Mazan

Surrounded by world-class vineyards, olive oil producing groves and orchards upon orchards of Mediterranean fruit is the village of Mazan, perched on its hill, overlooking the Auzon River. Buried in centuries of history and beauty and in the ideal location for accessing renowned Provençal sites; Mazan makes a perfect stopping place for a historical visit, a gastronomic meal or a holiday in a restored, luxury farmhouse with a view.

Mazan calls for adventure with the Dentelles de Montmirail. and Mont Ventoux as a backdrop. Hike through oak and pine tree forests, go mountain climbing on jagged vertical rocks, cycle past vineyards and go horse riding along olive grove lined roads. When this all gets too much, tour the estates and wine cellars of the AOC Côte du Rhône and Côte du Ventoux wines.

Mazan Checklist:

-Entre through the fabulous gates of its 12^th and 14^th century ramparts

-Pass by ancient fountains and religious buildings

-Visit the Medieval Pareloup church which now houses sculptures by Jacques Bernus

-Visit the Allée des Sarcophages– a collection of sarcophagi from the 5th-7th century found in a nearby field in the 1700’s (hundreds have been found on the route from Carpentras to Mormoiron). Locals believed only vampires could be sleeping in these stone coffins

-Behind the church, find the History and Folklore Museum in the 17^th century White Pentitents chapel and discover tools, costumes and the way of life from days gone by

-Eat at the Château de Sade. Here, Marquis de Sade was born and produced the first ever theatre festival in France, starring himself…and others

-Stock up on local produce at the open-air Monday morning market

-Attend the Carri Festival

-Try the candied fruit sweets from Carpentras

Out of Mazan:

-Go canyoning in the Nesque valley

-Tour the beautiful wine producing villages. Take the car and stop off in the following places; Beaumes-de-Venise (12.8km)-Vacqueyras (17.5)-Gigondas (22km)-Sablet(25km)-Séguret (28km)

-From Gigondas (22km), or LaFare (19km) you can access the Dentelles de Montmirail. for hiking, mountain biking and climbing

-Visit Vaison-la-Romaine, beautiful town, Roman ruins, best Tuesday market

-Ascend Mont Ventoux

-Visit L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue -‘The Venise of Provence’

-Visit Avignon –the ‘Capital of Provence’

-Go to the Luberon valley, two of ‘the most beautiful villages of France are here; Gordes (Perched town, Neolithic settlement and the famous Sénanque Abbey amidst the lavender fields) and Roussillon (fabulous ochre trail)

For kids:

-Ventoux Aventure: Assault course in the trees and zip lining. There is a restaurant and a lake right on the doorstep for a picnic. Don’t forget the fishing net, bucket and spade. (Also great for fit adults)

-Ventoux Vertical. Canyoning, rock climbing, river hiking, via cordata, via ferrata. (Also great for fit adults)

-La Forêt Enchantée: The Enchanted Garden. 5.5km

-Wave Island: Water Park. Monteux. 17km

-Parc Spirou: Theme Park in Monteux. 18km

-Le Carbet Amazonien. Tropical butterfly breeding farm. 5.5km