Seniors Enjoy Historic Courthézon, France

This senior recently tapped a bottle of Le Prince de Courthézon, 2013, Côtes du Rhône. It is/was very tasty, but with Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah combined, it should be. I read on the label that their cellar was founded in 1925 in Courthézon, a historic town rich in medieval history that was once governed by the Princes of Orange.

Like so many villages in Provence, Courthézon is built on and around a hill. Courthézon is one of the oldest peasant villages in Europe. I was impressed with that, so today we will go to Courthézon and check out the commune to see what else is there besides fine wine.

Courthézon is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in southeastern France. I know the area well having been a tour group leader to food and wine tours in France over the past several years since my retirement.

Provence…This Senior’s Favorite Place

Those three grapes are the major varieties of the region. I learned that it is the clay and sand soils (terroir) that bring the local wines such complexity, but enough of that. You’ll just have to go to your local wine store and try a bottle yourself. Incidentally, 2013 was a very good year for oenophiles.

I have told my wife time and time again, “if you can’t find me…look for me in Provence.” It may be my favorite place on the planet. TripAdvisor likes two chateaux…Chateau de Beaucastel and Chateau du Mourre du Tendre. Like many towns and villages in Vaucluse, Courthézon lives off tourism.

It is in the municipality of Courthézon that the oldest Neolithic site of France was discovered in 1971, “Mourre de Pradel” Baratin. It has been dated to the sixth millennium BC and is located on the western edge of the plain of the Ouvèze.

 A River Runs Through It, Another Around It

A small river the “Seille” calmly flows through the village whereas another river, the “Ouvèze,” borders the village. Courthézon offers senior visitors the tranquil and soothing pleasures of its fifteen fountains. It is one of the rare villages in the Vaucluse which has conserved a large part of its 12th century ramparts.

The Château Val Seille, nicknamed “Petit Versailles Provençal” with its magnificent park, canopy and winter garden, houses one of the finest hôtel de villes (town hall) in the region. If you enjoy a fine B&B, check out the Mas des Papillons (Butterfly Farm).

So set your sails for Courthézon and plan to spend some quality time. There is a lot to discover and more to enjoy. Have fun. -jeb