La Provence - 6 reasons why you should go!
6 reasons why you should include Provence in your travel plans this year!
If you are planning a trip to France in the near future and only have the time and resources to visit one region, let it be Provence. The region is the epitome of everything that is French. The wines, the swaying lavender fields and sun-drenched hills, the ancient cobble-stoned streets leading to town squares where men of the village play 'petanque' and drink pastis (a local liqueur).
Let me give you six reasons why Provence should be included in your travel plans:
1. If van Gogh fell in love with Provence so should you!
Known as a troubled soul and misunderstood genius, painter van Gogh clearly found solace in Provence's beauty in during the later stages of his career. Provence is where he painted some of his most acclaimed works, inspired by the local landscape and light. Some of the scenes he depicted still exist today!
Van Gogh is not the only artist who found inspiration in the landscapes of Provence which goes to show that the region will undoubtedly inspire you too!
2. Gordes
Gordes is a stunning example of an ancient village perched high on a hilltop making it a remarkable sight, even by already high French standards! The town is virtually car-free which makes it perfect for exploring by foot. Try to get lost in the streets and retreat into a cafe or bistro during the midday heat for a cafe-au-lait (latte) or mix it up with the locals with a powerful pastis (anise-flavoured liqueur and aperitif). All the buildings in Gordes are made of stone and use terracotta roof tiles. No fences are allowed, only stone walls. All in all a completely unspoilt gem of a village. Close your eyes and you'll think you've teleported back to the dark ages. Deserves at least a day in your itinerary.
 |
 |
| Gordes - It doesn't get any more French! |
Chateauneuf du Pape - The stones radiate a ‘secondary heat’ to the developing vine fruit which ultimately gives the wines from this region distinctive characteristics. |
3. Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Almost needs no introduction. Iconic winemaking region producing fabulous reds which have found fame after Robert Parker himself became an advocate of the style of these reds which can best be described as being rustic yet rewarding. Spend at least a day immersing yourself with everything that is wine; visiting cellar doors, learning about the specific intricacies of French winemaking (radiating stones to name just one!) and generally taste your way through the area.
For a bit more of an 'off-beat' wine experience consider paying a visit to Tavel. Rose is the name of the game here and the very specific viticultural ways allow for more body and structure than your average rose with relatively high alcohol content at 11% - 13.5%. Enjoying a chilled Tavel on a shady terrace: as close to heaven as you'll get!
Serious vinophiles should opt for a small group tour with my friend and local wine identity Francois. A very personal way of getting to know the wines and as he also drives no one has to hold back and you can relax and enjoy your day. Francois only works on referral so make sure you contact us before you go.
4. Mt. Ventoux
A lot more than just a mountain, this isolated peak is essentially a large lump of limestone which makes the the summit resemble a lunar landscape. Its isolated position overlooking the valley of the Rhone ensures that it dominates the entire region and can be seen from many miles away on a clear day. The view from the top is abolutely superb. The mountain has obtained heroic status in one of France's major sporting events: the Tour de France (cycling) as the cycling contest visits the mountain on a regular basis. Arriving at the summit before the others gets you instant hero status in France.
Mt. Ventoux is definitely worth the trip as you make your way up through deciduous forest before traversing vast expanses of pine forest. Higher up the the vegetation gives way to nothing but white limestone which gives the summit an eerie and almost unworldly appearance. The mountain can be considered Provence's Uluru.
A highly recommended lunch spot would be Le Verger des Papes, on the flanks of Mt. Ventoux. Classical Provencal cuisine meets modern day France, with a wine list you can only dream about! Not overly expensive and fabulous service!
 |
 |
| Summit of Mt. Ventoux |
Bouillabaisse |
5. Bouillabaisse and pissaladiere
These are just two of the vast array of amazing local dishes of the area. Marseille is the spiritual home of bouillabaisse (fish soup) and eating the dish on the waterfront is a definite must-do if you have included the port city in your plans. Each day, the fishing boats deliver their catch straight to the many restaurants bordering the port after which the local chefs pour all their energy and skill in crafting the perfect fish soup, very often using ancient recipes and secret ingredients.
Pissaladiere is another Provencal classis which is popping up on menus all across Australia. Though it resembles a pizza, it is made with bread dough and the traditional variety never has a tomato topping. It is usually sold in bakeries, and is topped with a bed of onions, lightly browned, and a kind of paste, called pissalat, made from sardines and anchovies and small black olive, called caillettes.
Another local favourite is a fish called ‘loup’, often grilled with fennel over the wood of grapevines. Divine!
6. Avignon and learning the ways of Provencal cuisine
After all this indulgence, grab yourself a half day private cooking class in the region for some Provencal style learnings. Use Avignon as your base for all your culinary endeavours as it gives easy access to Venasque, just 20 picturesque minutes from Avignon. In Venasque I recommend an intimate cooking experience in the tiny kitchen of an Auberge. You’ll explore the fundamentals of authentic Mediterranean cooking, marrying flavours, utilizing the best local produce from the market and learning about great French traditions from your host chef.
If you would like to visit Provence, Food and Wine Travel offer tailor-made travel solutions to the region. There's a host of travel options available for you on the website. Alternatively, contact the author to speak about your personal requirements:
Written by Karen Ridge
Director Food and Wine Travel
1800 701 521
karen@foodandwinetravel.com.au