La Fountain de Vaucluse.
La Fountain de Vaucluse.
The Luberon Regional park attracts hordes of hikers every year. The mountains between Cavaillon and Manosque are thick with garrigues ( scrublands) and olive groves, and are dotted with caves, castles. abbeys and picturesque perched villages with magnificent views. To the south, the Durance waters a checkerboard of fertile fields, and stallholders on the local markets proudly peddle some of France’s finest fruit & vegetables.
Places to visit.
La Fountain of Vaucluse: from deep in a circular hollow, springs one of the most powerful water sources in the world. One myth claims that a nymph removed seven diamonds from the rocks, one by one to release it. The torrent suddenly emerged in the seven century, watering the fig trees and feeding the Sorgue river. Truly spectacular after heavy rain. the last time we went a rainbow painted the sky.
Gordes.
The village des bories. A hamlet consisting entirely of restored bories ( dry-stones igloos), where inhabitants of the Vaucluse and the Luberon lived from Ligurian times ( 6th century BC)
Abbaye de Senaque. Built in 1148, this is one of a trio of primitive abbayes, known as the” cistercian sisters of Provence” to allow the monks to meditate undistracted, according to the rules of Saint Benedict.Phone # is 04.90.72.05.72 ( Route de Senanque)
Chateau de Lourmarin. The older part of the castle , an austere fortress- like place called Chateau Vieux, was built between 1495 and 1525. In 1526, Madame D’Agoult added the more attractive Chateau Neuf, dedicated to pleasure. It is filled with Provencal furniture and chinese musical instruments.
The Chateau de Lourmarin has a cave where you can do wine tasting & purchase wine , Tea & olive oil.
The Roussillon Cliffs. Another legend explains the color of the rocks, ” The wife of a nobleman threw herself from the top of the cliffs, after her husband forced to eat her dead lover’s heart. The earth turned scarlet with blood and rocks were left with a permanent rosy glow.
Daily visits ( 9 AM – 5:30 PM) times may vary.
Where to eat.
Dominique Bucaille ( Manosque) 45, boulevard des Tilleuls. the Food is great!. Phone # 04.92.72.32.28
Mas Tourteron (Gordes), Homegrown herbs accompany the local lamb, large dessert buffet. Phone # 04.90.72.00.16
Accommodations.
Auberge de L’aiguebrun. The little hotel has a pool, garden & Private parking and well -equipped rooms.The cuisine is delicately Provencal, try the eggplant gratine dish!. www.aubergedelaiguebrun.fr. Bonnieux.
La Bastide de Gordes. Village centre. Phone # 04.90.72.12.12
www.bastide-de-gordes.com. This charming & elegant 16th- century mansion has spacious , luxurious rooms, a outdoor pool and fine dining in a superb setting.
Les Bories .
www.hotellesbories.com. This wonderful situated . tranquil hotel, comfortable hotel has a pool, tennis court & top quality restaurant. Pricey
Hotel le gordos.
www.hotel-le-gordos.com. in an area of expensive accommodation, it is a relief to find a decent, sensibly priced, family run hotel. Pretty garden, pleasant garden terrace and pool.
Hotel les bories, in Gordes.
Hote le Gordos , route de cavaillon.
La Bastide de Gordes.
The Garden at the Hotel " Les Bories"
Tags: abbayes, Accommodations, Eateries, Hoel les Bories. Hotel le Gordos . la Bastide de Gordes., Lourmarin, Luberon, Perched villages, Roussillon
