I was looking for entertaining myself in Vaucluse : The Romans who felt very much at home here built theaters that are still used today. The Popes built a palace and planted vineyards. Many feudal lords built châteaux and embellished them with terraces and gardens, where the good life flourishes still. Under the Provencal sunshine, the farmers channeled the water of the springs to grow fruit throughout the summer. And in the dark cool cellars, the vintners keep an eye on the aging wine. Writers find inspirational solitude. Actors singers and dancers gather applause from an enthusiastic audience. So why do we claim that the name Vaucluse means “closed valley”… closed to who? I see Vaucluse wide open to lovers of Provencal nature, the sun and the cicadas, lovers of rich, deeply-rooted history, of gourmand adventures and the art of living a gentle lifestyle.