On a tiny rock-ringed lagoon as isolated from the nearby city as if it were a desert island, this beautiful cinematic spot was once a customs house under Napoléon III. You can rent... more
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On a tiny rock-ringed lagoon as isolated from the nearby city as if it were a desert island, this beautiful cinematic spot was once a customs house under Napoléon III. You can rent a mattress and lounge chair (EUR10), dive into the turquoise water, and shower off for the only kind of meal worthy of such a location: fresh fish. There's bouillabaisse, of course, but also fresh-grilled sardines, mullet, and baudroie; and crabs, lobster, and local cigales de mer (shrimplike "sea locusts"). It's all served at terrace tables overlooking the water. The expansive owner, son of a fishmonger and grandson of a fisherman, knows his craft, and boasts -- literally -- Jacques Chirac and Catherine Deneuve among his loyal clientele.
...Whether you are staying in Provence or merely passing through, its well worth a short detour off the A8 Autoroute to visit the Maison des Vins de Cotes de Provence.
This "House of the Wines of Provence" is on the old main road (N7, near Les Arcs (no, not the ski resort, this is a different Les Arcs) a little way East of Vidauban. If you thought all Provence wines are pink, this will be a revelation. They appear to have every worthwhile wine of Cotes de Provence in stock at reasonable prices and each week they offer at least six of them on a generous free tasting. Try the reds - like most red wines in France today they are sold too young, but the quality is excellent. And try the whites - a fairly limited range but again well worth trying.
Now of course you won't want to drink and drive. Fortunately upstairs is an excellent restaurant...
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Advantages: Magnificent building, cheap entry fees, in the middle of a beautiful city Disadvantages: There's none. you have nothing to lose everything to gain.
...the beauty of the palace lies when you are outside, facing this huge and magnificent building. Next to the Palace, there is a smaller building called "Le petit Palais" the small palace, where you can see some nice painting of artist (mainly Italians) from the 12&13th century. Again, if it's not your thing, the "Rocher des doms", behind the Palace, is a very nice park on top of a rock with beautiful views of the Rhone river, the famous Pont d'Avignon. And further away, the beautiful landscapes of Provence. Definitely worth going.
Overall, the "Palais des Papes" on its own isn't worth a trip from UK, (the city of Avignon and its beauties definitely is) but if you are in the area, it would be foolish not to see it.
(Being Born in Avignon, I know pretty well the area and will be more than please to help any of you who want to plan a trip in the area.)...
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Advantages: Friendly people, gorgeous scenery, lovely red wine :-D Disadvantages: Too hot at times
...found some great places to eat (and a couple not so great!).
The best place we ate (and luckily was my birthday dinner) was Restaurant L'Esprit Jardin attached to Hotel des Pins in Bedoin near Mont Ventoux. Absolutely superb! The food was divine, the service excellent and the setting just perfect. I just wish we'd tried the hotel out for our last night as it looked very welcoming but maybe next time!
www.hotel-lhermitage.com
www.hoteldespins.net
I hope you find this useful and if you venture to Provence have a fantastic time!...
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AFI (A Fire Inside) is an American rock band from California. They formed in 1991 and to date have released a total of seven studio albums. Over the years the sound of this band has continued to develop and change, starting as a Hardcore Punk band, AFI... more
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