Sports and leisure activities Provence-Alpes-Côte D'Azur

The Académie des Arts d'Avignon is an arts training school located in the city of the Popes. Behind its ancestral 290 m² premises, it has been offering courses as an alternative to applied arts and fine arts schools since 1987. You'll learn the basics of drawing, painting and sculpture in a personalized setting. You'll develop your technical skills, creativity and independence. The Académie facilitates the transition between know-how and personal artistic expression. It is one of the few national schools to offer long-term training in stone sculpture.

A Mecca for motor sports, the Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet pays tribute to its founder by offering an unforgettable driving experience. On its legendary tracks, it hosts international competitions and organizes driving courses at the wheel of real racing cars. Come and experience the thrill of driving on a karting circuit or at the Xtrem Park. You can take part in free-lap sessions, grand prix, endurance races or incentives. If you're a fan of extreme sensations, you'll be delighted with our simulators, quads and free jump.

The space features three concepts: a pottery/ceramics workshop, an exhibition space for local artists and visual artists, and a boutique offering organic teas and ceramics created in the workshop. Settle into this design universe with its warm, serene ambience, and spend a pleasant moment over a glass of delicate, fruity tea. In the boutique, the creations are original, perfect for an unexpected, unique and authentic gift. A beautiful address with a simply perfect welcome.

In search of strong adventures? you have an appointment in this park of 5 ha where half-day courses are proposed, elaborated according to age groups, with various difficulties. You won't escape the zip line. Accessible routes and others for the more sporty. Children, from 6 years old, will have access to the first 4 accro-branche courses, to the giant zip line of 220 meters and can evolve up to 13 meters high. This park is a good plan for the whole family, all you have to do is dare. Reservation recommended.

Friends of the game, this is a place you probably know! Present since 1993 as a reference in board games in the Phocaean city, the game's crypt is a real Ali Baba's cave. The store's facade is somewhat faded and the windows dusty, but once you enter the shop, you'll discover thousands of unsuspected references, from the great board game classics to the lesser-known, as well as everything you need in the world of role-playing games. Let yourself be advised by the knowledgeable advice of the management team. Certainly the best address in Marseilles if you are looking for a very special game that you can't find elsewhere.

The hike from Cabrières d'Aigues to Mourre Nègre is a rather sporty excursion that takes you through a magnificent forest of Aleppo pines to the summit of Mourre Nègre. From the parking lot at Cabrières d'Aigues town hall, you'll follow a 16 km-long marked trail via the Chemin des Méritants, the Couleton and the Basse de Cabrières, before climbing the highest peak in the Luberon. In practical terms, this is a loop, which means you return to the starting point. Allow around 7 hours to complete this hike, taking into account breaks and individual pace. The reward at the top is well worth all the effort, as the breathtaking panoramic view over the southern Luberon, with its green hills, peaceful valleys and perched villages, is simply breathtaking!

For 25 years, the Écuries de la Côte Bleue teams have been passing on their passion and love for horses. The equestrian center offers a wide range of activities: forest and seaside rides, pony baptisms, discovery workshops (ages 4 to 6), courses for children and adults, and workshops for exploring nature on horseback. Lunch available on site. For horse owners lacking space or time, the center also offers a boarding service.

Eric Moreau, who comes from a farming family, has always loved farm animals. He has long since opened his farm to visitors. He has pack donkeys available for day or multi-day excursions, with or without accompaniment. Knowing the area like the back of his hand, he'll be happy to point out various interesting hiking trails for you to follow. On site, young and old alike will enjoy discovering and touching the animals on the educational farm: cows, horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, pigs, geese, turkeys, ducks, chickens, rabbits... All accustomed to their young visitors, their docility makes them a safe outing. Workshops, information sheets and games are available for children. You can spend a good part of the day at the farm, and even have a picnic (tables and chairs are provided free of charge).

The Spa at the Cantemerle hotel has been truly designed for your well-being. You will be able to take advantage of the numerous facilities in the heart of a splendid Provencal garden: heated indoor pool, hammam, chromatic shower, solarium, but also an outdoor whirlpool with a view of the Mediterranean Sea and a superb outdoor pool with deckchairs... The fitness room is there to satisfy the most athletic. A real moment of relaxation in the heart of nature.

Provence à Vélo offers you 27.5 kilometers of challenging cycling. But you'll be royally rewarded with views of the Dentelles de Montmirail and the giant Ventoux. Start by climbing to conquer the tiny hilltop villages of Suzette, Lafare and La Roque-Alric. You're then in the heart of this incredible mountain range sculpted by thousands of years of erosion, aptly named the Dentelles de Montmirail. The terraced vineyards trace the curves of the hillsides. Admire the work and then relax on the terraces of the immense Château du Barroux, which has towered over the valley for over 1000 years and can be seen from the other end of the département. Just enough time to treat yourself to some olive oil milled in the château's old mill, and you're off again. It will take you around two and a half hours to complete the loop and return to Malaucène, having overcome a total ascent of 715 metres. If you fancy a refreshing dip, push on to the Notre-Dame du Groseau spring and chapel. The water is always fresh.

Classified as "difficult", this hike takes 3.5 hours to complete, starting from the parking lot at the Groseau spring. Ten kilometers through valleys, combe Obscure and combe de Comentige, small passes, Austrian black pine forest and small meadows, sometimes going back in time. For example, with the imposing building you'll soon come across: a former plasterworks that operated from the ^18th century until the 1950s. On arrival, you'll pass the old Malaucène paper mill.

As far as religious history is concerned, there's the Piaud chapel, from which you'll return via the Way of the Cross, and on arrival you'll discover the Romanesque chapel of Notre-Dame du Groseau. At the spring of the same name, classified as a remarkable heritage site, you can refresh and rest, as pilgrims have done since ancient times.

Of all the canoe rental companies, these are the nicest and they offer the most attractive and longest routes. We have tested it for you! Count 2 hours to cover the 8 km while taking a break in the small square halfway. The children love the small dams, a guaranteed sensation, but in complete safety! The return journey is by bus and your personal belongings are well protected in a waterproof container. You can choose between 2, 3 or 4 person canoes (with 2 young children for the last one). We provide you with life jackets.

What a funny name! The owners, Muriel and Jean-Pierre, are also beekeepers. The donkeys live with pigs and farmyards. The hikes are done off the beaten track with or without accompaniment. At its rhythm, the donkey carries children and picnic, motivates the walk and you follow it while strolling, discovering the flora. Muriel will give you all the advice you need to learn how to drive this affectionate animal. A nice family walk with the Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail in the background.

The tourist office organizes several hikes:

lou Rastelet circuit, starting from the Place de la Coconnière: on foot or by mountain bike. Green markings

notre-Dame-des-Vignes circuit, starting from the Place de la Coconnière: on foot or mountain bike. Blue markings

saint-Pierre circuit, starting from the place de la Coconnière, mountain bike. Red markings.

Finally, there is a tour of the village which starts from the Place Humbert II and takes you back in time, as the site was already known in prehistoric times.

Two pools 50 m and 25 m in a good child atmosphere and from the end of June: outdoor slides, footbath and bungalow with sale of drinks, ice creams. The aquatic centre, with its indoor swimming pool and outdoor play area, allows the Bollénois to spend pleasant moments of relaxation in the sun, on the lawn. Their children can have fun on the slides and other water games at their disposal, all in a very holiday atmosphere, near the palm trees and other bamboos. This area is an undeniable tourist asset.

A wide choice of formulas for beginners and experienced players for this green just a few minutes from the city centre. Lessons and annual fees for adults and children or young people under 25 years old, group or individual lessons, hourly or daily rates... A single motto: "The few difficulties offered by the course will be perfectly overcome by all golfers who know how to show humility". "A very wise motto, by the way... A shop and a restaurant await you to comfort you.

A square of artists offers an inventive concept to make contemporary art accessible to all. In présentoirs, you can find original works of thirteen artists in square formats. Small (13 x 13), medium (19 x 19), large (25 x 25) and 36 X 36. Very large (50 X 50, 80 x 80 and 1 m x 1 m). Each month, an artist's paintings are transferred to another shop and another artist will replace him. Six hundred artists are thus referenced. About stores in France, ten abroad, the formula is successful. If the work is not suitable for your interior, it is even possible to exchange it. Most: a service service for guests. This gallery of a new style really deserves a little detour during your next shopping trip.

Why this name for a pond that is no longer salty? It is because it was drained in the 19th century. But imagine that it was in the Middle Ages and that it was exploited. Today, it is mainly a reserve for birds. There are no less than 150 different species. It is a small walk to discover the biodiversity of the Vaucluse, particularly rich. The surroundings are therefore arranged so that visitors can enjoy the place while respecting the natural species that inhabit it. Visits are organized by the tourist office.

An original approach by César Magault, a state-certified sports educator, to help you discover the fauna and flora as you descend the Durance. He accompanies each group for an adventure along the water, another way of discovering the landscape and villages crossed, the fauna and flora. You will embark in canoes for 2 or 3 people. Kayaks are available for more experienced people. 2 courses, 8 km between Lauris and Cadenet for which it takes about 1h15 of navigation and 18 km from Lauris to Puy-Ste-Réparade for 3 hours of navigation.

How about getting off the beaten track and organizing a break with friends on an original boat? That's the innovative idea of this floating and sailing platform imagined by Tony and Yohan, two bon vivants, adepts of the sea bed, sailing and good local products. The boat is based in the port of Beaulieu. It is privatized for each outing and welcomes a maximum of 6 people. The principle is to propose a stroll on the coast, combined with a friendly aperitif (wines, champagnes, cocktails). A swimming break is of course included!

This is the main beach of the town of Marignane. A pleasant 600-metre long beach offering lawns and sand. A supervised swimming area awaits you, as well as numerous facilities such as football and beach volleyball courts. The wind often blows here, making it an ideal playground for kitesurfers, windsurfers and water sports enthusiasts in the broadest sense. It is likely that the place will become a training ground for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The part delivered to the gliding enthusiasts is forbidden to swimming. Fitness area with a dozen devices free of access for the most sporty. A beautiful place to relax.

High above the Toulourenc valley, the world-renowned Falaise de la Baleine attracts climbing enthusiasts virtually all year round, in winter on the southern face and in summer in the shadow of the Ventoux. If you're an experienced climber, this kilometer-long cliff is your grail! But be warned: this is a difficult site, with no fewer than 800 major routes, all from (6a) to (8c). At between 20 and 40 meters, they offer verticals and big overhangs, and a wide variety of rock types and pitches. The Pilier de la rumeur (6b+), the Griffes de l'amer (8b+), the Dévers à colonnettes and the Dalles sculptées de gouttes d'eau (slabs sculpted with drops of water) are just a few examples. A diversity of styles and highly technical climbs have made this cliff its reputation, and generations of climbers have already tried their hand at it. La queue de la Baleine is ideal for summer climbing, as it's in the shade. But beware of resurgences after heavy rain! From top-level amateurs to climbing pros, this vast playground is a must. Not to mention a magnificent setting. The valley carved out by the Toulourenc is bordered by a hiking trail (GR91) for those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground.

Topo guide in tourist offices

A former soldier and skydiving instructor, Jean-Christophe Gibert set up this ultralight club in 2013 to share his passion for flying, from baptism of the air to pilot's license and introductory flights. You'll soon catch the bug, because apart from the sporting discipline, flying like a bird over the emblematic landscapes of our region and looking down on the earth from above is a pleasure without equal. An aerial photography service and incentive packages are also available. A must with a flight over the ochres of Roussillon or the Baux de Provence.

The fishermen of Grillon manage the small rivers of the Enclave des Papes, in the north of the Vaucluse, an area entirely surrounded by the Drôme. The majority of these rivers are in first category fish, and totally reciprocal. To be noted on the commune of Grillon in the heart of the Enclave, the lake of Lez, a site particularly well adapted to many animations promoting fishing. Spills of overcrowded trout. No need to go there for a family swim, it is strictly forbidden.

The Fontreyne water sports stadium is a space accessible to all, dedicated to sports and leisure activities. It is composed of two indoor pools, the first one of 15 m and a depth increasing from 0,60 m to 1,50 m, and the second one of 25 m, with a depth from 2 m to 3,40 m. Free swimming, laps, training, games in the water... are all possible in these places. A schedule also allows you to take swimming lessons to improve your swimming. On Wednesday mornings, playful workshops are organized for children in the small pool.

Located some fifteen kilometers from Aix-en-Provence on the way to Marseille, this multi-sport complex offers a wide range of activities as well as sports equipment. Soccer pitches, equestrian center, beach volleyball, running track, areas for learning to ride bikes, rollerblades and scooters, golf practice range accessible to all, tree climbing, urban sliding, martial arts... The leisure center is open every day and organizes activities such as circuses and vacation camps. There's also a Manéra health center offering the services of physiotherapists, a nutritionist and a chiropodist. On-site snack bar and restaurant La Terrasse.

Located 1 km south-east of the village, this is a very pleasant place to fish. It extends over 2 hectares. Of course, trout are the main attraction. On the shores of the lake, you can enjoy picnics and beautiful walks, as this is the starting point for hikes to the Gorges de la Nesque. A GR bridle path joins the GR9, taking you to the ^12th-century chapel of Saint-Michel, which is well worth the detour. In the gorges you'll discover a world like no other. Fields of lavender, Provence's blue gold, stretch as far as the eye can see.

Thinking of following in the footsteps of Stevenson, who linked the southern Massif Central to the Cévennes? Jean-Louis invites you to meet the donkey who could be your travel companion. The association owns 7 donkeys. You'll start by brushing the animal for a first contact. Afterwards, children can take the donkeys for a one-hour ride. You'll discover that donkeys aren't all that stubborn - it's just a question of trust. And donkeys are used to other audiences: they regularly visit schools and nursing homes.

Located inside the historic Halles d'Avignon market, Cuisine Centr'Halles opens its "doors" to immerse you in the heart of the market atmosphere, but not only... Every day, except Mondays, a lunch and cooking class are offered, and chef Jonathan Chiri is on hand. You start with a "guided" tour of the premises as you shop, then get down to business. Jonathan can also come to your home and prepare an aperitif, starter, main course and dessert. Don't forget to make a reservation.

The long walks are marked out in red and yellow. Prefer the blue ones if you are with small children. You will always have a beautiful view of the vineyard dotted with forests. The tourist office of Beaumes-de-Venise will give you maps, advice and more information about these walks. But always remember to check the weather forecast, thunderstorms can be fast and very violent. Put on good walking shoes, the paths are stony, remember to bring water, in summer the temperatures rise quickly.

Take a walk, but not during hunting season! The Combe de Canaud was once occupied by troglodyte populations. A hiking and interpretation trail of the Combe (available from the Mairie and the Bédoin tourist office) has been created by schoolchildren. The trail is well laid out, with sketches of the local flora, sheepfolds, a cave and the old basin that used to capture the village's water. Walking shoes and water bottle recommended.

This club, created in 1984, is open to all age groups and covers 4 hectares, benefiting from the exceptional environment of the island of La Barthelasse. From the first, essential and not so easy, step of riding to the ultimate one - such as jumping competitions, through gallop, cross-country or dressage - you are sure to climb the ladder well supervised. During the school holidays, courses are organised by the day or over several days.

This route is entirely dedicated to bikes and walkers, and follows the old railroad line. It runs from station to station, from Sarrians to Jonquières. It's especially popular with families on Sundays. It's so easy and flat, you'll even come across rollerbladers. Yes, trains don't like hills! And it's a safe bet that many of the local children have taken off their training wheels to get out and ride their bikes like grown-ups!

Located on the heights of Saumane, this 18-hole golf course offers a lovely 6,099-meter course. Surrounded by wooded hills, it offers magnificent views of the Luberon and Vaucluse mountains. The course, with its 38 strategically placed bunkers, is quite technical, making it a benchmark in the region. There's also spacious, well-equipped residential accommodation, a bar and a restaurant: L'Élégant.

For lovers of original hiking tours in the (large) south-eastern quarter of France, but also in the rest of France, Italy, Germany, Portugal and several other European countries: Chemins du Sud is the agency for you. Created more than twenty years ago by a former shepherd mountain leader, Nicolas Dessaux, it has been able from the outset to win the confidence of many hikers and also - and above all - to remain among the leading agencies based in the South of France.

From the village square, there are many looping footpaths. Some have a bit of a history. Such is the case of the chemin des Fileuses, named after the spinners from Cabrières d'Avignon who came to work at the Fontaine-de-Vaucluse wool mill. 5 km of sometimes narrow paths through garrigue and natural caves to the old quarries of Cabrières-d'Avignon. From the village square, cross the bridge towards Cavaillon, then take the Gordes tourist route to the youth hostel.

Here's an original way to explore the Cité des Papes: by canoe! Boats can accommodate up to four people. Departures are from the Île de la Barthelasse. With a few strokes of the paddle, you'll approach Avignon's famous Pont Bénézet bridge. As you paddle along, you'll be able to admire the city's historic monuments, which are even more impressive when seen from below. For a more natural outing, you can continue along the meandering Rhône river.

A leisure area, spread over 18 ha, developed on the water with a nautical area to enjoy the joys of swimming and an environment conducive to fitness. Are at your disposal: a sailing school, courses from 11 years old from April to October, supervised swimming in July and August. Guinguette, reception room, shaded terrace. A nice place to relax to spend the day, plan the picnic, the cap and the petanque balls.

Founded in 1947, the SNA is an institution in the heart of Avignon and one of the largest rowing clubs in France. It is not for nothing that it has won the title of "^1st French Club" several times. In addition to the competition, the management team offers introductory courses. You can try out different boats, from the "skiff" (solo) to the "eight", including the "two without coxswain" and the "four scull". Rowing is a sport that can be practiced at any age

This lowland river rises at Fontaine-de-Vaucluse and flows into the Ouvèze after 32 km. It is the most regular of the department's small rivers. Its waters, long used to run mills (paper, flour and madder) and spinning mills, are now used for agriculture and leisure activities such as fishing and canoeing. The clarity and quality of the water, and its constant temperature of 13°C, make it a first-category river. Its waters have long been renowned for their trout.

"Tasting is a pleasure that can be learned" is an adage that the Wine School has made its own in order to share it with wine lovers and/or the curious, from the most novice to the connoisseur. To this end, the Wine School, in partnership with the Wine University of Suze la Rousse, offers themed tasting workshops throughout the year based on the AOCs of the Côtes du Rhône and the Rhône Valley. Full programme on their website. The training courses take place in a fun and educational way in a well-designed space, maximum 18 people.