> Provence of the Popes
 

Avignon - 18km - 20mn by car

Designated city of art and culture and bordered by the Rhone this lively medieval walled city is the gateway to Provence.

The Palais des Papes, a medieval palace built by the Popes ruling in the 14^th century, is an impressive building which dominates the town. Visitors can get an idea of the grand life that the Popes lived during their rule between 1390-77.

The Pont  d’Avignon, also known as the St. Bezenet Bridge, this legendary monument on the Rhone River was built during the 12th century by an inspired young shepherd.

The Musee du Petit Palis is one of Europe’s finest museums of medieval and Renaissance art, with exceptional early works by Bottticelli.

Soak up the atmosphere of the city in the busy Place de l’Horloge, a busy café lined square and site of the city’s imposing nineteenth century Hotel de Ville.

Walk through the Rocher des Doms, a well laid out hillside garden where you will encounter superb views from the terraces.

Avignon festival – The city has an energetic and magical feeling when more than 600 spectacles take to the stage and streets during Frances largest arts festival. Theatre, music, dance and film are all covered in this years programme which is taking place from 7^th to 29^th July.

Châteauneuf du Pape - 32km - 37mn by car

The town is famous for the most prestigious of all Rhone wines. Located between Avignon and Orange, Châteauneuf-du-Pape takes it name from the ruins of the 14^th century chateau where the Avignon popes’ summered.

There are superb views of Avignon and the 3 000 hectares of vine fields from the chateau. The town is almost completely dedicated to its world famous wine, the Musee du Vin is devoted to the world of wine and the tools used to produce it.

Touring & Tasting the Wines -- A map posted in place du Portail (but called place de la Fontaine by just about everyone), pinpoints 22 wineries open for touring and tasting.

Orange - 40km - 40mn by car

Admire the world famous Roman Theater and Triumphal Arch, both listed as World Heritage by the UNESCO.

The city is also dedicated to art, the Roman Theater in Orange thrills every summer when it welcomes the Chorégies, a prestigious Festival for Opera and lyrical Art, displaying international quality shows.

Enjoy the Thursday morning market around the ancient theatre, pretty pedestrian streets and fountained squares.

Vaison la Romaine - 75km - 1h10 by car

One of the best preserved Roman towns in Provence, which has a long and colourful history, stretching back beyond the Romans.

There are still significant Roman remains to be seen in the town especially of the Roman baths and theatre.

The town is the largest archeological site in Europe and has a fine museum..

The old town itself is also very attractive with streets winding up the hill with good views from the top.

The ruins of the castle dating from 1195 perch at the top of the rock above the village itself.

Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Séguret - 52km - 55mn by car

The village of Vacqueyras produces one of the three major vintages of Côtes du Rhône de Vaucluse. The vineyard which has been renowned for many years extends as far as the Dentelles de Montmirail.

As you leave the village, heading for Sarrians, you might like to stop at the "Espace Botanique de Coste de Coa" a botanical centre in an area of 1,000 m² presenting a number of botanical trails and a signposted tour to learn about Mediterranean vegetation, trees and aromatic plants.

About 4km away, Gigondas is an absolutely essential stop for lovers of this world renowned vintage. Vineyards here cover an area of 12 km2 and more than five million bottles are put on the market each year.

Segruet, 5km away is officially listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France and produces an excellent "appellation contrôlée" wine, Côtes du Rhône Séguret   The village is almost impossibly pretty, with tiny, pedestrianised streets, medieval edifices and contemporary artists and artisans.