A Day’s Drive in the Vaucluse Mountains
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Morning
Start in Carpentras by visiting the synagogue. Take the D942 to Mazan and on, through woodland, to Villes-sur-Auzon, a charming Provençal village. Continue on the D942 to the Gorges de la Nesque to experience 20 km (12 miles) of awe-inspiring scenery, with sheer drops of 300 m (1,000 ft). Pause at the Belvédère de Castelleras for heart-stopping views.
Continue to Monieux, stopping at Les Lavandes restaurant in the village centre (04 90 64 05 08 €) if it is time for lunch and you fancy savoury, rustic cooking. Continue to Sault (see Sault-en-Provence) where, in July and August, the valley is a riot of purple lavender, yellow broom and the white of the rocks – an unmissable sight.
Afternoon
Take the D164 towards Mont Ventoux (see Mont Ventoux), another challenging drive, and stop for breaks at Col des Tempêtes for the views across Toulourenc Valley, then the summit for the most stunning panorama in Provence.
Descend the mountain to Malaucène, taking the tiny D90 into the Dentelles de Montmirail. Pause in any of the cafés in Beaumes-de-Venise for a glass of the local sweet white wine. Continue to delightful Séguret (see Fax and Poste Restante), then return by the D7 to Carpentras, rewarding yourself with dinner at Le Vert Galant (12 rue de Clapies 04 90 67 15 50 €€), the best restaurant in town.
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Restaurant price categories
For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
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