Exploring Southern France: Avignon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape & Marseille
[Music] in this film we visit Provence in the south of France We’ll see the pale deap in Aignyong the pont dignon the vineyards of shatter and earth dup the old port in Marseilles the cathedral of notam deagard in Marseilles and fly through the streets of Marseilles due to a dispute between Philip IV of France and Pope Benifice VII in the 13th century Avignon became the home of the pope from 1309 to 1377 when they returned into Rome for a while After that there was a schism and there was a pope in Rome and Aignon at the same time Whilst in Avignon they built this magnificent palad [Music] We stayed in a hotel in Plaster Large which you can see here [Music] The hotel deveil or tone built in 1856 in neocclassical style dominates plaster large [Music] The famous Pont Davinon first built in 1180 but destroyed during a siege in 1226 It was rebuilt in stone in 1234 The road is notoriously fast flowing and basically the bridge wasn’t strong enough to withstand the river when it flooded Of the original 21 arches only four remain The bridge was an inspiration for the song Sha Pont Davin Heat Heat [Music] We were in Provence for two weeks and didn’t have a bad meal in the trip and mostly fairly cheap less than €20 for a main course in the evening The quality of the food is helped by the read availability of good ingredients And here you can see the market in Aignon [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Ganache vines in shatter and nerf dup Note the pebbles amongst the vines These were deposited here naturally at the end of the last ice age when they are ripe the grapes are all picked by hand and then the vines are cut down to the ground The roots go 30 m underground at the moment They’re very vulnerable Uh so that’s why they’re keeping uh all of the leaves right now on the plants Uh but these stones if you touch them they’re actually hot If you touch the stones they’re hot you know and so they they really keep the heat of the sun throughout the day and they give it back out during the night And also you might think why are there other plants here You know why don’t they clean their vineyard No Are they lazy No they’re not lazy It’s because these plants uh you know vines have very deep roots that go uh [Music] After the grapes are picked they are crushed to release the juice and then placed in fermenting vats such as you can see here for up to 14 days and then fed into barrels to age and finally bottled for sale It is against the law to add sugar in the shadow nerf due pap appellation And due to the amount of sunshine and the warmth generated at night by the pebbles these wines have some of the highest alcohol content in the world 13 grape varieties are permitted in any proportion in the appellation but the majority are based on the classic GSM formula ganache sra and moredra [Music] We finally got to taste six different wines from this chatau including a white They were all very nice and could be purchased at the chatau for between30 and £60 per bottle [Music] This is the ruins of the actual chat and nerf dup or new castle of the pope It was a summer residence of the popes while they were in a largely intact till the end of the second world war when the Nazis blew it up as they were using it as an ammunition store and they didn’t want the allies to capture the ammunition [Music] [Applause] [Music] We went on this TGV train from Avenue to Marseilles 53 mi in 30 minutes [Music] We stayed in the old port of Marseilles right by the harbor which you can see here This is mainly used for pleasure boats and some fishing There’s a big ferry and cargo port about a mile along the coast [Music] Heat Heat Heat Heat [Music] [Music] Do you [Music] know [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] A couple of panorama shots taken from our hotel balcony [Music] A short boat trip from Marseilles and passing shat diff setting for the novel account of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas [Music] Notradam de Lagard which sits on a hill dominating the harbor nearby Built from 1853 to 1895 [Music] Hey [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Hey [Music] [Music] [Music]
Step into the heart of Provence with this unforgettable journey through three iconic destinations in southern France. Begin in Avignon, the historic city of Popes, where medieval walls, cobbled streets, and the majestic Palais des Papes transport you to a time of grandeur and spiritual power. Stroll across the legendary Pont d’Avignon, and take in the vibrant atmosphere of local markets and charming cafés.
Next, venture into the rolling vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the famed wine region that produces some of the world’s most celebrated GSM blends. Discover the secrets behind these rich, complex wines as you tour picturesque wineries, explore the ancient castle ruins, and meet passionate winemakers who carry on centuries-old traditions.
Finally, the film takes you to the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast to explore Marseille, France’s oldest city. Dive into its multicultural soul, from the historic Vieux-Port to the stunning views at Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. Savor fresh seafood, wander through vibrant neighborhoods like Le Panier, and soak in the blend of tradition and modern energy.
This cinematic tour captures the beauty, history, and flavors of Provence—perfect for travel lovers, wine enthusiasts, and culture seekers alike