"Five Reasons to Visit Provence": a guest post from author and magazine editor Janine Marsh who loves our area

The lavender fields of the Abbaye de Senanques

I’m not sure that there’s a place more heavenly on earth than Provence. A land of aromatic lavender fields, hilltop villages, olive groves and vineyards. And, there’s definitely not much that beats relaxing at a café sipping a glass of locally produced wine, watching the world go by. 

If you need more reasons to visit this sun-kissed southern French paradise – here are 5 that are hard to resist…

Avignon

The awesome facade of the Palais des Papes, Avignon

Avignon, the capital of Vaucluse in Provence, is famous for its giant Gothic Palace of the Popes. In the shadow of this monumental building, take a break at the Carré du Palais, one of the most elegant wine bars in the city, as well as a gastronomic restaurant. It’s located in a former 18th century mansion and the courtyard overlooks the Palace, perfect to enjoy a glass or two from a superb list of Rhone Valley wines. Buy a tasting card with a refillable glass and sip some of the most delicious rosés, whites and reds with guidance from the onsite sommeliers.

Dance on the Pont d’Avignon like in the famous nursery rhyme. Grab a basket full of delicious cheese and a baguette from the local market, Marché les Halles. Then enjoy a picnic in the beautiful Rocher des Doms garden, next to the Palace of the Popes and overlooking the Rhone river. 

Gigondas 

The Pretty Streets of Gigondas village

Take the pace down a notch and head to Gigondas via Carpentras and Sorgues, both worth a stop off. It’s a tiny village nestling amongst lush terraced vineyards which produce some of the finest red wines of Provence. With a backdrop of the rocky mountain ridges of the Dentelles de Montmirail, wander the cobbled streets and ogle the beautiful ancient stone buildings. Don’t miss a visit to the Lencieux Chocolate shop (2126 Chemin de Lencieu) and indulge in handmade chocolates that taste like heaven. 

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

the view from the ruin of the Pope’s summer home

A visit to arguably the most famous wine producing area of Provence, is an absolute must. Literally meaning “the Pope’s new castle”, in the 14th century it was the location of the summer residence of the Popes of Avignon. All that remains of it are the magnificent ruins with breath-taking views over the mountains and countryside. However the popes left another legacy. They planted the town’s first vineyards. 

Châteauneuf-du-Pape was the very first French wine appellation - created in 1936. 

A tranquil, picture-postcard-pretty and friendly little town with cosy cafés, mouth-watering restaurants and sun-baked cobbled streets. There’s also a museum in the town dedicated to the wine-making profession including tastings! 

Vacqueyras

Vacqueyras, in the heart of the Vaucluse is famous for its wines but not that well known to tourists. The village is surrounded by protective walls and has some wonderful old buildings, some of which date back to the 12th century. There are castle remains from the 16th century, revamped in the 18th century. The little streets in the old village are shaded from the almost year round sun by plane trees and the whole place gives off a feeling that life has largely not changed for many years. It’s a tiny town but packs a big wine punch with terraced, rocky vineyards and some of the best wine estates in France. 

Beaumes-de-Venise

Not far away, yet another giant of great Provence wines, Beaumes-de-Venise is at the foot of the southern slopes of the Dentelles de Montmirail. The ‘beaumes’ refers to prehistoric caves set into the hillside, some of which you can visit. The village is picturesque. Flower-filled streets wind their way to the ruins of a 12th century feudal castle. Art galleries, boutiques, cafés and wine stores galore tempt the visitor to linger and drink in the ambience of this beautiful, famous wine town. 

Truly irresistible Provence. 

Janine Marsh is the editor of https://www.thegoodlifefrance.com/ and author of My Good Life in France and My Four Seasons in France.