Our Top Ten

Top ten things to do in and around Crillon le Brave.

1. wine-tasting and visits from Ventoux to Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Our sommelier Cedric Demeneix can arrange a vineyard visit to suit your tastes: from a simple “garagiste” winemaker down the road to the most prestigious châteaux in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

2. isle-sur-la-sorgue antique market (sat & sun only). For many years Isle-sur-la-Sorgue was best known as a little bit of Venice in Provence, with the canals of the Sorgue River winding through town. Now it is the antiques capital of Provence. Join the crowds and meander your way through the myriad of shops and market stalls that define Isle-sur-la-Sorgue on the weekend.

3. go exploring! Provence is all about picturesque villages with lively markets, talented artisans and hidden alleys to explore. Lubéron, Alpilles, Dentelles and Ventoux/Vaison are four wonderful areas to discover on a half-day or day’s outing.

4. opera and theatre are available in July and August. Passion and culture... music abounds abounds throughout the summer. For opera, try the Chorégies in Orange or the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence. The Festival d’Avignon in July is France’s most famous theatre festival.

5. mont ventoux by bicycle. This is not for everyone. But if you are in good shape and want a challenge, we can arrange for you to have a top quality bicycle that will make the ride just a bit easier. The fastest time is about 11⁄2 hours but anything less than 3 hours is a real accomplishment. Once completed, go to point 6 below.

6. an hour of pampering. Book your massage or other treatment now. If you have climbed Mont Ventoux, or walked to Bedoin, or even driven to Gordes and back, you will be in need of a little pampering. Call Reception to book.

7. village walk. Stretch your legs and clear your head during an hour-long walk to nearby Bedoin among vineyards and ochre-colour quarries. Once in the village, find a sidewalk seat in a café and enjoy the Relais Ventoux bar and enjoy a pastis or a kir. Before you leave Crillon, ask Reception to arrange a taxi ride back to the hotel.

8. a bit of “soft” adventure. Here are three local favourites: a) a peaceful kayak glide down the nearby Sorgue river; b) a jarring but exhilarating mountain-bike ride down Mont Ventoux; and c) wading and swimming down the bracing Toulerenc river in the height of summer.

9. drinks and views at the end of the day. In the early evening, find a spot on the terrace overlooking the valley with a glass of rosé and watch the sunset illuminate the contours of Mont Ventoux.

10. november in provence. It’s true... November is one of the best months of the year in Provence. After the busy summer season and the autumn harvest a beautiful calm descends on the countryside and the smell of wood fires in the vineyards wafts gently in the air. Add truffles, game and the excitement of a recent wine harvest and you have all of the ingredients for a perfect escape from modern life. See our Truffle & Wine Weekends for more details.