'Real' South of France

'Real' South of France ToursAbbaye Saint-André © Mairie Villeneuve Lez AvignontionsFounded by Pope Innocent VI in the 14thcentury, the Chartreuse du Val de BénédictionThe terraced gardens of the former AbbayeSaint-André, spilling down the slopes ofPuy Andaon are classified among the 100most beautiful in France with Italian andMediterranean style gardens with ponds andgazebos, old roses, wisteria and Mediterraneanplants, olive trees. A chapel in the groundsdating back 1000 years is where Saint Casarie issaid to have died. Her funerary stone rested hereuntil the French Revolution and is now exhibitedin the Collegiate church of Notre-Dame, oncethe chapel of a mansion belonging to a cardinal.Weekly markets: Thursday morning food market,Saturday morning brocante (flea market).Pop to the tourist office to find out about events,festivals and many more museums, monumentsand attractions (1 Place Charles David).grandavignon-destinations.frEat out:Delicious dishes: Restaurant l’Emulsion, underthe porticoes, fabulous fresh, seasonal disheswith friendly service.Locals love: l’Heure Bleu, a superb salon dethé with fabulous light dishes and scrumptiouscakes. It’s also a B&B in an old mansion.Chartreuse du Val de BénédictionWhere to stay: Hôtel de l’Atelier 3* – abeautifully restored 16 th century mansion,complete with creaking stairs, comfy roomsand oodles of atmosphere.How to get there: Hop on the bus line 5 from thecity – it takes around 10 minutes to Villeneuve.Or hire a bicycle and enjoy a 5-10 minute lovelyride across the Rhône river. On the way back,explore La Barthelasse river island between thetwo towns, along quiet shady roads betweenorchards and agricultural fields.EXPERIENCE THEAMAZING CULTURE,HISTORY, FOODAND WINE INOCCITANIETHE REAL SOUTH OF FRANCErealsouthoffrancetours.fr94 | The Good Life France The Good Life France | 95