SATURDAY : Avignon, Orange and Châteauneuf du Pape
AVIGNON
Avignon, also known as the
“Papal City” was papal territory for almost five centuries. Seven successive Popes lived in and ruled from Avignon during nearly the entire 14th century, drawing intellectual and artistic influence to the city that continues today. Avignon has over 4 kilometers of
ramparts around the centre city,
palaces,
churches,
cobblestone streets and lovely
city mansions, beautiful shopping and relaxing city squares …
> For more information
Be sure to see :
> the Palace of the Popes : A palace that is both fortress and church, one of the most splendid monuments from the Middle Ages
> the Pont St Bénézet, the famous “ Pont d’Avignon” sung the world over in the beloved children’s song.
> the Angladon-Dubrujeau Museum: with works by Cézanne, Van Gogh, Sisley, Picasso, Foujita, Modigliani, Degas...
LUNCH: > list of restaurants in Avignon
ORANGE
The city of Orange is internationally famous for its
prestigious Roman monuments that are part of UNESCO World Heritage: commemorative Arch of Triumph under which the victorious Roman Legions once marched, and the fabulous Roman Theatre, the best preserved theatre in the world.
> For more information
CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE
the most renowned
wine in the Côtes du Rhône. Internationally famous for its very special characteristics stemming from the strong sunshine and low rainfall and other aspects of the local terroir. Rhone river pebbles cover the soil, storing the day’s heat and releasing it after day is done. Many tasting cellars are open to the public.
> For more information
next>
SUNDAY
The outdoor Provencal market and the antique dealers in l’Isle sur la Sorgue are an absolute must.
Known as “Little Venice”, Isle sur la Sorgue is built on several arms of the Sorgue river which drive old water wheels. There is a big Provencal market on Sunday morning, and there are over 300 antique dealers open on Saturday and Sunday (some are also open on Friday and Monday too). Isle sur la Sorgue is famous as the biggest concentration of antique dealers in France outside of Paris. The Baroque collegiate church and the René Char center, the parting of the waters, the winding streets and lovely shops are all well worth a visit.
> For more information
Lunch : choose a restaurant
Make the trip to the Luberon hills to see the village of Gordes, ranked as one of the "most beautiful villages in France”. Stone homes clinging to the hillside, nestled around the castle which overlooks the village.
En route to the village of Gordes, stop in the Bories village
Stone homes clinging to the hillside, nestled around the castle which overlooks the village. See the drystone walls and bories which were lived in by farming families up until the early 20th century.
To the north of Gordes, at the bottom of the valley, enjoy the magnificent view over Senanque Abbey. .
Sénanque Abbey was built in the 12th century by the Cistercian monks, and is one of the most beautiful Romanesque abbeys in Provence. The Abbey is an active Cistercian monastery today, and is open to the public. There are visits at set times.
next>
MONDAY
Discover the villages in the Petit Luberon, such as Oppède le Vieux, Ménerbes , Lacoste and the ruins of the Marquis de Sade’s chateau, Bonnieux and Roussillon.
On the way to the Luberon, olive oil lovers may want to fill up at the Mathieu Olive Oil Mill in Oppède before visiting the old village.
In Ménerbes, visit the La Citadelle wine estate, which is home to the unusual Corkscrew Museum. See their outstanding collection of over 1000 items, many of which are unique. Corkscrews from the 17th century to the present. Utilitarian objects, works of art...
The road then winds to the village of Lacoste where couturier Pierre Cardin has acquired the château originally owned by the Marquis de Sade. The château is private and not open to visits. Superb view over the hilltop village of Bonnieux.
LUNCH
Enjoy a stroll in the Cedar Forest in Bonnieux..
In 1861, forest workers brought back seeds from the cedars in the High Atlas in Morocco, and planted them at the top of the Petit Luberon range. Today, a vast forest of majestic cedars continues to thrive. A discovery trail winds through the forest, with information signs along the way explaining the characteristic vegetation in the Luberon. Magnficent views over the Luberon wilderness.
Trail starts from the parking area on the forest road which branches off the D36 east of Bonnieux and leads to the top of the Petit Luberon. Trail takes approximately 2 hours.
Or, take the trail which leads to the “Enclos des bories”, an ancient village built with the drystone technique, and recently opened to visitors.
Head to Roussillon, stopping to see the Roman bridge “Pont Julien”, a perfectly preserved example of stunning Roman architecture which spans the Calavon river.
Roussillon, also ranked as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”, famous for the ochre-streaked cliffs it is built among. Ochre colours in the surrounding area vary from bright yellow to deep red. Stroll the Ochre Path, a 45-minute round-trip trail which winds through the ochre landscape, and learn about the area from informative signs along the way.
next>
TUESDAY
Go through Carpentras (see the Friday morning market) and enter the beautiful Côtes du Rhône vineyards in the heart of the Dentelles de Montmirail.
First stop is in the village of Beaumes de Venise, ranked as an “Outstanding Good Taste Site” for its famous Muscat wine, a natural sweet wine, and for its olive oil made at the La Balméenne mill (shop and video on olives).
Nestled in the midst of the vines, the town of Gigondas deserves a stop. Gigondas is famous for its heady wines, and the village is full of charm. At the top of the winding streets, there is a sculpture path with contemporary monumental works. The exhibit changes regularly and is free.
On the way to Vaison, stop in the village of Séguret.
Séguret is also one of the “most beautiful villages in France”. Makers of the traditional Provencal figurines known as “santons” have workshops in Séguret, and the village itself seems to personify the scenes traditionally portrayed in the Provencal crèches.
One Séguret santon maker, Monsieur Fournier, is quite well known and his workshop is open to the public.
LUNCH
Vaison la Romaine. Vaison has grown up on both sides of the Ouveze river, and is surrounded by rolling hill. On the right bank lies the Gallo-Roman city, home to archaeological treasures. On the left bank, the winding narrow streets of the later Medieval meander in the upper city. The Roman city is an open-air museum with its Roman villas, mosaics, baths and theatre...
next>
WEDNESDAY
The town of Malaucène is the last town on the road to Mont Ventoux
(pass is open from mid-May to October. Check for conditions with the Tourism Offices in Malaucène or Bedoin)
The old fortified town of Malaucène has remains of its old ramparts and lovely homes from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. A lovely church with registered 18th century organs, and many refreshing fountains.
Fantastique espace de découverte, le Mont Ventoux est classé par l'UNESCO réserve de Biosphère. La resort at Mont Serein, at 1300 m altitude, proposes many activities in the summer time, such as hill karting, horseback riding, treetop trails, grass skiing, hiking...
LUNCH
The road then goes back down towards Sault.
Sault is built in the highlands like a mountain balcony. Sault looks out over the lavender landscapes – where the fields are purple in July and August. A marked lavender trail winds its way through the plains. In Sault, the Maison des Producteurs sells honey, spelt, bouquets of lavender and essential oils. The Ferme aux lavandes offers classes involving lavender, and the distilleries distill lavender starting in early August. The nougat maker in the town of Sault prepares outstanding dark and light nougat...
Just a few minutes from Sault lies the hilltop village of Aurel, a favourite among artists, and the small village of St Trinit with its beautiful Romanesque church, a tiny jewel. Both villages are worth seeing.
next>
THURSDAY
The road between Sault and Villes sur Auzon follows the Nesque River Canyons.
The road is breathtaking. The high point is at the Castelleras, at 872 m altitude, facing the majestic rock called the Rocher du Cire. There is a marker dedicated to Frédéric Mistral.
Blauvac and Mallemort are charming villages which lead to Venasque , ranked as “one of the the most beautiful villages in France”.
Small roads go through the village of St Didier or Le Beaucet and La Roque sur Pernes, and take you to Pernes les Fontaines , which has many beautiful fountains, all flowing with potable water. The fountains bring life and water to every square throughout Pernes – take the time to wander the lovely old streets to the entrance gate called “Porte de Notre Dame”, a powerfully fortified gate which leads through the ramparts to the center of town and the ancient covered market from the Middle Ages.
next>
FRIDAY
Friday is market day in Carpentras.
A profusion of market stalls selling quality local products and a highly Provencal atmosphere pervade the streets of Carpentras, earning the town the ranking of “Outstanding Market Town”.
Take advantage of being in Carpentras to visit the oldest Synagogue in France, built in the 14th century and renovated in the 18th. The Carpentras Synagogue is an active place of worship, and is open during the week only, in the morning, and from 3 to 4 in the afternoon. The old Hospice and Gothic Saint Siffrein cathedral should also be seen.
LUNCH
Return to the Rhone Valley through Sarrians and Jonquières en route for Orange.
The city of Orange is internationally famous for its prestigious Roman monuments that are part of UNESCO World Heritage: commemorative Arch of Triumph under which the victorious Roman Legions once marched, and the fabulous Roman Theatre, the best preserved theatre in the world.
In th south, Châteauneuf du Pape extend its vineyards. This is the most renowned wine in the Côtes du Rhône. Internationally famous for its very special characteristics stemming from the strong sunshine and low rainfall and other aspects of the local terroir. Rhone river pebbles cover the soil, storing the day’s heat and releasing it after day is done. Many tasting cellars are open to the public.
next>
IF YOU HAVE AN EXTRA DAY... ?
If you are going back north, stop en route in the Enclave of Valréas and visit the four beautiful villages which make up this Vaucluse territory in the Drôme county.
If you are going towards the Mediterranean, go along the Durance river rather than taking the motorway, and stop in the village of à Lauris which has a lovely Garden of Dye Plants on the terraces of its castle. Then go to Lourmarin, ranked as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”. See the old narrow streets and stone homes, lovely shops and art galleries, and the Renaissance castle.
Prior to reaching Pertuis, stop in the village of Ansouis, also ranked as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France” and visit the castle. You can also visit the gardens at Domaine Val Joanis in Pertuis , ranked as “Outstanding Gardens”.