Château Poesie can be found half an hour north-east of the beautiful city of Avignon in the Vaucluse department of Provence. Avignon Airport is 32km away or arrive by train into Avignon’s TGV station just south-west of the city.
You can walk to the local village along the country roads (2km) or it’s just a few minutes in the car – it’s a charming place with all the basic amenities you should need such as a bar, café, pizzeria, bank and medical centre.
There are many other pretty villages in the area within a short drive as well as vineyards producing Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Ventoux wines. This region is also well known for its melons, truffles and sweet delicacies (calisson), all of which can be discovered in season at wonderful local markets in places such as Monteux (8km), Aubignan (8km) and Carpentras (12km). Local farmers often bring their baskets of seasonal produce to sell directly from the traditional wooden trestle tables, placed under a canopy of plane trees.
As an extra payable service, the chef can prepare picnics for you to enjoy among the vineyards and orchards by the riverbank. There is also canoeing close by as well as horse-riding, hiking and lots of cycling (especially with Mount Ventoux close by as well as cycling trails even closer between local villages).
Experience one of the many world-class operas and concerts that take place across the region, including concerts held in historic Roman theatres in Vaison-la-Romaine (28km) and Orange (18km). Furthermore, the Summer Arts Festival in the old papal city of Avignon (27km) is famous for its films, theatre and street performers.
The exquisite Roman city of Nîmes (68km) is just an hour away or follow in Van Gogh’s footsteps and spend time in the Gordes (38km), one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ or the charming town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (46km).
Indeed, the area is steeped in history. There are ruins, ancient villages, monuments, museums, medieval villages and towns and unchanged countryside to see and explore. The influence of Greek and Roman involvement over the last 2500 years is obvious everywhere.
The Region
Stay in and around the region of Avignon to discover picturesque villages, historic towns, Côtes du Rhône vineyards and beautiful landscapes of summer sunflowers, olive groves and rural countryside. This is a fantastic base for exploring much of Provence and beyond.
With its historic, gastronomic and cultural riches, the small city of Avignon stands proudly by the banks of the Rhône, home to vibrant markets, restaurants, wine-bars and impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites.
One of the most visited monuments of France, Le Palais des Papes is in the heart of the old city, next to the 12th century cathedral and leafy Jardin des Doms where you can admire gorgeous views of the river and Provençal countryside beyond. Soak up the rich history of Le Pont d’Avignon on a guided tour before heading over the river to capture photogenic shots of the city from île de la Barthelasse, France’s largest river island. Avignon’s little tourist road train is a great way to explore the historic city with young children.
Stock up on seasonal fruit, vegetables and regional delights at the beautiful covered market at Les Halles d’Avignon or wait for the main Saturday morning Provençal market near the 14th century Basilique Saint-Pierre. Embrace the city’s food scene across its many cafes and restaurants from the tourist haunts of Place de l’Horloge to hidden gems found on the charming side streets and shady squares of the old quarter. Avignon is also known for its Côtes du Rhône wineries and bars waiting to be discovered.
In July the 3-week long Festival d’Avignon takes over the city, a world-renowned event with contemporary performing arts, films and exhibitions taking place across theatres, cinemas and outdoor venues.
Beyond the city centre, hire bikes to cycle along part of the via Rhôna route or enjoy the landscapes of île de la Barthelasse passing farmland, orchards and vistas across the river towards Avignon’s city centre. Meanwhile, antique lovers won’t want to miss the Saturday morning brocante in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, one of Provence’s most famous flea markets, or venture further afield to the wonderful Sunday morning brocante in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
Embrace the Provençal ambience across villages of the Vaucluse – one of our favourites is charming Pernes-les-Fontaines, loved for its many fountains and delightful market every Saturday morning and Wednesday evening in July and August. Velleron is famed for its early evening farmers’ market open throughout the year (six evenings a week from April to September) whilst Saint-Didier and Venasque are two other picture-perfect Provençal villages to discover.
Driving south instead, visit the art galleries and Wednesday morning market of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a bustling town on the edge of Les Alpilles where Vincent Van Gogh lived towards the end of his life. Enjoy lunch on a pavement terrace in the idyllic hilltop village of Eygalières (you may even spot a discreet A-list celebrity or two) or head south-west of Avignon to embrace the historic ambience of Tarascon and Beaucaire with their impressive castles overlooking the Rhône river.
