Top 10 things to do in Nyons

Top 10 things to do in Nyons

1 - A holiday atmosphere on the Place des Arcades

Built in the 14th century by the Dauphins to develop the city's appeal and encourage trade, "Place du Docteur Bourdongle" was named after the Liberation in tribute to the martyr of the resistance. Previously, it had been named "Place Carnot" after the visit of the President of the Republic. The old stalls were run by Florentines and Lombards. The first markets were very famous on this square and approved by François I.

Every Thursday, Nyons still hosts one of the largest markets in the department, where you'll find local produce and the best of the land. This former square, known as the Arcades, was redeveloped in 2005 to restore its beautiful harmony. Its arcades house cafés and restaurants, perfect for a relaxing break during the holidays.

2 - The Roman Bridge, a timeless structure

Its construction lasted almost 70 years between 1341 and 1409, the year it was inaugurated by the Bishop of Vaison-la-Romaine. Designed according to the plans of the pontiff brothers, it connects the two banks of the Eygues, a particularly turbulent river, which only partially succeeded in destabilizing it in 1692. The Roman bridge is impressive with its unique pointed arch, 43 m long and 18 m high.

Listed as a historical monument in 1925, it is the pride of the locals with its superb cut stones that offer a robust yet elegant appearance. It is the second bridge in France (the first is in Ceret) to have such a pure style. At its summit, a small square tower served as a toll. Two small chapels adorned the ends of the road. The buildings were demolished in 1849. You will enjoy the superb panorama offered over the town of Nyons.

3 - The Randonne Tower, an emblematic monument of Nyons

If you're unsure of what to do in Nyons, the Randonne Tower is a must-see. It's celebrated every August 15th with a major event that retraces the origins of the monument and the power of the barons of Montauban.

It is also called the Chapel of Our Lady of Good Help after it was purchased in 1862 by Abbot Francou, parish priest of Nyons, and transformed into a chapel in honor of the Virgin Mary. Built in 1280 on top of a hill in the heights of the Forts district, it offers a breathtaking view of the old town.

With its 8 m sides and 10 m height, the tower served as a keep and military prison. After climbing through the medieval streets, you will discover its 3 floors, each corner of which is decorated with statues, with at the top a 3.50 m high statue of the Virgin.

4 - Relax at the Nyonsoleïado Water Park

What to do in Nyons when the sun is shining brightly? Welcome to a true oasis of well-being and freshness. The complex appeals to children and adults alike with its lagoon, whirlpool, rivers, and waterfalls.

Toddlers will have a blast in the paddling pool while enjoying the games. More athletic guests will love the 25-meter swimming pools, while the water slides are a hit with families.

Enjoy summer away from the crowds while relaxing under a parasol on a mineral-rich beach. A restaurant is available.

Prices:

• Adult: €5.50
• Children (16 years and over €5)
• Child (6-15 years): €4)
• Children (- 6 years): free

5 - Let yourself be invaded by the scents of the Garden of Aromas

There are so many places to visit in Nyons. Craving nature and green spaces? Come for a stroll in one of the many natural public spaces, including the Jardin des Arômes. For a digestive stroll or while waiting for a guided tour, you can wander through this fragrant maze located not far from a children's playground. Created in 1983, the Jardin des Arômes offers nearly 200 species of perfume, medicinal, and aromatic plants. Located along the banks of the Eygues River, you'll enjoy exploring this botanical garden to discover the region's rich flora. Let yourself be overwhelmed by Provençal scents such as lavender, lemon balm, and thyme. The garden is managed by the "Friends of the Jardin des Arômes" and the city of Nyons.

6 - Saint Vincent Church, an opening to culture

At the center of the medieval town stands the Church of Saint Vincent, which has stood since the emergence of Christianity in the region. It was first mentioned in the late 10th century. Despite being destroyed three times over the centuries during the Wars of Religion, the church was reborn in its current form with a single nave in 1614 and 10 side chapels in 1705.

In 2009 and 2010, the church underwent a complete renovation to better accommodate its public during cultural programs such as Gospel concerts or New Year's Eve... The church has many treasures to discover during a visit.

More than 15 paintings dating from the 17th century and coming from a former Recollect convent are classified as historic monuments.

7 - The old mills, in the heart of the olive kingdom

At the foot of the Roman Bridge, come discover the oldest oil mills in Nyons, dating back to the 17th and 19th centuries. You won't want to miss the 18th-century soap factory, which is still an exclusive site in France. Discover the traditional cuisine of Haute-Provence. You'll have the pleasure of enjoying a guided tour by the millers' grandson, as the site is now private. In addition to appreciating the large collection of objects and tools used to make olive oil and tapenade, you can taste and take home some of these local Nyons products available in the shop.

Prices:

• Adults: €4
• Child (- 12 years): free
• Group rate from 20 people

8 - In the land of santons and miniature nativity scenes

What's unique to visit in Nyons? Jean-Marie Combe takes you into his miniature world of nativity scenes nestled in a cabinet. These sublime little boxes showcase the nativity scene while respecting the mystery of the Nativity. This Nyons resident is a painter, miniaturist, and ornamentalist. He creates his miniature nativity cabinets from scratch, dating from the 15th to 17th centuries. To make them, he uses relatively unique techniques that are rarely used today. He works with cardboard, often old calendars, ideal for achieving the necessary rigidity. It is cut and glued with animal glue. Once dry, the exterior and interior decorations can begin with natural pigments applied using a technique called glazing. The artist's unique and original pieces range from €400 to €700.
Meet him at: 7, rue Philis de la Charce, 26110 NYONS

9 - La Scourtinerie, the last scourtin factory in France

Have you heard of the scourtins of Noyons? Unique and unusual, these small, flat baskets woven from coconut fiber and used as filters for extracting olive oil gradually transformed into Provençal rugs. Founded in 1882 by Ferdinand and Marie Fert, the Scourtin museum/workshop is a family business now run by their great-grandchildren. To learn how scourtins are made, the weaving workshop and museum are open to the public free of charge. You'll see how scourtins are transformed into coasters and multicolored rugs, woven from rot-proof and super-strong coconut rope. In 2018, a new product was launched: a shade made from 100% natural, weather-resistant fiber.

10 - In the footsteps of a local boy, the writer René Barjavel

René Barjavel was born in Nyons in 1911 and never stopped promoting his native village. In fact, didn't he say, "The only difference between Nyons and paradise is that in Nyons, you're very much alive..."? If you're unsure of what to visit in Nyons, head to the tourist office on Place de la Libération to pick up the tour that will share his love of this town. You'll discover the places that rocked the writer's childhood as well as some emblematic sites. The circuit is 5 km long and accessible to families for a duration of 1 hour 30 minutes. Along the circuit, you will learn where the famous "blue cart" from a novel by René Barjavel was built, the house where he was born, the Roumanille college where he studied, the rue Jean-Pierre André where his parents met, the Paget farm where he spent his holidays, and many other unmissable places in Nyons.