Le Weekend en Provence

Last time I visited Provence to see family was in 2019, and a very different world. As Travel resumes without the bureaucracy of covid tests, I began my journey by checking in to №1 Traveller Lounge at Gatwick Airport, UK, where I was greeted with Propellers adorning the wall, any drink from the bar and a buffet service. The Lounge paid homage to the old addage of ‘travel in style’, and comes recommended.

On waking the morning after arrival, I travelled to Arles, notable for both the incredible Roman Architecture — a colosseum used today as a converted bull ring, as well as the recommended Theatre of Antiquity, also used for concerts today. Great examples of Corinthian Columns, and the bull ring an ode to Provence’s Catalan connection.

The other notable feature of Arles is the famous Van Gogh masterpiece, here contrasted between Van Gogh’s paintbrush and the modern reality:

The Caf’e in the Place de la Forum

Café, le soir by Van Gogh when he lived in Arles.

There was more to come, as I flaneured around French villages in Provence, as the first round of the national election took place. I spoke with locals and heard a range of views on the choice between Macron and Le Pen. Rousillon was magnificent, with a fantastic selection of restaurants.

Hotel de Villes, the Town Hall at Rousillon

French Cuisine at it’s best, all local food, charcuterie, snails and provencal ros’e.

And the countryside, the heart of Provence where the wine making takes place, I spent much of my time, the incredible villages such as Maubec as below:

Maubec, a French village and typical of the Provencal countryside

A final trip to Ridley Scott’s estate, just down the road from where I was staying, I witnessed the incredible Provencal home of the World Famous Film Director, now 84 years old, and was shown around his vineyards and Domaine Mas Des Infirmieres, including the new Cave (cellars) where a Provencal White, Red, and Ros’e are made by a French Winemaker on Ridley’s behalf. The Domaine is decorated with film memorabilia from Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, Alien, and Prometheus, among many more. The wine exceeds expectations, Hollywood and winemaking it seems is a success once again, and the Ros’e on a par with Chatueau Miraval — Pitt and Jolie’s Ros’e.

Parting goodbyes, this beautiful spot on the outskirts of Arles stays in my mind, typifying Provencal life, a comfortable chair in an enchanting courtyard raising a glass of the local Ros’e. Provence — À votre santé.