An Ideal Day in the Luberon
An Ideal Day in
the Luberon France
In May of 2014 I was fortunate enough to stay at Le Mas de
Gancel outside the small town of Vernègues in the South of
France. While staying at this lovely villa, I was able to
explore villages in the Luberon and the Alpilles, as well as
spend some time in Aix-En-Provence. To say I enjoyed my time
in Provence would be an understatement — I loved it. Every
village felt like a profound discovery, and while I’m
reluctant to play favorites, I’ve put together my
recommendation for what I think makes a fantastic day in the
Luberon.
My ideal day in the Luberon starts in Rousillon, cited as one
of the most beautiful villages in France. I love the way the
morning sun hits the magnificent ochre cliffs; the yellows,
reds and pinks of the ochre against the blue sky, contrasting
with the vibrant green foliage — it’s simply captivating.
Explore the ochre trail (though don’t wear your whitest
whites, or they will no longer be your whitest whites),
noticing how the colors and vegetation change with the
elevation, keeping every step and turn interesting. After,
stroll through the village to enjoy the shops featuring local
art, pottery, crafts and the colorful tablecloths so typical
of the region. Be sure to then go to the top of the village
for a wonderful overview of the landscape. Before heading on,
take a moment to reflect with a café creme near the square,
overlooking the ochre hills.
I then suggest you carrying on to Goult, this tiny, innately
walkable hilltop village is scenic shift from Roussillon. Park
in the main square and head up the narrow road. You can follow
the numbered path on the self-guided tour or simply meander
along the quiet streets. Either way, you’ll enjoy the
wonderful old buildings and homes, some carved out of stone. A
picturesque ancient windmill greets you at the top of the
village, where you’ll take in the gorgeous, panoramic views.
Admire the hillside terraces as you head back for lunch in the
village square. Café de la Poste is a favorite among locals
and tourists alike. The food is authentic and the atmosphere
is lively. Sit outside, order the beef carpaccio salad and a
glass of rosé, and you’ll feel like you could stay here
forever.
If you love truffles, or want to give them a try, head to the
medieval village of Ménerbes and stop in at Maison de la
Truffe et du Vin. Built on a ridge, this walled, stone village
is filled with 16th and 17th century architecture and provides
fabulous views of the vineyards and farmland below. On your
way out of town, stop by Domaine de la Citadelle for a wine
tasting, a self-guided tour of the facility and an
entertaining jaunt through their corkscrew museum.
If you can squeeze in one more stop, pay a visit to Lourmarin,
a quaint village with cobblestone streets, blue shutters and
flower pots on every ledge. It is quintessentially Provence
and the perfect way to close out a day in the Luberon. Stroll
through the Chateau’s seasonal flower garden and olive grove,
then browse through the small shops in the village center.
Relax at a café, taking in the late afternoon sun with a
pastry or an apéritif. Take a deep breath. You’re somewhere
spectacular.
Interested in renting your own private luxury villa in the
Luberon? Contact Only Provence to get the inside scoop and
plan your holiday!
The Beautiful
Provence
Flowers
Of
Lavender, the iconic flower of Provence, is the image everyone
conjures when dreaming of the south of France, though
magnificent flowers bloom throughout the year. Whenever you
choose to visit Provence, you’ll find a rainbow of colorful
flowers to enjoy, from the brilliant yellow mimosas of winter,
to the red poppies bursting in spring, through the famed
lavender fields of summer — every new season brings with it a
vibrant, multicolored landscape.
Flowers are easily found almost any time of year. Wildflowers
and wild herbs flourish year round in the Alpilles and Luberon
regions of Provence, bringing various hues and tones to the
hillsides. Daily markets feature cultivated flowers, making it
possible to enjoy fabulous bouquets at your villa rental. Many
villa gardens gorgeously spotlight regional flora.
Winter comes alive with yellow mimosas and purple irises.
Don’t miss the beauty of the fruit tree blossoms — the white
and pink of the almond tree, the pinks of the plum tree and
the pale pink of the apricot tree blossom. Rosemary thrives in
Provence, blooming from winter through spring in light purple.
Spring brings more fruit tree blossoms, hinting at the bounty
summer will bring, from the palest pink of the apple tree to
the warm pink of the peach tree and the white of the cherry
tree blossom. Red poppies, prevalent in Monet’s works, grow as
wildflowers throughout Provence. Peonies range from white to
pink to yellow. Lavender colored wisteria flourishes in the
sun. Yellow broom flowers emit the sweet smell of honeysuckle.
Thyme blossoms in soft purple in spring and beyond.
Summer delivers what everyone’s been waiting for — gorgeous
yellow sunflowers and lavish fields of lavender. Clusters of
hyacinth grow in a range of colors throughout Provence,
favoring olive groves and vineyards.
With Fall comes the fiery beauty of turning leaves on grape
vines and fruit trees, showcasing dynamic oranges, reds and
yellows.
The beautiful flowers of Provence have inspired many artists,
perhaps most famously Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings of bright
yellow sunflowers and gorgeous purple irises from his time in
St. Remy. Come to Provence and see for yourself the glorious
flowers that inspired Van Gogh, Cezanne and Monet.
Interested in renting your own private luxury villa in
Provence? Contact Only Provence to get the inside scoop and
plan your holiday!
Two Great Restaurants In Aixen-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is often called a miniParis, as it’s very walkable with excellent
shopping and an abundance of restaurants.
Known for the fountains throughout the city
and the Plane trees that line the every
popular Cours Mirabeau, Aix is an easy city
to negotiate on foot, but a map certainly
doesn’t hurt. There are markets from Monday
through Saturday, the biggest on Saturday.
If you’re looking for a little change of scene food-wise, Aix
has plenty of options and far more variety than in the smaller
villages of Provence. Being close in proximity to the port of
Marseille, you’ll find lots of seafood and several menus with
North African and Spanish influences. There is no doubt in
working up an appetite strolling though Old Town and browsing
the eclectic shops along Rue Paul-Bert.
Here’s a bit about two very lovely restaurants in Old Town:
Le Zinc d’Hugo
22 Rue Lieutaud, 13100 Aix-en-Provence
Le Zinc d’Hugo is a wonderful, unfussy and delicious bistro.
The decor is open and simple in the best way, with a large
fireplace, zinc counter and wood fire grill. There’s a prix
fixe menu (set menu) as well an à la carte and an excellent
wine list curated by the restaurant’s owner, a former
sommelier. Le Zinc d’Hugo prides itself on sourcing fresh,
local ingredient by developing relationships with small
farmers, herders and fromagers, thereby presenting the best of
Provencal products.
The wait staff is friendly, knowledgable, accommodating and
fluent in English. When ordering wine, I was very specific. My
request was repeated back to me, yet far more articulately. He
asked if I’d prefer something local and I was thrilled to have
the option and emphatically agreed. He then brought me a
wonderful wine that went perfectly with my scrumptious grilled
steak.
Open Tuesday – Saturday, for lunch and dinner
Closed Sunday
Vintrépide
48 Rue du Puits Neuf 13100 Aix-en-Provence
Vintrépide is a small restaurant on the north-east edge of Old
Town with less than 40 seats – get one if you can! Though run
by just two people, the chef and the host, this extraordinary
dining experience goes forth without a hitch.
The food is extremely well executed, utilizing locally sourced
ingredients. The menu of four starters, four mains and four
desserts is written out daily on a blackboard and changes
regularly, depending on what’s in season and available at the
market. The menu is in French, but the host is fluent in
English and very willing to translate, with detailed
description.
Dining at Vintrépide is true pleasure. An amuse bouche arrives
shortly after the cocktails – delicious. The starter and
entree are spectacular, with wonderful wine pairings arranged
by the host. The meal concludes with a dessert treat from the
chef. Perfection.
Reservations strongly recommended.
Open for Lunch Tuesday – Saturday
Open for Dinner Monday and Tuesday, (closed Weds) and Thursday
– Saturday
Closed Sunday
Interested in renting your own private luxury villa in Aix-enProvence? Contact Only Provence to get the inside scoop and
plan
your
holiday!
http://www.onlyprovence.com/Provence/Villas/Aix-En-Provence
Eygalières Village: A Hidden
Gem
A Hidden Gem….Eygalières
Village
Eygalières is a small village on a hill in the Alpilles, not
far from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. There’s a quiet charm to this
special village, though it’s often overlooked for the more
well-known. The views from the summit are spectacular
Eyglières making it a favorite resting point for hikers and
bikers taking advantage of the scenic trails through nearby
olive groves and vineyards.
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y walkable village filled with quaint store fronts and
beautiful stone houses, most with a touch of greenery.
Everything you might need for the day can be found within a
few steps – restaurants, bakery, market, butcher, wine and
cheese.
Be sure to wander up the main street of this lovely village
and pay a visit to the old church on the crest, La Chapelle
des Pénitents. Continue up the hill to explore the castle
ruins, taking in the magnificent views and looking out over
the plains below and across the Alpilles.
Friday is market day in Eygalières. This very manageable
market is filled with fresh produce, bread, fabrics, clothing,
seafood, cheese, cured meats, local jams and paella made on
site. The feel is definitively and beautifully local- vendors
and residents jovially sharing wine, eating flan and sampling
cheese as early as 10am.
Despite its understated charm, Eygalières boastsseveral very
good restaurants on the main square. Cafe de la Place in the
center of the village is worth a visit for its eclectic decor
and neighborhood’s cast of characters. For an exceptional
meal, try the Michelin starred Chez Bru.
Just outside the village is a spectacular tree-lined entrance
to Domaine de Valdition. Stop in for a wine tasting or to pick
up decorative and gourmet products at the boutique.
Don’t forget to stop and see the famous 7th century Roman
Chapelle de Saint Sixte, located on the Route d’Orgon between
Eygalières and the National Route 7 (N7).
It’s hard to put into words what’s so wonderful about
Eygalières. Perhaps it’s the way the sunlight hits the stone,
orthe way the breeze passes
through ever so gently. Or maybe it’s just the energy of the
terroir. Whatever it is, there’s a warmth and peace to this
village that shouldn’t be missed.
Interested in renting your own private luxury villa in
Eygaliéres? Contact Only Provence to get the inside scoop and
plan your holiday in the Alpilles!
http://www.onlyprovence.com/Provence/Villas/Eygalieres/
Planning Your Gordes Vacation
Planning Your Gordes Vacation
While on vacation in the south of France, be sure to visit
Gordes, one of the most beautiful villages in Provence. Built
on a hilltop, Gordes offers breathtaking panoramic views of
the French countryside. Sunset is particularly wonderful time
to go, perhaps to enjoy an aperitif in the Luberon.
As you round the final corner leading up to Gordes, you’ll be
struck by the stunning village before you. Notice the stone
lined road as you approach – this “pierres” theme will
continue throughout. All houses in Gordes are required to be
made of stone, fences included. There are a few places to stop
to take pictures en route and the view definitely warrants a
photo.
In the center of the village, you’ll find the a Renaissance
style castle, established in 1031 and rebuilt in 1525.
Continue a few steps further and you’ll find a charming
church. Be sure to go inside — the interior is a classic
treasure that transports you to another time.
The best way to soak in this gem of a village is to wander the
narrow cobbled streets, winding your way through. You’ll no
doubt happen upon yet another spectacular view of the valley
be-low. Pop in and out of shops at your leisure and enjoy a
coffee at one of the many quaint cafes or a meal from a
selection of good restaurants.
Tuesday is market day in Gordes. Arrive early, before 10am, to
beat the rush. You’ll find the market vendors very friendly,
encouraging you to taste samples. Fresh fruit and vegetables,
honey, cheese, oil, cured meats, fresh baked bread… all simply
delicious!
Gather up what strikes your fancy at the market to enjoy a
picnic lunch and head to the Abbey de Sénanque. While the
lavender in front of the Abbey is an iconic in its own right —
what no one tells you is that the drive to and from the Abbey
is as magnificent. I found one of the best treats of the drive
to be a little designated picnic area overlooking some of the
most peaceful and serene views of the Luberon region.
Interested in renting your own private luxury villa in Gordes?
Contact Only Provence to get the inside scoop and plan your
holiday in the Luberon!
Click Here To Learn More!
Five Great Reasons To Visit
Saint Remy de Provence
Five Great Reasons To Visit
Saint Remy de Provence
A vacation in the south of France should absolutely include a
trip to Saint Remy de Provence. Close to the Luberon, and just
south of Les Alpilles (mountain range) near Avignon, St. Remy
is known as the birthplace of Nostradamus, the village where
Van Gogh sought refuge and a delight for visitors exploring
Inland Provence. Some highlights:
1. Market & Shopping:
Wednesday is market day, where you can find anything and
everything – Food, fabrics, clothing, ceramics, accessories,
even shoes! Find gifts to bring home as a reminder of your
fabulous vacation and tasty treats to enjoy at your villa
rental.
Stroll through the pedestrian streets of Old Town where you’ll
find wonderful architecture and unique shops with a Provencal
flair.
2. Food:
St. Remy is home to a fantastic cheese shop , a great spice
store and is filled with wonderful restaurants – over 40 in
all. Two have earned Michelin stars: La Maison Jaune and La
Maison a Bournissac.
3. Art:
A haven for artists, writers and musicians, St. Remy is where
Van Gogh committed himself to St. Paul de Mausole and while
institutionalized, produced some of his best known works of
art. You can visit his room (which still has paint on the
floor) and walk the grounds to admire the views that inspired
much of his work.
Find several art galleries and many arts festivals throughout
the year. Also home to some lovely museums: Le Musee des
Alpilles and Musee Estrine.
4. History:
Just south of St. Remy lies the ancient Roman ruins of Glanum.
Just across the way, visit the remarkably well preserved Arc
de Triomphe and Mausolee des Jules, together known as “Les
Antiques.”
5. Events:
There’s always something exciting happening in St. Remy – a
festival or celebration of some sort. This weekend (July 19 &
20), for example, there’s the Terroir des Alpilles and the
Tour de France comes through on Sunday (July 20). Coming up,
there’s a Wine Festival (July 25 – 27), the outdoor arts
festival, Routes des Artistes, (August 3, September 7, and
October 12), the Festival de St Remy (August 12 – 17) and
September brings a Jazz Festival on the 18th – 21st.
Interested in renting your own private luxury villa in Saint
Remy? Contact Only Provence to get the inside scoop and plan
your holiday in the Alpilles!
http://www.onlyprovence.com/Provence/Villas/Saint-Remy