A Summer in Provence
The Must-Sees

L’ISLE-SUR-LA-SORGUE AND ITS ANTIQUES

With its water wheels and terraces along the Sorgue, its pedestrian streets with elegant shops, and the historic Café de France... It's wonderful to stroll in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue! But the Vauclusian town is also (and especially!) the go-to place for antique hunters. It brings together no fewer than 300 professional antique dealers and second-hand dealers. Collectors find their paradise in the many shops dedicated to ancient objects and furniture. This summer, the international antiques and second-hand fair takes place from August 15 to 18. An institution!

AND ALSO...

La Filaventure in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, the museum that tells the remarkable story of the Brun de Vian Tiran factory. A living, modern, interactive museum to discover the fascinating work of these woolen workers who have been making plaids, blankets, scarves, and fabrics from exceptional wools from around the world for eight generations. Practical info: Lafilaventure.com

THE OCHRES OF ROUSSILLON

A unique trail in the heart of the Luberon! In Roussillon (the village is also worth a visit for its multicolored facades), visitors walk among ancient open-air ochre quarries. A geological curiosity that offers an immersion in a true festival of colors among the ochre hills. Two routes are available: 30 minutes or one hour.

AND ALSO...

The Provençal Colorado of Rustrel. 20 km from Roussillon, discover another former ochre mining site. On the agenda: two walking trails among the ochre cliffs and old industrial remains of the quarry.

THE FORTRESS OF LES BAUX DE PROVENCE

The medieval fortress perched on a rocky spur at the edge of a cliff overlooks the territory with an unbeatable view of the Alpilles and beyond! Discover the keep, Saracen towers, troglodyte houses, chapels, dovecotes… A life-size history lesson to enjoy with the family!

AND ALSO...

The ancient sites of Vaison with its many visible Roman remains (theater, forum, baths, etc.); The castles of Vaucluse and Drôme Provençale like Grignan, Suze la Rousse, Valréas, with their imposing silhouettes.

GORDES, THE ABBEY OF SÉNANQUE, AND ITS LAVENDERS

At the end of the winding road, there stands THE iconic perched village of the Luberon. Listed among the most beautiful villages in France, Gordes is majestic, luminous, and imposing. A few kilometers away, don’t miss the Abbey of Sénanque, a still-active Cistercian monastery surrounded by lavender fields (in June-July). A must-see in Vaucluse!

AND ALSO...

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. The chasm of Fontaine, a somewhat mysterious water source, continues to fascinate visitors. Here, the Sorgue and its shades of green invite for a peaceful and refreshing walk.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES ON MONT VENTOUX

The Giant of Provence invites you to outdoor activities accessible to both young and old. Mont Ventoux (especially the Mont Serein area) offers a wide range of possibilities: cycling and mountain biking, hiking, tree climbing, paragliding, climbing, devalkart, zip-lining, pony rides... Info on: www.ventouxprovence.fr/activites-ventoux.html

AND ALSO...

The Baronnies massif (in the Drôme Provençale) is also full of summer activities to enjoy with the family. On the agenda: Via Ferrata, canyoning, climbing, paragliding, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, swimming...