Experience magical summer nights in Provence

The shadow of the majestic Mont Ventoux falls over the Comtat Venaissin plain. In the distance, the early morning light reveals the Alps mountain chain, crowned by Mont Blanc. At dawn, the sumptuous views from the summit of Mont Ventoux awaits hikers who have climbed the peaks of this legendary mountain in Vaucluse. Join a guided climb from Sainte-Colombe taking around five hours. Starting in the forest and following stony tracks it’s a challenging but rewarding journey. Destination Ventoux-Provence

In the vineyards of Château La Coste at Puy-Sainte-Réparade in the heart of Aix countryside, you’ll discover artworks by some of the biggest names in architecture and contemporary art. Jean Nouvel, Tadao Ando, Louise Bourgeois... In summer months, armed with a torch, you can take part in a guided nocturnal visit. Or enjoy a concert - listening to contemporary music in the pavilion designed by architect Frank Gehry is magical. Château La Coste

As dusk falls, to the north of the wild island of Barthelasse, take a canoe or kayak ride and descend a branch of River Rhône to reach the city of the Popes. Along the riverbanks, ash and willow trees are home to herons and beavers. As darkness falls at the halfway point, you’ll see the Rocher des Doms, a rocky spur and home to a beautiful park in the city, the cathedral and the Palace of the Popes. With the twinkling lights of the city reflected around you, you’ll arrive under the legendary bridge, the Pont d’Avignon. Canoe in the Vaucluse

To celebrate the “year of gastronomy in Provence”, unique dining experiences created by local chefs allow you to dine in iconic architectural, industrial, cultural or natural heritage locations in the department. You’ll sample Provençal cuisine created by the best culinary talents of the region in unusual locations such as the shipyards of La Ciotat, the Carrières de Lumière des Baux-de-Provence and even on the digue in Marseille. The unusual dinners of Marseille Provence Gastronomie

In the ancient theatre, in the heart of the ancient Roman city of Arles enjoy the famous photography festival the Rencontres de la Photographie. On selected nights in July, a giant screen stretched across the ancient columns presents the images of a guest photographer, with the photographer or an expert’s commentary. There are concerts and artistic performances too. The Rencontres de la Photographie d'Arles

The night begins among the strange rocks of Mourres where guide Christophe Delahaye will lead you on a sensory 1h30 walk through Forcalquier’s beautiful countryside. Discover a secret site with comfy deckchairs where you’ll explore the mysteries of the stars as Christophe reveals the constellations in one of the clearest skies in Europe. Walks with Insolite Nature

Lucius Scipio, a rich wine merchant from the year 15AD will be your guide. At dusk, he accompanies you to the ancient Roman theatre and tells of his neighbourhood, of politics and the social scene in Orange, a religious centre in Roman times. Another way to discover the theatre at night is to go to the Chorégies which puts on opera performance every summer, it’s the oldest festival in Provence. Ancient Theatre of Orange

The mountain of Sainte-Victoire, loved by the artist Cézanne, defines the landscape of Aix. At dusk, when the scent of the garrigue (brushland) is strong, guide Stéphane Couette leads walkers on a 2h30 walk from the village of Tholonet. From the top of Sainte-Victoire admire the full moon and soak up the nocturnal atmosphere with its mysterious noises and heady fragrance. Night walk on Sainte-Victoire