Having a car to visit other fascinating villages in this beautiful region is a must.  The roads are easy to navigate (so long as you stay on the right) and the distance between villages is short.

There are 19 villages in the “Vaison Ventoux” region of Provence, and we visited a few.  We had chosen Sablet as it was not only a beautiful and interesting village, but was central to many other interesting and beautiful villages.

Vaison la Romaine

Famous for its Roman ruins, medieval town and cathedral and the well patronised large weekly market with fruit and vegetables, fresh regional products, artisan market, clothing, second-hand clothes, crockery, gifts.  You name it, you can find it.  The market takes place every Tuesday morning from 7:30 on the main squares and streets of the town and the atmosphere is bustling.

We had the best time wandering through and I hit gold – a herbal and essential oil shop and spent quite some time speaking with the Naturopath there and comparing notes about naturopathic work in France.  Thank you Jeff for being so patient 🙂

The history of the weekly market dates back to 1483, when a papal clerk from Pope Sixtus IV authorised Vaison to open a market.  In 1532 (decisions took a very long time back in those days – 49 years), Pope Clement VII confirmed this decision and specified the day – Tuesday.  The market was then located in the upper town in the square known as the old market.  Today it is one of the largest and most vibrant in the region.

A walk around the outside of the Roman ruins

Vaison la Romaine built on the banks high above a river

Rasteau

This is a small medieval village perched on top of a hill.  It’s a winemaking town and is surrounded by vineyards.

There is a one hour walking tour (map provided by the Tourist Office) which you do at your own pace and which finishes at the highest point of Rasteau, the church.  The views over the valley were spectacular.  We loved it – follow us around the track which circumnavigates the hill that Rasteau is built on.

Cairanne

We chose this village for lunch 🙂

Buisson

This village is only a few kilometers from Vaison la Romaine.  It had really cool, narrow streets and was quite colourful.

Seguret

Named one of the most beautiful villages in France.

Crestet

This medieval village (they all are!) is spread out over a mountain crest and sports the ruins of one of the oldest castles in the region.  You can park your car at the bottom of the old town and then walk up through the cobbled street.  It is steep but well worth it.

Jeff and Catherine xx