Roussillon, Baumaniere & Village de Venasque
Roussillon
Nestled in the heart of Provence, Venasque and Roussillon each offer a unique and captivating glimpse into the region's rich cultural tapestry. Perched atop a rocky outcrop, the village of Venasque beckons with its medieval charm and designation as one of the 'most beautiful villages' in Provence. Here, narrow cobblestone streets wind through a historic landscape, revealing scattered ruins, a picturesque 18th-century fountain, and a breathtaking 12th-century church. Meanwhile, Roussillon, renowned for its vibrant ochre cliffs, paints a stunning visual tableau against the Luberon Valley. The village exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere, inviting exploration of its cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and lively marketplaces. Roussillon is not only a feast for the eyes but also a gateway to the natural wonders of the Luberon region, where lavender fields, olive groves, and vineyards abound, promising a sensory journey through the essence of Provence.
‘Roussillon, the red town of provence’
Perched on a hilltop, this saturated fairytale town is one of Luberon’s favourites. It differs from neighbouring towns due to its unusual awash of colouring, from faded pinks to rusty reds as it sits on a goldmine of ochre. (Ochre is a pigment used in painting) The surrounding is quite unbelievable (you can walk a trail through the quarries), the sand beneath your feet is orange and the land is rich in minerals. Roussillon boomed in the 18th century when the textile industry was hungry for ochre pigment and today you can still visit the factories and discover how the colour was made. Naturally, the houses are made from ochre that are all warm tones of orange, yellow or red that is a strong reminder of its past. Roussillon is perhaps a little bit more popular with tourists than many other towns due to its unusual ambiance and it’s worth the visit before crowds of people come in during mid day.
The ochre cliffs that surround the village offer a stunning display of warm, earthy colors, creating a surreal atmosphere. Visitors can explore the historic village center with its charming cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and vibrant marketplaces. The Sentier des Ocres, a marked trail through the ochre quarries, provides a mesmerizing walk amidst the vivid cliffs and offers panoramic views of the Luberon Valley. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Galerie des Ocres, showcasing local artists' works inspired by the region's natural beauty. Additionally, Roussillon is a gateway to the Luberon region, where vineyards, lavender fields, and olive groves await exploration. Whether indulging in the local cuisine, exploring the rich cultural heritage, or simply enjoying the breathtaking scenery, Roussillon promises an enchanting experience in the heart of Provence.
Galleries, ceramic shops and cafes stretch out into the pavements, cyprus trees and colourful window shutters add that provincial charm proving its camera friendliness as we walk along the darling roads. We stopped for morning coffee here before heading out to a countryside resort Baumaniere for our anniversary lunch, hence dressed in lacy white.
Baumaniere & Village de Venasque
To commemorate our wedding anniversary, we basked in the refined ambiance of the esteemed Baumaniere, a luxury hotel adorned with 2 Michelin stars. Our culinary journey unfolded with a delightful fish roe amuse-bouche, succulent escargot, exquisite tuna, savory pork, capped off with a decadent chocolate cake and an assortment of petits fours. Surrounded by the enchanting estate, framed by majestic cypress trees, we immersed ourselves in an unforgettable, romantically charged culinary experience. Sipping on a dry wine from the region, we reveled in each other's company, absorbing the beauty of our surroundings with every delectable dish.
With our palates satiated with French delights, we embarked on a scenic drive through the picturesque countryside, leading us to the charming village of Venasque, perched atop a rocky outcrop. Along the way, we encountered horses and an irresistibly cute mule, all while admiring lush green vineyards and majestic chateaus. Venasque, acclaimed as one of the 'most beautiful villages' in Provence, welcomed us with its intimate streets, scattered ruins, charming restaurants, and shops surrounding an 18th-century fountain. Our leisurely stroll unveiled local artists capturing the breathtaking views, and we explored a mesmerizing 12th-century church. Despite the town's serene midday pause, it proved to be the perfect post-lunch amble, revealing colorful Virginia creeper adorning walls, petite earth-toned houses, and charmingly vibrant doors.
Baumaniere
Village de Venasque
