Last year, we had thought of going there, but with the Covid and the health restrictions at the time, we finally had to go to Portugal<\/a> (which is very cool, by the way!!).<\/p>\n Just 2h30 from Nantes with a direct flight to Bari via Transavia<\/a>, Puglia is a European destination that offers great value for money for those who love sunshine, mild weather, Italian gastronomy and water at 26\u00b0.<\/strong><\/p>\n Because, yes, the “dolce vita” is something we adopt and quickly get used to! Especially after all the confinement, curfews, etc. we’ve been through. <\/p>\n For us who wanted to disconnect before our wedding, we were particularly enchanted, especially when we stayed in our trullo, I’ll tell you about it later?<\/p>\n As we were both vaccinated and had our health pass, we didn’t have any problems there.<\/p>\n The region is ideal for spring and autumn. <\/strong>In summer, beware of the heat and the many tourists, especially Italians, who come to the region for their vacations.<\/p>\n Watch out for the signs!<\/strong> In Italy, it’s the opposite of France: green signs are freeways and blue signs are local roads.<\/p>\n If you’re renting a car<\/strong> in Italian cities<\/strong>, be sure to look out for the signs indicating that the area is a restricted traffic zone (ZTL), otherwise you’ll be liable to fines<\/b>. Ideally, find a white zone. If you’re prepared to walk a little, you’ll avoid unnecessary expenses. <\/p>\n Practical to have in your suitcase:<\/strong><\/p>\n Budget for about 10 days for two (after that, we had the boys with us for a week):<\/strong><\/p>\n Total: approx. 1,798 euros for 2 people or approx. 900 euros per person. <\/strong>Please note that this year, car rental is much more expensive than usual, as demand was very high. On the Internet, prices exploded and exceeded 1500 euros for the 15 days!<\/em><\/p>\n As an anecdote, we had found a car in a town an hour from Bari by train, but we played a game of poker at the airport that worked: on arrival, we went to a local rental agency: Autovia<\/a>, located just outside. We asked them if they had a rental car for less than 850 euros, unlimited mileage… and it worked!!! We cancelled the other one and were able to enjoy our whole day (we had landed very early).<\/p>\n It was in this region that we stopped off for a week. We had a a small trullo<\/strong><\/a> located in Gioia Del Colle. This typical Itria Valley house, built of stone with a cone-shaped roof<\/strong>, is quite astonishing. With its tiny openings, it immediately reminded me of Hagrid’s house in Harry Potter! <\/p>\n Located in the middle of nowhere, with only fruit trees and generous olive groves as neighbors, and no wifi, it’s a peaceful place that quickly gets you into the Italian rhythm.<\/strong><\/p>\n It’s also perfectly located for getting around the area during the week.<\/p>\n As far as travelling is concerned, you won’t be disappointed, for with its immense fields of olive trees and the trulli found in every village, the panorama created by the white color of the buildings and the vegetation that embraces them is incredible, almost fairytale-like.<\/p>\n It’s impossible not to stop and stroll nonchalantly through all these cities:<\/p>\n Noci<\/strong>: this pretty old town is the least touristy of them all, yet for me it’s well worth the detour! Its peaceful historic center is full of charm. Look up and take the time to wander through the narrow streets to discover the gnostre<\/em>, small semi-private courtyards. <\/p>\n Alberobello<\/strong>: the most touristic of all the villages, with its trulli listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1996, is a must-see. It’s impossible to remain insensitive in front of these conical roofs, and to think that these are authentic houses (now stores or B&Bs :)) and not a film set or an amusement park. <\/p>\n If you don’t want to linger in a restaurant, I suggest you try the local specialties: foccacia and gelato for dessert.<\/strong><\/p>\n Locorotondo<\/strong>: until the mid-19th century, the town was known as “Luogorotondo” (Round Places) for the characteristic circular shape of its inhabited center. The beauty of this city lies in the fact that it sits like a crown on top of a green hill. And you’ll be charmed by its white alleyways, juxtaposed with colorful wrought-iron balconies and flower-filled doorsteps. A marvel for photographers. <\/p>\n Martina Franca<\/strong>: With its white-fronted alleyways, Baroque architecture and squares where you can sip a Spritz or enjoy an ice cream, the town has an undeniable power of attraction.<\/p>\n By the way, I’ve kept a very good address for gelato: go to Latteria del Ringo<\/strong>, run by 4 sisters… The flavors are truly original and delicious, to die for!<\/p>\n If you go back a little further, you can end up in Otsuni<\/strong>: the “White City” (Citt\u00e0 Bianca) par excellence. Despite the fact that it’s very touristy (we met a lot of French people there), it’s well worth the detour. <\/p>\n The city is particularly pleasant to visit. Like most Italian cities, head for the “old town”<\/strong>, to wander through its winding alleys, where daily life is on full display with doors wide open and laundry hanging outside. Next, make the sign of the cross in San Sabino Cathedral<\/strong>, and then head for two streets, via Arco Basso and via Arco Alto<\/strong>, to discover the local speciality: the production of the region’s star pasta, orecchiette. Women make it right on the street, before your very eyes! The pasta is made from semola di grano duro<\/em>, durum wheat semolina, in the shape of little ears(orecchio<\/em> means ear in Italian). Their rounded shape generously accommodates the sauce, while the slightly rough exterior of the pasta allows it to cling well. If you don’t want to miss them, make sure you come in the morning. <\/p>\n Then, for a lunch break, I highly recommend a trip to Mastro Ciccio<\/a>, a gastro street food restaurant. For around a dozen euros for a menu, you can enjoy a sandwich or pasta dish, a drink and “popp”, addictive little doughnut-like balls that replace classic French fries. <\/p>\n In the afternoon, change scenery and discover the Murattiano and Umbertino districts<\/strong>, on the other side of Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. Here you’ll find sumptuous palaces and theaters in Liberty style. <\/p>\n In the evening, end the evening with a stroll along the lungomare di Crollalanza. <\/strong> <\/p>\n A slap in the face of so much beauty. Matera, a Unesco World Heritage Site for its troglodyte dwellings, is located in the Basilicata region. <\/p>\n Until the 1950s, the population lived in caves dug into the mountain. However, the villagers were forced to abandon their homes and move into more modern quarters. <\/p>\n Who would have thought that these caves, known as the “Sassi”(rock-cut dwellings<\/em>), would become so famous? Yet it was in 1993 that UNESCO included them on its list of World Heritage sites, as a millennia-old system and model of development that must be preserved for future generations. The “Sassi” are recognized as a model of living in perfect harmony with the environment, integrating into it while exploiting its resources without altering it. <\/p>\n When you stroll through it, as you do Alberobello, it’s hard to imagine that the town isn’t a movie set. No wonder, then, that directors regularly think of it for their films. <\/strong> <\/p>\n The most recent of these is none other than “Mourir peut attendre”, the latest James Bond film.<\/strong> Another film you’re sure to have seen is Wonder Woman<\/strong>. Shot in 2016, the film by American director Patty Jenkins set its cameras down in Matera to film the beginning of the superheroine’s adventure.<\/strong> The Italian town became Themyscira, the birthplace of the Amazons and Wonder Woman. And the result is quite stunning. <\/p>\n Finally, visiting Matera is like returning to a forgotten past. It’s like stepping into a living crib. So it’s no coincidence that Matera is also known as the “second Bethlehem” and was the setting for Mel Gibson’s film “The Passion of the Christ”.<\/strong> <\/p>\n The film, which retraces the last years of Jesus’ life, was shot entirely in Italy in 2003, and Matera was chosen to depict the film’s highly graphic crucifixion scenes.<\/strong><\/p>\n Practical for your visit:<\/p>\n The coastal road from Vieste to Manfredonia offers crystal-clear seas and spectacular coastlines, such as the bay of Pugnochiuso and Vignanotica.<\/p>\n Although we didn’t have time to visit the Tremiti islands, we truly adored and were blown away by this mountainous route, with its breathtaking scenery. It reminded me of our trip to Guadeloupe<\/a> on the island of Les Saintes or Portugal<\/a>. <\/p>\n The towns of Vieste, Peschici, Mattinata and Manfredonia are pleasant stops<\/strong> for lovers of Italian cities. Those who prefer to spend their time on the beach will have to be patient, however, as the beaches in the area are unfortunately not very accessible. <\/p>\n If you’re a lover of contemporary art and fine stonework, don’t miss a visit to Santa Maria di Siponto and Edoardo Tresoldi’s Paleo-Christian church<\/strong> on the outskirts of Manfredonia.<\/p>\n On the north-western flank of the ancient cathedral, the ruins of the early Christian basilica of Siponto have been the subject of an original artistic creation. In 2016, Edoardo Tresoldi, a contemporary artist, gave the church an almost ghostly reality thanks to a wire structure. Striking! <\/p>\n But the Gargano is not just about the sea, it’s also a land of faith and the greatest expression of Christian devotion, with Padre Pio at San Giovanni Rotondo <\/strong>and the Sanctuary of San Michele at Monte Sant’Angelo<\/strong> (a UNESCO World Heritage site).<\/strong><\/p>\n Francesco Forgione<\/strong> was born on May 25, 1887 in Pietrelcina, Italy, into a devout Catholic family. In 1903, he began his novitiate with the Capuchin friars at the Morcone convent, choosing the name Brother Pio<\/strong>. He took his vows in 1907. He was ordained priest in 1910, and the following year began to feel pain in his hands and feet. In August 1918, the priest experienced a transverberation (borrowed from the Latin transverberare<\/span><\/i> “meaning “to pierce through”), a rarely-mentioned mystical phenomenon of Catholic tradition. The stigmata(Christ’s crucifixion marks<\/em>) appeared on his body in September 1918 at San Giovanni Rotondo. Five bloody wounds were visible on his hands, feet and chest. Word spread that the priest was a saint, capable of miracles. In 1920, the Capuchin Council had him examined by doctors to determine whether or not the wounds were self-inflicted. The doctors declared his injuries unexplained, though they remained skeptical. <\/p>\n In 1922, Pope Pius XI advised the faithful not to visit the convent, and Padre Pio was no longer allowed to show or talk about his stigmata. In 1923, he was forbidden to celebrate public masses. He was defended by thousands of faithful. The bans were lifted in 1933. The priest’s popularity was immense, and he was recognized by the faithful as a priest capable of divining sins and speaking multiple foreign languages. It is also said that he has the gift of appearing in two places simultaneously and that his body temperature can exceed 39\u00b0C. He is also said to have predicted the election of the future Pope John Paul II. His stigmata disappeared at the end of his last mass. Padre Pio died on September 23, 1968, in San Giovanni Rotondo. He was canonized by John Paul II in 2002 as Saint Pius of Pietrelcina. <\/p>\n Since June 1, 2013, it has been possible to gather in front of Padre Pio’s body, displayed in a glass flush, in the crypt of the new modern St. Pio church in San Giovanni Rotondo. <\/p>\n This village perched in the mountains overlooking the Gargano Park is not only an exceptional panoramic point, but also a town of great historical, religious and architectural importance in Puglia. The mountain and village of Monte Sant’Angelo are so named because, according to tradition, the archangel Saint Michael came here four times, in 490, 492, 493 and again in 1656… A shrine was erected in his honor inside the grotto, which he is said to have chosen as a refuge during his visits. Monte Sant’Angelo is said to lie between heaven and earth, between the divine and the human.<\/p>\n The passage is therefore essential for two reasons:<\/p>\n On the way down from Gargano to Bari, stop off in the town of Trani<\/strong>: also a little gem, like many towns in Puglia, you might say!<\/p>\n If there are two towns where you’d spend time chatting over a drink on a terrace or just watching people go by, it’s Monopoli and Poligano a Mare.<\/p>\n First of all, Monopoli<\/strong>, one of the most beautiful coastal towns in the province of Bari. With its port, the old town has a special charm and is lively in all seasons. The municipality, with its twenty or so beaches, is an ideal destination for those who love to relax. <\/p>\n Polignano a Mare<\/strong> next. Another postcard or open-air cinema setting! Just admire the beach at Lama Monachile,<\/strong> a microbeach tucked between 2 cliffs in the middle of the town, or lose yourself in the narrow streets of the historic center, and you’ll be tempted to spend the evening there, with friends or as a romantic getaway. <\/p>\n Built on the limestone cliffs so characteristic of Puglia, Polignano a Mare is renowned for the beauty of its waters and landscape. <\/strong><\/p>\n The historic center boasts an ancient central square, the Pizza dell’Orologio, which today is a pleasant little square lined with shops and restaurants. It owes its name to the Palazzo dell’Orologio, a building on which a clock proudly stands. The houses that enclose the square are typical, white and a little aged by the years, but this is what makes the place so charming. <\/p>\n Polignano a Mare is also famous for its caves. Created naturally by the elements, there are almost 80 of them! However, not all of them can be exploited. Among the most famous are Grotta Palazzese, Grotta delle Monache, Grotta Scampagnata and Grotta Castellana (15 km away).<\/strong> <\/p>\n If you have a boating license, this is the place to rent one. If not, boat trips are organized to get you up close and personal. You can also take a paddle or canoe trip if you fancy. <\/p>\n Grotta Palazzese<\/strong> is one of the few caves that can be reached on foot.<\/strong> Via a narrow staircase carved into the rock, you can access the immense natural hole, which is almost 30 metres wide! It’s even possible to enjoy a candlelit meal in the cave’s rock-encrusted restaurant between May and September. It’s just below the Grotta Palazzese hotel. However, I’m afraid it’s more of a tourist attraction than a restaurant to recommend, and that’s a shame, because the view is magnificent in the evening. <\/p>\n Just outside the town center, overlooking the Lama Monachile beach, you’ll come across the Ponte Borbonico <\/strong>. It dates back to the mid-16th century, but has since been renovated to allow cars and passers-by to cross. It boasts five beautiful arches, and reaches a height of almost 30 meters. It is also one of the entrances to the beach. <\/p>\n These are my preferences. I hope this will inspire you to buy a ticket for this wonderful region. <\/p>\n I’m also going to propose an article about Lecce and the surrounding area that we did with the boys for a week. It’s coming very soon \ud83d\ude42 <\/p>\n Happy reading and see you soon. If you have any practical questions, don’t hesitate to ask me, I’ll be happy to answer them. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Want to get away from it all in Europe? What if Puglia were THE ideal destination? This region of Italy was the only one my darling hadn’t yet visited. Ditto for me, who apart from Sicily, Naples, Venice, Tuscany and Rome, hadn’t yet gone further south. Last year, we had thought of going there, but […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":8510,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[48,47,44],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8511","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-europe","category-foreign","category-globe-trotter"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nPractical information before departure<\/h2>\n
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My 5 must-sees in Puglia<\/h2>\n
The Itria Valley, my favorite part of Puglia<\/h3>\n
![\"Trullo](\"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Italie-du-Sud-15-jours-ressourcant-dans-les-Pouilles-55.jpg\" "\\"Trullo")
<\/p>\n![\"Noci](\"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Italie-du-Sud-15-jours-ressourcant-dans-les-Pouilles-63.jpg\" "\\"Noci")
<\/p>\n![\"Alberobello](\"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Italie-du-Sud-15-jours-ressourcant-dans-les-Pouilles-91.jpg\" "\\"Alberobello")
\n![\"Alberobello](\"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Italie-du-Sud-15-jours-ressourcant-dans-les-Pouilles-97.jpg\" "\\"Alberobello")
<\/p>\n![\"Locorotondo](\"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Italie-du-Sud-15-jours-ressourcant-dans-les-Pouilles-135.jpg\" "\\"Locorotondo")
<\/p>\n![\"Martina](\"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Italie-du-Sud-15-jours-ressourcant-dans-les-Pouilles-152.jpg\" "\\"Martina")
<\/p>\n![\"Otsuni](\"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Italie-du-Sud-15-jours-ressourcant-dans-les-Pouilles-167.jpg\" "\\"Otsuni")
<\/p>\nBari: where to get Puglia’s queen of pasta, orecchiette<\/h3>\n
![\"Bari](\"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Italie-du-Sud-15-jours-ressourcant-dans-les-Pouilles-13.jpg\" "\\"Bari")
<\/p>\n![\"Bari](\"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Italie-du-Sud-15-jours-ressourcant-dans-les-Pouilles-43.jpg\" "\\"Bari")
<\/p>\n![\"Bari](\"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Italie-du-Sud-15-jours-ressourcant-dans-les-Pouilles-5.jpg\" "\\"Bari")
<\/p>\nStroll through Matera and relive scenes from the movies!<\/h3>\n
![\"Matera](\"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Italie-du-Sud-15-jours-ressourcant-dans-les-Pouilles-220.jpg\" "\\"Matera")
<\/p>\n
\nThe town of Matera is the setting for an intense chase scene between James Bond, at the wheel of the iconic Aston Martin DB6, and a swarm of masked enemies, both on motorcycles and in cars.<\/p>\n![\"Matera](\"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Italie-du-Sud-15-jours-ressourcant-dans-les-Pouilles-228.jpg\" "\\"Matera")
<\/p>\n\n
![\"Matera](\"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Italie-du-Sud-15-jours-ressourcant-dans-les-Pouilles-204.jpg\" "\\"Matera")
<\/p>\nAdmire the bays of the Gargano and meditate at the tomb of Padre Pio<\/h3>\n
![\"Gargano](\"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Italie-du-Sud-15-jours-ressourcant-dans-les-Pouilles-349.jpg\" "\\"Gargano")
<\/p>\n![\"Vieste](\"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Italie-du-Sud-15-jours-ressourcant-dans-les-Pouilles-334.jpg\" "\\"Vieste")
![\"Santa](\"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Italie-du-Sud-15-jours-ressourcant-dans-les-Pouilles-368.jpg\" "\\"Santa")
<\/p>\nPadre Pio quesako?<\/h4>\n
![\"St.](\"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Italie-du-Sud-15-jours-ressourcant-dans-les-Pouilles-295.jpg\" "\\"St.")
<\/p>\nThe Santuario di San Michele Arcangelo in Monte Sant’Angelo<\/h4>\n
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![\"Santuario](\"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Italie-du-Sud-15-jours-ressourcant-dans-les-Pouilles-298.jpg\" "\\"Santuario")
\n![\"Santuario](\"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Italie-du-Sud-15-jours-ressourcant-dans-les-Pouilles-301.jpg\" "\\"Santuario")
<\/p>\nFarniente, caves and gastronomy between Monopoli and Polignano a Mare<\/h3>\n
![\"Polignano](\"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Italie-du-Sud-15-jours-ressourcant-dans-les-Pouilles-199.jpg\" "\\"olignano")
<\/p>\n![\"Polignano](\"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Italie-du-Sud-15-jours-ressourcant-dans-les-Pouilles-194.jpg\" "\\"Polignano")
<\/p>\n![\"Ponte](\"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Italie-du-Sud-15-jours-ressourcant-dans-les-Pouilles-188.jpg\" "\\"")
<\/p>\n