Issue No.26

Gigondas
After a morning of touring, a well-deserved
lunch break is called for. I like to head south
to Gigondas, a 20-minute drive past rows
and rows of vineyards and the pretty wine
villages of Seguret and Sablet. If you have
ever wondered what it might be like to step
into a Renoir painting, plan your lunch break
at Les Florets, a family-owned hotel and
restaurant. Les Florets serves elegant meals
on its sun-dappled patio with breath-taking
views of the rocky limestone peaks of the
Dentelles de Montmirail.
Michelin-starred L’Oustalet in the heart of
Gigondas, favored by foodies and oenophiles,
has a bistro on the site of its original
restaurant. Its higher-end gastronomic
venture is in a different location in town. The
bistro’s outdoor dining area features a tree
literally growing in the center of one of the
tables. Regardless of whether you are eating
indoors or out, you can expect a refined
cuisine and excellent service.
The area is also rich in picturesque spots for
an impromptu picnic. The large weekly
market in Vaison is held on Tuesday morning
and provides everything you might need for
a tasty spread among the vines. Don’t forget
to stop in at Lou Canestou, a marvelous
cheese shop whose owner, Josiane Deal, has
been recognized among the prestigious
Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (best
tradespeople in France).
Martine, who was born in France but lives in
the US, hosts the most fabulous small group
Taste of France tours in Provence (as well as
Italy and Portugal). Her 30 years of hosting
travel groups through Europe and love of
cooking and culture ensure that guests on
her tours experience a side of Provence
rarely accessible without years of know-how,
contacts and experience. From cooking in
the homes of local chefs, exclusive vineyards
visits and exploring the most stunning
villages of Provence, these are tours of which
memories are made. Find out more at www.
goutetvoyage.com