So much to see within an hour’s drive

Here are some ideas for discoveries less than an hour’s drive from the estate…

1 – ARLES, Roman city

50 minutes from the estate, a day in Arles is a great way to experience the Roman era. Arles is undoubtedly the city where the remains of the Roman presence are the most important, along with Nimes, and, remarkably, they are still in very good condition. Depending on the season. Don’t miss a visit to the Arena, the Museum of Ancient Arles, the Reattu Museum, or the Van Gogh Foundation. But don’t leave Arles without discovering the Luma Foundation, the building signed by Frank Gehry, and all the cultural activities of a very high level. If you are a photography fan, you can schedule a day at the Rencontres d’Arles (in summer), depending on the dates of your stay. If you like parties or bullfighting, the férias organised in Arles (in September and at Easter) are among the most popular in the south! Some tapas bars not to be missed.

2 – CAMARGUE, a wild land

You won’t have too much time to let yourself be carried away by the small roads of the Camargue: classified as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, the Camargue is an enchantment for all those who love nature and animals. Beautiful walks by bike, on horseback or in a horse-drawn carriage between pink flamingos, beaches, marshes, rice fields and salt flats.

3 – MARSEILLE, land of trade

Of course, there is the old port, its unavoidable fishmongers, but today Marseille is a city where cultures confront each other for the better, its recently built museums are really worth the trip, especially as a car park, when arriving by motorway, will allow you to discover the harbour, the Mucem, the forts, the shopping centres, the basket, the Old Charity and the old port on foot!

4 – AVIGNON, city of the Popes

In 25 minutes, you will be in the heart of Avignon, prefer the car park of the Palace of the Popes, in order to avoid the hassle and to take advantage of the small charming streets, to visit the museums, to go to the famous Benezet bridge, commonly called Pont d’Avignon… If you are in Luberon during the festival, let you go to some shows, between the off and the in, there will be some good moments to spend.

5 – MONT VENTOUX, the giant of Provence

The Mont Ventoux – Natura 2000 site – deserves at least a day’s visit! In less than an hour, you can go from 30°C to… 10°C in the summer, a good refreshing air guaranteed! By bike for the more athletic, by car for the more cautious, you will pass, depending on your itinerary, between the vineyards, the lavender fields or the cherry trees to arrive at 1912 m.

6 – THE COLORADO PROVENÇAL

30 minutes away from the estate, an exotic walk in the middle of the ochres. Old quarries where children will enjoy running around and turning into Indians! Cliffs, peaks, ravines, caves, waterfalls… extraordinary landscapes, remember to organise a picnic.

7 – THE PERCH VILLAGES

They are all around the domain, less than 20 minutes away, and they are all worth a visit: learn to stroll around, discover the narrow streets, admire the view, imagine the life of the inhabitants 50 or 100 years ago… Maubec, Robion, Oppède le Vieux, Gordes, Cabrières d’Avignon, Ménerbes, Lacoste, Bonnieux…

8 – L’ISLE SUR LA SORGUE, city of antique dealers…

10 minutes from the estate, from Friday to Monday, the town is transformed into a large antiques and decoration market. Markets on the water in the summer on the first Sunday of August in the morning, but also many animations all year long. Nice walks in the narrow streets of the village, some good restaurants to discover.

9 – And more…

Cross the Durance at Cavaillon and find yourself in the Alpilles… continue to Saint Rémy de Provence, les Baux de Provence, Maussane, Fontvielle… beautiful walks in the middle of olive trees, vineyards…

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