Carnet de voyage : 3 jours en Provence Occitane

This summer the trend is to explore France, and it is the ideal opportunity to rediscover the most beautiful regions of our country such as Provence Occitane.

There is little, Maguelonne, creator of Myrtle Chronicles , had the chance to leave for a few days in Provence Occitane with Wanderlix. This territory between Lyon and Marseille offers beautiful walks, unexpected activities, all in the heart of a preserved and generous nature. Every year, families, lovers and solo travel enthusiasts are seduced by this destination with many treasures. The opportunity to discover some of the most beautiful villages in France and to make a little wine tourism.

Follow us for three days in total immersion in Provence Occitane , rhymed by the song of the cigales!

Day 1: The poetry of Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres

It is in Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres that this tour begins in Provence Occitane. A charming village in the poetic name that invites to take time.

Arrival at the Maison Felisa

The first thing you do when you arrive somewhere is to find a place to sleep. In Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres, we suggest you stay in the house Felisa a haven of bucolic peace. The Felisa house is held by Pascale and Benoit: it is an interior designer, and it has converted into a charming host. Both of them, they have a crazy talent to receive and make you forget the time.

This old mansion, renovated by Pascale and Benoit when arriving in the region, is just beautiful. Here, five rooms open their doors. Some of them are equipped with a private spa and a terrace. And because the promise of the place does not stop there, a swimming pool and a hammock await you too, inviting you to let go...

The treasures of Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres

Once the baggage is deposited, it is time to discover the village of Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres. Here, several activities allow you to discover the places. Hiking in mountain biking in the vicinity, visit the vineyard of La Mordorée... It's for all tastes! This will allow you to go to the encounter of beautiful landscapes, and to taste some wines along the way.

Traditional lunch at the Physalis table

For lunch, we recommend you book a table at the restaurant le Physalis To Tavel.

On the menu: traditional cuisine and seasonal products! To fully enjoy the moment, sit on the terrace and accompany your dishes with a glass of rose. For the anecdote, the local rosé is one of the most sold in the world, so it deserves some barleys!

Cap on Laudun and Camp César

After eating your taste buds, what would you say of a leap in time? Direction Laudun and its archaeological site of Camp César: a nice way to spend time and review the Gallo-Roman history. If the walk is easy and accessible to the little ones, the history fairies will be able to enjoy the journey by stopping in the heart of the village. This is where the many remains found during the multiple excavations of the site are stored.

Dinner at Papet

It is time to return to the present. To finish this afternoon in beauty, a stop at the guest house is necessary! Reading, fierce, swimming... What a choice of cornelians! At the beginning of the evening, let yourself go to the stroll in the alleys of Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres. By the way, make a detour through the Place du Saint: you will find the Tour Ribas, an extremely well preserved Romanesque tour that deserves the detour.

Is it dinner time? Book a table at the table « Papet » . Renowned several kilometers in the round, this table promises a journey filled with flavors!

The night falls, the village falls slowly. After taking her eyes and taste buds, it's time to fall into Morpheus' arms...

Day 2: Charming house, classified village and perched tree

After a good night's sleep and a breakfast consisting of homemade jams and local products, it's time to get back on the road!

The good-bye made, we leave in the direction of Goudargues, the one that is surnamed “The Little Guardian Venice”. Are you following us?

Goudargues, its canals and the residence of Pradas

On site, Goudargues welcomes us with a lot of charm. If the small village has in common with Venice only its canals, we quickly understand why it is given a similar image. To do this, it is enough to walk in its streets and enjoy its moments of life.

What if we put our suitcases? For this new port of call, we chose the residence of the Pradas . Located a little outside the village, it was renovated a little ago, with a lot of care. His particularity? Leave a total freedom to the hosts who chose it as a ground foot.

Several rooms are available (all upstairs), including a suite that can easily accommodate a family. At the first level a living room, dining room- kitchen open on a terrace, welcome you. The owners also propose to rent the space to groups for meetings with friends or family stays to several. Everything is there to feel at home.

Discovery of Aiguèze, classified more Beau Village de France

In the vicinity of the residence, several walks are available to you. On our side, we were marvelled by the beauty of Aigueze. Ranked among the Beaux Villages of France, it invites to stroll through its narrow streets. Here, local shops and exhibitions of artists testify to local talent.

For a breathtaking view, go to the top of the village. Overlooking the Gorges de l’Ardèche, the panorama offers a superb view of the valley.

Before you leave, wash it and go to the frog gargouille. According to the local legend, slipping his fingers and making a wish would bring happiness.

Have a drink in the trees...

This is the hour of the aperitif! What if, in order to score, we opted for unusual like... sorting in the trees? That’s what they propose Chatouilleurs des Cimes .

Conceptualized by Romaric, the man who whispered in the ears of trees, the place leaves dreamy. Hamacs suspended, picnics with perched tables, sitting in the peaks... For Romaric almost everything is possible for small and large children! Moreover, if you have an idea of activity, it is a guarantor to help you realize it. Yes, this young man will surprise you!

...and local lunch

In Aiguez, the gourmet address to remember and without doubt “ The cork “. This restaurant with fresh and tasteful local cuisine offers different dishes that will delight all the palaces. And because he wants to be local to the glass, Le Bouchon has the particularity of offering wines from his estate. And then the corkscrew, it is also the good mood and warm welcome of the staff who invite us to spend a moment at home.

If you come to the beautiful season, you may be surprised by a summer storm as brief as diluvian. No panic, here everything is organized so that in no time you find yourself safe!

Discover Montclus, a village nestled in the heart of Provence Occitane

After lunch, it's time to get back on the way. Under a warm sun, direction Montclus. Nestled in the heart of Provence Occitane, this village seduces lovers of old stones. In her bosom, one wanders under the cicadian chant between the cochrous doors, discovering a rich and exciting story.

Like Adiguèze, the highlight of the visit remains unquestionably the breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. So we pull out the camera and capture the memories!

Freshness in the Sautadet waterfalls

It’s hot, it’s time to cool down. A little further, the village of La Roque welcomes us to a well-deserved taste. If the climb to get there is a bit steep, it is frankly worth the detour. And for cause... artisanal ice creams and fresh drinks are the reward!

At the foot of the village of La Roque, the Cascades du Sautadet offer a refreshment for the body and spirit. This listed site, whose limestone rock is 5 million years old, invites you to a healthy swim or a nap under the sun. Keep still cautious and don't miss the geological curiosity, the famous "default of the devil".

The horse riding, by France Demaris

Back to the Pradas residence with a slogan: fierce! Swimming pool, reading, nap...

After this little parenthesis, it is time for a horse ride. But not any.

The equestrian center of France Demaris, an adventurer and passionate in the soul, offers an unprecedented experience: the Provence Occitane on horseback. Horse in the forest, cross a river, toad in the bosquets and follow the vines... The moment is unique, in connection with the animal and in the deepest respect for nature.

The tasting at Domaine de Gressac

The path, led us to the Domaine de Gressac. A fabulous wine estate surrounded by vineyards and horses. I recommend wines, of course, including white, where the low sulphite dosage allows less hard mornings. This place lost in a green setting also offers a cottage and activities such as boots camps.... Undoubtedly a very beautiful address in Provence Occitane, which has the heart to boost its heritage.

Sun Seed for dinner

Back to Goudargues for a small walk in the alleys, ideal to open the appetite. So where do you have dinner in the little Tender Venice?

Meet at the restaurant “ The Sun Seed “. Like the other culinary addresses we have advised you, the menu is entirely made up of local and seasonal products.

Have you chosen? You just have to put your feet under the terrace table, installed right next to the canal. Hold on!

Day 3: Mysterious and Crystal Glove

One last round and then go. To close this stay in Provence Occitane, we are going to discover the incredible cave of the Salamandre.

The magic of Salamander, a sound and visual show

To visit this unique place, several solutions are offered to you: borrow the door or put a baudrier in order to start a descent as a reminder. It should be noted that you can discover the scenes of the cave or explore hidden galleries.

Once down, an incredible show of sounds and lights welcomes you. The other activity not to be missed in the cave of Salamandre is the discovery of the behind-the-scenes of the cave, or the exploration of the hidden galleries. But magic doesn’t stop there...

You weigh between 45 and 85 pounds? Then go to the Aeroplume.

The Aeroplume and its Magic Ball

The Aeroplume is a balloon inflated with helium (although 130 kilos !), invented by Jean-Pierre David, the creator of aerosculptures.

Emmailloté in the nacelle like a butterfly, you then take your flight. Once you’re in the air, just let yourself be guided by the instructor from the ground. You can even try to maneuver the ball if you have sufficient knowledge.

The sensation is close to the scuba diving: magic invades you fully. Since then, life seems to be slowing down, leaving all the time to admire the “Genders of Crystal”, these immense and true natural splendour concretions.

The show is over, the landing is in a quiet place. The eyes shine and we feel surprisingly resurfaced. So this is happiness?

On this beautiful note, our stay is at its end. It is the head full of memories that we leave Provence Occitane. Land of riches and mother of natural treasures, the region is a port of call full of promises which, we are convinced, will always have a story to contempt.

NB: All sanitary conditions are met by each partner.