Roussillon!

Roussillon (c) 2016 by David Ourisman, all rights reserved

The hilltop village of Roussillon was the highlight of our Sunday drive through Provence.

We began the day at La Mirande, an utterly charming small boutique property in the small city of Avignon (and a member of Virtuoso). Our arrival was an adventure in itself as we drove our full-size car through the narrow, crooked streets of this old city ... but once we arrived, the hotel staff parked our car and returned it the  front of the hotel the next morning, even before we checked out. We spent just one night here, but we were won over by the Provençal character of this small, individually owned hotel. It was like living in a house, not a hotel at all. It was originally built as the home of a Cardinal. Our room was spacious by European standards with cool, marble tiled floors, a bed comfy enough that I did not stir until 7:30 a.m. (rare for me), and a fall bathroom with everyone I could want — a step-in shower with good water pressure, a long vanity with two basins, WC, and even a soaking tub in the bedroom (that Claire enjoyed). After a great breakfast, we even met the owner who enlisted me as her ambassador ... which I'm happy to do for La Mirande.

Our morning drive began in Gorges, a hilltop village visited by many tourists. I can't imagine how crowded it must be in the height of the season, but we easily found parking at the base of the village and enjoyed a walk through the town. Drop into the tourist center to get a walking map.

But once we reached Roussillon and found parking right in a lot right in the center of the city, we knew we had found someplace special. I can't imagine where people find parking during busier times of the year, as parking was scarce. Right across the road from the parking lot was the scene pictured here — the red cliffs once mined for ochre. We bought tickets for le Sentier des ocres (the ochre footpath) and took the shorter loop which provided interesting views on a delightfully shaded path. Afterwards, we explored the town of Roussillon and saw its church, homes, shops, and art galleries.

Our final destination was La Coquillade, a recently opened Relais & Chateaux resort (in its second season) built around a small 1860 village. Our accommodation was in one of the original buildings, converted for use as as fully five star resort. The newer buildings blend in quite well, and guests have a choice of three restaurants. Our dinner last night at the Bistro was quite wonderful.

copyright  (c)  2016 by Ourisman Travel LLC.  All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.