A Sweet Slice of Provence: My Day at the Cherry Festival in Venasque

A Sweet Slice of Provence: My Day at the Cherry Festival in Venasque
Perched high above the rolling green hills of Provence, the ancient village of Venasque welcomed me with the sound of laughter, the scent of ripe fruit, and the sparkle of early summer sunshine. It was the day of the Fête de la Cerise—Venasque’s famous Cherry Festival—and I had come in search of cherries, views, and a taste of Provence at its most joyful. I found all that and more.

A Warm Welcome to a Hilltop GemThanks to the free parking and a handy shuttle bus for those who preferred not to hike the steep hill, getting to the heart of the village was easy. The climb would have been worth it, though—the views from the top were simply breathtaking. From the ramparts, I looked out over endless vineyards, olive groves, and the patchwork of sunlit fields, all the way to Mont Ventoux in the distance.

The stunning panorama from Venasque—Provence at its most picturesque.

Market Magic and the Joy of CherriesThe square was alive with a colorful market, white tents lining the streets, each one brimming with Provençal delights. At every turn, there were glossy, ruby-red cherries—bursting with flavor, sun-warmed and sweet. Local producers proudly offered tastings, their tables overflowing with jams, liqueurs, and baskets of fresh fruit. The atmosphere was festive but relaxed, and everyone I met had a smile to share.

Cherries everywhere! Sweet, fresh, and locally grown—an irresistible sight.

Lunch in the Heart of the VillageBy midday, the square had become the perfect place to pause. I settled at Chez Mark, a charming restaurant tucked into a shady corner, and enjoyed a refreshing Provencal tomato and mozzarella salad, drizzled with fragrant pesto. The welcome was warm, the service friendly, and the mood easy-going—exactly what you hope for on a sunny afternoon in the South of France.

Lunch at Chez Mark: simple, fresh, and deliciously Provençal.

Music, Tradition, and Time TravelAs I wandered through the village, I came upon a lively group of musicians and dancers in traditional dress performing in front of the Hôtel de Ville. Their music echoed off the stone walls and seemed to breathe even more life into the cobbled streets. The history of Venasque felt tangible—not just in its ancient architecture, but in its living traditions.

Live music and local costume bring Venasque’s cherry festival to life.

I also visited the village church, a cool and quiet refuge with soaring arches and centuries-old stone. Candles flickered, voices hushed. It was a beautiful contrast to the bright, bustling scenes outside.

A peaceful moment inside Venasque’s historic church—simple and serene.

A Perfect Provencal DayBefore heading home, I stopped in a few local boutiques, picking up a jar of cherry jam and a bar of lavender soap as souvenirs of a truly special day. As I took one last look over the valley from the viewpoint near the fountain, I felt grateful—not just for the cherries, but for the beauty, hospitality, and joy I experienced in Venasque.

One last look from the village fountain—Venasque, you’ve won my heart.