tidy

We plan to spend a few nights in or around Vaison la Romaine. We have booked a cooking class for one day and the other day we plan to visit wineries or nearby towns.We will have a car, What are your thoughts and where to spend a couple of nights in the area?
thank you,

macanimals

We have stayed in gites the last few visits but they generally require a Sat-Sat stay. On our initial visit, we stayed at the Hotel Burrhus which is very centrally located on the main plaza. Easy enough to reach with no restrictions in town for traffic although it is all one way. Not sure of the current rates but I am aware that it appears to be a favorite of the business traveler.

VlR is a fascinating area to explore--Gigondas is a must with its communal cave, there are many wineries in and around Vacqueyras and the "Dentelles loop" has a few stops along with magnificent views. Have fun.

dreamon

We also stayed in Hotel Burrhus (2011) and thought it was just fine. We didn't have a car and spent a couple of days. Not sure about parking there. If you have a car, you may prefer to stay outside of the town.

tidy

Macanimals, please tell me more about the communal cave.

macanimals

Caveau du Gigondas is a bit of an enigma--its free and offers about 160 different wines from the local appellation which are poured from unmarked bottles. Because they represent so many wineries, the staff is not allowed to guide you which creates issues especially since the wines are listed by winemaker. It has taken me and others many visits to the area to get enough info to taste intelligently. Still, if you want to taste several St. Cosme wines, a good local producer, from different vintages, this is the place and all wines are available for purchase. I have witnessed some very interesting looking folks doing their 'work' at the counter and leaving for their british homeland with quite a few cases. Just don't take the staff's aloofness as personal!

There are also nearby traditional tasting rooms from individual producers right in the village along with a very nice village setting.

Christina

Why don't you just stay in Vaison la Romaine, it's probably the biggest place around there, so would have the most accommodations.

If you want a smaller place, Caromb, Barroux, or Bedoin aren't that far.
ie http://www.hotel-des-pins.fr/uk/hote...e-officiel.php
For luxury, this place isn't too far, either.
http://www.crillonlebrave.com/


If I don't know a place, I usually use Logis de France website with good experience.
http://www.logishotels.com/

marshacarlin

Would you share info on your cooking class....going to Vaison la Romaine next May....and how you found/liked it. Thanks!