Things to do
Viens is the perfect departure point to explore this abundant area of Provence: village hopping and day-trips to historic landmarks, bushwalking and swimming in freshwater lakes, not to mention enjoying the gastronomic delights of local produce markets, fromageries and vineyards.
In Nature
The Luberon Valley and its surrounding lakes, gorges and forests are a nature-lover’s paradise. A drive to the nearby Esparron de Verdon, hiring a boat with a picnic in tow makes for a spectacular day trip; hiking, bushwalking and cycling through protected national parkland is a treat all year round. Viens is also 2:30 hours from the Alps and nearby snowfields in winter for skiing and tobogan-ing.
Recommended day-trips or half-day trips include :
Viens is on the G6 walking trail - hikes from the village through surrounding parkland are well sign-posted and user-friendly.
Esparron de Verdon - stunning fresh-water lakes - pedal boats with slippery slides for the children.
The Gorges d’Oppedette and the Parc national régional du Verdon - hiking trails through spectacular gorges catering to all levels of proficiency.
The Colorado de Rustrel - natural ochre meets oak forest - one or three hour walks through vibrant red and green.
La Forêt des Cèdres (Cedar Forest) Seeds were imported from Morroco in the mid 19th Century and have resulted in this unusual but beautiful forest just outside of Bonnieux.
Cycling the route du Calavon - and many other cycling routes, not to mention the Tour de France.
The famous lavender and sunflower fields are summer highlights all around Viens. Check out St Christol and Sault. Head towards Montfuron for excellent views of the Alps.
Historic sights
Viens is located in a dense historic landscape from neolithic remains to Roman - abounds in châteaux, abbeys, aquaducts and bridges.
Some highlights include:
Abbaye de St Eustace
Saignon
Chateau de St Saturnin
Famous bridges and aqueducts - le Pont Julien and Pont du Gard, le pont d’Avignon
Historic villages Gordes, Roussillon, Lourmarin, Ménerbes , Bonnieux
An hour from historic Avignon and the famous Palais des Papes; Arles; Orange
Eating, shopping, cultural activities
The area boasts a number of Michelin star restaurants as well as cheaper eating options. Produce markets abound and take place within driving distance everyday of the week, so eating well can be done relatively cheaply. Surrounding vineyards ensure that these meals are complemented with Provence’s famous rosés, as well as a variety of other traditional and organic wines. In summer, festivals abound including the world renowned Avignon Festival and Viens itself holds a small biennial festival of art. During this time the village is decorated, and comes alive with local artists and sculptors exhibiting their work and holding participatory workshops, open air cinema and bands in the main square.
Some highlights include:
Le Marché d’Apt - Apt’s weekly market has been in existence since medieval times. This market takes over the entire town and has the finest local produce, including wines from the surrounding vineyards and provençal delicacies.
Antique markets and Brocantes are advertised weekly in neighbouring villages. At just 30 mins drive Isle-Sur-la-Sorgue is famous throughout France for its antique shops.
Festivals and the Arts : in summer it boast the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence and of course the Avignon Festival is one of the most prestigious arts festivals in the world. Beyond Avignon is Orange with its open-air amphitheatre and program of opera and classical theatre. Apt also has a local theatre called Vélo Theatre which holds performances of its own work but also presents artists from across Europe.
Vineyards and wine-tasting abound. Organic winery Les Davids is just a few kilometres from Viens and also makes and sells local produce, however wineries exist in almost every direction. A full day can be pleasantly spent discovering a variety of delicious and well-priced wines to enjoy throughout your stay.
Le Petit Jardin - Viens’ local restaurant, open in Summer, is a great option for an easy meal at a stone’s throw from the accomodation.
Other great restaurants in the area are Le Sanglier Paresseux; Chez Eric; Edouard Loubet; L’Auberge de Carluc, L’Arôme - too numerous to mention.