Location and background:
The villa is situated in the 'Vaucluse' region. Ranging from the Comtat Venaissin landscapes which can remind you of Tuscany, to the dramatic ochre cliffs reminiscent of the Grand Canyon. Yet Vaucluse really stands apart, unique unto itself with its vineyards and lavender fields, picturesque perched villages strung along te Luberon
hills or nestled in the secret folds of Mont Ventoux, and the unusual geographical feature of the Enclave of Valréas. You should be aware that the summer is the season of culture , with theater festivals in Avignon, Vaison, Carpentras and so many other places. There are music festivals throughout, in particular the Chorégies in Orange. With its Mediterranean climate, it has all the ingredients of a true paradise for lovers of the great outdoors. Hills and mountains cover half of the territory, providing over 2500 km of hiking trails. Easy hikes often take you through historical places.
What to do, days out:
Many other sport activities are available, such as climbing, canoeing, golf, wing sailing, fishing etc.
Avignon is quite magnificent. The popes themselves lived there during nearly the entire 14th century. The seven different popes left a great architectural heritage that remains to this day: a circle of over 4 km of ramparts that surrounds the old city - during the middle ages Avignon was larger than Paris. As you stroll the city streets, discover palaces, churches, city mansions built along the cobbled streets, shady Italian-style squares....
Fontaine La Vaucluse. Here one of the world's most extraordinary spring gushes forth. Natures own mystery, the underground spring can be a surging fury or a placid lake, depending on the season. Nearby you can find the village of Isle sur la sorgue. The Sunday morning markets and the 200 antique dealers who have there shops there (open in the weekend) have earned an reputation that goes beyond Provence and the French borders.
More days out!!:
Typical villages mounted in the landscape include Bonnieux, Lacoste, Ménerbes, Oppède le Vieux, Gordes Start in Bonnieux, a superb perched village. The Cedar Forest, walking path (takes about 2 hours) through the trees. A vast cedar forest covers the crest. The discovery trail provides many breathtaking view points and has informative signs to learn about the typical Luberon vegetation. After Bonnieux take the direction for Lacoste, the village and its winding streets with stone houses, the splendid view over the village of Bonnieux. Continue your route to Ménebres , ranked among 'the most beautiful villages in France'. After this you can take the road up to Oppède le Vieux, 300 m altitude, overlooking the valley. Ruins of ancient ramparts, medieval castle, cobblestone streets. Last village you can visit during this 1day tour is Gordes. The stone homes are built along the hillside and winding around the château which crowns the village.
