After exploring Mont Ventoux yesterday, today was going to be more laid-back, especially with the skies turning grey—an ideal excuse to enjoy some local wines indoors.
Despite the weather, I was eager to return to Séguret after our quick visit for food the previous day. As I left the hotel, the rain had begun, but being familiar with British weather, I didn’t let it bother me. Rain shouldn’t ruin holiday plans—otherwise, we’d never get anything done in the UK!
Walking through Séguret, I realized how little I knew about the small towns in Provence. There are many hidden gems just beyond the well-known spots. The Vaucluse department in Provence is full of charming little communes, and they’re surprisingly easy to visit by car.
That’s the magic of Provence. After about 45 minutes in Séguret, we were pressed for time to reach our next stop: a vineyard tour in a vintage Volkswagen Combi! Seeing the vintage VW at Domaine de la Tourade was a highlight of the trip. As the rain grew heavier, we decided to have our wine tasting indoors instead of getting drenched outside. The wine was just as enjoyable inside, and we learned a lot about the local varieties through the tastings.
After sampling a good selection of wines, the rain eased up, so we jumped into the VW with our designated driver and ventured through the region. (Don’t worry—we left the driving to our guide). It was a fantastic morning that built up quite an appetite for lunch.
With limited time, lunch needed to be quick. We stopped at A Table in Bédoin, which was perfect. Still full from the previous night’s feast, I chose a local fish dish with edible flowers and a herb reduction—refreshingly light after days of indulging in red meat. With time running out, we rushed over the vineyards of Château Pesquié through Flassan. This family estate has a tradition of making award-winning wines for over three generations, with a focus on eco-friendly methods.
After a brief cellar tour, we tasted some wines—meaning we enjoyed generous samples! Provence is about savoring good wine, and the pale Terrasses Rosé became a favorite, being lighter and fresher than usual. The lively conversation and laughter while sipping made us lose track of time, and soon we were late again.
Determined to stay on schedule, we got back in the car with our designated driver and made a quick stop in Flassan for a wander. This sleepy little commune, with its 800-year history, almost seemed like a town from Beauty and the Beast—a perfect spot to stretch our legs before heading to Carpentras.
The thing that intrigued me the most about Carpentras was Patisserie Jouvaud, which I had heard so much about. With cake involved, I was determined to visit! After a few wrong turns, we finally found the bustling Patisserie Jouvaud on Rue de l’Évêché. This charming, family-run patisserie has been around for over 80 years and has even expanded to four locations, including one in Tokyo! Inside, I couldn’t resist ordering one of their homemade tarts—it was a must! Everything was beautifully presented—a must-visit spot in Carpentras, but be sure to go during off-peak hours.
After indulging in sweets, we headed to the hotel, Le Château de Mazan, to check in for the night. Each room had its own unique charm, and the common areas felt like a Wes Anderson movie set.
After a long day out, we chose to dine at the hotel, which was a delightful surprise. The meal was a four-course extravaganza that left me nearly rolling to bed. Apart from the amuse-bouche, I stuck with fish for dinner, opting for perfectly grilled salmon and sea bass.
By 11 pm, it was time to rest. The days in Provence were passing quickly, and I couldn’t believe tomorrow would be our last day in the region, featuring one of my favorite places in all of Provence.
