Villa Les Vignes Blanches

70km

Marseille 74km, Avignon 7km.
Train station: Avignon TGV 18km.

Shops 1.5km, supermarket 3km. Nearest restaurant in Chateauneuf de Gadagne (3km).

Caumont sur Durance
Caumont sur Durance lies midway between Avignon and Cavaillon with impressive ramparts overlooking the Durance river. Within the ramparts there is a botanical nature trail which takes you up to the viewpoint where there are panoramic views towards the Alpilles and Luberon hills as well as the Vaucluse plateau.

DAY TRIP IDEAS

Cavaillon (12km)
This bustling market town is perhaps best known as the melon capital of France. The fruit is harvested from mid-summer to the Autumn and the town hosts a festival in celebration of their favourite fruit in the middle of July. The town also boasts historic sites including Roman arches, a medieval canal still in use and reputably the most beautiful synagogue of Europe dating back to the 18th century.

Avignon (15km)
Avignon, on the banks of the Rhone, is probably best-known these days for the children’s song – Sur le Pont d’Avignon. But for several decades in the 14th century it was the capital of Christendom, after Pope Clement V moved his court here to avoid the chaos in Rome. The legacy of that papal schism can be seen today in the city’s UNESCO-protected architecture, including the vast Palais des Papes. And nearby Châteauneuf-du-Pape, site of a now-ruined castle built by a later pope, still produces acclaimed red wines. The city’s intact ramparts and pedestrianised centre lend Avignon a small-town, medieval feel. Yet each July, the city goes totally 21st century, as thousands of visitors descend for a contemporary performing arts extravaganza, the Festival d’Avignon.

Oppede le Vieux (21km)
Situated halfway up the northern slopes of the Luberon massif, the dramatic and haunting Oppede le Vieux is coming back to life after years of abandonment. This magnificent little hill-top village is built high on a rocky outcrop. To visit, leave your car in the carpark at the base of the village before following the picturesque path up the hill. You will be enchanted by this historic village and it is a pleasure to wander around this village and admire the charming 15th and 16th century houses that have been skilfully restored.

L’Isle sur la Sorgue (10km)
L’Isle sur la Sorgue is a pretty market town, much loved for its antique shops and twice weekly markets. Once an important fishing town, with an abundance of crayfish in the River Sorgue, there are also several canals running through the centre. Perhaps, unsurprisingly, the town has been called the Venice of Provence. The river has influenced the development of the town, providing for thriving crafts and industries, flour mills, wool and silk workshops. Many of the waterwheels remain adding to the picturesque charm of the town. Each Sunday there is quite a carnival atmosphere with a flea market, regarded as of the best antique markets in France (Thursday in normal market day).

Gordes (26km)
The village of Gordes is one of the most photographed villages of Provence and a number of famous films such as A Year in Provence or more recently A Good Year directed by Ridley Scott have been set in the village. Just a mile from Gordes is the Village des Bories, an open air museum made up of twenty or so traditional drystone huts that have been reconstructed in celebration of the skills and beauty of this architectural style which stretches back over many centuries.

Pont du Gard (38km)
The Pont du Gard is a famous Roman aqueduct, UNESCO World Heritage Site and icon of the south of France. It supplied water to Nimes for over five centuries, however by the 9th century it had started to fall into ruin. Much of the aqueduct is still intact today and it is a remarkable site. Nearly 300 metres long and almost 50 metres high it comprises three levels of arches, progressively narrower at each level. Visitors can walk across the aqueduct to appreciate both the architectural achievement and the great views from the top. There is also a mile-long marked trail around the site so you can see the river and bridge from all angles.

ACTIVITIES
Golf: 18 hole course in Morriere les Avignon (7km).
Tennis: 2km.