This 70km trail explores the Luberon’s hilltop villages: Gordes, Oppède, Ménerbes and more. It’s the latest of our bike trails in Vaucluse.
Roaming Vaucluse: a bike tour of Gordes
Author: Valérie Gillet
Latest lavender news at Aroma’Plantes
On the southern slope of the Mont Ventoux, Aroma Plantes farm and organic distillery never fails to delight with their brand-new ways to discover lavender from every angle. As well as the discovery trails, the Aromatic Bar and a range of interactive workshops, they have just this year introduced a “Galerie du Temps” (Gallery Through Time).
New, unusual accommodation: Les Cabanes de Grands Cépages, near Châteauneuf-du-Pape
New, quirky accommodation has just opened this summer in the heart of the famous vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Les Cabanes des Grands Cépages. 10 luxurious wooden cabins have been constructed on the turquoise waters of Lac de la Lionne, whether on stilts, floating on the water or semi-troglodyte. Between now and 2019, 10 more cabins will be built.
Avignon’s new double-decker buses, by Lieutaud
They are the two new kids on the block in Avignon, although rather large! These double-decker buses, part of the Cars Lieutaud scheme, perfectly complement the tours offered by the Petit Train . With the little tourist train , you can explore the medieval centre, whilst from the open-top deck of the bus, you can admire the ramparts, pay a visit to Villeneuve-les-Avignon, Avignon’s beautiful cousin on the opposing bank, and enjoy stunning views of the town from the other side of the Rhône river.
Cooking lessons at the Maison de la Tour in Avignon
Since June 2016, the Jardin de la Tour has become the Maison de la Tour, with the friendly and talented chef Pascal Barnouin at the helm. The restaurant -open daily- has an unconventional dining room, a large, leafy courtyard, cooking lessons…
New: the Botanical Garden at Domaine de la Citadelle
This project has been a work in progress for the past 2 years and has just opened. Its 5 ancient dry-stone wall terraces contain different types of plant: aromatic, medicinal, wild, magical… all with a stunning view over the village of Ménerbes up to the Monts de Vaucluse, encompassing the Luberon plain and Mont Ventoux. The Citadelle is already known for its ultra-modern wine-tasting cellar with a vaulted ceiling, lined with barrels and casks, the quirky Musée du Tire-Bouchon and its light-filled boutique. Now, you can also wander through the garden.
The hidden gem of Cavaillon: the incredible Hôtel d’Agar
Lovers of culture, old stonework and contemporary art will love this hidden treasure of Cavaillon. It alone justifies a detour via the ancient town along the Domitian Way. L’Hôtel d’Agar has the oldest garden in France, containing famous remains, a private 12th c. /15th c. mansion housing a magnificent collection of objects in a “cabinet of curiosities” style, all mixed with exhibitions by famous photographers and artists.
New at the Domaine la Garelle winery, in Luberon
In this vineyard situated below Ménerbes, one of France’s most beautiful villages, you will notice the Hermès-orange entrance signs – they indicate the chic ambience and outgoing energy of the estate. This is because the Garelle estate, as well as offering tastings of its AOC Luberon wines, has just opened a terrace for hosting group meals. A new vineyard path has also just been created, allowing visitors to explore the vineyards in the hills of the Luberon.
A new boat-hotel in Avignon: the Chardonnay
Welcome on board the “Chardonnay,” the latest addition to the Grand Bateaux de Provence fleet, recently moored opposite the Cité des Papes! It’s a nice, manageable size with 23 comfortable, double cabins. From April onwards, it will offer 2, 3 or 4 day cruise packages on the Rhône, Christmas and New Year cruises, and is also available for private hire.
A new incoming cycling agency: Ride & More
It’s the latest addition to the Vaucluse region’s fast-evolving, bike-tourism scene. Ride & More is an incoming agency, based in Pernes-les-Fontaines, specialising in high-end cycling tours with classic road bike or e-bike, mountain bikes and even electric mountain bikes!
