Where to stay and what (else) to do in France

Having spent so much time in the Southern Rhône over the years, we probably know the region better than the UK! As well as dozens of wineries we could recommend (and some we would suggest you avoid), we have found some delightful places to eat and, also, places to stay. This page is dedicated to this last category.

We have found four places to recommend to you, each with something different to offer.

Venasque - (pictured left) this is a stunning house in a sleepy, picture-postcard village steeped in history, perched on a rock. The private accommodation sleeps 8 (with the possibility of 2 more) and boasts a private pool. The village is well catered for in terms of restaurants and a small shop as well as the inevitable boulangerie as well as other attractions. Moreover, you can book this accommodation through BRW at substantially reduced rates.

Mazan: The Auberge du Vin - owned by Linda Field and Chris Hunt who, like us, have been visiting the area for years and recently decided to take the plunge and move here. There is accommodation in the main house (can be B&B) and a self-contained cottage available for weekly lets. Mazan is quite a busy village a stone's throw from the bustling town of Carpentras. Linda and Chris are on hand to make your holiday perfect (or, if you prefer, they will fade into the background).

The other two recommendations are at wine estates:

Mormoiron: Domaine des Anges - we stayed here at Easter. The gîtes are in a small hamlet above the village with superb views across the valley. There is a shared pool and, of course, a bottle of wine to welcome you there (so I am told: we had dinner with Ciaran so shared a few bottles with him!)

Seguret: Domaine de Mourchon - next to the winery, more superb views. The only disadvantage to the house is that visitors to the winery will park next to the house (it is the old winemaker's house). A pool was being built when we visited at Easter

Cahors - The Lot Valley

Mas de Flory John and Aileen Despard run cycling holidays around Puy l'Eveque in the middle of the Lot Valley. With them you can visit Chateau du Cedre and Chateau Haut-Monplaisir is not far away. A day trip to Soturac to visit Chateau Lamartine is also worthwhile to take in the stunning medieval Chateau de Bonaguil (no wine there though!)