fresh ingredients the local market has to offer in the mornings.
Events in [locality]
A number of music concerts take place here in the height of summer at the church. You'll find jazz as well as classical music concerts on offer.
Events in Provence
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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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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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Trail des Alpes Maritimes
Two races plus a kids event starting and ending in the medieval mountain village of Sospel.
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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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Fête de la Chataignes - Chestnut festival, Collobrières
In Provence, the department of the Var is the place to look for chestnuts. The Var village of Collobrières regards itself as chestnut capital of the world and in late October it's time for the chestnut festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from near and far.
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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.
Things to do in [locality]
There is a sports centre in the village where you can play badminton, football, and go to yoga classes. If you're looking for something more adventurous there is a local parapente pilot who can take you into the skies above the village for a totally different perspective.
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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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, 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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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, 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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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.
Cycling in [locality]
Cycling Routes in Provence
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Le Plateau de Sault, Mont Ventoux
This delightful ride takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the area; vast Sault highlands, fields of lavender and golden crops. Along the way you can admire the magnificent views of Mont Ventoux and Montagne de Lure Mountain. You’ll pass through four charming old villages; each one crammed with ancient churches, crooked alleyways, splashing fountains and quaint little squares.
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La Veloroute du Calavon
Following the Calavon river, this 28km long path was previously a railway track and is a great way to explore the hilltop villages around the area.
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Cycling the Ochre Region from Roussillon
This ride is bursting with colour and vibrant views; starting off in the pretty little village of Roussillon it passes through the vivid landscape of the Ochre region, an area characterised by its deep red soil and golden wheat fields.
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Les Gorges de la Nesque
Second only to the Gorges du Verdon, the Gorge de la Nesque is one of the most visited and cycled parts of Provence. A stunning hydro geological site with fantastic cliffs, overhanging rock and a long winding river deep in the valley.
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Climbing Mont Ventoux
The climb of Mont Ventoux is perhaps most well known to those outside of the cycling community as a name associated with the Tour de France.
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The Foothills of Mont Ventoux, Bedoin
Mont Ventoux is famous for being one of the toughest climbs on the Tour de France, keen cyclists come from all over the world to pit themselves against the long steep ascent to the summit. This route gives you a gentle tour of the area surrounding the “windy mountain” without actually battling your way to the top.
Hiking in [locality]
Walking Routes in Provence
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Montagne de Lure
This is a short and easy high altitude walk great for all seasons.
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Toutes Aures Walk
An great easy walk for the days after rain fall to avoid the mud. Passing by the Chapel Toutes Aures, nestled in an olive grove.
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Falaise de Lioux Hike
This lovely hike in the Luberon region of Provence is great for most abilities of walkers. Stunning views and landscape on every part of the trail will make the 2hr 30 minute walk well worth it. Walking along the top of the large rocky cliff you can see for miles and enjoy the cool breeze.
Yachts & Sailing in [locality]
Watersports in [locality]
Watersports in Provence
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Caminaterra Activity Company, Vedene
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
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Mistral Kite Passion Watersports, nr Salon de Provence
If you're looking to try out kitesurfing for the first time, this company can help you get to grips with the basics from professional instruction.
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Raille Lake Watersports, 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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La Bonde Lake, Cabrieres d'Aigues
Bonde Lake is situated in the heart of the Luberon and offers activities and relaxation for all the family.
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AFDA Canoe & Kayak, Lauris
This company offers two different types of excursions by kayak or canoe for either an hour and 15 minutes or 3 hours.
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Plan d’eau des Ferreols, Digne-les-Bains
Located on the Route de Nice, close to the city centre, the waters of Ferréols has free parking and is accessible by public transport or by bicycle through a cycle track.
Families in [locality]
Nightlife in [locality]
Bars & Clubs in Provence
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La Cave des Pas Sages
Small wine bar situated in one of the cobbled streets of Avignon that hosts regular market stalls.
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21 Chai d'Oeuvre Bar, Saint Remy de Provence
This bar is located in the centre of Saint Remy de Provence. It has a good selection of wines by the glass, as well as bottles and champagne. They even serve charcuterie and cheese plates.
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Ajmi Jazz Club
The Ajmi has played host to numerous talented international Jazz artists, and the Ajmi is classed as one of the top 3 jazz venues in France and is located in the heart of Avignon next to the beautiful Palais des Papes.
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Bokao's Nighclub
With a varied musical line-up, Bokao's combines good fun and great music.
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Le Cardeur Bacchus Bar
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.
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Mistral Nighclub
The Mistral is Aix-en-Provence's answer to those looking for a trendy night out listening to the latest DJ's.
Chalets in [locality]
Chalets in Provence
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Les Hautes Prairies Campsite, Lourmarin
Located right in the centre of Provence with the feet of Lubéron. A 9 acre campsite with 165 spacious pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes.
Villas in [locality]
Villas in Provence
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La Colline Villa
Welcome to La Colline, a stunning villa built from honey-colored local stone, nestled among Provençal vineyards with breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux and the distant hilltop villages. The villa offers a peaceful setting, perfect for spending a summer day by the swimming pool, accompanied only by the gentle song of the cicadas.
Price: €3,164
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Ulysse Villa, Saignon
Let yourself be surprised by the originality of this house for rent in Provence close to the centre of the village of Saignon.
Price: €2,256
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Carpe Diem Villa, Verbier
Superb 5-bedroom villa with swimming pool, ideal for 10 people, 5 minutes from the sea
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A L'orée De Gordes Villa, Gordes
Holiday rental - Stone house located in Gordes, within walking distance to the village. The location is Ideal for visiting the picturesque villages of Provence.
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Mas De La Fontaine Villa, Pujaut
Beautiful village Mas less than quarter of an hour away from Avignon.
Price: €4,531
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L'Escapade Villa, Menerbes
Very nice property for seasonal rental in Ménerbes, one of the most beautiful villages in Provence, in the heart of the Luberon, of approximately 235m².
Price: €6,683
Holidays Rentals in [locality]
Holiday Rentals in Provence
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Ulysse Villa, Saignon
Let yourself be surprised by the originality of this house for rent in Provence close to the centre of the village of Saignon.
Price: €2,256
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Le Capitaine Villa, Bonnieux
The Capitaine is an apartment located on the 2nd floor, its exposure is ideal for holidays in Provence, beautiful atmosphere.
Price: €510
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Provence Country Club - 1 Bed Apartment, Luberon
Located in the Residence Provence Country Club in the heart of the Luberon mountain, this apartment enjoys a serene and tranquil atmosphere with close proximity to all the sites and attractions of this area of the South of France. An ideal location for nature and golf lovers.
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Carpe Diem Villa, Verbier
Superb 5-bedroom villa with swimming pool, ideal for 10 people, 5 minutes from the sea
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La Colline Villa
Welcome to La Colline, a stunning villa built from honey-colored local stone, nestled among Provençal vineyards with breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux and the distant hilltop villages. The villa offers a peaceful setting, perfect for spending a summer day by the swimming pool, accompanied only by the gentle song of the cicadas.
Price: €3,164
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Mas Du Criquet Villa, Bonnieux
A few minutes walk from the charming village of Bonnieux, on the heights towards Lourmarin, this charming stone house, freshly renovated by architects, is for rent for your holidays.
Hotels in [locality]
There are a few hotels and B&B's in the village and most accommodate hikers and cyclists. A couple of them have outdoor pools. You'll need to ask in advance if you're bringing pets as not all places welcome your furry friends.
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: €1,156
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Cloitre Saint-Louis Hotel
Originally a 16th century Jesuit seminary, the Cloitre Saint Louis is set in a peaceful cloister within Avignon's old town.
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Domaine de Manville, Les Baux
Offering you a taste of the Provencal lifestyle, with linen sheets, sunrise over the drystone architecture, wildflowers overflowing from vases, the fragrance of fresh baked bread, creamy butter and golden honey, the true taste of fresh products raised on the estate.
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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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Le Clair de la Plume Hotel, Grignan
This stunning boutique hotel is situated at the base of the Grignan castle and has three different sites (The Main House, The Private House and the Mediterranean Garden) spread throughout the beautiful Provencal village.
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Crillon le Brave Luxury Hotel, Crillon le Brave
Set in a beautiful location overlooking the Rhone valley and Mont Ventoux, this 33 bedroom hotel can be found around 25 miles North East of Avignon. There are 15 double bedrooms and 18 suites available, ranging from 25m² for the smallest standard room up to 85m² for the largest suite.
Price: €4,790
Campsites in [locality]
How to get to [locality]
Transfers for Provence
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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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ABCD Taxi, Apt
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
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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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Private Jet and Helicopter Transfers
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.
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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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Helicopter Airport Transfers & 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.
Property For Sale in [locality]
Property for Sale in Provence
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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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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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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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Villa for Sale
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.
Price: €9,800,000