French Country Travel Life Village Tour – Part One
French Country Travel Life Village Tour. That’s what yer ‘ole pal DA BG, famous froggie lover is gonna take ya on today. Not just ANY tour mind you. But a tour from my personal rolodex of fab, gear, groovy, way out, wild and wacky experiences.
You dear reader, without luggage, without being strip searched by entry level neanderthals, without being subjected to skill testing questions are about to virtually voyage through The Luberon National Park in the South of France, and it’s lesser known hilltop villages. Now, is that high cotton or what?
The excursion of a lifetime begins in the crossroads vilage of Coustellet. How to get there? Regardless of how you arrive in la Belle France, the best reference point is Avignon. She of the famous Festival, Palace of the ancient popes, yada,yada,yada. Already detailed to death by a zillon guidebooks. Can’t imagine that my uber-scribbler pal, Rick Steves hasn’t been all over it like a cheap suit.
It is here, after arriving by whatever means, that you will (a) go east on RN 100, or (b) follow the signs (and the Durance river) to the one-attraction town of Cavaillon. (that attraction is the famous..at least hereabouts..”melon du Cavaillon”) Leaving Cavaillon , the sign you’re looking for is “Gordes”.
You will eventually pass a succession of tiny hamlets (les Taillades, Robion, etc) After Robion the landscape is all plains with the Luberon range in the distance.
After your last curve, about 5 car minutes after Robion, the road becomes as straight as a spinster’s corset. Looming ahead, you’ll see a collection of mud huts. (ok – just wanted to see if you were paying attention) That’s Coustellet.
The absolute first building you’ll pass (on your right), is the one you want to turn into. This is the local “Cave Co-operative.” Here, if you were smart enough to pack an empty 3 litre container – you can buy 3 litres of very reasonable wine for less than 2 euros@litre. Otherwise, they will have various bottled alternatives. One of the best treasures is a “cuvee.” Why? Because this is a wine “assembled” from the best fruit available. Without regard for the AOC designation. Bottom line: no “cuvee” of any year from the same cave co-op will ever be the same. Best case scenario: but 3 litres and a cuvee.(or 2)
Ok…exiting the cave…..back to the main drag…..onward 50 ft….and you’re at the intersection. Left is west – back to Avignon, et al. Straight is on to Gordes. The most celebrated of all hilltop villages. (more on Gordes later.) You want to go right, on RN 100. In 20 seconds, you’ll pass the rest of Coustellet. (There are two boulangeries opposite each other just before you exit….both worth sampling. the fanciest – ie – things you love but shouldn’t eat – on the left)
Once you pass the gas station on your left….Coustellet , like the one that got away, is History. If you’ve ever been to Montana, the forthcoming countryside, may give you a deja vu. flat. Mountains in the distance. Acres of lavender to be seen/smelled in season. (You remember the famous wild Montana Lavender don’t you?)
Eventually your byway will reach higher elevations. You’ll be seeing more trees and general “wild ” nature. Rocky outcroppings. A ruined cabin or three. Farmer type folks below .
The first village you’ll come to, “Lumiere” isn’t fantasically well marked. (All too common everywhere here, sigh!) So – watch for buildings to your left, as you descend from the giddy heights. Take that first left. You are now in “Lumiere.”
Houses and whatnot left – Right, the ubiquitous bar, an “institute”/retreat of some sort, and the local superette. ON GUARD – just before the superette, on your left you’ll find…..guess what?……right! Another Cave Co-operative! Also offering AOC Luberon and Ventoux wines. Plus it’s own liquid “assemblages.” And glory gee to beezis…they will allow you to purchase by the litre!
Don’t leave without a few bottled “souvenirs.” They’re not “better” than Coustellet. Just “different.” As in “viva la difference!”
Part Two of the French Country Travel Life Village Tour – Next time.
THROW ME A BONE HERE, PEOPLE!
What are ya thinkin’?
great to have you back on the personal adventures trail. these are my favorites.
with ya 100% there vic! Nothing beats the poriginal adventures of DA BG!
reid – that’s a big “10-4” good reader buddy!
i’m thinkin’ this is a tour i absolutely want to take!
copied all this down for my “must see” folder. a million thanks. this is the kind of down to the groun info you can’t get anywhere else!
really useful info! and in such an entertaining form! (as we’ve been spolied to expect from you!
great post. i just love how you give a lot of details and it’s never boring..like some of the other sites; DA BG is da best!
i feel like i’m riding along side you..the way you describe everything here; truly the “next best thing to being there!” thanks a heap!
exactly how i felt reading this barry! love DA BG’s blend of info and humor. (something the world could use a lot more of, right?)
this is a cool post….but (and i’m not complaining)..you always seem to find routes where there’s good wines…..
carly…..maybe it’s just that there’s wine along ALL the routes?
i love your line “all over it like a cheap suit.” you have a knack for finding just the right descriptions!
you’re almost right bren….da bg has a TALENT for finding the right descriptions.
quite simply..the style of post you do best.
my two cents declan…..most BG posts “excellent.” This one : “Exceptional!”
after this…can’t wait for part two! (but i guess i’ll have to uh?
you sir, are rolf potts on a bicycle!
sounds great! but it also sounds like you need a designated (as in non drinking) driver for this route!
bill..i suspect that style of driver, visiting france will be very rare!
with the precision of your directions – i don’t see how anyone could get lost!
you have the rare talent for convbeying information while appearing to just tell an interesting tale. This post is perhaps one of the best.
“as straight as a spinster’s corset” – fabulous description!
love the images……and some great actionable info…kepp it comin!
this is wine tasting disguised as a senic tour! LOVE IT!!!
thanks a bunch for this!..i’ve actually been close to the region you describe…but never explored further. too cheese for me! next time i’ll be following your trail!
randall….a lesson for us all….never take a trip without first checking out DA BG!
mighty fine post mr bg! looking forward to putting your info into action when we visit this spring!