Villa Ocre

Located in the Vaucluse department of Provence, around 8km south of Carpentras, Villa Ocre enjoys a pretty setting just outside a picturesque village with restaurants and shops.

You can stroll down to the village in around 20-minutes (along the road - no pavement), a charming place with beautiful fountains, many of them French historical monuments. Try the sparkling wine produced from local grapes and buy some of the delicious seasonal produce grown in surrounding farmland such as asparagus, melons, almonds, cherries and more. There’s a great Provençal market once a week on a Saturday and also a Farmer’s market on Wednesday evenings from late Spring to autumn.

Nearby Carpentras is another interesting place to visit with its historic architecture and large bustling market on a Friday morning. Market lovers will also adore the gorgeous town of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue with its Sunday morning Farmer’s market and brocante as well as characterful antique shops.

Avignon (25km) is a fantastic day out whether you are wanting to visit the two UNESCO World Heritage sites, Saint Benezet Bridge and Pope’s Palace, dine in one of the many excellent restaurants or soak up the ambience at the city’s markets, especially at the weekend.

Wine-enthusiasts can follow a variety of vineyard trails around the local area, as far as the Rhône valley or south to the outstanding region of Luberon. Indeed, a visit to the Luberon is a must with its archetypal Provençal including Gordes (25km), much loved by Van Gogh and one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’.

Closer to home, canoeing or kayaking along the Sorgue River in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is a wonderful way to appreciate the natural scenery or head towards the foothills of Mont Ventoux with incredible hikes and cycling – Bédoin (22km) is a good place to start.

Some glorious days can also be spent in the mesmerising Les Alpilles with enchanting villages and towns such as Eygalières, Les Baux-de-Provence and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, another town famed with its Van Gogh connections, all within an hour by car.

Read more about Avignon

Stay in and around the region of Avignon to discover picturesque villages, historic towns, Côtes du Rhône vineyards and beautiful landscapes of summer sunflowers, olive groves and rural countryside. This is a fantastic base for exploring much of Provence and beyond.

With its historic, gastronomic and cultural riches, the small city of Avignon stands proudly by the banks of the Rhône, home to vibrant markets, restaurants, wine-bars and impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites.

One of the most visited monuments of France, Le Palais des Papes is in the heart of the old city, next to the 12th century cathedral and leafy Jardin des Doms where you can admire gorgeous views of the river and Provençal countryside beyond. Soak up the rich history of Le Pont d’Avignon on a guided tour before heading over the river to capture photogenic shots of the city from île de la Barthelasse, France’s largest river island. Avignon’s little tourist road train is a great way to explore the historic city with young children.

Stock up on seasonal fruit, vegetables and regional delights at the beautiful covered market at Les Halles d’Avignon or wait for the main Saturday morning Provençal market near the 14th century Basilique Saint-Pierre. Embrace the city’s food scene across its many cafes and restaurants from the tourist haunts of Place de l’Horloge to hidden gems found on the charming side streets and shady squares of the old quarter. Avignon is also known for its Côtes du Rhône wineries and bars waiting to be discovered.

In July the 3-week long Festival d’Avignon takes over the city, a world-renowned event with contemporary performing arts, films and exhibitions taking place across theatres, cinemas and outdoor venues.

Beyond the city centre, hire bikes to cycle along part of the via Rhôna route or enjoy the landscapes of île de la Barthelasse passing farmland, orchards and vistas across the river towards Avignon’s city centre. Meanwhile, antique lovers won’t want to miss the Saturday morning brocante in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, one of Provence’s most famous flea markets, or venture further afield to the wonderful Sunday morning brocante in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.

Embrace the Provençal ambience across villages of the Vaucluse – one of our favourites is charming Pernes-les-Fontaines, loved for its many fountains and delightful market every Saturday morning and Wednesday evening in July and August. Velleron is famed for its early evening farmers’ market open throughout the year (six evenings a week from April to September) whilst Saint-Didier and Venasque are two other picture-perfect Provençal villages to discover.

Driving south instead, visit the art galleries and Wednesday morning market of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a bustling town on the edge of Les Alpilles where Vincent Van Gogh lived towards the end of his life. Enjoy lunch on a pavement terrace in the idyllic hilltop village of Eygalières (you may even spot a discreet A-list celebrity or two) or head south-west of Avignon to embrace the historic ambience of Tarascon and Beaucaire with their impressive castles overlooking the Rhône river.