© Alain-Hocquel VPA The

© Alain-Hocquel VPA The Great outdoors Spring in Provence brings the promise of warm, sunny days and it’s the perfect time to get out and about and enjoy the countryside. There are two major nature parks - Mont Ventoux Regional Park and the Luberon Regional Natural Park which is spread over 185,000 hectares and includes 51 villages in Vaucluse. Go cycling or hiking through the vineyards, from the pebbly ground of Châteauneuf-du- Pape to the limestone foothills of Ventoux and the clay soil of the Luberon plain, to discover the Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Clairette, and Bourboulenc grapes that make the wine so special here. Chateauneuf-du-Pape was where the popes who once lived in the historic city of Avignon in the 14th century, spent their summer holidays. They loved the wines grown here and today some of the most renowned wines in the world come from this little village and its surroundings. Visitors are spoiled for wine tastings in Chateauneuf-du-Pape including at the newly opened Vinothèque, the official wine outlet and showroom, and even at the Musée du Vin Brotte where you can discover all about the history of the wine. You can also try chocolate VA VA VOOM to Vaucluse in the spring… When spring arrives, the villages and countryside of Vaucluse in Provence burst into life. Fields of crimson poppies sit alongside orchards full of blossoming apricot, cherry and olive trees. Head to one of the many beautiful villages to find your perfect place to sit and watch the world go by from a terraced café. Visit colourful markets brimming with fabulous local produce. Get up early to watch the sun rise over the majestic Palace of the Popes in Avignon, and sip aperitifs under the stars. Vaucluse is an intoxicating land of extravagant natural beauty and in the spring, nature has a party on its lands! Flassan © A Hocquel, VPA 24 | The Good Life France The Good Life France | 25