If you love wine, you can't miss the vineyards in the South, most renowned of which is probably Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the wine of kings and popes.

In the background of both pix are the ruins of the Popes' "new castle" (see right) dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, built during the years of the Papal residency in Avignon.

But of course our goal was lunch in the Luberon...and so we arrived in Venasque, a small perched village. The views were spectacular, as was the lunch.

After a quick stop at a pottery studio in Venasque, we had to move on...

...to see the Abbey of Senanque, an active Cistercian monastery hidden in a valley between Venasque and Gordes. Too bad the lavender fields weren't in bloom yet...

Another perched village, Rousillon, is famous for its ochre-colored walls and cliffs...

The ochre produced here is of high quality and supplies artists and artisans worldwide.

Another fabulous perched village, Gordes...



seen from two angles, above and right.

A quick Kir Royale with the locals before the drive home...

...and a fabulous sunset to top off the day!