Villa La Sorgue is a village house in Velleron set in a lovely garden with a natural stream flowing through, only 6km from L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and half an hour by car from the historic city of Avignon.
The nearest airports are Avignon (21km) whilst both Marseille and Nimes Airports are just over an hour away. Alternatively, take a fast-speed train from Lille Flandres or Paris Gare de Lyon to Gare d’Avignon TGV (Paris to Avignon takes 2 hours 40 minutes).
Velleron is known throughout Provence for its wonderful Farmer’s market where local producers sell their seasonal delights at the foot of the village. The market takes place from Monday to Saturday at 6.00 p.m. (April to September) or three evenings a week from 4.30 p.m. at other times of year (the market is always closed on Sundays and public holidays). It is such a great way to fill your fridge – depending on the season, the area is known for its strawberries, cherries, asparagus, melons, olives, herbs and so much more. It has been listed as one of the 100 most outstanding markets in France.
Meanwhile, the medieval centre of Velleron is also a short walk away – climb the historic lanes (and steps) of this authentic working village and come across a bar-restaurant, pizzeria, patisserie and bakery and a few other places to eat. There is also a small supermarket on the edge of the village and larger supermarkets near L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Tennis lovers note that there are two courts at Tennis Club Velleron around 800m away whilst keen cyclists can follow the new Via Venaissia route that passes through the village connecting guests to L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and even as far as Orange.
Indeed, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (7km) is another great highlight of the area, a picturesque town loved for its antique stores, pretty cafes, waterwheels and famous Sunday morning brocante/flea-market. It is such a charming town to wander around and truly soak up the Provençal ambience.
A little further are Lagnes (13km) and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (12km) for tree-top adventures, hiking trails and canoeing/kayaking along the Sorgue River. Continue on to the landscapes of the Luberon for lavender fields, vineyards and iconic perched villages classified as some of the most beautiful in France including Gordes (26km), Ménerbes (26km) and Roussillon (35km).
In the other direction, cyclists will love the many routes across the Vaucluse countryside and foothills of Mont Ventoux – Bédoin (30km) is a mecca for cycling fans attempting the challenging mountain ascent. Meanwhile, be enchanted by characterful local villages such as Pernes-les-Fontaines (6km) and its many fountains and Saint-Didier (10km) with its café terraces and plane trees.
The Region
Stay in and around the region of Avignon to discover picturesque villages, historic towns, Côtes du Rhône vineyards and beautiful landscapes of summer sunflowers, olive groves and rural countryside. This is a fantastic base for exploring much of Provence and beyond.
With its historic, gastronomic and cultural riches, the small city of Avignon stands proudly by the banks of the Rhône, home to vibrant markets, restaurants, wine-bars and impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites.
One of the most visited monuments of France, Le Palais des Papes is in the heart of the old city, next to the 12th century cathedral and leafy Jardin des Doms where you can admire gorgeous views of the river and Provençal countryside beyond. Soak up the rich history of Le Pont d’Avignon on a guided tour before heading over the river to capture photogenic shots of the city from île de la Barthelasse, France’s largest river island. Avignon’s little tourist road train is a great way to explore the historic city with young children.
Stock up on seasonal fruit, vegetables and regional delights at the beautiful covered market at Les Halles d’Avignon or wait for the main Saturday morning Provençal market near the 14th century Basilique Saint-Pierre. Embrace the city’s food scene across its many cafes and restaurants from the tourist haunts of Place de l’Horloge to hidden gems found on the charming side streets and shady squares of the old quarter. Avignon is also known for its Côtes du Rhône wineries and bars waiting to be discovered.
In July the 3-week long Festival d’Avignon takes over the city, a world-renowned event with contemporary performing arts, films and exhibitions taking place across theatres, cinemas and outdoor venues.
Beyond the city centre, hire bikes to cycle along part of the via Rhôna route or enjoy the landscapes of île de la Barthelasse passing farmland, orchards and vistas across the river towards Avignon’s city centre. Meanwhile, antique lovers won’t want to miss the Saturday morning brocante in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, one of Provence’s most famous flea markets, or venture further afield to the wonderful Sunday morning brocante in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
Embrace the Provençal ambience across villages of the Vaucluse – one of our favourites is charming Pernes-les-Fontaines, loved for its many fountains and delightful market every Saturday morning and Wednesday evening in July and August. Velleron is famed for its early evening farmers’ market open throughout the year (six evenings a week from April to September) whilst Saint-Didier and Venasque are two other picture-perfect Provençal villages to discover.
Driving south instead, visit the art galleries and Wednesday morning market of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a bustling town on the edge of Les Alpilles where Vincent Van Gogh lived towards the end of his life. Enjoy lunch on a pavement terrace in the idyllic hilltop village of Eygalières (you may even spot a discreet A-list celebrity or two) or head south-west of Avignon to embrace the historic ambience of Tarascon and Beaucaire with their impressive castles overlooking the Rhône river.
