Beaumes-de-Venise, Provence, France
The charming village of Beaumes-de-Venise is picturesquely situated among rolling hills, approximately 30 km north of Avignon, nestled between the towns of Carpentras, Le Barroux, and Séguret. This region is famous for its vineyards, which produce the highly acclaimed Beaumes-de-Venise wine, proudly bearing the AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) certificate, signifying its protected designation of origin. Nearby, you'll find the beautiful Chapel of Notre Dame d'Aubune, whose bell tower stands as a remarkably interesting example of 9th-century Romanesque architecture, adding to the historical allure of the area.
The access and parking in Beaumes-de-Venise
The primary and quite spacious parking lot in Beaumes-de-Venise is conveniently located at Place du Marché (1; GPS: 44.120750, 5.027819). You can generally park your car here with ease. However, there's one notable exception: if your visit coincides with a local market day (which, unfortunately, happened to us during our trip), you might need to employ a little "parking gymnastics" to secure a free spot, as the area can become quite busy. It's always a good idea to check local market schedules beforehand to plan your arrival accordingly.
Strolling the town
Adjacent to the main parking lot, you'll conveniently find the tourist office (GPS: 44.121228, 5.027285), ready to provide information and guidance for your visit, as well as the seat of the local government (GPS: 44.121545, 5.027840). From here, you can leisurely walk towards the historic Church of Saint-Nazaire (A; GPS: 44.121780, 5.029497). Originally built in the 7th century on the ruins of an ancient Roman temple, it was completely rebuilt in 1849 in a Neo-Romanesque style. To reach it, simply follow Rue de la République, passing the charming Place de la Liberté (B; GPS: 44.122291, 5.029135) with its lovely fountain. Continue along Rue du Presbytère until you reach the eastern boundaries of the old town at Place du Portail Neuf, which features another delightful fountain (C; GPS: 44.123083, 5.030326). From this square, you can ascend a set of stairs and follow a path leading to the hill, where you'll also have the opportunity to approach the atmospheric ruins of the old castle (D; GPS: 44.123108, 5.029028), offering a glimpse into the village's medieval past. On your way back, consider strolling down Cours Jean Jaurès street (GPS: 44.122046, 5.028389), which, particularly on market days, comes alive with numerous stalls offering a fascinating array of local products and more exotic goods.
Walk to the Chapel of Notre Dame d'Aubune
While in Beaumes-de-Venise, you absolutely cannot miss the opportunity for a truly pleasant and scenic walk to the Chapel of Notre Dame d'Aubune. This beautiful chapel is idyllically located amidst fields and vineyards, approximately 1300 meters from the village center. Our leisurely stroll begins at the previously mentioned Cours Jean Jaurès (E; GPS: 44.122056, 5.028347), from where we head in a west-northwest direction. We then descend onto Chemin de Raboly, which continues westward until it reaches a junction (F; GPS: 44.122068, 5.024789) with the local path Chemin de Notre Dame d'Aubune. This charming path will lead us directly to the chapel. Along the way, to your right, you'll pass through the lush vineyards for which this area is justly famous. In the background, the gentle peaks of the small hills, beneath which Beaumes-de-Venise rests, provide a picturesque backdrop. Further along, we encounter the serene Canal de Carpentras, which we'll follow. The banks are adorned with tall grasses and other vibrant plants thriving on the nearby water resources. After a short while, we arrive at the chapel (G; GPS: 44.123255, 5.012106). The place exudes a profound sense of tranquility, with the silence broken only by the gentle chirping of birds and the soft whistling of insect wings. The bell tower of the chapel is indeed very impressive, a testament to its ancient origins. Unfortunately, the chapel building itself was closed during our visit, so we were unable to go inside. However, on the outside, there is an informative board detailing the rich history of the chapel. We took our time to walk around the entire building, and to the back, we discovered a charming medieval botanical garden, filled with an array of medicinal plants and herbs, offering a fascinating glimpse into historical remedies.
Gastronomy in Beaumes-de-Venise
Beaumes-de-Venise is a true gem for gastronomy, especially renowned for its sweet Muscat wine. The local cuisine is deeply rooted in Provençal traditions, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients from the fertile surrounding lands.
What to Try?
- Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise AOC: This sweet, naturally fortified wine is the star of the region. Perfect as an aperitif, with foie gras, blue cheeses, or dessert. Don't leave without tasting it!
- Olive Oil: The area is abundant with olive groves, yielding high-quality, aromatic olive oils.
- Local Produce: Expect a bounty of fresh vegetables and fruits, especially melons from Cavaillon (in season), apricots, and cherries.
- Truffles: During winter months, the region is known for black truffles, often featured in local dishes.
- Provençal Dishes: Classic regional dishes such as "Pistou Soup," various terrines, and goat cheeses ("Picodon" being a local favorite) are common.
Where to Eat?
- Restaurant "Au Coeur des Saveurs": (108 Route de Gigondas, 84190 Beaumes-de-Venise) This restaurant consistently receives high praise, holding a **4.5/5 rating on Google Maps from over 300 reviews**. It's celebrated for its refined Provençal cuisine, creative dishes, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for a memorable meal.
- Restaurant "Le Dolium": (97 Route de Caromb, 84190 Beaumes-de-Venise) Another highly-rated option with a **4.4/5 rating on Google Maps from over 150 reviews**. Le Dolium is often highlighted for its delicious food, friendly service, and a pleasant setting, offering a great experience for those seeking local flavors.
- Café de France: (Place du Marché, 84190 Beaumes-de-Venise) Located right on the main square, this traditional French café is a central hub for locals and visitors alike. While specific ratings for a pure "cafe" are not always as aggregated as for restaurants, such central village cafes typically enjoy a strong local presence and are perfect for a coffee, a pastry, or a casual drink (generally rating well for atmosphere and convenience, often 4/5 or higher by patrons looking for a classic café experience). It's an ideal spot to people-watch, especially during market days.
Exploring the gastronomy of Beaumes-de-Venise is an essential part of appreciating its rich cultural heritage, particularly through its renowned wines and delicious Provençal cuisine.
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