Saint-Restitut, Provence, France
Tucked away in the serene countryside of the Drôme Provençale, the charming town of Saint-Restitut offers a tranquil escape from the bustling tourist trails. Located about 20 kilometers west of Valréas and 30 km north of Orange, this peaceful village is surrounded by gentle, rolling hills, vineyards, and lush lavender fields. It's a quiet and peaceful place, where in summer you can hear the sounds of cicadas, creating a melodic soundtrack to your visit.
Access and parking in Saint-Restitut
Accessing Saint-Restitut is part of the scenic experience, as a local, fairly narrow (but quite adequate for our needs) road (D859) leads to the town. Upon arrival, you'll find convenient parking options located around the periphery of the village.
You can park the car in the large public parking lot located in the southern part of the village (1; GPS: 44.331349, 4.790996). We however came to the center and stopped at a small square surrounded by buildings (2; GPS: 44.331129, 4.789378). You can also use another square near the western limits of the village (3; GPS: 44.330685, 4.788570). The distances between parking lots are so small that every place where we leave the car will be good.
Touring the village
After leaving the car we head to the town's center, where the church of Saint-Restitut is located (A; GPS: 44.331426, 4.789233). It was built in the twelfth century in a Romanesque-Provencal style, and it stands as a testament to the village's long history and spiritual heritage. Then we walk narrow streets, admiring nice Renaissance houses with interesting ornaments, stone arches which join together the walls, and rich vegetation near surrounding buildings. Every corner seems to reveal a new photogenic scene, making the stroll a true delight for the senses.
Also worth a visit is the hexagonal chapel from the early sixteenth century, located about 500 meters north of the town (B; GPS: 44.335092, 4.789621). This unique building was built by Guillaume Adhemar, bishop of Tricastin, after his return from the Holy Land. Like the church, it's a historical monument.
Being in town you can also try the local wines. The whole area is perfect for walking or mountain biking, with numerous trails weaving through the vineyards and hills.
Gastronomy in Saint-Restitut
Saint-Restitut is located in a prime region for gastronomy, offering visitors a chance to taste the authentic flavors of the Drôme Provençale. The local cuisine is based on high-quality regional products, from fragrant herbs to delicious cheeses and truffles.
What to Try?
- Grignan-Les Adhemar Wines: The village is surrounded by vineyards of the Grignan-Les Adhemar appellation, famous for their excellent rosé and red wines. A visit to a local winery is a must.
- Truffles: The Drôme is a major truffle-producing region. Depending on the season, you might find black truffles (winter) or summer truffles at local markets.
- Picodon: This is a small, round goat cheese from the Drôme and Ardèche regions with a tangy, nutty flavor. It's often aged and served with honey or a drizzle of olive oil.
- Local Honey and Lavender Products: The region's abundant lavender fields produce fragrant honey and other products that you can buy directly from local producers.
Where to Eat?
While Saint-Restitut is a small village, you can find charming local restaurants and cafes that serve traditional Provençal dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Look for small family-run places for an authentic culinary experience.
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