Countryside in winter in

Countryside in winter in Provence – silent vineyards and sleepy villagesthat every home and church in Provencedisplays.Local santon maker Denis Voeux createsthe figurines and scenery based on Seguretvillagers and people he knows “that’s Renee”he says, “a man who used to take part inthe living nativity, and that’s the old baker.”Santons are treasures he says, people don’tdispose of them, they hand them down fromgeneration to generation, they’re precious.Visit his workshop for a demonstration and tostart your own santon collection, Provence inminiature.Chateau de Taulignan a 17th centurycastle with luxurious B&B rooms nearVaison-la-Romaine, an historic town withRoman remains, excellent shops andrestaurants (don’t miss the Moulin à Huile,the food is exceptional).Santon maker Denis VoeuxAvignon shimmers in wintercardinal’s palace (nephew of Pope John XXII)it’s like a mini-Louvre with an exceptionalcollection of paintings from the 13 th -16 thcentury. I had the entire place to myself andwas absolutely bowled over by the beauty ofthe building and the collections.When hunger calls, wander into Les Halles,Avignon’s covered market, it’s the perfect placefor lunch with authentic restaurants servinglocal dishes. Book in advance or queue upwith the locals to get a table as you savour thesmell of garlic and onions caramelising, cheesestalls boasting 250 different types of cheese,fruit stalls, cakes, charcuteries and spices. AtCuisines centr’halles, feast on platters of thefreshest seafood, creamy risotto, rich soups.You can even take a cooking class here. This isa real Avignon experience.This is a city to truly indulge your senses –enjoy a refined afternoon tea at the 5* LaMirande Hotel, have dinner at the Carré duPalais, in an 18th century mansion, you’ll finda bistro, wine bar, wine tasting cave, wineAvignon lights up for Christmasclasses where you can learn about RhôneValley Wines.Or simply wander the streets and soak up theatmosphere, history and culture.Think winter in Provence is sleepy? Not at all,it’s dreamy!Find out what’s on year round in Vaucluseat: provenceguide.comA Taste of Provence. © Exquisite, all-inclusive, small group toursto Provence and beyondAvignonAvignon is wonderful year-round, and in winterit shimmers with festive decorations, but youcan have the Pont d’Avignon and the vastGothic Palace of the Popes almost to yourself!From the end of November through Decemberthere are pop up shops selling the work ofartists, and the museums are open. Don’t missthe Petit Palais, the UNESCO-listed former“If you have everconsidered culinarytourism, Goût et Voyagewill be the trip of yourdreams. Excellenceat every turn!”DS, NYwww.goutetvoyage.com46 | The Good Life FranceThe Good Life France | 47