La Villa de Felibrige

90km

Marseille 77km, Avignon 11km.
Train station (direct trains to Avignon in less than 20 minutes) 300m.

Restaurants and bars  in Chateauneuf de Gadagne (500m). Bakery, supermarket, greengrocer and pharmacy between 1km and 1.5km.

LOCAL MARKETS
Sunday: Châteaurenard (14km)
Monday: Saint Saturnin les Avignon (4km)
Tuesday: Vedène (7km)
Wednesday: Chateauneuf de Gadagne (1.4km) and Le Thor (4km)
Thursday: Caumont sur Durance (5km)
Friday: Avignon (10km)
Saturday: Le Thor (4km)

DAY TRIP IDEAS

L’Isle sur la Sorgue (12km)
L’Isle sur la Sorgue is a pretty market town, much loved for its antique shops and twice weekly markets. Once an important fishing town, with an abundance of crayfish in the River Sorgue, there are also several canals running through the centre. Perhaps, unsurprisingly, the town has been called the Venice of Provence. The river has influenced the development of the town, providing for thriving crafts and industries, flour mills, wool and silk workshops. Many of the waterwheels remain adding to the picturesque charm of the town. Each Sunday there is quite a carnival atmosphere with a flea market, regarded as of the best antique markets in France (Thursday in normal market day).

Avignon (14km)
Avignon, on the banks of the Rhone, is probably best-known these days for the children’s song – Sur le Pont d’Avignon. But for several decades in the 14th century, it was the capital of Christendom, after Pope Clement V moved his court here to avoid the chaos in Rome. The legacy of that papal schism can be seen today in the city’s UNESCO-protected architecture, including the vast Palais des Papes. And nearby Châteauneuf-du-Pape, site of a now-ruined castle built by a later pope, still produces acclaimed red wines. The city’s intact ramparts and pedestrianised centre lend Avignon a small-town, medieval feel. Yet each July, the city goes totally 21st century, as thousands of visitors descend for a contemporary performing arts extravaganza, the Festival d’Avignon.

Oppede le Vieux (24km)
Situated halfway up the northern slopes of the Luberon massif, the dramatic and haunting Oppède le Vieux is coming back to life after years of abandonment. This magnificent little hill-top village is built high on a rocky outcrop. To visit, leave your car in the carpark at the base of the village before following the picturesque path up the hill. You will be enchanted by this historic village and it is a pleasure to wander around this village and admire the charming 15th and 16th century houses that have been skilfully restored.

Gordes (27km)
The village of Gordes is one of the most photographed villages of Provence and a number of famous films such as A Year in Provence or more recently A Good Year directed by Ridley Scott have been set in the village. Just a mile from Gordes is the Village des Bories, an open-air museum made up of twenty or so traditional drystone huts that have been reconstructed in celebration of the skills and beauty of this architectural style which stretches back over many centuries.

Bonnieux (35km)
Bonnieux is one of the most impressive village of the Luberon region not only in size but also in amenities with a whole array of restaurants, cafes, a good market on Friday and even a bakery museum.

Pont du Gard (40km)
The Pont du Gard is a famous Roman aqueduct, UNESCO World Heritage Site and icon of the south of France. It supplied water to Nimes for over five centuries, however by the 9th century it had started to fall into ruin. Much of the aqueduct is still intact today and it is a remarkable site. Nearly 300 metres long and almost 50 metres high it comprises three levels of arches, progressively narrower at each level. Visitors can walk across the aqueduct to appreciate both the architectural achievement and the great views from the top. There is also a mile-long marked trail around the site so you can see the river and bridge from all angles.

Lourmarin (48km)
Much like Oppede le Vieux, Lourmarin is often referred to as the jewel of the region and one of the most beautiful villages in France. A must see and a real delight in the summer with cafes, restaurants, shops and castle.

Luberon Regional Park
This is a region of stunning natural beauty with superb, varied scenery and outstanding views. To the north you will find the wild mountain scenery of the Vaucluse hills and famous Mont Ventoux, To the south the amazing oak and pine covered slopes of the Luberon mountains. The Luberon valley is dotted with vineyards, cherry orchards and lavender fields enhanced by stunning hill-top villages. This region is also renowned for its quality restaurants and locally produced fruit, cheeses, honey and many other irresistible delights. You will also find many very good local vineyards producing excellent Cotes du Luberon and Cotes de Ventoux with tastings available at all the small Domains as well as the two big ‘Cave Cooperatives’. Colourful Provencal fabrics and beautiful table linen are also available in the charming local markets along with a large variety of pottery. Several villages have art galleries where you can view and buy from local artists.

Colorado Provencal (54km)
A unique and colourful desert scenery with yellow and red rock formations in former ochre-mining quarries. This unusual area is perfect for walking with several kilometres of footpaths. The Ochre trail located in Rustrel which is a tiny village dominated by a 17th Century Chateau is worth doing.

NEARBY ACTIVITIES

Tennis: 2.5km.
Golf: Golf de Morières les Avignon (7km), Vedène (10km).
Horse-riding: 2km.
Theme Park: Parc Spirou Provence with roller coaster and various rides (17km).