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Another eclectic day of hiking trails, historic sites, ochre cliffs, wine tasting and the nuances of Provence.
We began at Le Pont Julien, a Roman built bridge in 3 BC. Incredibly the bridge continued to operate as a roadway until 2000 when a new bridge was built 50m away.
Then it was time to hike through the fields, vineyards and wood lots. The natural aromas of lavender, sage, thyme and pine provided a gentle reminder we were truly in Provence.
Our first destination was Roussillon, two hours away. A member of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (the most beautiful villages). Wine, fruit orchards and the mining of ochres have been supplanted by tourism.
A short walk away, the ochre cliffs provided an amazing example of nature’s vivid palette. These hills were the source of pigments first used in the textile industry.
Lunch was a simple baguette eaten while sitting on a small wall – tres Franc.
Back on the road to a most important stop, the Tara winery. There we tasted six different vintages and even Mark had to agree the Rose was quite delicious.
Back on the trail towards Gordes and more bushwhacking albeit mild at best and aromatic throughout (herds de Provence?).
At the base of the hill upon which Gordes sits the option to take a van the last 4.5 kms was offered. Only two of us refused the ride and we set off with one of the guides to climb up into the village.
The first third was a gentle incline on a well beaten gravel track. Then we turned uphill with a very steep incline. Legs and lungs protested loudly.
The town is literally built into and onto the cliffs. One has to wonder how the ancient architects managed and how the builders created structures with such lasting abilities.
A long day (first time I’ve hit just under 30,000 steps in one day) continued with a one hour ride to Saint Remy de Provence where we checked in to a 5* hotel. Unfortunately we didn’t have time to enjoy the spa but a nice casual dinner in town was a nice conclusion.
The Bennetts On Tour 