Susan Hilhorst

My husband and I are going to France in September 2002. We hope to find a self catering gite in the Luberon, Vaucluse or Aix-en-provence areas. Anyone have any suggestions, hopefully in the 400-500 euro range/per week? Thanks

beth anderson

check out<BR><BR>http://www.gites-de-france.fr/fr/index.htm<BR><BR>I bought their book for my trip to France in September - 20 bucks, great ideas - there are many websites.<BR><BR>also, I would like to say - I stayed at PBProvence's B&B - it is GORGEOUS. Simply marvelous. Do a search here or email her - I think she could help you out.<BR><BR>Beth

Betty

You might want to take a look at www.coquelicot.com I rented from them in fall of 2000 and was pleased. Houses are not luxurious but are, IMO, good value for the money. They specialize in the Luberon.

Sue

We stayed in a wonderful one near Gordes a few years ago. It was one of the Gites de France, altho we rented directly thru the owner. However, I tried to find it a few days ago on g-d-f website and couldn't locate it; I"ll keep looking. Friends rented in Robion, thru same, and loved their place, too. I think if you read the description of the place online and make sure it has at least 3 ears of corn (the symbol they use instead of stars), you probably can't go wrong. Proximity to town, recreational facilities, if important to you, are things to check out, also. Our gite vacation was one of my favorites!

Wayne

I have used a website simply named www.gite.com, and it seems to have some nice properties in various parts of France. You might give it a try.

ingrid

I've been studting the gites site for the various regions. Can anybody recommend a specific gite in Provence (or nearby, e.g. Gard) that would be appropriate for four adults and two children and has a pool (share dpool is fine). Also, it should be suitable for someone with allergies (i.e. no mold and no pets.) Thanks!!!

ingrid

I've been studting the gites site for the various regions. Can anybody recommend a specific gite in Provence (or nearby, e.g. Gard) that would be appropriate for four adults and two children and has a pool (shared pool is fine)? Also, it should be suitable for someone with allergies (i.e. no mold and no pets.) Thanks!!!

Sue

Question for Betty: I've looked at the coquelicot website, and they look great; I was wondering if you've ever stayed ( or seen) at a gite-de-France dwelling, and if so, would you say that the coquelicot places are a notch up from the gites? I'm looking for a lg. place for a family group May, '03, and would like something between a gite-de-France and one of the tres cher places I see on some sites for $3k and up (and up!) per week. Cost-wise, coquelicot seems to be in my preferred range and whereas I don't expect luxurious, would like more than primitive. I must say, however, that several yrs. ago we did stay in a Gites-de-France place near Gordes that was very nice, just not big enough for the family members I plan to invite! Thanks for any input from anyone.

Betty

Hi, Sue. Sorry I haven't responded sooner. I've been away (actually I still am, using my brother's computer when I can get it away from his grandkids!)<BR><BR>I am not sure that I can fairly compare the GDF houses with those rented by the Coquelicot agency. I have rented two with the agency and only one through GDF. All three were nice. The one through GDF was in Normandy, very roomy and well furnished. The houses in Provence were perfectly fine but both had a least one bedroom that had little to no storage (no armoire or chest). <BR><BR>I think the best way of finding just what you want is to start with a site that gives a lot of information, either through detailed descriptions or pictures, or both. And then ask questions about anything else that is important to you. That's one of the main reasons I like Coquelicot; they are very good about answering questions quickly by e-mail.<BR><BR>But no matter how careful you are, you are still likely to have a surprise or two. One of the houses we rented in Provence, for instance, only had two burners on the stove, which made preparing dinner a little difficult. It never occurred to me that a stove might not have four eyes! For things like that you just have to arm yourself with a sense of humor and a "go with the flow" sort of attitude. <BR><BR>I do have one or two other house rental sites bookmarked on my computer at home so when I get back, probably late tomorrow, I'll send those if you like. But I do think that you will do much better price-wise using sites that are geared toward the French and other Europeans. It seems to me that those that target Americans (prices quoted in $$$) are much more expensive.<BR>

Sonia

I've just booked a house near Fanjeaux in the Aude for September. It's one of 9 gites that can fit up to 3 people each, it has a shared pool and views of the Pyrenean mountains. It costs ?388 per week. If you want more information let me know..<BR><BR>Sonia

Sue

Thank you, Betty, for your reply. I would like to have the other websites when you have a chance. This trip is still in the "daydream" stage but wanted to get as much info early on as possible. I surely agree with what you say about going with the flow--it's part of the adventure! We were very impressed with the gite we rented, and at the time, it was extremely reasonable. Contrary to what you say about one of your rentals, this one had a super equipped kitchen (esp. comparing to beach houses in USA), even a Cuisinart! If my group turns out to be smaller than planned, I'd not hesitate to rent it again. But something/place different would be fun, too!

ingrid

Sue,<BR>do you remember the name/location of this gite you mentioned (or any info that allows me to find it)? Thanks!

Sue

Ingrid, I think it is gite #2171 under Provence, Vaucluse, Luberon, (www.gites-de-france.com) The reason I'm not sure is that I can't tell from the picture, and the listed owner is different from whom we rented (good grief, it was in 1992, so it could be a different owner, right?) I feel certain that it is the one we stayed in, tho. (If you write, call or fax, you might ask if the previous owner was a M. Pascal) It was charmingly rustic, but not primitive. It did not have a pool, and I believe animals may be allowed, and that sounds as tho it could be a factor for you. It overlooked poppy fields (in May), and you could smell the herbs from the garden when you stepped out onto the patio. It was an idyllic setting, about 1 mile or so from the town of Gordes, a great location for exploring the entire area. Let me know if I can be of any further help; I hope it works out for you and your family.

Sue

ttt

Betty

Hi, Sue. I didn't forget about you, it's just taken me a while to go through my favorites list and find the sites you might be interested in. Turns out that I had more than "a couple"! Some are, of course, more extensive or more interesting than others. Some are available in English, others only in French. I don't know how well you know French, but if you find something interesting and need help with translation, just let me know. Most of these are specifically for Provence, some narrowing in on the Vaucluse or even the Luberon. The last one, though, is for all of France (actually includes some rentals in other European countries, I think) but you can zero in on any part of France you want.<BR><BR>Have fun searching and if I can help further, just let me know. If you would like to e-mail me, use the above address but substitute "charter.net" for "home.com" Bonne chance!<BR><BR>http://www.luberon-news.com/lbba.donut<BR><BR>http://www.guideweb.com/provence/lodging/indexa.php3 <BR><BR>http://www.provence-luberon.net/<BR><BR>http://www.provenceweb.fr/e/vaucluse/location.htm<BR><BR>http://www.luxury-rentals.com/index.htm<BR><BR>http://www.leluberon.net/<BR><BR>http://www.gites-luberon.com/<BR><BR>http://www.provenceguide.com/heber.htm<BR><BR>http://www.maison-en-provence.com/<BR><BR>http://www.provencewest.com/Provence/ProvVauc/PrVList.html<BR><BR>http://www.locationprovence.com/locaproeng/index2.html<BR><BR>http://www.flv.fr/flv/uk/rechgeo.htm<BR>

Sue

Thank you, Betty! I don't have time to check them out today as I am preparing for guests tomorrow (a family gathering at which I may put forth my proposal for Provence vacation next year!), but will at first chance; that's quite a list! I do ok with Fr, but will get in touch with you if I have any questions!

Greg

You might like to have a look at our village house in Beaumes de Venise - in the Vaucluse, a few kilometres from Carpentras, 1/2 hour from Avignon. There are some pictures and details on our website - http://www.ozramp.net.au/~gyeaman <BR>

Greg

Sorry, I've just realised you said 2002, our house is fully booked to late October this year.