Enjoy the traditions of French village life in Sablet, situated at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, the dramatically jagged shaped chain of mountains, just south of Vaison la Romaine, in the heart of the Côtes du Rhône wine growing region, Haute Provence.
Sablet, unlike other Côtes du Rhône tourist villages, is truly a working village with businesses remaining open all year round, meeting the needs of locals and tourists alike. A variety of commercial establishments, including two bakeries, a butcher, grocery store, fish stall (Thursday morning), newsagent, tobacconist (gifts), pharmacy, bank, post office and the newly opened beauty therapist. Not to mention the emergency needs met by the local doctor and dentist based in the centre of the village, hopefully they will not be required but comforting to know they are close by should the event arise. The newly situated Tourist Office (former site of the old Pharmacy almost opposite the Tabac) where you not only can obtain information on local places of interest and activities but can conveniently purchase wine from the many local vineyards in one stop.
Enjoy an aperitif, coffee or lunch in the company of Bruno at the café, a simple meal in the new restaurant in the square or, for those special occasions, some typical Provençal cuisine, beautifully presented, at Les Genets on the outskirts of the village. Walk to the picturesque village of Séguret, perhaps for lunch and stop for a tasting at one of the renowned Côtes du Rhône cellars, of the Ouveze valley; The Domaines, Parandou, Pasquier, Chamfort, Piaugier, Verquiere or the Co-operative, Gravillas, to name but a few. Perhaps a little knowledge from Olivier Hickman, Wine Uncovered, would be beneficial. Olivier leads guided visits (English spoken) through the local Rhone Valley vineyards and is conveniently based in Sablet. You may also wish to explore the other well known neighbouring villages - Chateauneuf du Pape, Gigondas, Vacquyras, Rasteau, Roaix and Beaumes de Venise!
Monsieur Claude RAYNAUD, the Mayor, the Deputies and municipal councillors of the municipality of Sablet are to be congratulated for the organisation of the annual itinerary of events designed to integrate the Sabletains and Sabletaines as well as to educate, entertainment and create interest and fun for the many visitors to the village. Not least of all the annual 'Journee du Livre' or book fair, a two day event held in mid July, hosted by the residents of Sablet, when well known authors from all over France come to the village to sell their autographed publications. For those of you who enjoy a little French culture and fun the Fete Votive is not to be missed. The first weekend in August sees the village come to life with funfairs and orchestras. Musical concerts of various genres held, in turn, each evening for four days, from 'country' to 'showtime' to 'classic', and simply ‘French’ something for everyone! This is the time and the place to let the inhibitions slip and enjoy some good old fashioned dancing, a little line dancing perhaps? Many other village events are naturally centred around wine and food, with the fête de la vigne et du vin, moules et frites, giant (grand) aioli, soupe au pistou evenings and last, but not least, the annual autumn soup competition.
The village is approx 9 km from Vaison-la-Romaine, where you can visit the famous Roman remains and soak up the market atmosphere which takes place every Tuesday morning, one of the best in the region. Markets are held each day all over the region so you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to fresh produce and provincial gifts. Bedoin, Monday; Vaison, Tuesday; Buis les Baronnies Wednesday; Nyons, Thursday; Carpentras, Friday; St Cecile les Vignes, Saturday and if you feel like venturing a little further south, L’Isle sur la Sorgue’s famous market will satisfy your desire for French linens and antiques.
There are those who visit for rest and relaxation with relaxation taking the form of reading, enjoying a coffee at the local café, walking; cycling; rock climbing; golfing; wine tasting; cookery classes; visiting the historical sites of Vaison la Romaine, Orange or Avignon; savouring the local cuisine and shopping. Sablet provides a wonderful base from where to begin your daily activity and to return to in the evening to relax in comfortable surroundings, prepare some locally sourced produce, enjoy a glass of local wine, listen to some music and watch the sun go down from the garden beside the viewing point in the beautiful, peaceful, village of Sablet.
