Visit the region
Provence, France
We recommend you take the time to explore the beautiful region of Provence while you're here. From charming hilltop villages and lavender fields to local markets, vineyards, and breathtaking views—there’s so much to discover beyond the wedding celebration. It’s the perfect opportunity to turn your trip into a truly unforgettable experience.
Carpentras
The region in and around Carpentras offers the perfect blend of Provençal charm, rich history, and stunning natural landscapes. Surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and perched villages, Carpentras is ideally located between the foothills of Mont Ventoux and the scenic plains of the Vaucluse.
Must Visit
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Synagogue of Carpentras: the oldest active synagogue in France.
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Saint-Siffrein Cathedral: southern Gothic architecture from the 15th century
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Bibliothèque Inguimbertine: Housed in the former Hôtel-Dieu hospital.
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Roman Arch (Arc Romain): Dating back to the 1st century AD
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Passage Boyer: A charming glass-covered passage lined with boutiques
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Hôtel-Dieu and Palais de Justice: an 18th-century Hôtel-Dieu hospital and the former Episcopal Palace
Must Do
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Wine Tasting: Visit local vineyards like Domaine de Marotte for a taste of Provence's renowned wines.
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Outdoor Adventures: Embark on hiking or cycling trips around Mont Ventoux and the Gorges de la Nesque, offering breathtaking views and trails.
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Market Visits: Experience the vibrant Friday morning market in Carpentras, where you can find local produce, crafts, and the famous berlingot candies.
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Art Galleries & Artisan Boutique: Discover local art at La Galerie d’Art de Carpentras. Explore small shops selling ceramics, textiles, and hand-crafted items.
Restaurants
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Chez Serge: Authentic Provençal cuisine.
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Camille Restaurant: Fresh, organic, and locally sourced dishes .
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Au Bord de l'Auzon: restaurant and tea garden, ideal for a relaxed meal.
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Auberge de la Camarette: Located on a wine estate, it offers exquisite dishes paired with local wines.
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Le Petit Café: breakfast, coffee, or a casual meal
Bars
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Le Safari Bar: A chic lounge offering a selection of cocktails, wines, and tapas, with themed evenings and a welcoming atmosphere.
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Le Grenache: A popular wine bar known for its extensive selection and cozy setting, perfect for wine enthusiasts.
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Drôle d'Oiseau: A charming bar offering a variety of drinks in a relaxed environment, often featuring live music.
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Bar des Palmiers: A local favorite for its laid-back vibe and selection of beverages, ideal for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Avignon
Once the seat of the papacy, Avignon is a walled medieval city on the Rhône River filled with history, culture, and old-world elegance. Its cobbled streets, grand architecture, and lively squares make it a must-stop when exploring the South of France.
Must Visit
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Palais des Papes
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest Gothic palaces in Europe. Explore grand halls, chapels, and panoramic views from the ramparts. -
Pont Saint-Bénézet (Pont d’Avignon)
The famous half-bridge immortalized in song—perfect for a short scenic stroll over the Rhône. -
Rocher des Doms
A peaceful hilltop park with views over the river and Pont d’Avignon. Great for picnics and golden hour photos. -
Avignon Cathedral (Notre-Dame des Doms)
Adjacent to the Palais des Papes, this Romanesque cathedral holds centuries of history. -
Rue des Teinturiers
A charming cobbled street along a canal with old waterwheels, boutiques, and cafés.
Must Do
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Explore the City Walls
Walk alongside the 4 km of medieval ramparts that encircle the old town. -
Visit Les Halles
A covered food market full of local cheeses, produce, tapenades, and wines. Great for a morning stop. -
Take a River Cruise
Enjoy a short boat tour on the Rhône with views of Avignon’s skyline from the water.
Restaurants
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La Mirande
Refined French gastronomy in a 14th-century mansion next to the Palais des Papes. Romantic and elegant. -
Le 46
Stylish and contemporary with fresh Provençal dishes and a lovely patio. -
Maison de Fogasses
Creative cuisine served in a dreamy historic building with lush courtyard dining. -
Restaurant Sevin (Michelin-starred)
Sophisticated, inventive plates in a stunning setting near the Palais. -
Bibendum
A modern French bistro with a relaxed vibe, seasonal ingredients, and creative plating. Loved by locals for its quality, friendly service, and excellent wine pairings. Perfect for a cozy dinner in the heart of Avignon. -
La Cuisine du Dimanche (Bibendum’s sister restaurant)
A charming little gem offering a fresh, market-driven menu that changes daily. Intimate, sincere, and full of flavor—it feels like being welcomed into someone’s home for a delicious Sunday lunch, any day of the week.
Bars
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Les Caves Saint Charles
A hidden wine bar in a 13th-century cellar, offering curated tastings of Rhône Valley wines. -
La Place Pie / Place de l’Horloge
For buzzing terraces and lively cafés, head to these main squares for a glass of rosé or a spritz. -
Le Carré du Palais
Elegant wine bar and restaurant housed in a former bank—great Rhône wine list and small plates. -
Le Bistrot des Arts
Laid-back and local with occasional live music and a wide drinks selection.
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Often called the “Venice of Provence,” L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a picture-perfect town built around a network of canals fed by the Sorgue River. Known for its charming waterwheels and antique markets, it’s a favorite for art lovers, foodies, and weekend explorers.
Must Visit
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The Waterwheels: Dotted throughout the town, these moss-covered 19th-century waterwheels are an iconic symbol of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
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The Antique District: Home to over 300 antique dealers, especially vibrant on weekends and during the international antique fairs held twice a year (spring and summer).
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Collégiale Notre-Dame-des-Anges: A baroque church with an ornate interior—peaceful, beautiful, and full of history.
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The Sorgue River Springs: Head a few kilometers out to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, the mysterious spring where the Sorgue river emerges from underground caves.
Must Do
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Sunday Market
One of the most famous markets in Provence—offering everything from local cheeses and lavender to antiques and handmade goods. -
Canoeing on the Sorgue River
Rent a canoe and float gently along crystal-clear water through shaded banks and quiet countryside. -
Art Galleries & Boutiques
Browse artisan shops and galleries that specialize in Provençal art, ceramics, and handmade linens. -
Antique Hunting
Explore “Le Village des Antiquaires” for rare finds, vintage treasures, and a unique shopping experience.
Restaurants
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Le Vivier ⭐: A refined Michelin-recommended restaurant along the riverbank offering elegant cuisine and a spectacular setting.
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Café Fleurs: Classic French dining with riverside seating—perfect for long lunches or romantic dinners.
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La Balade des Saveurs: A modern bistro known for its creative dishes and seasonal ingredients.
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L'Alambic: Cozy and atmospheric, ideal for local wines and authentic Provençal cuisine.
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Le Bistrot de l’Industrie: A stylish and lively bar for cocktails, apéro, and people-watching on the terrace.
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Le Café de France: The town’s classic meeting point in the main square—great for a morning espresso or late-evening rosé.
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Le Carré d’Herbes: Tucked away inside an old mill, this chic wine bar also serves tapas-style plates and has a beautiful shaded terrace.
Gordes
Perched dramatically on a rocky cliff in the Luberon, Gordes is one of the most iconic villages in Provence—often featured on postcards for its honey-colored stone buildings, cobbled streets, and panoramic views over olive groves and lavender fields. It’s officially listed among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France.
Must Visit
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Château de Gordes: A 10th-century fortress turned Renaissance château, now housing exhibitions and overlooking the central square.
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Village Views & Stone Houses: Simply wandering the winding alleys rewards you with breathtaking views and authentic Provençal charm at every turn.
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Abbaye de Sénanque: Just outside the village lies this stunning 12th-century abbey surrounded by lavender fields in summer—an unforgettable sight.
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Église Saint-Firmin: A peaceful church with beautiful architecture and stunning frescoes tucked right in the heart of the village.
Must Do
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Morning Market (Tuesday): A small but high-quality Provençal market with local cheeses, olive oil, linens, and lavender products.
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Visit the Village des Bories: Just 2 km outside Gordes, this open-air museum features dry-stone shepherd huts built without mortar—fascinating and photogenic.
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Golden Hour Stroll: At sunset, walk along the village edge or up from the viewpoint below the town to watch the light turn the village golden.
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Art Galleries & Boutiques: Browse charming galleries showcasing ceramics, fine art, and textiles—all local to the Luberon.
Restaurants
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La Bastide de Gordes – L’Orangerie 🌟
Elegant and refined Provençal dining with one of the best views in the region, part of the Airelles luxury hotel. -
La Trinquette
A local favorite tucked on a quiet street, with beautiful terrace views and a menu rooted in regional ingredients. -
Le Tigre
Chic and trendy with seasonal dishes and a sunny terrace—great for both lunch and sunset dinners. -
La Bastide de Pierres: Italian trattoria made famous by Emily in Paris. Chic, sunny, and delicious.
Bars
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Le Cercle Républicain: The village’s traditional café-bar in the central square - perfect for a pastis, coffee, or local rosé with a view.
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Bar at La Bastide de Gordes: An ultra-refined setting with panoramic views for a cocktail, apéritif, or glass of wine in luxury.
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Le Café des Amis: Relaxed, authentic, and tucked away—a great place to unwind like a local.
Vaucluse Region
Vaucluse captures the essence of Provence—rolling vineyards, hilltop villages, lavender fields, and golden light. From Mont Ventoux to charming towns like Gordes and Roussillon, it’s a place to slow down, sip local wines, and savor long lunches under plane trees.
Must Visit
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Mont Ventoux: The legendary “Giant of Provence,” perfect for hiking, cycling, or scenic drives with panoramic views across the region.
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The Ochre Cliffs of Roussillon: A surreal landscape of deep red and orange cliffs, with walking trails and views that feel almost otherworldly.
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Hilltop Villages: Explore some of France’s Plus Beaux Villages like Gordes, Ménerbes, and Lourmarin—each with cobbled streets, stone houses, and sweeping views.
Must Do
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Vineyard Hopping: Taste the rich reds and rosés of the Côtes du Ventoux and Luberon appellations at small family-run estates.
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Provencal Markets: From Carpentras to Apt, the weekly markets are full of local cheeses, olives, lavender, soaps, and linens.
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Lavender Season (June–July): Drive or cycle through the plateau near Sault or Valensole to experience endless purple fields in bloom.
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Canoeing on the Sorgue River: Paddle from Fontaine-de-Vaucluse to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue through crystal-clear waters and shaded riverbanks.
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Antique & Art Hunting: Discover unique finds in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue’s antique markets or browse galleries across the Luberon villages.
Restaurants
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Le Vivier (L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue) – Refined riverside dining with local produce and Michelin recognition.
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Auberge de la Camarette (Pernes-les-Fontaines) – Hidden gem on a wine estate, perfect for a leisurely lunch.
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L’Oustalet (Gigondas) – Nestled in a wine village, offering elegant plates and a stellar Rhône Valley wine list.
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Café de la Poste (Goult) – The heart of village life, with simple Provençal dishes and a buzzing terrace.
Bars
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Le Cercle Républicain: The village’s traditional café-bar in the central square - perfect for a pastis, coffee, or local rosé with a view.
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Le Café des Amis: Relaxed, authentic, and tucked away—a great place to unwind like a local.