Upper Vaucluse –The Provence of the Popes

The village of Mornas is crowed by the 12th century fortress from which there is a magnificent view of the Rhone Valley. Romanesque art, emanating from the 11th century religious revival, is the style of the beautiful churches in Beaumes-de-Venise and of many rural chapels

In the towns of Camaret-sur-Aigues and Jonquières are entered through their ancient rampart gates. The small village of Richerenches has been built in the centre of what once was a Knights Templar fortress.

Sérignan-du-Comtat is the town where famous entomologist Jean-Henri Fabre lived and worked. Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Visan, Ste Cécile des Vignes, Rasteau, Roaix, - all known for their outstanding wines. Absolutely incredible views can be had from many hilltop villages: Suzette and Lafare in the Dentelles de Montmirail, Buisson, St Roman de Mallegarde, St Marcellin-les-Vaison, St Romain-en-Viennois ... to name just a few !

The city of Orange was built on the lines of the classic Roman city, and was endowed with many public buildings ? the Arch of Triumph welcomes those arriving from the North. The Roman Theatre is the best preserved in the world, with its famous stage wall still intact ? the wall King Louis XIV described as being ? the most beautiful wall in my Kingdom?, now ranked as UNESCO Heritage for Humanity.

The city of Vaison la Romaine reflects two thousand years of history. The Romans built a splendid city with luxurious villas and baths, the ruins of which can be seen in the "La Villasse" area. The Puymin hill was home to the Roman public buildings, homes and the 6000-seat Roman theatre.

 

The Provence of the Popes is a high point among Côtes du Rhône wines – for red, rosé, white and natural sweet wines. The reputation of the vintages in this area needs no further introduction – their worldwide fame is justly deserved: Châteauneuf du Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Beaumes de Venise.

The Côtes du Rhône Villages wines have rich bouquet. They are long, heady wines which are supple and elegant. Beaumes de Venise is famous for its Muscat which has earned it the title of “Outstanding Good Taste Site”. The Wine Touring Roads and vintner trails help you discover the people making the wines, the tasting cellars, the landscapes and the villages themselves.

Land of festivals, Upper Vaucluse is where the famous Chorégies d'Orange take place. The Chorégies - a series of lyrical concerts and operas - area staged in the Roman theatre in Orange, ranked as UNESCO World Heritage.

The "Gourmand Days" take place in Vaison la Romaine, the Music in the Vineyards Festival takes place in several different wine-making villages. Bollène is home to the Polymusicales festival. Saint John's Feast is celebrated in Valréas, and many towns have Christmas markets