Suze la Rousse, Provence

During the Middle Ages, Suze la Rousse was the largest city in this Tricastin region and was therefore graced with a large fortress castle that was built in the 12th-14th centuries. Built with both military and civil purpose, it has fortifications and battlements on its exterior and a Renaissance style interior, with a fine Italian inner courtyard.

The castle is now home to the Universite du Vin - a private educational institute dedicated to the vine and wine. It has it's own vineyard with over 70 grape varieties and also offers courses for the amateur wine lover. The castle is open to the public.

The small town also features a church, pretty medieval lanes and houses with ancient carved stone doorways, and a charming bell tower with a wrought iron campanile.

The surrounding area is full of vineyards, with the resulting wine belonging to the AOC Côtes du Rhône appelation, although some are of sufficient qaulity to belong to the more exclusive label of AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages.

Wine is the biggest commercial activity in the area, and there are over 1,600 hectares of vines. There are over half a dozen vineyards close to the town that you can visit for tastings - red, white and rosé wines are all made here.

Local produce includes black truffles (during the winter), lavender, honey, olives and apricots. Suze la Rousse weekly market is held on Friday mornings.

There are several marked hiking trails in the area that are also suitable for mountain biking - ask at the tourist office for maps and information.

Accommodation in Suze la Rousse is limited to a couple of basic Provençal hotels and some Chambre d'Hôtes. In the surrounding area, there is a bit more choice of upmarket properties.