Pays de Sault is an area in Vaucluse, Provence. It’s comprised of six villages Aurel, Ferrassières, Monieux, Sault, Saint-Christol d’Albion, Saint-Trinit. Togher they form the ancient region known as Comté de Sault. Each is in naturally beautiful setting and each has a Romanesque church or chapel.
Situated between the mountains of Lure, Luberon and Mont Ventoux – the area is famous for its lavender fields, forests and plains where goats and sheep wander.
Martine Berten-Peterson of Goût et Voyage culinary travel adventures shares her favourite secrets of the Pays de Sault…
The village of Sault
There are few more breath-taking sights than fields of lavender in bloom as observed from the heights of the village of Sault. I love to start with an early morning 90-minute walk through the deep purple fields on the Lavender Road. This 5km sign posted road is a treat for the senses and offers plenty of opportunities for Instagram-worthy photos along the way.
Be sure to add some time to take a stroll through the narrow streets of medieval of Sault. The weekly market, which dates back to the early 16th century takes place on Wednesday morning. Consider taking a tour (and tasting) at the Boyer nougat factory. And leave time for a visit to one of the lavender distilleries. And don’t miss a demonstration of traditional soap-making at the Savonnerie de Provence.
A true taste of Provence
A picturesque drive on the D1 will take you from Sault to the tiny hamlet of Monieux. There’s not much to see apart from a 12th century bell tower and some 17th century churches but what’s really special here is the delicious lunch at Les Lavandes. Reserve ahead and snag a table outdoors near the statue of Anesca (La Nesque). There are two “menus” – the Saveurs et Senteurs (flavors and aromas) menu and the perfect-for-lunch 3-course menu du jour. Both are a great price. Dishes focus on local truffles, honey, mushrooms, lamb and “petit épeautre”, the ancient regional grain currently gaining great popularity. There’s also an a la carte menu. During lunch, you will undoubtedly see a number of cyclists stopping in town to fill their water bottles taking a brief break before tackling the steep and winding roads.
Martine Bertin- Peterson was born in France but lives in the US. She hosts fabulous small group Taste of France tours in Provence (as well as Italy and Portugal). Her 30 years of hosting travel groups through Europe and love of cooking and culture ensure that guests on her tours experience a side of Provence rarely accessible without years of know-how, contacts and experience. From cooking in the homes of local chefs, exclusive vineyards visits and exploring the most stunning villages of Provence, these are tours of which memories are made. Find out more at goutetvoyage.com
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