Links

Historical sites

Abbaye de Senanque — 12th century Cistercian abbey near Gordes open to visitors. Honey, lavender essence, and liqueurs are available for purchase.

Roman Theatre & Triumphal Arch at Orange — one of the best preserved theatres of the Roman Empire (circa 27-25 B.C.) built during the reign of Augustus.

See UNESCO.org for more information.

Avignon — Located at the confluence of the Rhône and Durance rivers,
Avignon is well known for its ramparts, its famous Pont Saint-Bénezet and the Palais des Papes.

Villages

Gordes—the immensely popular hilltop village is crowned by the church of St. Firmin and a Renaissance château.

Roussillon—the ocre-red hilltop village.

Isle sur la Sorgue—this medieval town, built on the islands of five branches of the Sorgue river, is known for its waterwheels and antiquities markets.

Pernes-les-Fontaines—a medieval fortified town, with walls dating back to the 16th century. As the name suggests this is a village with many ancient fountains; there is a walking tour that passes most of the almost forty charming fountains.

Vineyards

Châteauneuf-du-Pape— the well-know appellation of the Côte-du-Rhône region.

Festivals

Les Choregies d'Orange— a festival of opera, drama and ballet takes place in the Roman Theatre in Orange.

Festival d'Avignon — an annual performing arts festival is held in Avignon in the month of July.

Vaison-la-Romaine Dance Festival — Companies from all over the world come to perform at the dance festival, staged in the town's atmospheric Roman Théàtre Antique. The programme ranges from ballet to jazz to flamenco.

Festival d'Aix — an annual international music festival which takes place each summer in Aix-en-Provence, principally in the month of July. Devoted mainly to opera, it also includes concerts of orchestral, chamber, vocal and solo instrumental music.

Bicycling

Biking in Provence—Russ Collins' Beyond Provence provides information on cycling in the region plus recommended maps and guidebooks.

Walking/Hiking

Le Luberon— Luberon Regional Nature Park offers walking trails, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, farmers markets, Geological Nature Reserve and Historical Museum of the Pays d'Aigues.

Mont Ventoux— a hikers and serious cyclists paradise.

Climbing

Climbing near Apt—at Buoux, the south-facing cliffs along the right bank of the Aiguebrun river are an excellent, and popular, location for climbing.

Other Activities & Interests

www.wine-uncovered.com — wine tours

Horseback Riding

Canoe & Kayak — Rivières de France is a group of canoe renters throughout southern France. Membership is a sign of commitment to quality.

Antiques— Isle sur la Sorgue is the antique center of France.

Bories — stone huts built by animal herders as far back at the 13th century.