Discover your Provence
Blooming lavender fields and historic buildings, a diverse culinary scene and cultural events: The South of France is a holiday region for explorers, connoisseurs and romantics. Thanks to the ideal location of Domaine La Tulisse, you have access to architecture, nature, gastronomy and history during your holiday. Immerse yourself in Provence, right on your doorstep and in day trips. Go on a journey back in time to ancient Rome and the Middle Ages. Taste regional products such as olives or truffles at the markets. Find your personal favourite wine at the vineyards around Mont Ventoux. When the stars begin to twinkle in the night sky, you can sit in the garden of our Romantikhotel, listen to the cicadas and review the experiences of the day.
Architecture steeped in history: castles, fortresses, monasteries
Before the land around Mont Ventoux became part of the papal comtate of Venaissin, the medieval history of the region was marked by the power struggle between the bishops of Vaison and the counts of Toulouse. This led, among other things, to the construction of castles and fortresses to protect the villages. You will find particularly vivid examples of this in Vaison-la-Romaine, in Crestet and Entrecheaux. Grignan Castle or the castle and chateau complex of Suze-la-Rousse are also easily accessible from the romantic hotel Domaine La Tulisse. By far the most famous monastery is located near Gordes in the Luberon. The abbey of Notre-Dame de Sénanque with the lavender field in the foreground is probably one of the most famous postcard motifs in Provence.
Roman heritage in Provence
In Provence, you will encounter Roman history at every turn. Well-preserved bridges, ancient triumphal arches and stately amphitheatres adorn the city centres of southern French towns. In Orange and Vaison-la-Romaine in particular, you can visit many monuments and excavation sites of ancient culture. In Vaison-la-Romaine you will find the largest ancient excavation site in France, two entire ancient quarters, an ancient theatre and a museum with excavation sites. In Orange, you can visit a completely preserved Roman theatre and the richly decorated triumphal arch. The Roman arena and the large antique museum of Arles are further sights. By the way: The name “Provence” goes back to the Latin word “provincia” and dates back to the time of Roman rule.
The Middle Ages in the South of France
Buildings from the Middle Ages also characterise the towns and villages of Provence. The Palace of the Popes and the city walls of Avignon are undoubtedly among the major sights in the south of France in this respect. But even in small villages, houses and walls tell of the time when the Visigoths and Ostrogoths ruled the land. In Vaison-la-Romaine, Séguret and Crestet, you will walk through well-preserved upper towns that were built in the Middle Ages.
Wines & Gastronomy
Eating like God in France? You can certainly do that on your Provence holiday. Fruit trees, vines and various vegetables thrive on the fertile soils of the southern French region. The sea as well as the mountains shape the Provençal cuisine, which is known for tasty soups, braised dishes and herbs. The wines are a perfect match. The Mediterranean climate and the mistral create ideal growing conditions for red, white and rosé wines of the Côtes du Rhône. The characterful red wines of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation and the wines from the Gigondas growing region have achieved international fame.
Truffle season
Connoisseurs and gourmets especially like to travel to the south of France in the winter months. Because from November to March, everything revolves around the black diamonds from Provence in the inns and at the markets at the foot of Mont Ventoux. We are talking about truffles or – as the locals call the precious edible mushroom – the “rabasse”. In winter, the delicacy is mainly traded at the truffle market in Richerenches. France’s only truffle conserverie is located in Puymeras. By the way: We at Domaine La Tulisse have also dedicated ourselves to the tradition of truffle making. According to the old method “à la mouche”, white truffles are harvested in summer and black truffles in winter on the estate of our country hotel.
Markets of Provence
Lively and colourful, in the city or in the village: a visit to a Provençal market is a must! Here you are very close to local life. And here you will find typical products of the region – from food to table linen to antiques. One of the largest weekly markets is held on Tuesdays in Vaison-la-Romaine. You will also find a wide range of products at the weekly market in Nyons on Thursdays. In smaller towns such as Malaucene or Buis-les-Baronnies, things are more tranquil. Truffle lovers will enjoy the market in the medieval village of Richerenches in winter. Most markets take place in the morning. Therefore our tip: Plan enough time and be there early so that you can stroll undisturbed.
Olives
Olive oil is the basis of Provençal cuisine and the olive tree is an integral part of the southern French cultural landscape. The trees can be seen everywhere in the Vaison Ventoux Provence area, including on the estate of Domaine La Tulisse. The olive tree has been cultivated as a useful plant for several thousand years. In the Vaucluse, the area around the town of Nyons is known for the cultivation of the Tanche olive, from which high-quality oil is extracted, since 1994 with controlled and protected A.O.P. designation of origin. (Appellation d’Origine Protégée). You will find tasty pickled olives at all Provence markets. Essences of the plant are also used in cosmetics.
Romantic time
Sunsets and sparkling starry skies, beautiful landscapes and soothing fragrances: Provence is a unique place for romantic holidays for two. At our country hotel, in the Domaine La Tulisse, you will stay in elegant suites and flats. You will find your own personal favourite spot in the estate’s spacious park. The surroundings of our country hotel invite you to enjoyable walks and the region offers some of the most beautiful villages in the south of France. In the evening, sit under the plane trees on the terrace of your favourite restaurant and enjoy excellent menus and exquisite wines. You will experience an unforgettable romantic natural spectacle in the morning hours at sunrise on Mont Ventoux. Dreaming of peace and time for yourself? Leave your everyday life behind and discover your Provence together.
Lavender: the scent of the South of France
Deep purple and intensely fragrant: lavender is the perfume of Provence – and at home in the region around Domaine La Tulisse. The cultivation areas in the high plateau of Sault and in the Drôme Provençale are particularly well-known. From mid-June to mid-August – depending on altitude and variety – the lavender fields of Provence are in full bloom. In the Middle Ages, the plant was considered a magical plant with aphrodisiac properties. The Romans used the aroma to perfume their laundry. For a long time, lavender grew wild. In the 19th century, it was increasingly harvested and finally cultivated agriculturally. Today, the emblem of Provence is used in various products: in cosmetics, honeys, essential oils or in regional cuisine. Those interested in the processing of lavender: At the distillery in Nyons, you can gain an insight into the production of lavender essences.
Art and culture
Provence continues to inspire artists from all over the world. The colours and special light, unspoilt landscapes and picturesque subjects can be found in paintings and works by internationally renowned painters and regional artists. For those interested in the history of the region and the way of life of the local population, the archaeological museum in Vaison-la-Romaine, the wine museum in Roaix or the olive museum in Nyons are highly recommended. In addition, the many historical monuments and buildings make the towns and villages around Mont Ventoux fantastic open-air museums. But music lovers and theatre goers will also get their money’s worth during their Provence holiday. Thanks to the mild climate, you can attend great opera performances, plays and dance shows in the open air. We recommend the Avignon Theatre Festival, the Orange Opera Festival and the various summer festivals in Vaison-la-Romaine.