Hidden Provence #6

9/22/13
I can’t see how I could possibly have enjoyed a trip in the countryside
without my Renault rental, since it gave me the flexibility to explore near and far
and not far off was Avignon. Known as “the city of the Popes,” for its magnificent Palace of the Popes that once housed Catholic popes. Nearby is the Petit Palais Museum of Medieval Painting and Sculpture. The city has gorgeous shady avenues and lively squares with outdoor cafes.
Other nearby sights I explored were Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (where
the Sorgues River rushes from a fountain in the rocks below a cliff) and the village of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue surrounded by river water that reflects an
astonishing bright green from underwater plants.
Gordes is an extremely popular medieval hilltown that really is worth
visiting but on the day I drove there the town was so crowded that I couldn’t find parking. With so much else to see in Provence, I reluctantly departed. (I’ve recently had a chance to revisit it and it deserves its fame.)
Nearby, I briefly visited Borie Village, actually a village of beehive shaped huts built of stacked stones. Despite its primitive dwellings, it was inhabited up until the 19th century and now it’s a museum.
I spent a few days further north in Marsanne near Montelimar (famous for nougat candy). The wheat fields glowed a brilliant honey gold. By mistake I drove too close to the side of the road and my Renault slid into an irrigation ditch—these ditches line the roads in agricultural areas. Luckily a farmer pulled the auto out with his tractor and my car was without a scratch. This was very important to me since cars rented from Renault Eurodrive are always brand new.
Endless discoveries awaited me off the beaten track in hidden Provence—a region of variety and beauty.

Getting There: Air France flies from several US cities to Paris, call toll free
1 (800) 237-2747.
Renault Eurodrive offers an economical tax-free lease (rental) plan
that includes unlimited mileage, insurance and the use of a brand new auto. They offer a vacation plan for people planning a vacation of
several weeks. 1888-532-1221.
For general information about France: http://www.franceguide.com

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