The Good Life France Magazine




The Good Life France Magazine brings you the best of France - inspirational and exclusive features, fabulous photos, mouth-watering recipes, tips, guides, ideas and much more...


Published by the award winning team at The Good Life France

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2 years ago

Issue No. 18

Inspiring and insightful features, stunning photographs and brilliant reporting on French travel, culture, gastronomy, life in France and a whole lot more...

The region of Provence

The region of Provence is vast, stretching from the border of Italy and the Mediterranean Sea to the Rhone. It’s a region that is famous for its diverse landscapes, from the Alps and lush plains of the Camargue to the vibrant lavender fields, olive groves and rolling vineyards of the Luberon where the landscape is ever changing according to the seasons. The history, particular to each region and town, transcends centuries, millennia even. The Greeks, the Romans, 19th-century modernization, the scars of World War II, the mysterious legends and local heroes provide you with secrets and stories that bring to life the past.

In 1309, Pope Clement V, former Archbishop of Bordeaux, relocated the papacy to the town of Avignon where it remained until 1376 when it returned to Rome. Châteauneuf-du-Pape literally translates to "The Pope's new castle" as it was the location of the summer residence of Popes in France. They had vines planted there and to this day the 55 vineyards in the area produce some of the finest wines. Read about the Palais des Papes here 1 Chateauneuf-du-Pape – a historic wine region Exploring the landscapes lining the Rhone River takes you back to a time before the Romans arrived, when the Greeks established trading posts and vineyards along the banks. Chateauneuf-du-Pape is the perfect place to start your exploration of the renowned vineyards of Provence. Take a leisurely walk in a sea of rolling hills lined with vines as a wine grower explains the secrets of making wine, both past and present. Taste wine in an ancient cellar and buy a bottle to enjoy with your gourmet picnic in the vineyard. You don’t have to be a knowledgeable wine connoisseur to appreciate your day in Chateauneuf-du- Pape - the stories go beyond the wine. Be sure to explore the area 30 minutes east of Chateauneuf-du-Pape for other cru wines and discover charming villages such as Seguret, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Beaumes de Venise.