Crillon le Brave

Introducing Crillon-le-Brave

Picture Provence and Crillon-le-Brave fits the frame nicely. This little slice of southeast France is made for simple pleasures: fine wine, good food, and gazing out over pretty hilltop hamlets. Scratch at the terracotta-tiled surface, though, and you’ll also find excellent cycling and hiking, historic towns and villages and a lively cultural scene. 

Things to do

WINE
Crillon-le-Brave is a gateway to discovering some of France’s most celebrated wines, including Beaumes-de-Venise, Gigondas and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Embark on a leisurely tour of local vineyards with a long lunch to follow – or cheese tasting for added flavour. Some wineries even offer you the chance to make your own vintage as part of their workshops. 

CULTURE
Crillon-le-Brave is steeped in history and culture. Beyond its 17th-century hamlet, you can see Avignon’s magnificent Gothic papal palace or the Roman wonders in nearby Orange. If you visit during the summer, try to catch one of the many opera, music, dance and drama festivals that take place. For something a little less highbrow (but just as essential), dip into the sights, sounds and aromas of a Provençal market, basket in hand. 

SPORTS
France is famous for its cycling, and this region is a biker’s paradise. Even if you don’t fancy tackling the daunting slopes of Provence’s giant Mont Ventoux, there are enough roads, tracks and trails to keep your legs happy for days. Those who favour promenading over peddling also have plenty to explore, including Luberon and the magnificent Gorges du Verdon.

If you visit between November and March, don’t miss the famous truffle market in nearby Carpentras.