June 2007

IN THE SPOTLIGHT:
Vaison La Romaine

Vaison is one of the more charming sites to visit in the list of "to do" spots of Provence. Located in the Vaucluse, not far from the imposing Mont Ventoux, Vaison is best reached from Orange or Bollene on the Autoroute.

The old city:
The city does date from pre-Roman times, but it was the Romans in the 2nd century AD that developped what is most remarkable now about Vaison. The Roman ruins and the modern town are in the valley on the banks of the river Ouvèze which is crossed by an ancient bridge from the 1st century. The medieval town is high on the rocky cliff. The valley floor was safe from attack in Roman and modern times. In the Middle Ages attacks were frequent, and the town retreated up-hill to a more defensible position. The apse of the Church of St. Quenin, dedicated to Saint Quinidius, seems to date from the eighth century; it is one of the oldest in France. As a whole the cathedral dates from the eleventh century. .

Sites to visit:
Gallo-Roman times: Puyman and La Villasse archeological sites, 17m. wide Roman bridge. Romanesque times: Notre Dame de Nazareth Cathedral and its cloister (between 6th and 13thc.). St. Quenin Chapel with its sculptures. Medieval times: Haute-Ville and its 1464 church. The official website is found at www.vaison-la-romaine.com

.Practical info: market day is Tuesday. One of the more charming hotels in town is the 3 star Beffroi, located in the old town up on the hill. About the old town - its all up hill! Parking is not possible unless you are a guest of the hotel. Otherwise you walk up or take the tourist train up.

Suggested itinerary: You have to visit Vaison by car, the train will not get you to the village. So, to make a day of it, we suggest an itinerary that would include Bedoin at the foot of Mont Ventoux, Sault, the capital of Lavender, Beaumes de Venise near the Dentelles de Montmirail and surrounded by vines. Note that Vaison is especially busy in July and August, parking can be very difficult.

Traveling by car in France this summer? Some things to think about and days to avoid:

If at all possible, try NOT to travel on July 14 and July 28; and to a lesser extent the saturdays in August. Gite rentals go from Saturday to Saturday and so large numbers of people move on those days. Especially July 14, Bastille Day, this year on a Saturday!

Parking: in the big cities it can be a real nightmare. Be prepared to walk and get creative if you can - see what others are doing. Look for the signs on the pavement that say "Payant". You have to put some money in a nearby machine called an "horadateur"; put the receipt in the car window. Also, NEVER, but never leave anything of importance in your car, and if anything leave things out of site in the trunk. Do NOT open your trunk to reveal that you have something inside when you arrive at your parking place. Get your stuff situated in the trunk before arriving at your parking place and leave it closed. Petty theft is rampant and the rental car companies have not made their cars indiscreet!

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Hotel Promotions in July/August: all subject to availability

Paris - Stay 4, Pay 3 - throughout the city.

Alsace - Strasbourg and Obernai - Stay 4/Pay 3

Champagne - Reims - Stay 3/Pay 2, Stay 4/Pay 3

.CALL 800-960-2221 or email: contact@discoverfrance.com for availability on your dates and rate confirmation.

© 2007 Discover France (SM)