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Scroll down to view our selection of holiday homes with pools in Provence.
Varied walking all in beautiful countryside, iconic routes and quiet byways to cycle and outdoor adventure for adrenaline junkies, there’s so much to see and do if you are staying at one of our holiday homes with pools in Provence.
Here’s our guide to just some of the great outdoor activities on offer in Provence.
Walking
This is a wonderful walking region, impossible to cover in a single visit; the best approach is to select a specific location for exploration and there are so many to choose from. Here is our recommended selection: the Luberon with its charming hill-top villages, the Alpilles (Van Gogh country), Mont Ventoux (the mountain itself and surrounding natural features including the Nesque Gorges and Dentelles de Montmirail), the Verdon Gorge and its environs, the lavender fields of the high Vaucluse plateau and the wild Massif des Maures. Several long-distance footpaths (Grandes Randonnees) pass through the region taking in the most spectacular sights, seven of them passing through the Luberon alone. It is essential to venture out well prepared in the hot, arid climate and rugged landscape of Provence, avoiding walking in the heat of midday. However, there are trails to suit all abilities with local guides for each area available from Tourist Information offices.
Cycling
As for walking, this region is a paradise for cyclists and all of the areas mentioned above are equally attractive to them. The Vaucluse departement is particularly well-organised when it comes to providing information on local cycle trails. From the challenging conquest of Mont Ventoux to a leisurely pedal through the Cote du Rhone vineyards, it boasts more than 1,500 kilometres of sign-posted routes with something to suit everyone. Bike hire is readily available however the hot, arid climate and steep terrain make preparation essential before any outing.
Adventure
With its craggy landscape, Provence is the perfect location for rock climbing with sites throughout the Vaucluse including the Luberon mountains, Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail. There are indoor climbing walls at Avignon and Carpentras, where instruction for children and adults is available. At Cavaillon, a Via Ferrata allows access to the Saint Jacques cliff face which looms above the town (participants must be taller than 1.3 metres and need a reasonable head for heights). ‘Parapenting’ (paragliding) is a popular pastime in the region and it is possible to book tandem flights with experienced pilots; likewise hot-air ballooning, with centres at Saint- Saturnin-Les-Apt and Forcalquier. ‘Accrobranching’ (tree-top high wires) is available at several locations including Fontaine de Vaucluse, Mazan, Mormoiron, Vaison La Romaine, Rustrel, Lagnes and Viens. The outdoor centre at Mont Serein is a year-round resort offering outdoor activities ranging from cross-country skiing to zip-lining on the slopes of Mont Ventoux, while ASPA offers half and whole-day outdoor activities ranging from white-water rafting to climbing and caving at St Christol – located between Mont Ventoux and the Luberon. Caminaterra is another outdoor adventure specialist based in Vedene, near Avignon.
Water sports
Sainte Croix is France’s third largest lake, created in 1973 by the flooding of the Salles valley. Located at the lower end of the spectacular Verdon Gorge (where white-water rafting is possible), this artificial lake is a tourist attraction in itself offering opportunities for bathing, sailing, wind-surfing, and canoeing. Electric boats are also available for hire. The Sorgue and Durance rivers are popular for canoe/kayaking activities with guided trips and boat hire available. The Provencal coast (excluding the Cote d’Azur) offers opportunities for scuba diving, snorkelling, jet-ski, wind- and kite-surfing and sailing.
If this inspires you, why not browse our selection of holiday homes with pools in Provence, and see what catches your eye?
You can view our full selection of holiday homes with pools in Provence below.
Or, if you are looking for something special, take a look at our luxury villas in Provence.
If you’re looking for holiday homes with pools in Provence, why not take a look at our latest Travel Guide to the region.
For more information about holidaying in the south of France, visit the official Provence, Alpes, Cote d’Azur Tourism website.
