Activities in the vineyards, with the family
Let's unravel the mystery of France's oldest vineyards…
In Provence Verte and Verdon, in the heart of the vineyards, a generous and preserved nature blends harmoniously with family activities: educational walks on the "winegrowers' companions" trail at Cantarelle estate, a gourmet break overlooking Lake Carcès, then a treasure hunt at Domaine Aspras, which produces organic rosé wines in Correns. Riddles and puzzles await young and old alike throughout this sunny day in the heart of Provence wine country. Here, the vineyard meets fun.
HIGHLIGHT 1
THE WINEGROWERS ARE OUR COMPANIONS
With feet firmly planted in this vineyard soil, head free from all thoughts… this is how this day begins in the vineyards of Provence, for a break in nature and with family.
- Water bottle
- Walking shoes
- Sunscreen & hat
- Camera to capture the moment
- All-terrain stroller
Everything's ready, let's go!
It is nine o'clock in the morning, the air is still fresh, the sky is clear… We are in the vault of Cantarelle Estate, in Brue-Auriac. The starting point to discover the “companions vignerons” trail, a panoramic and rural walk in the heart of Green Provence and Verdon.
With the Sainte-Baume mountain range as a backdrop, we stroll along, admiring the landscape. The grapes that will give rise to a Coteaux Varois en Provence AOP rosé wine surround us, showing us the way to the 3 km unmarked pedestrian loop, in the heart of the Provençal terroir.
An enchanting scent of vine leaves and damp earth rises to our nostrils from the clay-limestone soil. This early morning, the nature retreat is living up to all its promises…
The blind test that kids love
“Who introduced vine cultivation to Provence at the very beginning of our era? The Romans”
Well done! The children listened well.
During the pleasant hour-long walk (an hour and a half, if you include the snack break at the picnic area for the youngest…), our children walked well, had fun, and learned a great deal about Provence wines, thanks to the dozen or so information panels scattered along the path. They learned about the vineyard's grape varieties, its history, and the local flora and fauna. They're now experts!.
Furthermore, the winemaker really spoiled them: by participating in the "hidden word" game, they received a surprise gift upon arrival at the winery. Just the thing to motivate them to walk to the end. A clever idea!
How is rosé wine from Provence made?
Provence rosé is made with black grapes. But unlike red wines, which macerate for longer periods, to make rosé wine the contact time between the almost colorless juice and the grape skins, which give the wine its color, is only a few hours. It's a very delicate art!
HIGHLIGHT 2
SNACK WITH A VIEW
The water is calm, and the dense vegetation provides welcome coolness during a refreshing outdoor lunch.
Here we are, silent, our mouths occupied, in a picnic area by the... Lake Carcès. The view is soothing, and the children also enjoy the calm after the morning's activities.
Swimming is prohibited here, so we enjoy the lovely scenery and this time of rest, watching some pretty butterflies go by.
Suddenly, voices get closer… a group of hikers is arriving. All it takes is a curious child asking them a question to start a conversation: they come from the Caramy waterfalls, 7km away. A hike they highly recommend. Noted for next time, as a committed winemaker is waiting for us this afternoon!
Thoronet Abbey
Not far from Lake Carcès lies a small Provençal cultural gem: the‘Thoronet Abbey. If you are fond of old stones and spirituality, it is possible to have lunch in the village, then visit this remarkable 12th-century architectural monument, founded by Cistercian monks.
HIGHLIGHT 3
TREASURE HUNT IN THE HEART OF THE VINEYARDS OF PROVENCE
Tired? Never!
The children have been running for almost two hours in the fields of Domaine Aspras in Correns.
Between bursts of laughter and playful antics, their destiny is being decided: a treasure hunt is underway, the solution to the riddle is now within reach…
This family estate located in the Argens valley, about twenty minutes from Lake Carcès, will be our last stop of the day.
We meet some very committed Côtes de Provence rosé wine producers. Here at Correns, As the first organic village in France, the land is cherished: it is grassed and nourished with biodynamic compost. The soil is sometimes left undisturbed, hedges are planted, and the harvest takes place in the cool of the night, respecting the lunar calendar.
Wines that respect people and their land… Could that be the solution to the mystery to be solved?
Our environmental and social commitments contribute to developing team spirit. Aspras and to encourage mutual support on a daily basis. In my opinion, to be appreciated, wine must also embody values of sharing and generosity.
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