Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sleeping & Eating
There's nowhere for a sit-down breakfast, but the village bakery sells croissants.
Le Mas Julien €€
B&B
( 04 90 34 99 49;
www.mas-julien.com
;
704 chemin de St Jean, Orange; r incl
breakfast €100-115, apt €135; )
A 17th-century stone farmhouse surrounded by
vineyards, Le Mas Julien's four rooms blend contemporary and Provençal style, and
there's a studio apartment with kitchen that sleeps three. After a day exploring, nothing
beats sprawling by the big pool, glass in hand. Between Orange and Châteauneuf-du-
Pape, it's ideal base for an extended stay.
Le Verger des Papes €€
( 04 90 83 50 40; 4 rue du Château; menus €20-30; hours vary)
Perched beneath
the château, above Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Verger des Papes has drop-dead vistas of the
Rhône from its stone terrace - ideal for a lingering lunch or romantic dinner (arrive before
sunset). Specialties include succulent rack of lamb for two, plus
entrecôte
of beef, served
with macaroni-and-cheese spiked with
cèpes
. Park at the château and walk down. Reser-
vations essential.
RESTAURANT
La Mère Germaine €€
( 04 90 22 78 34;
www.lameregermaine.fr
;
place de la Fontaine; menu lunch €18-23,
dinner €33-37; lunch daily, dinner Mon-Sat)
Open since 1922, La Mère Germaine is
the classic village
auberge
, with fine restaurant and simple
accommodation
( 04 90 22
78 34;
www.lameregermaine.fr
;
place de la Fontaine; s/d/tr €55/65/90; )
. Good for
a date, the dining room has painted-tile floors and vineyard views. Solicitous service in-
cludes local wines by the glass, paired well with classic cooking, like foie gras and duck
breast. Guestrooms are basic, ideal for budgeteers.
TRADITIONAL FRENCH
Bernard Castelain €
( 04 90 83 54 71;
www.vin-chocolat-castelain.com
; rte d'Avignon; 9am-noon &
2-7pm Mon-Sat, daily summer)
The specialities at this artisan
chocolatier
include
pich-
olines
(chocolate-covered roasted and cream-and-chocolate-filled
Palets des Papes
.
CHOCOLATE
