Discover the region
Le Thor sits at the heart of the Vaucluse, about five minutes from Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and its Provençal market. The Luberon, the Alpilles, Avignon, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Les Baux-de-Provence and Châteauneuf-du-Pape are all twenty to thirty minutes away. An ideal base to explore Provence without spending your days on the road.
Around here
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue - 5 minutes away
The "Venice of Provence" and its waterwheels turning along the river. Antiques capital with its famous dealers' market on Sundays, a large Provençal market on Sunday mornings (and Thursdays), and countless restaurants along the Sorgue. A lively, bustling town all year round.
20–30 minutes away
- Fontaine-de-Vaucluse - The mysterious resurgence of the Sorgue at the foot of the cliffs, one of the most powerful springs in the world.
- Monteux - The leisure hub with its three theme parks (Parc Spirou, Wave Island, Naruto - Konoha Land) and its swimming lake: the perfect family day out.
- Gordes & Sénanque Abbey - The iconic hilltop village of the Luberon and its Cistercian abbey surrounded by lavender (in bloom from late June to mid-July).
- Saint-Rémy-de-Provence & Glanum - A chic village in the Alpilles in the footsteps of Van Gogh, and its remarkable Roman archaeological site.
- Avignon - The Palais des Papes, the Saint-Bénézet bridge and the UNESCO-listed historic centre. Theatre festival in July.
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Tastings in one of France's most prestigious vineyards, at the foot of the ruins of the papal castle.
- Venasque - One of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France", perched facing the Ventoux, off the beaten track.
40–60 minutes away
- The hilltop villages of the Luberon - Ménerbes, Bonnieux, Lacoste, Oppède-le-Vieux: picture-postcard Provence.
- Les Baux-de-Provence & the Carrières des Lumières - A spectacular citadel village and immersive exhibitions in former quarries.
- Roussillon & the Ochre Trail - Blazing cliffs and fiery-coloured façades, one of the most beautiful villages in France.
- The Provençal Colorado (Rustrel) - Ochre landscapes worthy of the American West, best at the end of the day for the light.
- Vaison-la-Romaine - The largest ancient site in France, its medieval town and its Roman bridge.
- The Pont du Gard - A masterpiece of Roman aqueduct engineering, UNESCO-listed, with swimming possible in the Gardon.
- Orange - The best-preserved ancient theatre in Europe, UNESCO-listed. Chorégies (opera) in summer.
- Arles - A Roman and Van Gogh city of art: arena, ancient theatre, Luma Foundation.
- Aix-en-Provence - The Cours Mirabeau, the fountains, Provençal elegance in the footsteps of Cézanne.
- Sault and its lavender fields - The blue plateau of July, at the foot of the Ventoux, more authentic and less crowded.
Just over an hour away
- The summit of Mont Ventoux (1,910 m) - The "Giant of Provence", a 360° panorama from the Alps to the sea (road closed in winter).
- Nîmes & Uzès - The Roman arena and Maison Carrée, then the charm of France's first duchy. A perfect combo with the Pont du Gard.
- Sausset-les-Pins / Carry-le-Rouet - The beaches and coves of the Côte Bleue, the nearest sea.
- Marseille - The Vieux-Port, the MuCEM, Notre-Dame de la Garde and Le Panier: 2,600 years of history.
About 1h30 away
- The Valensole plateau - The vast lavender fields photographed around the world (mid-June to mid-July).
- Aigues-Mortes - Saint Louis's fortified medieval town, between intact ramparts and pink salt marshes.
- Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer - The heart of the Camargue: pink flamingos, white horses, bulls and wild beaches.
- Cassis & the Calanques - A charming port and gateway to the calanques, by boat or on foot.
- La Ciotat / Bandol - Beaches, coves and the Bandol vineyard facing the Mediterranean.
- Ardèche Gorges & Vallon-Pont-d'Arc - A canoe descent beneath the Pont d'Arc, one of the most memorable outings in the region.
- Aven d'Orgnac & Grotte Chauvet 2 - A monumental cave listed as a Grand Site de France and a replica of humanity's oldest paintings.
- Sisteron and the Durance valley - The Vauban citadel, gateway to the Southern Alps.
- Montpellier - The Place de la Comédie, the medieval Écusson and a young, vibrant city.
About 2 hours away
- Hyères & Porquerolles - The paradise island with turquoise waters (+20 min by boat from the Giens peninsula - plan a full day).
- The Bambouseraie d'Anduze & the Cévennes steam train - A bamboo garden unique in Europe and a retro steam journey: perfect for families.
- Lac de Sainte-Croix & Moustiers-Sainte-Marie - The turquoise waters at the gateway to the Verdon gorges and a village suspended, a star strung between two cliffs. Combines with Valensole in lavender season.
- Sète - The "Venice of Languedoc", its port, its canals, its water jousting and its tielle.
Where to stay
Two independent holiday rentals in Le Thor, an ideal base to explore the whole of Provence.
