Mallemort

Mallemort is a village in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, nestled between the Durance river and the foothills of the Luberon massif. Crossed by the Marseille canal, whose aqueduct spans the valley, it makes a convenient base for exploring the wider region. Avignon, with its Palais des Papes and Saint-Bénézet bridge, is under an hour away, as is Arles with its Roman remains. Les Baux-de-Provence, a hilltop village crowned by a medieval fortress, is also well worth a visit, along with the Pont du Gard, the Roman aqueduct that can be admired from a canoe while paddling down the Gardon river—a popular activity in warm weather. Mallemort is also home to a golf course, Golf de Pont Royal, set at the foot of the Luberon. The surrounding countryside reflects classic Provençal scenery, with olive groves, vineyards and scrubland under a Mediterranean climate of dry, sunny summers. The village suits those seeking a quiet base from which to explore the Luberon, the Rhône valley and Provence's ancient sites, while staying away from the busiest tourist crowds.