The region around Mas Raffin is probably on of the most varied and exciting regions of France, offering a huge range of activities. The Roman towns of Orange, Nimes, Arles and their arenas are famous and well known - offering spectacular backdrops to opera in the summer months. Antiquities are also to be found at the Palace des Papes at Avignon and Roman remains at Vaison la Romaine.
The Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct which carried water almost 50km/31miles is less than ten minutes from the house. The market towns of Uzes, Gordes, Roussillon, St. Remy and Les Baux are all within easy reach. The antiques fairs and shops at l`Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Pezenas are always exciting and worth a visit.
The southern Rhone Valley wines including Chateauneuf du Pape, Tavel, Beaume de Venise, Côtes du Rhône Village. are only 30 minutes away. The northern Rhone Valley wines, Crôzes-Hermitage, Condrieu and Cornas etc are about an hour and a half away.
Canoeing on the Gardon and Gorges d'Ardeche are popular, rock climbing, golfing at Uzes, horse riding locally and on the Camargue, trekking the GR63, tennis in Castillon, fishing in the Gardon and Rhone, and world famous music, opera and arts festivals are all here. Local Fêtes Votive offer a glimpse of village life with bull running, music, dancing and general merriment.
For those who like natural history, there is the unique animal and bird life of the Camargue where the Rhone delta meets the sea and the garrigue home of orchids, Mediterranean herbs, lilies and countless now famous garden plants. For a complete change of scenery the Cevennes mountains and national parks are wild and remote. The wild beach at l'Espiguette with 18km/11miles of sand and dunes, the gypsy festival at St Maries de la Mer or the relative sophistication of old fashioned Grau-du-Roi both on the Mediterranean coast all add to the charm and attraction of the region.
There is a wide choice of very good restaurants in the area and at least 5 Michelin starred restaurants within half an hour of Mas Raffin! Famous Bouzigues oysters and mussels are on the Mediterranean coast less than an hour away.
Mas Raffin, 30210 Castillon du Gard, France
info@masraffin.com