Rousset-Les-Vignes and more....

On our way from Valréas to Mirabelle aux Barronies (where we are now located), we saw yet another charming small village up on the hillside. It was almost time for "smoko" so we drove in to have a look around. It was very tiny - no bakery or store, but there was a great restaurant on an unusual mosaic patio floor and an atelier featuring the work of a local artist, Christiane Keeping. Greg was very taken with one of her canvas originals. Over coffee at the restaurant, he decided to go back and purchase it for the house.

 We also took the time to walk through the village. Here are some of the sights:

Shortly thereafter, we continued on our way to Nyons for lunch. Both Keith and Greg ordered the lamb which was the formule du jour. For all you foodies out there....

This is a picture taken at a cave we just happened to see from the road and it turned out to be one of those serendipitous or "bon moments".  The woman in the picture is Dominique and her son is on the right. Together, with her husband also called Dominique, they own the Domaine de ProvenSol en route to Vinsobres. Although we didn't meet her husband, Dominique, she and her son were absolutely warm and engaging folks. She had a number of container gardens in the front of the property and we started with a tour of those. Following that, we moved into the cave for some wine tasting, after which we bought several bottles to take home. During our conversation, we learned that they were just about to open des chambres d'hôtes. Before we left, she kindly gave us a tour of the rooms which were beautiful with magnificent views. As we came down the stairs we noticed a huge dining room where the guests are served breakfast. Apparently, guests can also opt to have dinner. Keith asked if we might be able to have dinner there and she responded that she only cooks for her friends. We must be considered friends because we are going back there on Thursday night to celebrate Greg's birthday. 

An exterior view of ProvenSol. The grey door opens to a circular staircase in limestone that leads to the chambres d'hôtes and the small door at the end is the entrance to the wine tasting room.