Welcome to one of the most beautiful regions in the world. Provence in southeastern France is exactly what you imagine—warm, sun-drenched, green, steeped in history and, of course, abundant in wine.
Words hardly do it justice, so here are a few snapshots from our trip.
Our trip began in Nice (there’s a separate post about that), and then we drove inland toward the heart of Provence. We paused in Aix-en-Provence for lunch. I was exhausted and battling allergies, so I didn’t take pictures or fully absorb the town’s history—definitely a reason to return. After watching an episode of Bizarre Foods that visited Aix-en-Provence, I felt even more inspired to go back and explore properly.
We missed the peak lavender season, so seeing those purple fields remains on my bucket list for the next visit.
We stayed in a centuries-old château in Châteauneuf-de-Gadagne, a small village about 30 minutes from medieval Avignon. The estate sat on extensive grounds with sweeping valley and mountain views and included multiple buildings. The owner, Joël, shared family history: during World War II the Germans occupied the property because its elevation allowed them to observe the roads below. They expected Allied troops to enter from the south after invading Italy, though the Allies ultimately came through Normandy.
The château also had a friendly dog named Misty who quickly became my companion and reminded me how much I missed my own dogs at home.
After arriving we mostly relaxed—sipping local wines and soaking up the view. Above are a few of my travel companions truly living their best lives. 
Our motto became “rosé all day.” It felt perfectly cliché and utterly right for Provence. 
I was also enchanted by the wild rosemary growing across the property. I kept a sprig with me for the scent—such a simple thing, but it made me feel completely rooted in Provence.
The village was quiet, but it had a standout restaurant, Le Bistrot de la Pastiere, where we ate multiple times. The menu mixes French and Italian influences, the patio is delightful, and the wood-fired pizzas smelled irresistible. Highlights for me were exceptional calamari and a lemon meringue tart that I still remember fondly. 
The village market offered fresh produce, cheeses and charcuterie. I found a creamy goat cheese that was unforgettable and made a simple tomato salad as a snack to share—proof that I’ll find a way to cook wherever I travel. 
We toured the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation for wine tasting. This AOC-protected region is famous for its robust reds, produced from vines grown under a layer of stones that retain heat during the day and release it at night, helping the grapes ripen. A tip we learned: many Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines benefit from aging—some people recommend waiting several years before opening certain bottles.
I recommend hiring a knowledgeable local guide for a wine tour. Our guide combined expertise and humor, handled the driving and allowed us to enjoy tastings without worry. We visited several beautiful vineyards and I brought home a few bottles, including a special Châteauneuf-du-Pape from 2001 that I plan to open for the right occasion.
One winemaker we visited keeps a prized cellar of regional vintages, some dating back to the 19th century—an incredible glimpse into the region’s winemaking heritage.
One tasting room we visited was built beside ancient ruins—archaeological finds suggest wine production took place on that site long ago, a reminder of how deep the region’s wine history runs.
We also explored Avignon on the Rhône, a city with roots in the 4th or 5th century AD. The Palais des Papes dominates the old town and recalls the period in the 14th century when the papacy moved from Rome to Avignon.
Avignon rewards wandering: the main thoroughfare has its share of tourist spots, but a short walk off the beaten path reveals more authentic restaurants and quieter corners. I regret not noting the name of an excellent restaurant we found—next time I’ll carry a small notebook for travel details.
And finally, a few last moments captured on our last day in this magical place. 
I’ll be back, Provence—until next time. 