Postcards to Rick Steves |
BACKGROUND
This is my second visit to Provence, and I am beginning to see why artists are so inspired by this place. It is an explosion of colors and light! We are in store for a new variety of architecture, food, wine, and culture. While our skies turn sunny, we also experience our first mistral, the famous winds Provence is famous for. They aren't as powerful as you read about in Peter Mayle's 'A Year in Provence,' but enough to keep the temperatures cool and the occasional shower at hand.
Vaison la Romaine is divided into two parts. The modern lower town features Roman ruins, shops and restaurants, and the main square (Place Montfort). The upper, medieval town is a photographer or stroller's delight: cobble-stoned streets, an abandoned castle, killer views, and a few cafes and hotels. Ancient Vaison had a special relationship with Rome, and the olive farms and vineyards made it a prosperous town. When barbarians arrived, the Romans fled and the citizens headed for the hills. Speaking of hills... no cars up here. Our bus parks in the lower town, and we take a ten-minute walk through town and up the hills to the beautiful Hotel Le Beffroi to enjoy three nights in beautiful Vaison. |
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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
~Three nights at family-run Hotel le Beffroi. Friendly staff, tasty meals, and ancient Vaison right outside your doorstep. The rooms are tastefully decorated and named after local flowers, herbs, or rivers. A roof-top pool and outdoor dining terrace provide spectacular views and practically invite hour-long meals.
~Two group dinners at the hotel. Eating in the courtyard under twinkling lights and the sound of cicadas provided a magical summer experience. ~Walking tour and orientation of town, as well as lots of free time to explore on your own. Click here to read about some of these discoveries and surprises! ~A half day dedicated to Roman Vaison. This included a tour of the lower-town ruins by a local guide, and a drive to nearby Orange, where we tour the impressive Roman Theater of Orange. ~A full day exploring the villages of the area. This includes a stop in Seguret, where we tour Domaine de Mourchon. Family-run and proud of their work! (This was a definite WOW! moment.) Mourchon's wines are well-known throughout the world. We take a tour through the vineyards, where we learn about the terroir, grapes, and wine production. We continue into the winery and cellars to learn how the grapes are turned into wine. We conclude our tour with a tasting of several whites, reds, and rosés, including my first-ever Chateauneuf-du-Pape! We are then treated to a home-cooked meal in the courtyard of their next-door estate! Read more and see photos to the right! |
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