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Noves

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City
—°654
Noves (France)
ℹ️

Practical info — Noves

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Visit the old church and village center in the early morning to avoid the intense Provençal summer heat.
  • Use Noves as a quieter, more affordable base to explore Avignon, which is just a short drive away.
  • Look out for local summer festivals (fêtes votives) which often feature traditional bull runs in the streets.
  • Walk up the Rougadou hill for a panoramic view of the Durance valley and the Alpilles.

🍽 Food

🍽
Aïoli garni

Try it in a traditional bistro near the main squares.

🍽
Tapenade & Olive Oil

Buy fresh at the weekly market to pair with a local baguette.

🍽
Côtes du Rhône Wine

Visit a local wine estate (domaine) outside the village for an authentic tasting.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Weekly Market

Look for fresh Herbes de Provence, lavender, and seasonal fruits.

🛍
Local Boulangerie

Pick up traditional fougasse bread and pastries for a day trip.

🧘
Notre-Dame de Pitié Chapel

A short walk to this chapel has a peaceful retreat with lovely views.

🧘
Banks of the Durance

Great for a shaded, quiet afternoon stroll away from the crowds.

Highlights of 2026

6

Positioned in the fertile plains of the Durance river valley, just south of Avignon, Noves is a remarkably well-preserved medieval village that remains blissfully off the main tourist radar. The town is deeply entrenched in literary history as the birthplace of Laura de Noves, the legendary muse of the 14th-century Italian poet Petrarch. Much of its ancient defensive architecture is still intact, allowing visitors to walk beneath impressive fortified stone gates like the Porte d'Agel and admire the imposing Romanesque architecture of the Saint-Baudile church. Surrounding the quiet historic core are sprawling agricultural fields bursting with cherry trees and apple orchards, which blanket the landscape in white and pink blossoms every spring. The atmosphere here is decidedly authentic; instead of crowded souvenir shops, the narrow streets are home to traditional bakers, independent butchers, and shaded cafes where locals play pétanque in the late afternoon. For those exploring the nearby Alpilles or Luberon regions, Noves provides a tranquil, genuine Provencal base camp characterized by excellent local produce, quiet historic charm, and a deeply relaxing pace of life.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C4581216222524191595
Rain mm494044565637253162859852

Geography

Population
4,650
Coordinates
43.87690, 4.90140

Facts

  • Area: 27.92 km²
  • Postal code: 13550
  • Elevation: 32 to 105 meters above sea level
  • Archaeology: Site of the Tarasque discovery (now in Musée Calvet, Avignon)
  • Architecture: 12th-century Romanesque church of Saint-Baudile
  • Location: Approximately 12 kilometers southeast of Avignon

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Noves (5)

Saint-Baudile Church⛪ religious

A magnificent 12th-century Romanesque church known for its remarkable stonework and historical significance in Provence.

Ramparts of Noves🏺 historical

The ruins of the ancient defensive walls that once protected the village, reflecting its medieval military heritage.

Pont de Bonpas📍 landmark

The Pont de Bonpas is a bridge situated in the city of Noves.

Caravelle Guyane📍 landmark

The Caravelle Guyane is a famous aircraft attraction located in Noves.

Théâtre de verdure🎭 culture

The Théâtre de verdure is a theatre venue located in Noves.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Noves located?
Noves is located in Provence, about 10 km southeast of Avignon, on the edge of the Alpilles mountains.
What legend is associated with the place?
The 'Tarasque de Noves', a famous Celtic-Gallic sculpture of a monster, was found here in the 19th century.
What can you see in the historic center?
The Romanesque Saint-Baudile church and the medieval city gates, such as the Porte d'Agel, are worth seeing.
Which culinary products are typical?
Olive oil, Provencal herbs, and fruit from the Durance valley are local specialties.
Are there hiking trails nearby?
Yes, there are numerous paths through the surrounding olive groves and up into the foothills of the Alpilles.
Noves: where is it located?
Noves is located in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France.
Noves: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint-Baudile Church, Ramparts of Noves, Pont de Bonpas.
Noves: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Noves: why is it worth visiting?
Positioned in the fertile plains of the Durance river valley, just south of Avignon, Noves is a remarkably well-preserved medieval village that remains blissfully off the main tourist radar.
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