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Lovely medieval town famed for its black truffles
St Paul Trois Chateaux is located to the north of Provence in the Drome region. It's renowned for the production of black truffles whose quality is strictly controlled.
The weekly market is held on Tuesday mornings, and a farmers market is held on the first and third Sunday of every month.
Every Sunday from December to March, black truffles are on sale in La Place de l’Esplan.
There is a Maison de la Truffe in the town which is open throughout the year.
Other local produce includes olives and olive oil, wine, a special goats cheese called Picodon, summer fruits such peaches and apricots and lavender (there is a Lavender distillery open to the public in Nyons).
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.
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.
Head to the Avenue de la Rabasse in Richerenches for the famous Saturday truffle markets, which take place from November to March every year.
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.
An annual agricultural fair, the Foire de la Saint Siffrein is named after the saint who resided in Carpentras during the 7th century. Plenty of local produce is available in the market and the wine fair is one of the largest in the area (and not restricted to wines from Provence).
The ancient capital of the region (Tricastin, named after the original Gallic inhabitants), St Paul sadly has no châteaux - the name is more likely to have been derived from the old name for the city, St Paul en Tricastin. In Latin, tricastri translates as three castles and it seems this also lead to the towns coat of arms which features three towers and a crown.
The village is home to one of France's national monuments, the Cathedral Notre Dame et Saint Paul - a Romanesque structure from the 12th century. It's widely considered to be one of the most complete examples of Provençal Romanesque architecture, characterised by its simplicity, large volumes and perfectly paired building stones. The interior is noted for the carvings on the top floor of the nave.
The town lends itself to exploring, and a nice view can be obtained from the top of the hill. The tourist office offers multilingual audio guides of the main historical sites in St Paul, so you can learn about the Gallo-Roman remains, the medieval town with its Jewish quarter, and buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. For more detailed information about St Paul's history, visit the Musée d'Archeologie.
There is a good selection of shops for general shopping and for souvenirs.
To the west of St Paul Trois Châteaux you may want to visit the Caves of Saint Marcel d'Ardeche with its network of underground rivers and cathedral ceilings.
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'.
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.
The Muséum d'Aix was founded in 1838 by Henri Coquand, geologist ; it is one of the oldest in Provence.
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.
An old quarry, the Carrieres de Bibemus lies on the western slopes of Montagne St Victoire and is a place that inspired Paul Cezanne through out his life.
Cezannes studio was created in Aix-en-Provence in 1902 and this is where he worked until he died in 1906.
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.
Open daily, the Clos du Comptoir offers a sophisticated atmosphere for lunch and dinner in the same setting.
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.
Located inside the luxury Chateau de la Gaude, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves the elaborate cuisine of chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal.
Big tasty burgers, great home cooked meals and enticing deserts. This hidden gem is a must for anyone visiting the old town.
Traditionally styled restaurant run by a husband & wife team. Classic French family favorites feature on the menu.
The Mistral is Aix-en-Provence's answer to those looking for a trendy night out listening to the latest DJ's.
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.
For those looking to be a bit more active, there is a trail called the Chemin des Arts Tricastin which is a footpath that takes you through the towns of La Garde Adhemar, St Paul, St Restitut and Clansayes, that takes you past Romanesque chapels and contemporary art installations. There are many other day and half-day hiking routes in and around St Paul - ask at the tourist office for details.
There are four marked cycling circuits from the town each of around 20km, an ideal way to explore the countryside. St Paul is also a regular host to the Tour de France.
There are a couple of forest adventure parks in the vicinity - La Fôret des Jeux boasts over 40 games for both adults and children, and Acro Pole Aventure to the north-east offers Via Ferrata, nature trails and outdoor adventures.
This leisure centre has two indoor pools, a 50 metre outdoor heated swimming pool, with terraces and beaches, and water sports.There is also a weights room and dance studio.
An exciting path through the forest...but not on the ground! This tree top adventure will have you swinging from the branches and enjoying the sights and sounds of nature.
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 area is split into two areas - one for the 1-5 years age group, and the other for 6-12 year olds.
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.
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.
This circular route offers a variety of scenery and landscapes, with gently rolling hills to ensure a bit of downhill after any short climbs.
This short and relatively easy circuit goes through a number of pretty little villages and past a multitude of vineyards, streams and creeks, crossing the Aygues river twice along the way.
La Roque Sur Ceze is a beautiful hilltop village, northwest of Orange. Its perched vantage point and narrow cobbled streets make it a charming place to start our ride. Classified as one of the “Plus Beaux Villages de France” (most beautiful villages of France) it not only has breathtaking views but also ancient chapels, a chateau, and all the quirky little vaulted alleyways that you could wish for in a Provencal village.
This intermediate level bike ride takes in a few gentle hills as it makes its way through the villages commandeered by the Order of the Knights Templar during the middle ages.
Once in the town of Jonquieres there are several choices of cycle routes around the area. The country roads are the perfect platform to discover the local villages, view points and historical points of interest.
This 28.5km long route is a journey of discovery through the Ile de l'Oiselay and the vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape.
The vast numbers of lovely Vineyards in Provence make for great places to go on a walking or hiking tour.
From the look out point at 965m you are rewarded with fantastic views of the Alazards valley and the Rhone valley.
This river gorge runs for around 30 kilometres from the small village of Saint Leger, heading west along the borders of the Vaucluse and Drome regions.
Throughout the duration of this hike you have breathtaking views over the Comtat Venaissin plain and the Dentelles de Montmirail range.
Explore the valleys of Le Beaucet situated between the Mountains of Vaucluse and the Luberon Valley.
Starting in Barbentane, a short 15 minute drive from Avignon, this gentle and easy walk is great for all abilities of walker. WIth a shady tracks and only a 2 hour and 45 minute round trip you can amble along this walk and enjoy the surrouding scenery.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A magnificent "Mas" in Bonnieux to rent in the Luberon, with a large landscaped garden for a dream holiday between Bonnieux and Lacoste.
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.
Holiday house with pool located in the heart of the Luberon.
Come and discover this house with large swimming pool, near Bonnieux, for a holiday in the heart of nature.
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.
House for rent in Provence with swimming pool, terrace and garden.
Former 17th century farmhouse in Bonnieux, fully restored by a renowned architect.
Wonderful holiday rental farmhouse in Bonnieux, in the Luberon’s golden triangle, with swimming pool and a lovely, unobstructed view of the countryside.
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.
Villa rental in the Luberon - La Badassière
Beautiful holiday home for rent in Provence, in Lourmarin, with garden and swimming pool.
18th century stone farmhouse on a landscaped park of approximately 1 hectare with panoramic views of the Luberon.
Under the light Cézanne once knew, the Villa Gallici Hotel is an 18th century Provençal house and a member of Relais et Châteaux portfolio.
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.
Built in 2013 this modern, contemporary five star hotel in Provence combines art work in contemporary spaces, filled with uber stylish furniture and fittings.
This hotel is a beautiful renovated house located on a quiet street, and walking distance to all the hustle and bustle of Aix.
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.
Situated at the foot of the Luberon, this hotel is set in a private garden amongst olive, fig and cherry trees. It boasts 2 private outdoor pools and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
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.
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
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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