The Provencal region of southeastern France is bathed in sunlight. Van Gogh was inspired by this area’s abundance of sunshine and perfect light; Starry Night, the nighttime impression of the beauty of nature outside the village of Saint-Remy, was created here, among almost 300 other works of art.
Looking around the village of Saint-Remy, located a half an hour northeast of Arles where Van Gogh lived in the late 19th century, you see how even the least artistic can be inspired…with the Mediterranean Sea to the south, Italy within an arm’s reach to the East, and an abundance of agriculture and wine production surrounding it on all sides, this hamlet is an authentic vision of sophisticated country life. Wednesday is Market Day in Saint-Remy; bustling with local food and artisanal products, the village is alive with local shoppers and visitors alike. Banon, the most famous cheese in Provence, makes its way to Wednesday market (and on the plates of many dishes in the area) – made from raw goat’s milk and ripened in chestnut leaves, Banon is absolutely delicious.
And then there are the wines from Provence. Whether you are a seasoned sipper of rosé wines, whites, or hearty reds, there is a wine for everyone in Provence. Reputed to be a favorite of the author Ernest Hemingway (as well as numerous popes of Avignon), the rosé wine from AOC Tavel are typically fermented dry and have the ability to age longer than most of their pink counterparts. Roughly translated as “the new pope’s castle”, the famous Chateauneauf-du-Pape wines have become internationally famous. A number of different grape varieties are allowed in the production of these wines although the main combination used to make these gamey, terroir driven delights are Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre.
The region of Provence is bathed in much more than sunlight. Can you image yourself visiting this historic, agriculturally driven area? Southeastern France is calling your name…
Join us April 22- 27 on our Provence Bike, Food and Wine Adventure as we explore the richness of the culture.