Tags
Beaujolais Nouveau Day, Fontaine de Vaucluse, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Marquis de Sade, Provence, Saumane-de-Vaucluse
Yesterday – our last day in Provence – we ticked off the last of the Vaucluse villages on our list to see near our base at L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
After coffee in the sun and a tour around our last market day at L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (Thursday’s market seems to be more a down-to-earth market for the locals than the Sunday extravaganza) we drive 15 minutes to Saumane-de-Vaucluse.
This small but sweet village is perched on a rock, has a small Romanesque church, cobbled streets and drystone buildings and is just a few kilometres from Fontaine-de-Vaucluse.
It is probably best known for the Chateau de Saumane which was the home of the Marquis de Sade as a child when he stayed with his uncle between 1745 and 1750. We would have lived to see inside but like many things at this time of the year it was shut for the season.
On leaving the village, little pathways lead to the pine and oak forests.
We have taken the precaution of bringing some ready made baguettes and tart for lunch which is just as well. We are drawn back to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (our third visit) to sit by the river for our lunch and take in the beautiful scenery of the river Sorgue, mountains, trees in their final Autumn stages and the chateau high on a cliff top.
A glass of rosé from a tiny cafe is all we need.
Back we head to our apartment for our last night at L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue after a memorable three weeks. We go to Paris today for three nights before flying back home to Sydney after an absence of two and a half years.
Footnote: A treat was in store for us later that night in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue when we unexpectedly joined the locals out celebrating Beaujolais Nouveau Day at Cafe de France.
Tony said:
So good to have shared your love affair with La Belle France. And all the rest of your travels. You’ll be sorely missed. Safe travels this week and next.
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Robyn farrow said:
Slowly winding down. Food still a focus. Love it.
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