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Girl Gone Travel

Girl Gone Travel

Europe, Travel
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August 27, 2015

Rhone Valley, France: Road Maps and Photo Tour

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Every time I visit a new destination in France I think that I have seen the one that beats them all, until I visit another. I’m learning that it’s difficult to compare regions with each other because they are all so different and each have something beautiful to offer. I am also learning that it is incredibly easy to make room in my heart for many parts of France.

What I most loved about the Rhone Valley, besides its fabulous wine, is the sweetness of its fruits and the smell of lavender and herbs in the summer breeze. If you are a food lover this area along with cities like Avignon and Lyon are an absolute must visit.

Planning a road trip thru the Rhone Valley, FrancePeople here are relaxed and happy. They are mostly farmers who work the land to harvest wine, vegetables, and fruits so it’s clear they work hard, but the demeanor is so much more relaxed and a pleasure to be around.

As far as road trips through France, it’s one of my favorite ways to do it (the train is nice too) because of  the beautiful scenery in the area. Driving through France can seem nerve wrecking for some, but after doing it on my own through the Loire Valley and then again with my family, I want to make it easier for you to try it too.

For starters, here is the map guide to help you plan your trip with links to my stops. (Click on the map image for direct link to the map with driving instructions). You can also view the full itinerary of my Rhone Valley Travels  in Atout France’s website!

Road trip map starting in Avignon to Suze-la-Rousse

Road trip map from Notre Dame de Cousignac to Avignon.

About the photography

All photographs were taken with my Canon Rebel T61 using the 18-135MM Canon Lens. I loved the detailed captured with these lens and the stabilizer was awesome for quick shots while on the move. The quality of portraits was fun to capture, and in a place like Provence where the light is so perfect, having such a great lens really helped to capture the images beautifully. Not ideal for video, but it offers a lot of diversity for the travel shots you’ll want to capture in a trip such as this.   

Here are some of my favorite stops along the region, which makes for a fun road trip.

I started and ended my trip in the Medieval city of Avignon, a UNESCO World heritage site. I want desperately to return here and spend more time. Highlights of my short visit were the Popes Palace and staying at the lovely B&B of Maison Boussingaut, but really there is so much more left to be discovered. It’s a small city bustling with happy energy, history, and beauty. I heard that it is also a mecca for musicians and artists around the country many of which help bring the city alive especially during the festivals held throughout the summer months.

Maison Boussingaut in Avignon. Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel Maison Boussingaut in Avignon. Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel

Maison Boussingaut is a quaint and quiet home stay right in the center of town. Ask for one of the rooms with direct access to the deck. I absolutely loved sitting here with my wine glass while I read my book and magazines as I rested from my trip.

Stay at Domaine de la Camarette

This Domaine de la Camarette is surrounded by grape vines, olive and fruit trees, herbs, and lavender. As far as firsts nights in the region go, this is a great one. Though they no longer produce their own wines (instead they harvest the grapes and sell to other wine makers), they do produce their own olive oils. Ask to try it with your meal. You have the option of getting a room in the house or your own private villa, pictured below.

B&B, Domaine de la Camarette in the countryside of the Rhone Valley _girlgonetravel

B&B, Domaine de la Camarette in the countryside of the Rhone Valley _girlgonetravel B&B, Domaine de la Camarette in the countryside of the Rhone Valley _girlgonetravel

Take a tour with Cave TerraVentaux

Read all about my experience visiting this winery, and watch my video on my fun bike tour offered through them as well!

Views from my tour with Cave TerraVentaux_girlgonetravel

Have a special lunch at Chene Bleu Winery

A blue painted tree marks the entrance to this gorgeous French winery, home of spectacular views and incredibly refreshing wines.

Stay in the luxurious villa, host a special event, or just come for a tour. Make sure to schedule a tour with a meal. Their signature Bento Box lunch is a treat of French delights paired perfectly with their wines and served in a lovely wine tasting salon, filled with the glorious natural light enjoyed all throughout the region.Special lunch at Chene Bleu Winery. Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel Chene Bleu Winery. Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel Chene Bleu Winery. Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel Chene Bleu Winery. Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel

Chene Bleu Winery. Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel

Photograph and tour the Medieval village of Séguret 

Séguret is a wine village in the Rhone Valley, full of character. It also holds a strong presence in wine culture and considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in all of France. It is fun to walk through with its winding cobblestone streets and little alleyways. Stop into the tea shop in town for spectacular views, tea, and homemade cakes.

Photograph and tour the Medieval village of Séguret. Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel Photograph and tour the Medieval village of Séguret. Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel Photograph and tour the Medieval village of Séguret. Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel Photograph and tour the Medieval village of Séguret. Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel

Photograph and tour the Medieval village of Séguret. Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel

Rest your head at Domaine Dieulefit

Domaine Dieulefit is owned and operated by the Pouizin family, which has been growing wine since 1922, this beautiful winery is also home to a newly renovated B&B. The organic approach to wine growing is fabulous, a practice that aims to protect the peaceful and lush natural environment guests get to enjoy from the moment the put down their bags and grab a glass. But Rémi Pouizin and his wife are also wonderful hosts and make you feel welcomed right away. A wonderful stay for anyone, but especially for couples looking for a quiet retreat in a beautiful environment.

Rest your head at Domaine Dieulefit. Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel Rest your head at Domaine Dieulefit. Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel Rest your head at Domaine Dieulefit. Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel Rest your head at Domaine Dieulefit. Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel Garden at Domaine Dieulefit. Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel

Indulge at Restaurant Coteaux et Fourchettes

One of the most lovely dining experiences for me was at Coteaux et Fourchettes where Chef Cyril Glémot put together dishes beautifully paired with wines of the region. What is especially lovely is that what you pay for the wine is what the market value is, as opposed to having to deal with the standard up-charge incurred when ordering wines in restaurants. On a good day and if the Mistral wind isn’t too strong, make sure to sit outside. The view of the vineyard and the picturesque blue sky make your time there feel like a dream.

Indulge at Restaurant Coteaux et Fourchettes. Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel

Indulge at Restaurant Coteaux et Fourchettes. Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel Indulge at Restaurant Coteaux et Fourchettes. Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel

Indulge at Restaurant Coteaux et Fourchettes. Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel Indulge at Restaurant Coteaux et Fourchettes. Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel

Take wine classes at the University of Suze-la-Rousse Wine

The minute I walked into this wine university I dreamed of being able to stay and learn everything I possibly could about wine – from growing it to tasting it. This is wine church and people come from all over the world to learn. But, if you are only in town for a few weeks, you can still take advantage of the shorter courses offered in English for visiting students and tourists into the area. In my opinion, this is a total bucket list item.

Take wine classes at the University of Suze-la-Rousse Wine Take wine classes at the University of Suze-la-Rousse Wine Take wine classes at the University of Suze-la-Rousse Wine Take wine classes at the University of Suze-la-Rousse Wine

Go cave exploring in the Saint Marcel caves and wine warehouse

Most people who visit the caves Saint Marcel ‘Ardeche visit to explore the paved terrain in this ancient spot and view the scenery of the networks inside. But, if you are feeling a bit more adventurous, then you go caving with Escale Adventure. The experience can be intense or maybe just enough to make you feel like there is nothing you could do. In my case, I hiked and crawled through tunnels with several wine makers from Saint Marcel, led by wine-grower Raphael Pommier.

Go cave exploring in the Saint Marcel caves and wine warehouse. Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel Go cave exploring in the Saint Marcel caves and wine warehouse. Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel Go cave exploring in the Saint Marcel caves and wine warehouse. Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel Go cave exploring in the Saint Marcel caves and wine warehouse. Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel

Never, ever underestimate the depths that I would go into in search of a good glass of wine!

Go cave exploring in the Saint Marcel caves and wine warehouse. Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel

Raphael, with his wife Rachel, also own the B&B Domaine Notre Dame de Cousignac, from which they produce their wine. If you are planning a wedding, give them a look. The views are stunning and the small village and country surroundings are like a painting.

Go cave exploring in the Saint Marcel caves and wine warehouse. Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel

I really enjoyed getting to spend time with Rachel Pommier and her family. What beautiful people and friendly hosts.

Hike to the hilltops for your wine 

Not into crawling through caves? Well, how about hiking up hilltops? The reward is wine tasting, if you’d like, and you can experience it all at Chateau Mourgues du Gres. Take a leisurely walk, go on a hike, or ride a bike, and then reward yourself with a wine tasting hour or maybe even a stay in the Chateau.

Hike to the hilltops for your wine. Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel The grapes at Chateau Mourgues du Gres. Rhone Valley. GirlGoneTravel.com Chateau Mourgues du Gres. Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel

Domaine des Clos

Whether you are visiting as a couple or traveling as a family, the beauty of Domaine des Clos is everything you will love about Southern France. The gardens are awe-inspiring and relaxing, the pool is gorgeous and entertaining for the kids, and the charisma of hosts and owners, David and Sandrine Ausset, will easily make this a favorite. It is for many travelers who return year after year for all the reasons I mentioned already and for Sandrine’s cooking which, I must say, is spectacular. What’s even more amazing is that they are simply dishes she grew up with and were passed down to her by her family. Hmmm. Home-cooked French meals are the best!

I fell in love with this couple for their passion and friendliness and for the way they left it all behind in Paris, found what used to be an abandoned and decrepit 18th century farmhouse, and converted it – all while raising a growing family – into the picturesque B&B that it is today. A visit here and hearing their story has a way of making you feel like all your dreams are possible too!

Domaine des Clos. Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel

Domaine des Clos. Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel Domaine des Clos. Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel Domaine des Clos. Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel

The more I travel to France, the more convinced I am that this is among the most beautiful countries in the world. I am always so welcomed here and leave feeling like everyone I met could be a friend for a lifetime. This trip was especially interesting because almost everyone I met only spoke French, and though my French is OK,it isn’t my first language, but I worked through it and in the process everyone I met worked with me. I had conversations that made me laugh, and some even made me teary. I had moments where I didn’t want to ever leave. There are many things that I love about travel, but it is the experiences that I continuously have in ever region I explore throughout France, that make travel here such an enriching journey that I want to repeat over and over.

May my stories and images inspire your own adventure and may it be filled with as much friendship, wine, and laughter as mine were. Check all my different adventures through France here on the blog!

All photos are property of Girl Gone Travel® and may not be used without direct consent from the publisher.

This story was in partnership with Atout France.

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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4 Comments
  • Pinay Flying High
    August 28, 2015

    Seguret looks like a dream! I love cobblestone paths, I can walk and be lost in its alleyways all day! 🙂

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Pinay Flying High
      August 28, 2015

      It is everything you could love about a Medieval village in France. A total must see!

      Reply
  • Amy (Two Drifters)
    March 22, 2016

    This is gorgeous!!! Love all the photos. Dreaming of going here

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Amy (Two Drifters)
      March 22, 2016

      Thank you! I hope you make it there, it is truly breathtaking!

      Reply

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About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons and 2 puppies. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

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If you are a foodie traveler, Madison, WI is a des If you are a foodie traveler, Madison, WI is a destination for you. This list of good eats were all within close proximity to each other and spots we made time for during our short weekend visit. So definitely note that this doesn’t even begin to cover the tip of the iceberg, but makes a good starter list!

📍@ShortStackEats in the heart of Downtown Madison is clearly a UW favorite. Loved their pancakes! We thought it was a pricey for breakfast, and only offered drip coffee, but the scene was fun, food was good, and service was friendly.
📍@SardineMadison is a waterfront French bistro that has stood the test of time (we’ve been coming here since we lived in Madison!). It can feel very corporate some nights, but their Happy Hour and brunch are definite highlights and it’s a really nice dining experience overall.
📍@EatattheAudrey impressed us! It’s not your usual “hotel restaurant” and I would say it easily stands alone as an eatery worth checking out in Madison. Great breakfast options, cozy vibes, nice bar, and good service!
📍@RamenStation1124 good, affordable ramen.
📍BlindShotSocialClub We really loved this spot for brunch (sorry, was enjoying the company and totally spaced out on capturing food images!). Golf fans will love hitting the putt here (you can reserve a private room too), and what I though was most cool was the delicious and wide selection of non-alcoholic cocktails to choose from. This place is a total vibe!
📍@StringsRamen is a chain, but I have to say it is some of the best ramen I have had in a long time. I especially loved how you can choose your ramen but heat level but also by Japanese region which allowed us to taste a couple of new flavors!
📍@Parthenongyros has been around awhile (hubby recalls coming here during his college years!) and was voted #1 take out in Madison! Though we indulged inside and away from the snow. A delicious, quick bite when strolling around State Street.

And again, this is just a starter list. There is so much more to eat and enjoy in this top foodie city! What other spots would you add to this list?

#madisonwi #foodiegram #foodiedestinations #goodeats @destinationmadison
I love to travel. It has always been important to I love to travel. It has always been important to my family. My parents got my first passport weeks after I was born. They couldn’t afford to travel like I do now, but they understood, as immigrants, the absolute privilege that comes attached to having that shiny blue American booklet and they wanted me to have it.

I was yet again reminded of my privilege when my travel back home on this last trip was delayed over 24 hours. I have a village in place to make sure my kids were ok. Having my own business meant I didn’t have to report in to anyone, and was still able to work remotely so none of my clients were inconvenienced by it. Though the airline covered our hotel and food, we never worried that we couldn’t do it ourselves otherwise. While we were annoyed, we weren’t stressed.

So while I love to travel, and I love sharing my travels with you, I acknowledge that being able to do so, and dealing with the consistent travel disruptions so prevalent today without worries is a privilege…one that started with a little blue booklet that gives me more access to the world than some others do.

And I want us all in this travel space to be reminded of this. Of how lucky we are. Of our privilege to access and time and money.

So let us travel with grace and awareness. Let us remain rooted in reality and perspective. Acknowledging that our escapism isn’t one so easily accessible to others. Understanding that this is also why local stories have as much value as those to exclusive destinations, if not more. And, never forgetting, especially in the travel influencer and media space, that were it not for hosted campaigns and paid-for travel opportunities, most of us wouldn’t be able to afford the lifestyle we so beautifully curate online.

It doesn’t matter how often you travel, or how far. Just that hopefully you will be able to gift yourself the experience of doing so and experiencing something new.

#travel #travelmedia #travelinfluencer #wheretonext
As I work on compiling all the good eats I experie As I work on compiling all the good eats I experienced in Madison, WI, I have to ask: what is your favorite meal of the day, and where did you experience a highlight of the same?

I am a huge fan of breakfast. This beauty was a blueberry pancake order from @shortstackeats. Pancakes are not a big thing for me, but these were pretty perfect. I am craving them still. 🥞♥️

#madisonwi #goodeats #travelingfoodie @destinationmadison
We got back on a plane! Here are scenes from a qui We got back on a plane! Here are scenes from a quick trip to Madison, WI - my first time back in 14 years! Though we were here for family matters, we did take a moment to explore a bit of what used to be a place we called home.

We couldn’t do anything else until we drove around Lake Monona, where we once had a home, and took in the wintery views (there is an epic 13.2-mile trail that loops around the lake that is worth exploring if you visit!). Though our time was limited, we were able to enjoy some of it along State Street exploring the shops, eateries, the FREE @mmocamadison, and the beautiful architecture of the WI State Capitol Building (the Dane County Farmers Market will soon pick up again - Saturdays, April 15 thru November 11, 2023 around the Capitol Building and it is one of the best farmers markets anywhere!). 

We booked a room at the @hiltonmadison Monona Terrace to be within walking distance of all the downtown fun (tip: for a room with a lake view make sure to book at the upper levels above 10th floor for an unobstructed view of Lake Monona). 

Madison, WI is a skip and a hop from the Finger Lakes so this short and sweet visit didn’t feel difficult at all. And we absolutely loved the winter scenery and seeing what has changed (a lot) since we lived here.

Stay tuned for my list of where we ate!

Have you ever been to Madison, WI?

#madisonwi #weekendgetaway #wisconsin @destinationmadison
The joy of that first sip of the day. #randommom The joy of that first sip of the day. 

#randommomentsarethebest
I think my husband enjoys it, but still can’t be I think my husband enjoys it, but still can’t believe how easily I’ve been waking up in the early mornings since our last trip. Not sure how to shake it, or if it’s temporary, but here it is: the rare sighting of me up and moving early in the day. Am I a morning person now? Has travel ever permanently changed any of your habits?

#morningperson #lifeinthecountry #newme <-😂

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