Visit Gordes, L'isle sur la sorgue and chateauneuf du pape

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South of Avignon in the Luberon. GORDES

Because of its exceptional position and architecture Gordes is listed as being “one of the most beautiful villages of France”.

Thousands of tourists visit the village every year and I am sure that it is one of the most photographed villages in France.

Many wealthy movies stars and artists have made their home here giving the village a world wide reputation, and Peter Mayle's book A Year in Provence definitely helped this region to become even more popular.

The village is perched on the top of the hill and the church and fortified castle face out onto the hills of the Luberon.

The fortified castle encloses the city hall and the Pol Para museum (Flemish contemporary painter) and the pretty village square at the foot of the castle boasts many charming cafés and restaurants.

You must not miss the famous market on Tuesday mornings where all the local produce can be bought.

The views are incredible and the village can be seen from miles away standing out in the sunshine.

While strolling up and down through the narrow streets you will see many beautiful old doorways, arcades and facades built out of the local stone.
Beyond Gordes on the way to Venasque you will find the fabulous Abbey of Senanque hidden in the green valley. Cistercian monks still live there producing honey, lavender essence, and liqueurs.

North of Avignon. CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE

Between Avignon and Orange you will find the beautiful village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape world famous for it’s wine and vineyards.

The village overlooks the plain of Comtat and over 3 000 hectares of vines.

Pope Jean XXII chose Chateauneuf as the location for his summer residences in the XIV century, he then decided to plant vines on the dry stony land which surrounded his landholdings.

The wine production remained a secret for a long time but started to become well known in the XVIIIe century.

It was finally recognized officially in 1929 and bestowed with it's own appellation Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This appellation means that the wine production in Chateauneuf du Pape is subject to strict controls to ensure that the 55 vineyards produce an extremely fine wine.

In the center of the village “place de la Fontaine” you will find a number of wine tasting cellars from the different domaines. The cellar facades vary and some may seem luxurious while others are very plain.
Wander down the twisting narrow streets to discover their numerous beautiful fountains including the XIV° century Souspiron fountain, you'll see the ancient bread oven and olive press. You will discover the Papal castle built by Pope Jean XXII between 1316 and 1333.

Large worn stone staircases will take you up to the castle where the Popes lived until 1377. Little remains after the many wars, a short stretch of wall, one of the high towers and a lower room. However from the ruins there is an incredible 360 ° panoramic view over the Rhône valley, Avignon and the papal Palace which can be seen in the background.
On leaving the village you will find an interesting little museum of wine making equipment at the Anselme vineyard. The Museum displays a large collection of wine making tools such as presses, barrels and many cork screws some of which date back to the XVI° century.

South East of Avignon ISLE SUR LA SORGUE

L'Isle sur la Sorgue is a delightful place to visit because of its beauty and charm. This lively town lies at the foot of the Vaucluse plateau in the plains of Comtat Venaissin.

The river Sorgue, flowing from the “Fontaine de Vaucluse”, circles the town giving it a natural emerald green colour and the pretty canals that wind through the center reflect the summer sunshine. Walking along the canals you will notice how they run between the narrow ancient streets.

There are charming little bridges to cross and impressive old wheels to look at with mossy blades turning round and round in the river. In the summer boating games are organized on the canal for the delight of the tourists.

The impressive Collegiate church Notre Dame des Anges has an exceptional Baroque interior and the 18th century hospital pharmacy boasts a rare collection of Moustier faience. Many magnificent mansions have been converted into art galleries, in particular the famous Maison René Char - Hotel Donadeï de Campredon (18th century.), now a museum exhibiting such great artists as Miro, Mauguin or Dufy and a display area dedicated to René Char.

L'Isle sur la Sorgue is worldwide famous for its antique fairs at Easter and over the August bank holiday. Antique lovers and art collectors will be amazed by the nearly 300 permanent antique dealers and second hand shops here. The Sunday market is also a meeting point for many tourists and the entire town is taken over by different stalls and crowds of excited people looking for the ideal present to take home. There are numerous cafés and pretty restaurants along the canals where you can stop for a drink or lunch with friends.

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