Richerenches is a beautiful small walled village in the Drome, 30 minutes or so North West of Malaucène. It’s most famous for it’s Saturday truffle market, which you usually can smell for miles! Yesterday though it was the glorious scent of masses & masses of flowers that hit us as we parked some way out of the centre. It’s a gorgeous event that sees every inch of the village covered in flowering plants for sale and the the ancient arches and doorways garlanded in blooms…so pretty and really worth a visit. It’s a great place to get ideas and pick up some new plants.

Richerenches also has an interesting history as one of the most important Knights Templar commanderies in Provence.

Richerrenches is a 40 minute drive from your base at Le Maupas.

The town of Vaison la Romaine (to give it it’s full name) is an ancient town full of fascinating archaeological sites and beautiful historic architecture. The upper medieval part of the town, high on a sheer, castle-topped rocky cliff-side, is dramatically split from the lower part of the town by the river Ouvèze and the massive Roman bridge that spans it. Crossing the bridge & strolling across the lower town, which is the modern town built on the ancient Gallo-Roman city, brings you to the entrance of the complex of Roman archaeological sites. You can buy a ticket here that gives you access to the Roman complex as well as all other historical buildings in Vaison.

Once inside the complex there are extensive remains to explore that give a real sense of what life was like; stunning mosaics, marbles and pottery preserved in the archaeological museum; villas of wealthy Roman nobles etc. This week’s visit, however, was a low-key one that simply involved strolling along the shady ancient boulevards and winding our way up-hill through the oaks and cypresses to enjoy the views of the medieval town across the plain and take a quick look at the amphitheatre (followed by a cold beer in the town square, but eating & drinking in Vaison are for another post).

For information about the Roman archaeological sites, museum and Vaison’s other historic buildings, including opening times and other practical information please visit the official website.

Vaison la Romaine is a 15 minute drive from your base at Le Maupas.

The market is fantastic and good for a whole lot more than fruit and veg. You can get everything here, from everyday clothes, shoes and homewares to unique jewellery and art pieces..and of course there are the delicious piles of local cheeses, olives, sausages and other Provincial produce from across the region. My guests came away with beautiful handmade leather bracelets and artisanal children’s clothes.

Malaucène is a 4 minute drive from your base at Le Mas de Maupas.

Chambres d’hotes is essentially bed & breakfast the French way, where you can stay as a guest in a private home with breakfast provided.  The chambres at Le Maupas is a twin room, sleeping two, in the main farmhouse, where you have use of a private bathroom as well as a spacious salon (where breakfast is served) and outdoor covered terrace to relax in. Guests also have use of the shared swimming pool.

The chambres is separate from the gîte, which is an independent self-catering accomodation sleeping six, but for a larger party of up to eight it can usefully be rented alongside the gîte as an additional bedroom.

The chambres at Le Maupas is perfect for those who don’t require self-catering facilities and need just a few nights accommodation with breakfast, such as touring cyclists and people making short visits to the region. For rates and availability or to make a booking check out airb&b.

The swimming pool is set in the grounds amidst fruit trees to the East side of the farmhouse, looking towards the Mont Ventoux with spectacular views of the surrounding valley.

We hiked for a good hour meeting lots of fellow hikers along the way before stopping for our picnic, high up in the hills with the most breathtaking views….then proceeded to get completely lost in the mountains on our way back. But on a such a beautiful day who can worry about getting lost! la Verrière and Crestet are around 20 minutes from your base at Le Maupas.

The restaurant is close to the famous Pont du Gard Roman Aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so for any guests planning a visit to the area we suggest Le Tracteur as the ideal spot for lunch. Argilliers and the Pont du Gard are just over an hour’s drive from your base at Le Maupas.

But at this time of year what I most love about Carpentras are the Christmas lights after dark, strung across the romantic, winding streets inside the medieval city walls as you explore pretty little shops and alleyways looking for the perfect Christmas gift. Carpentras is a 25 minute drive from your base at Le Maupas.

Wishing you all a Bon Noël and we look forward to your visit in 2014.