The jagged hilltops which form the backbone of this area are the Dentelles de Montmirail, so called not because they resemble 'dents' or teeth, but 'dentelles' which means lacework as the pinnacles look like pins on a lacemaking board. Driving from Vaison, we made a quick stop in Seguret, another contender for the prettiest viallage in Provence, and it was pretty, but I think I must be suffering from pretty village wilt, as every time I raise the camera, it seems to be to take a photo already taken somewhere else! I can vouch for the lavender icecream though, very tasty and surprisingly white rather than purple.

 

 
Wherever you go in France, you are surrounded by wine and we have had Cotes de Provence to the south, producing mainly rose wines and Cotes du Rhone to the west with a mix of red, white and rose. Just looking at the countryside it is obvious we have exchanged rows of lavender for rows of vines here. A famous red wine is produced here in the village of Gigondas and we went wine tasting in the co-operative cave, coming away with a bottle to drink before we go home (as I don't fancy chancing it in the suitcase!). Beaumes de Venise is also close by and we manage a tasting there too!





We are staying for three nights with at Le Grand Jardin in Lafare, a bit of a treat with a view across lavender in the garden and vineyards beyond, a swimming pool and the fabulous cooking of Nataliya who has made a lovely dinner each evening we have been here. Fortunately we checked in early as the plan is definitely to relax in the garden in the afternoons.

 
 


One day we dove round rest of the villages of the Dentelles - Suzette, Le Barroux with a visit to the Chateau, Roque Alric and on to Beames de Venise.

 
 
 
 


The other day we walked from the hotel, up into the Dentelles. We started just before nine and it was already warm but luckily a fair bit was shaded. The route circled round jagged peaks, firstly on a minor road, then on a track, before ascending and running along the rock face before descending and returning to Lafare. It was certainly challenging, both the steep ascent and the gravelly descent but the views were worth every one of the 11kms. We arrived back at 1.30 very ready for a dip in the pool!

 
 
 
 


Tomorrow we begin our return to Marseille ... with one stop on the way!