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Tourist
in Gigondas
History
In latin the name of the place was Jucunditas mening joy
and gladness.
You can't say for certain that wine lies behind the name, but
it's easy to understand if it's claimed.
Numerous
pieces of coins,
potsherds
and other
relics
from
Roman times
have been found.
It is said
that
retired legionaries
were
allowed to settle
in Provence
as a reward
for faithful
service. Naturally,
they have also grown
wine
to a lesser
extent.
In the
early Middle Ages Gigondas was a
part of
the Holy Roman
German Empire
and belonged to
the Kingdom of
Burgundy.
The history
of Gigondas
is closely linked
to the city of
Orange. Orange
was a
so-called Principality.
Since
1181
the prince or
duke,
who reigned over
the city, had
feudal rights
over the
inhabitants, not
only of Orange but also of other areas Jonquières, Violès, Courthézon, Gigondas,
Suzette, Lafare and Hameau de Derboux in Mondragon. The principality
has since 1713 been a part of France, but a part of its history
still lives in the name Vin de Pays de la Principauté
d'Orange.
Gigondas has never like for example Chateauneuf du Pape been
reigned by The
Pope or bishops from Avignon.
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These two photos is made Michel
Vincendeau, who on his site has more photos from Gigondas and other
villages.
If you want to your drive car to the high part of the village then turn right
just after passing Domaine Cayron - Choose Montée des Hospices at the
navigator.
You can also work thrugh the slopy streets and stairways with landings in
between, The walk is about 300 m but feels longer.
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The parish church, Saint
Catherine d'Alexandrie was constructed in the 18th
century. The tower is the highest point of
the village. From here you can
see all the vineyards of Gigondas and
have close views of Dentelles de Montmirail. |
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Saint Côme et Saint Damien is situated by the vineyards of Chateau
Saint Côsme. As you see it today it was constructed in
the 12th century but replaced' a building from
the 7th century. |
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Vieuw from the church area to the plain part of Gogondas
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The vineyards are
situated at very different altitudes
from the plain plateau by the river Ouvèze to the terrasses at Dentelles de Montmirail.
The foldings of the massif result in different types
of soil.
The differences of soil and altitudes bring different characters
to the wines.
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Dentelles de
Montmirail is an attractive area for hiking and climbing
If you arrive from Gigondas you can drive by the road to
Restaurant Florets and continue till you reach a parking place by
the feet of the Dentelles.
You can also arrive from the south side by turning left from the
road (D90) in Lafare between Beaumes de Venise and Suzette. |
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A beautifull restored
building near the church Auspice du Gigondas belongs to the Syndicat
d'AOC Gigondas. Here is a very nice tasting room where tastings
takes place - Aupice du Gigondas. See photos at Facebook
from 2017.
The event is open only for professionals. |
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| In connextion with Auspice du
Gigondas you can participate in af tasting of old wines,
presented by two expericed wingrowers. You see in front at the
photo the geologist (and oenologist) Georges Truc specialist in
terroirs in Rhone. |
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If you walk from the central square to the Auspice you will see
skulpturers at different places made of wood or iron. Changed every year.
At the
central square you find Caveau du Gigondas,
where you can taste and buy nearly all wines from the
appellation
A staircase leadd up to the offices of the Syndicate
and tasting room for special guests like wine writers
Two good
restarants in Gigondas
Restaurant
l'Oustalet, situated at the centrl spuare where all turists
is passing. Until 2009 the restaurant was owned by the negociantfirm Gabril Meffre.
Since then it's owned by the Perrinfamily at Chateau de Beaucastel.
The quality of the food is very good and the servise is very professionel. Photo
fro Juli
2017
Reservation +33 490 658 530
Hôtel
Les
Florêts. Before you by
D79 arrive to the willage you see signs to Saint
Cosme and the restaurant (From here 1,4 km).
The place is owned by the Bernard family also known from Domaine
de la Garrigue.
Until 2005 the restaurant was run by Pierre
Bernard, since then by his son Thierry Bernard and his wife. Reservation Tel +33
490 658 501
Gigondas sur
Table
Gigondas sur Table. Photo from the event in 2018 half an hour
before opening By the red signs the chefs prepare servering of small
gourmet dishes
Private phtos from the event from 2015 - 2017
- 2018
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Updated 11-03-2021
