Things to do in Malaucène and the surrounding area

Start with the village on foot

The centre of Malaucène is around 800 metres from Villa Nova Ventoux. Walk into the village for coffee, browse the shops and find your favourite bakery for the rest of the stay. A pleasant morning does not always require a car or a full day away.

Explore the old streets, church and buildings, and the view around the calvary viewpoint. With children, choose a short circuit suited to their energy and the temperature. The Groseau spring is another local landmark. Ask the tourist office for current walking routes that match your preferred distance, terrain and available time.

Provençal markets through the week

Malaucène market takes place on Wednesday mornings on the Cours des Isnards, from 8:00 to 12:30 according to Vaucluse Tourisme. An early visit fits a relaxed day: buy lunch ingredients, return home and spend the afternoon in the garden or pool.

Other options include Bédoin on Monday, Vaison-la-Romaine on Tuesday and Carpentras on Friday. Pick one or two markets that suit your other outings, rather than trying to visit them all. Bring a shopping bag and return chilled products to the villa. Check current tourist-office information for local schedule changes.

Restaurants and meals at the villa

Malaucène has cafés and restaurants within walking distance, useful after a long cycling or sightseeing day. Check the menu and ask about reservations, particularly for a group of eight. Opening times and availability can change, so contact the restaurant directly.

For an outing towards Crestet, consider L’Épicurien on the Route de Malaucène, which describes itself as a bistrot-brasserie. Its own website lists menus and contact details. Alternatively, the villa’s kitchen, covered terrace and outdoor barbecue turn market shopping into a shared cooking evening without anyone needing to drive.

Walking and nature around Mont Ventoux

Begin with village and Groseau walks or consider routes around Mont Serein. Decide your walking time and comfortable elevation gain first, then ask for a current route description. In hot weather, set off early with suitable shoes and water. Short routes with a viewpoint or picnic stop can work well for children.

The Gorges du Toulourenc are often mentioned as a regional outing, but access may be restricted or prohibited, including during weather warnings. Check current local-authority notices before considering a visit and choose another activity if conditions or access rules make it unsuitable.

Mont Serein, nearby villages and a day further away

Mont Serein sits on the slopes of Mont Ventoux and offers summer activities including tubing and tree climbing. Check the operator’s current programme, availability and age requirements. A mountain visit can also simply mean a walk and a quiet break with a different view.

Vaison-la-Romaine and Bédoin are natural choices for a village stroll, market and lunch. Avignon is roughly 45 kilometres from the villa if you want a city day; journey time depends on your route and traffic. One village in the morning and a free afternoon can be more enjoyable than several hurried drives.

Outings with children

Parc Spirou Provence in Monteux offers themed attractions. Its official attraction pages explain minimum heights and accompanying-adult rules, helping you judge which rides fit your children. Wave Island, also in Monteux, is a water park with different types of attractions.

Ventoux Aventure near Mormoiron offers outdoor activities such as tree climbing. Check each provider’s opening calendar and participation conditions before planning. Alternate a big outing with a quieter day at the villa: a private pool, enclosed garden and an optional walk or ice cream in the village leave room for everyone to unwind.

GOOD TO KNOW

Frequently asked questions