On the lavender roads
FROM THE RHÔNE VALLEY TO
THE CAMARGUE
On the lavender roads
FROM THE RHÔNE VALLEY TO
THE CAMARGUE
TRAVEL PASSPORT
TRAVEL PASSPORT
DELIGHTFUL TASTES AND PUPILS, RENOWNED WINES, RELAXATION IN THE SHADE OF OLIVE TREES
In Provence, we know how to appreciate life!
Choosing slow travel from Montélimar to Arles means enjoying strolling through peaceful villages and seeing Mont-brun-les-Bains, Roussillon or Gordes, some of the most beautiful hilltop villages in France, revealed around a bend. But also delve into the color palette of the masters of painting in the Luberon and follow the flow of the Sorgue, the Durance and the Rhône. So, when we reach the end of the road, in a Camargue with preserved biodiversity, time stops completely.
DELIGHTFUL TASTES AND PUPILS, RENOWNED WINES, RELAXATION IN THE SHADE OF OLIVE TREES
In Provence, we know how to appreciate life!
Choosing slow travel from Montélimar to Arles means enjoying strolling through peaceful villages and seeing Mont-brun-les-Bains, Roussillon or Gordes, some of the most beautiful hilltop villages in France, revealed around a bend. But also delve into the color palette of the masters of painting in the Luberon and follow the flow of the Sorgue, the Durance and the Rhône. So, when we reach the end of the road, in a Camargue with preserved biodiversity, time stops completely.
We discover all this at our own pace, hair in the wind. Guided by the typical scents of Provence, we cross expanses of bright lavender, fields of olive trees standing in the wind and plots of high altitude vines. Fig trees, almond trees, apricot trees and wild plants complete this aromatic range, which we find with delight at our table every evening. Benoît the organic winemaker, [Joséphine and Nicolas] the permaculturists or [Jacqueline] the short-circuit restaurateur share their love of the terroir with a sparkling look in their eyes.
Thanks to the electric assistance, we pedal over mountain passes with little or no effort. We lose ourselves in time and space between Gallo-Roman remains, medieval abbeys, residences of the Popes, Renaissance castles and contemporary art foundations. Faithful to the Provencal spirit, we do not forget to relax, in a spa with a view of Mont Ventoux, in a market with a thousand flavors in the shade of lime trees or by a refreshing spring. It’s certain, this romantic stroll in the great outdoors promises to leave unforgettable memories!
We discover all this at our own pace, hair in the wind. Guided by the typical scents of Provence, we cross expanses of bright lavender, fields of olive trees standing in the wind and plots of high altitude vines. Fig trees, almond trees, apricot trees and wild plants complete this aromatic range, which we find with delight at our table every evening. Benoît the organic winemaker, [Joséphine and Nicolas] the permaculturists or [Jacqueline] the short-circuit restaurateur share their love of the terroir with a sparkling look in their eyes.
Thanks to the electric assistance, we pedal over mountain passes with little or no effort. We lose ourselves in time and space between Gallo-Roman remains, medieval abbeys, residences of the Popes, Renaissance castles and contemporary art foundations. Faithful to the Provencal spirit, we do not forget to relax, in a spa with a view of Mont Ventoux, in a market with a thousand flavors in the shade of lime trees or by a refreshing spring. It’s certain, this romantic stroll in the great outdoors promises to leave unforgettable memories!
01
GATES TO PROVENCE:
FROM MONTÉLIMAR TO GRIGNAN
The crossing of the Drôme Provençale begins with Montélimar la gourmande, famous for its nougat. We drive past dazzling panoramas and arrive in Grignan at the magic hour when the stones turn pink. We happily relax at the hotel, before going for a walk at the foot of Madame de Sévigné’s castle. At dinner, the stroll is gustatory: it smells good of the South
02
PAPAL VINES: FROM GRIGNAN TO
VAISON-LA-ROMAINE
Off the beaten track we discover with surprise the enclave of the Popes, a legacy of the time when the Pontiffs lived in Avignon. Once on the Vinsobres plateau, the giant of Provence becomes our landmark on the horizon. We meet Benoît for a visit and a tasting in the middle of his high-altitude organic vines, before heading to pretty Vaison-la-Romaine for the night.
03
SPA FACING VENTOUX:
FROM VAISON-LA-ROMAINE TO SAULT
At the foot of Mont Ventoux, magnificent gorges and the wild Toulourenc valley are revealed. We climb to Brantes, where a lunch break with a view of our big Giant is essential. Then we stop at Mont-brun-les-Bains for a moment of relaxation at the thermal spa, in front of a dazzling panorama. To finish in style, a charming hotel welcomes us in Sault at dinner time.
04
FLAVORS OF LUBERON:
SAULT IN ROUSSILLON
Leaving the Val de Sault, we immerse ourselves in the culinary traditions of Provence. With our senses alert, we are losing our minds on the financial markets
small villages in the Luberon! They are overflowing with aromatic plants, juicy tomatoes, olive oil, truffles, figs, world-renowned wines… After this orgy, Roussillon awaits us on its ocher rock that the setting sun sets ablaze.
05
RURAL PROVENCE: FROM ROUSSILLON TO FONTAINE-DE-VAUCLUSE
We believe we feel the heart of rural Provence beating as we cycle through the medieval towns of the Luberon, such as Bonnieux or Ménerbes. They have crazy charm! And when, after a bend, Gordes appears to us from the top of its rocky peak, its beauty takes our breath away. At the end of the day, refreshing yourself at the mysterious spring of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is the best idea ever!
06
AMONG THE POPES: FROM
FONTAINE-DE-VAUCLUSE IN AVIGNON
In the early morning, [Joséphine and Nicolas] open the doors of their permaculture farm to us, from which we emerge knowledgeable about wild plants to cook, eco-gastronomy and even beekeeping. The Sorgue, the Durance then the Rhône guide us to the majestic City of the Popes. This city, what a delight! While wandering through its streets, we found the perfect place for dinner.
07
THROUGH THE AGES: FROM ARLES TO
BEAUVOISIN
After breakfast, we go to Arles by train. It’s a journey through time, from the Roman arenas to the Saint-Trophime cathedral, via the ancient theater and the Cryptoportics. In the evening at Franquevaux Abbey, after visiting the Van Gogh and Luma Foundations, the Parc des Ateliers and the highlights of the Photo Festival, we close our eyes with the images in our heads.
08
WILD CAMARGUE:
FROM BEAUVOISIN TO
STES-MARIES-DE-LA-MER
At the end of the journey, the Mediterranean opens up to us. But before soaking your feet in it, it is unthinkable not to take advantage of this natural space.
out of time that is the Camargue. From the Pont de Gau Ornithological Park, a stroll through the marshes is a must, looking for pink lovers among thousands of birds. And finally, in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, we salute the Big Blue.
09
THE END: FROM BEAUVOISIN TO
ARLES
Our last pedal strokes bring us back to Arles, along the Petit Rhône. Very gently, as we have done so far. Along the way we remember the good times of our stay, the grandiose panoramas, the authentic encounters and the gourmet tables. These memories are a bit of Provençal sunshine that we will bring back in our luggage!
