Just back from Provence and the Cote d’Azur and my trip left me yet again wondering why I live in Michigan.(cloudy and cold 6 months of the year). Don’t get me wrong, Michigan has its good points to lakes, seasons, family, but maybe this time of year I am just ready for the nice weather to come and southern France was the anwser.  

As for my trip one word comes to mind. Magnifique! This trip I flew into Marseilles, I usually fly into Paris and take the train down to Avignon. Having never done this before it was very easy, but there is something about the train that I really enjoy. Provence is one of my favorite regions of France. The feeling here is relaxed and welcoming. The region has much to offer and many of its locations, small towns and villages have been the backdrop for many of movies and books.  Once you have been to Provence and see its beauty,it is no wonder most will return again and again.

Avignon has some superb hotels and some great restauants too. For those looking for superb accomodations in Avignon, consider Hotel d’Europe,  La Mirande, or Cloitre Saint Louis. While La Mirande and Hotel d’Europe have a very elegant and classic french appeal, Cloitre Saint Louis combines old world architechural excellence with modern furnishings. These hotels all have remarkable restaurants and all are worth a try. My favorite meal this time to Avignon was my meal at La Mirande. What I remember most is the pumpkin soup that was a gastromic experience unto itself. Each bite of the soup brought a new surprise and flavor. Imagine tastes of pumpkin, carrot, onion, and cream melded together in this wonderful soup.  Yummm!

The city of Avignon is a fantastic site to see with the fortified walls around the city center, charming squares, shops, markets, and of course one of the highlights, the Palais des Papes. The Popes Palace is where the Popes lived in the 14th century and the gothic architecture is very impressive. I had the opportunity tour the palace and to do a wine-tasting. A selection of Cote du Rhone wines were presenting in a small boutique with some exceptional varieties. So if you visit, don’t pass up a chance to get a bottle or two of some of the best Cote du Rhones wines to back to your room to enjoy.

I also had the opportunity to do a wine-tasting at Caves Mousset. This beautiful chateau and cellar overlook the picturesque vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape. The tasting itself was a progression of several wines from the area and the presenter was very knowledgable. There is a beautiful hotel and gastronomic restaurant, Chateau des Fines Roches next door that offers a beautiful and romantic setting with rooms  and a garden terrace that look out on the vineyards. This was my second visit here and I think I rather prefer September with the vines at there fullest and grapes ready for harvest. In springtime the vines are still very small from where they are cut back after harvest, but still……anytime of year is always great for a tasting.

Another amazing treat, was to visit La Bastide des Princes, a small and charming B & B located between Orange and Chateauneuf du Pape. The B & B has five tastefully decorated rooms that overlook the beautful garden and grounds. One of the highlights was the cooking class that Chef Phillip Paumel puts on with the product of your efforts being served in a traditional provencial dining  style. The food was amazing from start to finish and Phillip and his wife Annie are very gracious hosts and make their guest very welcome.

More to come.