Awaken your senses…
Call the experts: 01954 261431
|
A land of light, warmth and beauty, Provence awakens all the senses; the scent of lavender, the sound of cicadas in the pine trees, the taste of chilled rosé wine, the warmth of the sun on your back, and a kaleidoscope of colours that have inspired many an artist. This beautiful region in south-east France encompasses diverse landscapes ranging from cultivated vineyards to deep river canyons and dramatic cliffs, not to mention the unique habitat of the Camargue. Days can be spent exploring charming medieval villages, marvelling at Roman remains, admiring art and architecture, sampling the local cuisine, or just simply soaking up the Provençal atmosphere.
Below are a selection of wonderful places to visit…
|
Gordes is officially one of The Most Beautiful Villages in France.
It has a very chic image, with every building restored, an upmarket hotel and boutique style shops. Its meticulously restored stone houses simply ooze charm. The central focus is the Château and there are plenty of cafés and restaurants and boutique shops to explore in the lanes surrounding it. The Château houses the Tourist Office, and guided tours of the village start from here.
On market day, discover a wide variety of fresh produce, aromatic spices, handmade crafts, and local delicacies as you stroll through the bustling stalls. This takes place on Tuesday mornings from 8am to 1pm, providing ample time to explore and indulge in the authentic charm of this unique shopping experience.
|
The soaring Mont Ventoux is the highest peak between the Alps and the Pyrenees and the ascent is awe inspiring – the higher you climb, the sparser the vegetation becomes until you reach the white limestone gravel covered summit (giving the illusion that it is snow capped even in summer) which affords breath-taking views and on a beautiful day, this high mountain offers some of the most amazing panoramic views over Provence.
The famous summit of Mont Ventoux is a favourite stage of the Tour de France. There is a ski station here which in summer offers a host of outdoor activities for children and adults alike.
|
A picturesque and typically Provençal small town, St Rémy-de-Provence is a delight to stroll around, with its quintessential boulevards shaded by plane trees, fountains and squares to discover, and narrow streets dotted with galleries and boutiques. With plenty of restaurants and cafés, it is a lively place, particularly on a Wednesday when the market is in full swing.
One of St Rémy’s most famous residents was Vincent Van Gogh, whose work is celebrated in the Estrine museum. Visitors can find out about this exceptional artist, who lived in Saint-Rémy for a year, and his influence on 20th and 21st century art. The museum’s permanent collection also includes work by other artists such as Bernard Buffet and Albert Gleizes, and there are two or three temporary exhibitions a year. In addition, Roman history is still very much visible here, in the triumphal arch on the outskirts of the town, and at the archaeological site of Glanum nearby.
|
One of the principal towns at the northern end of the Vaucluse, Vaison la Romaine will enchant anyone with a love of history. In the quintessentially French lower town, modern day shops and restaurants jostle with Roman ruins, uncovered following extensive excavations. There is also an Archaeological Museum to visit and a superb cathedral with a lovely cloistered courtyard.
A magnificent arched Roman bridge over the river Ouvèze leads to the medieval upper town, a maze of cobbled streets on a rocky spur. Vaison is always full of life, but particularly dynamic through the summer, when a plethora of festivals and events are held.
One night you may like to head for the vibrant lower town where restaurants are gathered around the expanse of the main square, whilst another evening the old medieval town on the hill may beckon you to try a traditional eatery hidden away within its narrow cobbled streets. There is a wide variety of establishment in Vaison, from simple pizzerias and creperies, or traditional Provençal fare, to international gastronomic cuisine.
|
This email was sent to | Privacy Policy.
Vintage Travel | Milkmaid House | Rampton End | Willingham | Cambridge | England | CB24 5JB |
|
|
|
Frequently asked questions about this newsletter
What is the essence of Provence and how can it awaken all senses?
Provence is a land of light, warmth, and beauty located in south-east France. It is known for its diverse landscapes, including vineyards, river canyons, cliffs, and the unique Camargue habitat. The region offers a sensory experience with the scent of lavender, the sound of cicadas, the taste of chilled rosé wine, the warmth of the sun, and a kaleidoscope of colors that inspire artists. Visitors can explore medieval villages, Roman remains, and enjoy local cuisine, making it a perfect destination for those looking to immerse themselves in Provençal atmosphere.
Can you tell me more about Gordes and its attractions?
Gordes is recognized as one of The Most Beautiful Villages in France. It is known for its chic image, meticulously restored stone houses, upmarket hotel, and boutique-style shops. The village centers around the Château, with numerous cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops in the surrounding lanes. Market day, on Tuesday mornings, offers fresh produce, spices, handmade crafts, and local delicacies. Guided tours of the village start from the Château, housing the Tourist Office.
What makes Mont Ventoux a notable destination?
Mont Ventoux is the highest peak between the Alps and the Pyrenees, offering awe-inspiring ascents and panoramic views over Provence. Its white limestone gravel-covered summit resembles a snow-capped peak even in summer. The site is a favorite stage of the Tour de France and features a ski station that transitions into a hub for outdoor activities in summer, appealing to both children and adults.
What are the highlights of Saint Rémy de Provence?
Saint Rémy de Provence is a picturesque small town known for its quintessential boulevards lined with plane trees, fountains, squares, and narrow streets filled with galleries and boutiques. The town is lively, especially during the Wednesday market. It was home to Vincent Van Gogh, celebrated in the Estrine museum, which also includes works from other artists. The nearby Roman triumphal arch and archaeological site of Glanum add to its historical allure.
What can visitors expect from Vaison la Romaine?
Vaison la Romaine is a major town rich in history, with Roman ruins and an archaeological museum contrasting with modern-day shops and restaurants. Its medieval upper town features cobbled streets and a Roman bridge over the river Ouvèze. Active throughout summer thanks to various festivals and events, Vaison offers a range of dining options, from simple pizzerias to traditional Provençal and international gastronomy.
This FAQ was mainly generated by AI based on the information in the newsletter.
