Sehenswürdigkeiten Pont Royal

Provence is home to more than just cicadas, there are also giraffes, dromedaries and even an elephant. Head to the Barben Zoo to discover these magnificent animals. A day of discoveries awaits in a natural, wooded setting.

Information panels guide you on your visit, ensuring you learn fascinating facts about these animals. The zoo staff also offer shows and opportunities to meet the animals.

Perched above the scrubland and vineyards of the Luberon, the village of Menerbes is ranked among the most beautiful villages in France. There are some lovely walks through the narrow streets and visitors can discover the rich heritage of Ménerbes on their rambles, taking in the château, the old houses or the town hall's belfry dating from the seventeenth century.

Artists have also been drawn here, attracted by the charm of the natural setting and the particular quality of the Luberon light. The great Pable Picasso himself had a house here and is remembered by the village.

In the heart of Provence, the village of Lourmarin, located 35km from Aix-en-Provence, is officially one of the " most beautiful villages in France". At the foot of the Luberon mountains, the village of Lourmarin lies beside the deep crevice of the Aiguebrun river.

Vines and olive trees flourish here, and the pride of the village of Lourmarin is its Castellas, built in the 15th century by the Argoult family.

Among the famous names who have lived here, Albert Camus bought a house in Lourmarin in 1958. The author of The Stranger was laid to rest in the cemetery in 1960.

On the heights of the Vaucluse plateau, overlooking the Le Cavaillon Plain, the village of Gordes has flourished, becoming one of the must-see places on any Provence holiday. The village is a proud member of the club of the "most beautiful villages in France".

Between Ventoux and Lubéron, the village of Gordes, built around the Château de Gordes, is a veritable labyrinth of dry stones, thanks to its strategic position close to the border.

This setting is busting with charm and character, and has been a favourite with many an artist, including Marc Chagall, Victor Vasarely and Pol Mara. The château de Gordes pays homage to these artists in its museum.

Roussillon is not just another Provencal village with its own olive oil and the song of cicadas. The village stands out in particular for its amazing ochre colour.

Legend has it that the Lady Sermonde, Guillaume de Cabestan's lover, threw herself into the void to escape the wrath of her jealous husband. Her blood stained the Roussillon lands forevermore.

Upon arriving at the site, you'll discover the flaming ochre cliffs and enter one the most beautiful villages in France. The houses are all covered in this pigment, conveying a warm and welcoming atmosphere on the village.

Take the Sentier des Ocres (the Ochre Trail) that leads to the Giant's Causeway and witness a stunning array of colours in an enchanting landscape.