Olives, aromatic herbs, candied fruits, melons, pastis . . . Provence unveils its treasures on its famous colourful markets. An experience you should not miss, which pleases your eyes and your palate.
At Villa Baulieu, you will taste the agricultural produce of the estate: wine, olive oil, honey, almonds . . .
In Aix en Provence you will discover the calisson, a confectionery product elaborated with the best produce of the region: almonds, melon and candied orange peel. An ancestral recipe which has lasted for centuries and whose fame crosses at present the oceans.
Villa Baulieu proposes a guided tour of the production facilities and the calisson museum of the famous Confiserie du Roy René. A gourmet and innovative itinerary to discover this ancestral knowhow!
The villages of Provence, with their picturesque charm, are the pride of the region and constitute gems of French heritage. Bonnieux, Gordes, Lourmarin, Roussillon, Les Baux de Provence… come and discover the most beautiful villages of France.
Crédit photos : © Alain Hocquel
Aix en Provence, an elegant city with narrow streets steeped in history and shady terraces, invites you to stroll and enjoy life. The joyful and animated city is paced by its festivals, celebrations and markets. In the shadow of Cézanne, you can discover this city which inspired the artist so much and marked his works with its colours and reliefs.
Crédit photos : © Sophie Spiteri
In July the tranquil little town of Avignon is metamorphosed and becomes the largest theatre stage in the world. With the In festival, the theatre occupies the courtyard of the Popes’ Palace as well as 30 other prestigious locations of this city listed as world heritage by UNESCO. In parallel, the Off festival proposes hundreds of other locations and more than 1,500 performances. Classical plays, comic theatre, dramas, musical comedies, dance, one man shows… there is something for every taste!
The Aix en Provence Festival of Lyric Arts is a must for opera lovers. Created in 1948, it now enjoys an uncontested international renown. A top-level programme which brings together all the famous names of lyrical arts. Be part of it, every year during the month of July.
The Choregies d’Orange proposes every year during July and August performances of two popular operas in front of an audience of almost 9,000 people in the Antique Theatre of Orange, a theatre dating back to the 1st century.
During the two Easter weeks, Aix en Provence pulses to the rhythm of symphony orchestras. With around 20 concerts, almost 900 international artists and 25,000 spectators, the Aix en Provence Easter Festival has become an international benchmark.
Every summer, the village of Roque d’Anthéron becomes the worldwide capital of piano for four weeks. A rich and eclectic programme brings together the most famous virtuosos in the park of Château de Florans and the cloister of the Abbey of Silvacane.
Villa Baulieu opens the door of the Vasarely Foundation for you within the privileged framework of a private guided tour, whether you love contemporary art or simply keen to discover. Admire the work of artist Victor Vasarely, the creator of a new contemporary art trend: optical art.
Numerous sports activities are available close to Villa Baulieu, golf, horseback riding, canoe, Nordic walking… Practising, perfecting or initiation – it’s your choice.
Crédit photos : © Colombe Production
The gardens of Marqueyssac are a gem of the Périgord. Planted during the 19th century on a rocky promontory, they offer an exceptional vista of the Dordogne valley. The 150,000 box trees cut by hand draw an enchanting itinerary of 6 kilometres between the labyrinth and theatres of green, belvederes, rock gardens and cascades. On warm summer evenings the alleys of the garden are illuminated by 2,000 candles and are full of romanticism.
As a couple or family, you will succumb to the crazy charms of these suspended gardens!
Crédit photos : © Laugery Bordeaux
A visit to the château of Castelnaud is a moment out of time. At the heart of Black Périgord, built in a rock, it offers an exceptional panorama view of the Dordogne valley. This château of the 12th century has been magnificently restored and hosts today a medieval war museum.
An impressive, animated medieval theme experience which will convince the entire family!
Crédits photos : © Laugery Bordeaux
Canoeing is an indispensable sport and tourism activity to discover the beauties of Dordogne. Many rivers meander through the region and fascinating sceneries punctuated by cliffs but also a rich historical heritage. Itineraries are organised and adapted to all levels and in full safety to allow you to enjoy this experience with friends or family.
Irrigated by the river Vézère, marked by its medieval history, punctuated by historical buildings, the city of Montignac deploys a picturesque beauty. Be seduced by the charm of the former Saint Jean hospital, the little medieval Pégerie road, the beautiful convent of the Clarisses, the sumptuous Château Hautefort and, of course, the majestic Hotel de Bouihac…
Crédit photos : © OT Montignac
The Lascaux Cave is certainly the most beautiful decorated cave of the Paleolithic. Sometimes referred to as “Sistine Chapel of Prehistory”, it is listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site of the Vézère Valley. For reasons of preservation it may no longer be visited. A superb facsimile opened in 2016 at the International Centre for Cave Painting in Montignac to present an almost complete copy of the original site to the public.
Another site nearby testifies to human presence in the region during prehistory: the Regourdou. In this former cave whose ceiling collapsed, excavations have revealed remains of Neanderthal men and bears. The site is now prepared for visits and includes a bear park and a museum.
Crédit photos : © Dan Courtice
The Island of Ré is an important ornithological reserve. The national nature reserve of Lilleau des Niges sees tens of thousands of birds migrate every year and almost 320 species are listed. A living natural heritage which will be appreciated by both children and adults.
The Ferias are the traditional popular festivals which are organised in the cities of Gascony throughout the summer. Based on a Spanish tradition, they include races of Landes bulls or cows. During almost one week the streets are dominated by celebrations, during the day and during the night. The most famous Ferias of the region are those of Bayonne, Mont de Marsan and Dax. As legendary features of the region they have been part of the inventory of the intangible cultural heritage of France since 2010.
The beaches around Lake Léon offer the security and tranquillity of a fresh water. Many different activities are proposed. You can for instance enjoy stand-up paddling. Ideal beaches for families!
Close to the Maisons Marines, the sumptuous Golf de Moliets offers a magnificent 18-hole course with a stunning view of the ocean and a nine-hole course at the heart of the Landes forest.
Many cycle tracks cross the Landes coast and its wild sceneries. Rent bikes at the Maisons Marines, take your picnic and pamper yourself with a happy family excursion.
The Maisons Marines are located on the verge of the nature reserve of the Courant d’Huchet. Sliding over a distance of 9 km between the Lake of Léon and the ocean, this watercourse represents an exceptional natural heritage because of the richness of its fauna and flora. In this luxurious vegetation you will appreciate the serenity and beauty of what is called the “Little Amazon of the Landes” in the best possible way by bark.
Surf is the legendary sport of the Landes coast. Its waves are acknowledged by the great international champions but also ideal for beginners to learn. If you want to be initiated to these sports, the Maisons Marines will organise for you surfing or kite surfing classes.
With its 106 km of coastline, the Landes offer their visitors fine sand beaches which are endless. Wild and often deserted, they constitute an integral part of the scenery and culture of the Landes. They represent multiple sources of activities: farniente and beach sports, sand yachting races and horseback riding…
Crédit photos : © Corentin MOSSIERE
