Cycling is a national pastime and a sport that is synonymous with France. It’s also big in the Luberon, whether on the road or off-road. The region is gently hilly and many of the villages are at the top of a short, sharp hill, but as a consolation they are not far apart. The Vaucluse […]
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Every summer the plateaus and hills of Provence are coloured in blue and purple by fields of lavender. The lavender in the Lubéron blooms from around the last week of June to the beginning of August when it is harvested. It is usually at its peak in early July, but this depends on rainfall. Collected […]
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France is a country of winemaking tradition and offers unique wines in the world. Why? Terroir! The typical soil, climatic conditions and knowledge of winemakers are what give French wines their originality and excellence – and delivers a variety of wines, even within the same appellation. Provence wines Provence is perhaps not the most renowned […]
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If it’s peace and tranquility or a bit of interesting history you’re after, you should visit one of Provence’s three iconic 12th century Cistercian abbeys – Sénanque, Le Thoronet and Silvacane. At the end of the 11th century, monks ruled as lords from more than 1,200 abbeys in Europe, handing out their own justice and […]
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Ansouis This is a 1,000-year-old village like most of them locally, with an ancient church and 12th century château (just sold by the De Sabran family after 1,000 years). Perched on a hilltop, Ansouis is full of tiny streets dotted with boutiques and artists’ workshops. As you walk about, you can admire the village square, […]
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Market day is not just a time to buy what you need, it is also a time to observe this most French of rituals, when some of the stereotypes come alive. Whether you’re shopping for real or simply strolling through, the markets of Provence are a fantastic outing. They’re as popular with locals as with […]
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Lourmarin continues to draw writers and artists who, like those before them, find creative inspiration here. According to Insight Guides, the town’s cultural influence has few rivals in the entire Vaucluse, as evidenced by a long line of interesting residents. Robert Laurent-Vibert, patron of the Lourmarin Chateau and a keen supporter of the arts, invited Henri Bosco (1888-1976) to […]
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There is so much to see and do in the Vaucluse (and further afield in Provence) that if you spent 10 years here you’d still find something different and new to do each week. But since your time here is limited, we’ve put together a must-see list for you. Don’t worry, even if you manage […]
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