The Durance valley, the Cote d'Azur and the Regional Natural Park of Luberon conceal fantastic landscapes and cities teeming with curiosities to discover. From exhibitions in the heart of Aix-en-Provence to the Chorégies d'Orange, opera festivals to cultural encounters, the region and its secrets are just some of the activities Château de Fonscolombe offers its guests.
Set off at dawn with our enthusiastic guide for a 2.5 hour hike in Le Tholonet to admire the landscapes that inspired the illustrious Paul Cézanne. Marvel at the region's spectacular vistas and take home a piece of Provence. An unforgettable experience.
In Aix-en-Provence, walk in the footsteps of Paul Cézanne, from his light-filled studio on the Lauves hills to the ochre-colored Bibémus Quarries, via the family country house of Jas de Bouffan. These places, witnesses to his genius, invite you to see Provence through his eyes: a perfect balance between nature and creativity.
Head for the cobbled streets and enchanting panoramas of the Provençal hills! From the thousand-year-old castle of Ansouis to the effervescence of Lourmarin, via the artistic landscapes of Ménerbes or the harmony of Gordes, each village is a living postcard. Here, Provence can be savored with the family, through the eyes of a child or an artist, to nourish the heart, body and mind.
15 km from the Château de Fonscolombe
At Rose et Marius, the perfume creation workshop invites you to a unique moment of creativity and reconnection with your senses. Young and old alike can give free rein to their imagination by creating their own eau de parfum, candle or home fragrance. In the heart of Aix-en-Provence, in a refined setting, immerse yourself in the world of Haute Parfumerie and enjoy an unforgettable sensory experience.
Depending on the workshop, children between 10 and 12 years old are invited to participate.
As you explore the Luberon, let yourself be enchanted by hilltop villages and breathtaking views. Pass through picturesque Lourmarin before venturing into La Combe, a gorge carved out by the river Aigue Brun. Climb up to Bonnieux for a breathtaking panoramic view, then cool off in the majestic Forêt des Cèdres. Here and there, stroll through the lavender fields along the roads that criss-cross Lacoste, Bonnieux or the Claparèdes plateau. Breathtakingly beautiful.
In the Calanques, each cove has its own story, each path leads to a treasure. Between the white cliffs and the turquoise waters, the hardest part is choosing: climbing, swimming or lazing around? You're sure to fall in love with En-Vau, a cove so beautiful that it deserves its star in the guide of wonders.
Less than 10 km from the Château de Fonscolombe
Witness the perfect union of art and nature at Château La Coste. Nestled in the heart of the Provençal vineyards, the Art & Architecture Walk takes young and old alike through 40 contemporary works spread over 4 km of undulating paths. From sculpture to installation, each creation dialogues with the surrounding landscape for a unique artistic immersion. A meditative stroll, to be enjoyed from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., just a few minutes from Aix-en-Provence.
Possibility of renting a buggy for the visit.
Under the plane trees of Place Richelme or on the stalls of Cours Mirabeau, the markets of Aix are bursting with Provençal flavors. Fruit, cheese, crafts or flowers, each stall represents a part of the region. Visit on a Saturday for an explosion of colors and scents at the heart of local tradition. Your taste buds will be amazed.
Under the Luberon sun, push open the door of Moulin Bastide du Laval and let the intoxicating scents of the olive groves lure you in. Here, between ancestral traditions and gourmet tastings, learn to unearth the subtle aromas that make olive oil sing. A sensory escapade where every drop celebrates Provence and its art of living.
At the foot of the Luberon, the garden of Château Val Joanis looks like something out of a masterpiece. Between aromatic vegetable gardens, bright roses and shady paths, this oasis, classified as a “Remarkable Garden”, is a hymn to nature. Let yourself be seduced by a bucolic stroll, punctuated by a tasting of the estate's wines. A refreshing break where time stands still.
At Château Paradis, just a few minutes from our hotel, discover the art of winemaking.
After a tour of the cellars and a tasting of the grape varieties, blend your own wine according to your desires and personalize it with your own label. Ready, set, sip!
In the Old Port, all of Marseille awakens: fishermen unpack their treasures, terraces are filled with laughter, and boats dance to the rhythm of the waves. Here, you can taste the bouillabaisse, soak up the salty scents, and let yourself be carried away by the energy of the Phocaean city. Further afield, explore the church of Saint-Victor, the Palais des Congrès, and even the famous basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, which watches over the port from above.
In summer, take part in one of our lavender workshops in Cucuron, just 20 minutes from Château de Fonscolombe. Pick lavender sprigs and create scented diffuser reeds. A sensory experience in the heart of purple fields.
High up on the hill of the Phocaean city, Our Lady (known locally as "Bonne Mère", or Good Mother) keeps watch. Between its interior sparkling with mosaics and the 360° view of Marseille, you won't know where to look first. Overlooking Marseille, the basilica is a neo-Byzantine jewel and an unmissable symbol. Treat yourself to a moment of contemplation in front of the grandiose panorama of the Mediterranean.
Welcome to the largest canyon in Europe, where nature expresses itself with grandeur. The Gorges du Verdon will take your breath away with their dizzying 700-meter cliffs and dazzling green river. Here, young and old alike can venture out in a kayak, hike or swim for an unforgettable day in the heart of wild Provence.
From clay to sculpture, learn to shape your own santons or Provençal decorations during a creative workshop in Aubagne. Under Anthony's expert eye, let your imagination run wild in a friendly, inspiring atmosphere! True Provençal authenticity.
50 km from Fonscolombes
Want to play at being a Wild West adventurer without leaving Provence? Head for the Provençal Colorado, located 1 hour from the Château de Fonscolombe, where the old ochre quarries have given way to breathtaking landscapes! Between multicolored cliffs, canyons and caves, you can weave your way through a movie set, from yellow to red, via orange and mauve. Whether you choose the short Sahara circuit or the Belvédères circuit, each step immerses you in a living tableau worthy of an epic of the West... but in Provence!
X km from Fonscolombes
In the heart of the Baronnies Provençales Regional Natural Park, the Gorges de la Méouge extend over ten kilometers and are classified as a “Natura 2000” biological reserve. The turquoise river cascades between steep cliffs, adorned with a variety of vegetation, ranging from alpine plants to Mediterranean, Iberian and North African species. This haven of biodiversity offers crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and picturesque walking trails, revealing an unmissable natural jewel.
X kms from Fonscolombes
Lac de Sainte-Croix, with its captivating emerald waters and clay bed, covers 22 km², making it the 3rd largest lake in France and the largest in the Verdon region.
Immerse yourself in this haven of peace, where relaxation, refreshing bathing and water sports combine to make for an enchanting getaway.
X kms from Fonscolombes
The walk that awaits you in the Forêt des Cèdres will allow you to dream while your wander. At an altitude of 700 metres, this forest of centuries-old trees, planted in 1861, offers 10 km of winding paths and magic. Marvel at the play of light as the Provençal sun streams through the branches. A grandiose haven of freshness and rejuvenation.
Hidden in a peaceful valley, the Romanesque architecture of Sénanque Abbey, with its air of serenity, has been standing for almost 900 years. Founded in the 12th century, it offers a unique insight into Romanesque art and monastic life, revealing the timeless beauty of Provence.
In Manosque, the Thomassine celebrates the biodiversity and history of the fruits of Provence. Stroll among apple, olive and fig trees, discover the secrets of ancient varieties and taste the flavours of the region. An immersion that combines nature, know-how and sustainability to please the whole family!
Nestled in the village of Le Val, the Grand Baou waterfall is a gem for nature lovers and hikers. After a gentle walk, take in the splendid view of the Var countryside, dip your feet in the crystal-clear water and let your thoughts drift to the rhythm of the murmuring waterfall. An ideal spot for simple and magical moments, with the family or on your own.
Suspended between heaven and earth, here you are on the Cavaillon via ferrata, clinging to the Saint-Jacques hill. Between climbing and hiking, let yourself be intoxicated by the panoramic views of the Luberon and the Monts de Vaucluse. An accessible and memorable adventure for all levels.
Less than 30 km from the Château de Fonscolombe
In the heart of the thousand-year-old Château de La Barben, Rocher Mistral invites you to a day of festivities with the family. Between acrobatics, comedy, dance and sword fighting, relive the history of Provence through more than a dozen live shows and immersive activities. Young and old alike will be amazed by this epic adventure. By day or by night, immerse yourself in an enchanting world where history comes to life!
If you have a sweet tooth, get ready for a delicious trip to the heart of Luberon. At the Musée du Fruit Confit in Apt, discover the secrets of this Provençal candy through a fun and colorful tour. Between tastings and historical anecdotes, let yourself be seduced by the calissons, nougats and local candied fruits, before enjoying a fruity break in the tea room. An unmissable trip to awaken your taste buds with the family!
Experience an unforgettable artistic immersion.
60 km from Fonscolombe.
At the Carrières des Lumières, the white stone walls of Les Baux-de-Provence are transformed into a giant canvas on which to project the masterpieces of the greatest artists. Van Gogh, Klimt, Picasso and Monet illuminate these immense organic walls covering a surface area of over 7000 m², as you stroll amidst the colors and sounds. A stunning immersive spectacle where, for the first time, you become part of the painting. Breathtaking!
Notice to the curious and dreamers! The Extraordinary Museum of Ansouis opens its medieval vaults to you for a journey out of time. Between multicolored fish, Luberon fossils and poetic works, each step leads you to discover a new treasure. And the blue grotto? A magical dive into the heart of a coral reef... without a mask or snorkel, but with stars in your eyes. Wonder guaranteed for young and old explorers alike!
In the hills and vineyards of the Château La Coste estate in Puy-Sainte-Réparade, art plays hide-and-seek with nature. Over 40 contemporary works of art punctuate this 2 to 3-hour walk, perfect for combining culture and the great outdoors. Bring good shoes, a bottle of water... and enjoy the sunset to enhance the whole experience.
Perched on the slopes of the Monts de Vaucluse, the Village des Bories immerses you in 18th and 19th century Provençal history. With its typical “huts”, sheepfolds, bread ovens and cobbled streets, it bears witness to an ancestral know-how in dry stone, handed down for nearly 3000 years. Classified as a historical monument, this fascinating place is a real open-air museum, offering an authentic glimpse of the region's heritage. A must-see.
Discover the black truffle on the Las Pastras estate in the Luberon. Learn the art of truffle-growing, discover how to hunt Tuberaceaes with dogs, and finish with a tasting of truffle dishes, champagne and olive oil. It's divine.
A mat, a purple ocean, fragrant air: welcome to Cucuron, where Maryam guides you through a unique yoga session in the heart of lavender fields. Let yourself be carried away by this suspended moment, where body, mind and nature are in unison. Breathe, vibrate and shine.
