Suze-La-Rousse

Suze-la-Rousse, village of the Drôme Provençale gathers about 1600 inhabitants. It grew up in the Tricastin plain where the Côtes du Rhône vineyards open out. The majestic castle looks down upon the old village, nestling at its foot.

The etymological origin of the name Suze would come from the celtic word UZ ("a high place), and "La Rousse" would remind either the noble Marguerite des Baux red hair or the local stone which the castle was built with.

The Princes of Orange , the maison des Baux, the La Baume -Suze Family gave to Suze a great nobility. One of the main characters was the Count François de la Baume, who became famous in the XVI th Century fighting against the protestant Baron des Adrets, during the religious wars. In 1564, the Count received Charles IX th (the Dauphin) and the Queen mothers Catherine de Médicis. He died as a hero in 1587 saying "Let's so my grey, let's go to die in Suze", speaking to his grey mare ! After the Revolution, the departments were created and incorporated Suze in the Vaucluse. But the village joined again the Drôme thanks to a request of the population a few years after. In the past, Suze had more than 200 inhabitants inside and outside its ramparts and was still manufacturing cloth and glassworks. Silkworm breeding was an usual ressource for many families.

Wine making is the staple industry, with 1500 hectares of vineyard. It is the prestigious Côtes du Rhône and the Côtes du Rhône Villages, produced and sold by La Suzienne and a few private wine cellars, which have established the reputation of the village. In September the Winegrowers Union or Syndicat des Vignerons proclaim the Opening of the Harvest or Ban des Vendanges which commences the harvest, the first grapes being pressed in public, followed by a dinner dance. A further traditional celebration takes place at the beginning of summer.

About twenty associations, collecting many activities are open to everyone and organise varied exhibitions, helped by numerous volunteers. The nursery, primary an high schools gathers 520 pupils. The shopkeepers offer various regional products. They also and a commercial animation. .They also organise, each year, a special christmas event for all generations and a commercial animation. Each Friday, the market spreads on the main Place of the village

And don't forget the prestigious medieval castle which looks down upon the village and its vineyards, and shelters the Wine University, worldwide wellknow. Situated on the hill, the castle is surrounded by "La Garenne", a park of 20 hectars. At the castles foot stands the old village which attracts the tourist.

Below the castle : "le jardin des vignes" a display of 70 different vines, both French and from other countries.

From the end of October, following the bustle of harvest time when the continual rumble of tractors orchestrates and perfumes all village life, the vineyards assume their typical colours of autumn in Provence and show us better than any story can tell, why Suze is called "La Rousse" - the redhead.