Pretty village deep in the hills of the Drome region
Buis les Baronnies is a sleepy little place surrounded by fertile land that produces lavender, olives, apricots and limes.
Lovely fragrances waft through the village, and medicinal plants are favoured here that are sold at the market on Wednesdays.
The town hosts a 'perfumed' jazz and arts festival in August and has several other fairs during the year dedicated to lavender, olives and apricots. Art and pottery classes are offered throughout the year.
The market is held on Wednesdays, with a small farmers market on Saturdays. A flea market (brocante) is held every Easter weekend.
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
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.
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
The village is part of the Ouveze Valley to the north of Provence in the Drome region. Buis is one of 21 villages in the area and features many historical buildings thanks to it's rich cultural past.
You'll find 15th century arcades, Romanesque bridges, a couple of convents (one of which, the Ursuline Convent shows art exhibitions), and an old olive mill open to the public.
One of the highlights of the village is the Maison des Plantes Aromatiques, which has exhibitions on the botanical world with an emphasis on medicinal and aromatic plants. There are guided tours of the garden (Garden of Flavour and Fragrances).
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.
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.
Located not far from Aix centre, this museum and shop explains a little about the history of how this unusual sweet is made.
Cezannes studio was created in Aix-en-Provence in 1902 and this is where he worked until he died in 1906.
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.
Aurélien Raynaud displays his unique gift in capturing the wonderful wildlife kingdom in a range of artforms.
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.
La Mado is a brasserie style eaterie that is open all day for breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Serving a wide range of classic and modern snacks, sandwiches and pastries this secluded bistro/cafe offers a calm oasis in a busy city centre.
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.
The Mistral is Aix-en-Provence's answer to those looking for a trendy night out listening to the latest DJ's.
The surrounding area is excellent for hiking, biking and horse riding, and the limestone hills are ideal for rock climbing. Head to the tourist office for maps and to find out more. There is an outdoor swimming pool open in summer (June to September) and there are a couple of local rivers that offer beautiful clear waters for swimming.
Set CLub is a sports complex which has 13 tennis courts, eight of which are clay courts and five are the faster green set. Lessons and competitions are all part of the club. Non-members are welcome.
The Aix Yoga Center is a 150m2 studio yoga in the heart of Aix en Provence.
Just to the south of Aix is the town of Gardanne. They open an outdoor swimming pool in the summer, with a 50m pool, baby pool, slides, playgrounds and a relaxation area.
The area is split into two areas - one for the 1-5 years age group, and the other for 6-12 year olds.
Just an hour long ride through the city of Aix, learning about its history and a good introduction to this beautiful area.
Tour Designer in Provence provide tailor made tours of the best of Provence with day trips and walking tours on offer.
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 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.
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.
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.
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
Magnificent villa near Bonnieux, in the heart of the Luberon, with swimming pool, for a unique holiday.
Holiday house with pool located in the heart of the Luberon.
Villa rental in the Luberon - La Badassière
Stone house with pool for rent in Bonnieux - La Prairie du Luberon
Farmhouse available to rent for holidays with a large pool in the Golden Triangle in Bonnieux.
House for rent in Provence with swimming pool, terrace and garden.
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.
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.
Under the light Cézanne once knew, the Villa Gallici Hotel is an 18th century Provençal house and a member of Relais et Châteaux portfolio.
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.
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.
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
Near Cotignac, in Fox-Amphoux, this elegant and spacious stone bastide is set within one hectare of beautifully landscaped gardens featuring 45 olive trees, lavender, a magnificent ancient chestnut tree, and recently planted maples among others.
Set in the prestigious Domaine de Terre Blanche, Villa Augusta is the epitome of contemporary luxury.
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.
This contemporary property, inspired by neo-Provençal architecture, offers approximately 300 sqm of living space and is set within a beautifully landscaped 3,300 sqm garden, providing a private living environment.
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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