Things To Do
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
This is one of our favourite spots and is close to the Château. This village is also called the Provencal Venice and has many antique shops along the river. There is a shop there called Les Délices du Lubéron, which is a Provencal store offering all the best local specialties, olive oil, provencal spreads and souvenirs (https://www.delices-du-luberon.fr). Definitely worth the stop to bring some local souvenirs back home. There are plenty of restaurants by the river, where it’s really nice to have lunch outside on sunny days, such as Balade des Saveurs (https://balade-des-saveurs.com).
Gordes
By far, one of the most beautiful villages in Provence and a must-see. If you have to choose one, it should be this one. Located at 45 min from the wedding venue, it's definitely worth the trip. For a nice lunch or a drink, we recommend a stop at The Airelles (L'Orangerie restaurant): https://airelles.com/fr/destination/gordes-hotel
Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque
Located in front of famous lavender fields, this is a nice visit on the way to Gordes village. Lavender starts blooming early June.
Avignon & Palais des Papes
- Palais des Papes: plan 2 to 3 hours to do it entirely with audioguide - The famous « Pont d’Avignon » - Walk into the old city, delimited by the battlements - Restaurant: If you’re in the mood for cheese, we highly recommend La Vache à Carreaux, which is a cosy place specialized in cheese (http://www.vache-carreaux.fr)
Carpentras Village
Local, bigger town, close to the hotels. Great to grab a quick bite, or early lunch Saturday before the wedding. There are several easy restaurants in the old town, such as - La Petite Fontaine (http://lapetitefontaine84.fr) located on 13-17 Place du Colonel Mouret - Chez Serge (http://www.chez-serge.com/index.php) located Rue Cottier in Carpentras - Crêperie L’Hermine (https://creperie-l-hermine-carpentras.eatbu.com/) 10 place Maurice Charretier (Place de la mairie)
Les Baux-de-Provence
About 1 hour, next to St Rémy de Provence (you have to cross the Alpilles to get there). Definitely worth the day trip! - Cute village perched on a rock, dominated by its castle. - The castle http://www.chateau-baux-provence.com/en/home - The Carrières de Lumière museum (http://carrieres-lumieres.com/en/home) We'd stop in St Rémy de Provence on the way for a stroll, lunch or dinner!
Mont Ventoux
A very original and very famous mountain in Provence, where the top is a complete desert! Great for sight seeing and outdoor activity.
Beaumes-de-Venise & Wine tasting
Village that offers wine tasting of the Côte du Rhône wines. We'd also recommend trying Gigondas and Vacqueyras! They are also lovely small provencal villages.