Palais des Papes Pont

Palais des Papes Pont d'Avignon looking over Ile de la Barthelasse views of the famous bridge, the palace and the city walls. You can buy local produce at the Ferme de la Reboule and have lunch beside the water at Le Bercail restaurant. Wander or cycle the plane tree shaded paths that wind between apple trees and cherry orchards and stop at the Manguin Distillery where they make pastis and pear brandy. Don’t miss the Rose des Arts rose garden in nearby Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. In May and June, 3,500 bushes of pink Centifolia Baptistine roses burst into bloom and fill the air with their perfume. In the 18th century this grand rose became a favourite for use in the gloves made for the rich and the royals of Europe including Queen Marie Antoinette. The petals in this gorgeous garden are harvested to make perfume, rose coulis to add to Champagne, rose flavoured chocolates and syrups. One more unmissable garden is near the town Pavillon de Gallon © Georges Levecque of Orange which is famous for its incredible Roman remains. Here you will find the Harmas de Jean Henri Fabre garden. Fabre was a multi-talented man – a scientist, collector, painter and writer (1823-1915), as well as passionate about nature. He deliberately left his garden in Sérignan-du-Comtat as fallow land to attract as many insects as possible. Every spring the Festival of Rare Plants & Natural Gardens is held in the town, with nursery owners, landscape gardeners and artisans from all over France taking part in this event which is perfect for anyone interested in nature and protecting it. Spring in Provence is a little bit of heaven on earth… Find details of all the markets, gardens, and gorgeous places to visit in Vaucluse at: provenceguide.com 28 | The Good Life France The Good Life France | 29 ©LezBroz