Dreamy photogenic Dreamy photogenic landscape scenery is not rare in Vaucluse, but I guarantee that the dazzling sight of the soft sun lighting up a carpet of crimson poppies in April and May will make you gasp. One of the prettiest places for poppy-watching is at the village of Lacoste which looks out towards Bonnieux and the Luberon Valley or near Carpentras, between the fortified village of Caromb and Le Barroux, one of the most beautiful villages in Provence. Also, the poppy fields are glorious between Bedoin and Crillon-le-Brave - where you can indulge in what has to be one of the best Sunday brunches in France at the 5-star Hotel Crillon-le-Brave. Chateauneuf-du-pape As wild birds trill out their welcome to spring and blossom scents the air, you feel the countryside bursting into vibrant life all around you and as feel-good factors go, this is pretty unbeatable and unbeatably pretty. (Outdoor activities in Vaucluse) Fontaine de Vaucluse © Julie Whitmarsh and wine pairing at the Maison Bouachon, and a tasting and informative session at Ecole des Vins Mouriesse, a renowned wine school. And if you happen to be there at the end of March you can enjoy the largest Châteauneufdu-Pape wine tasting event. The Printemps de Châteauneuf-du-Pape features more than 100 wine growers from the prestigious appellation, and a Slow Food market is set up outside for everyone to sit around large tables with a glass of Châteauneuf and a bite to eat. There’s no wine snobbery here, just passionate wine makers, keen to share their passion for the grape. (Vineyard visits in Vaucluse). The vineyards sit alongside apricot and cherry orchards that in early spring are blossoming and by late spring are fruiting. Enjoy a picnic with producers and stop off at little hilltop villages for an al fresco break at a welcoming café or restaurant. Spring brings abundance and the markets are full of fresh produce - luscious strawberries, sweet cherries, juicy apricots, artichokes and herbs, cheeses and brightly coloured baskets. Every village has a market, and they are the perfect place to taste artisan chocolate, meet a goat’s cheese maker, quaff local wines, and enjoy sweet lavender honey and local olive oil made at an authentic mill. Why not take a cookery lesson using herbs that you’ve picked, and produce you bought at the market. And don’t forget to sit out under the clear night skies and watch for shooting stars as you enjoy a gourmet break. The taste of Vaucluse is unforgettable… Gorgeous spring Gardens The Vaucluse is teeming with gorgeous gardens you can visit. One of the most beautiful is Le Pavillon de Galon on the edge of Cucuron – if you’ve seen the film “A Good Year”, you’ll recognise this village! With its landscape lapping at the foot of the Luberon, Le Pavillon de Galon is a magnificent garden brimming with Mediterranean plants, vineyards, fig and cherry trees, lavender, an olive grove and more – it’s a snapshot of Provence’s natural bounty. (Visit upon reservation). In Avignon the garden of the Palace of the Popes is a secluded secret of the city. Fully restored in 2020, there are deckchairs for relaxing in the wonderfully landscaped areas including the Benedict XII Garden and the Papal Garden. The popes had direct access to the gardens from their chambers and today the gardens feature plants that were popular at the time of the Popes as well as a replica of an ancient fountain surrounded by flowering meadows in the spring. One of the best ways to visit is to get up early to watch the sun rise over the Palace of the Popes, enjoy a leisurely coffee and croissant as you watch the city come to life, wander the Papal gardens, and then go island hopping! The Ile de la Barthelasse is the biggest river island in France and is like a huge garden in itself! Take a free, 5-minute ferry service to the island from near the famous Pont d’Avignon, a stone’s throw from the Papal garden. From the island there are beautiful 26 | The Good Life France Villedieu © Erica de Roos The Good Life France | 27
