The two properties are really very different.

Le Clos du Buis is right in the village. You walk out the front door and you're on the main street, easy to walk to restaurants, cafes, shops, the Friday market if you're there then. But it has a very attractive and private garden with a pool, great views from the back of the house. Another plus is the fully-equipped kitchen for the use of guests, if you want to prepare lunch or dinner and eat in the garden (perhaps with things you bought at the market or in the village).

Les Trois Sources is a big, more ancient building (500+ years old), down from the village and set among the vineyards and orchards. It's a totally different setting with views looking up to the village and out across the valley. You might be able to walk to the village, but it would be a bit of a hike (uphill) and on the busy main road. But you might prefer the lovely setting more in the countryside. The breakfast here is more simple.

You're talking $25 more per room per night... I think it really depends on the type of environment you want... right in the village or in the vineyards... a few more amenities at Le Clos du Buis.

Kathy

Kathy--thank you so much for your response! Your posts on Slow Trav and your photos on your website really got me interested in Bonnieux. So I really appreciate your knowledgeable input.

I am really torn. Every review of Le Clos is fantastic. Les Trois Sources gets a few grumbles on Trip Advisor. Our sons (ages 15 and 24) might like being right in the village to easily grab a paper and coffee. The last two times we have been to Paris in June, the temps were in the 90's. So A/C might be important?

On the other hand, I like the look of the ancient rooms at Les Trois Sources, as well as the rural feel and views.

Another consideration is the best place to run from, as my husband and oldest son are both avid runners. It sounds like the road is busy. Do you think it would be possible to run the path between Bonnieux and Lacoste? Or are there smaller, less busy roads nearby? I am assuming it would be difficult to run around Bonnieux, but maybe that is not correct. They are fine with hills.

Again, thank you so much for your help!

I should have added that Le Clos is $100 more per night.

Hi Digbydog,

I would not run on the main road leading up to Bonnieux from the D900. The Trois Sources is just off this road on a small farm road, and your sons could run down the small road. There is a network of small farm roads in that large plain beneath Bonnieux and Lacoste.

But they could also easily run out of Bonnieux, as there are several roads that lead out of Bonnieux that are less traveled. They might follow the signs for the bike route that heads out past the new church at the bottom of the village and takes less-trafficked roads. Or I love the back road to Menerbes along the base of the mountains. I'm sure in the summer they would run early in the morning, so they shouldn't encounter much traffic.

The walking path from Bonnieux to Lacoste is extremely narrow in places.... definitely not runnable in the section between Bonnieux and the Chemin de la Gardiole.

Air conditioning is not typical at all in that area... it's expensive. Les Trois Sources is a very big building with thick walls. In the summer you would use shutters to keep the sun out during the hot part of the day and open windows in the evening, night, and early morning. They may have fans available. My husband likes the breeze and noise of a fan. You can also buy a fan at a hypermarche like Leclerc and carry it with you, as another option.

Good luck making your decision... Le Clos du Buis is my home-away-from-home and a very special place, but I've also stayed at Les Trois Sources and it's special too.

Kathy

The cost difference is because you can stay in a big room at Les Trois Sources?

Kathy

Thanks so much for your lengthy response! The runners in our family appreciate the info!! Le Clos would be two separate rooms. Trois Sources is a suite with 2 connecting rooms. So I'm not sure why there is such a big price difference.

Maybe because two bathrooms with two rooms? The A/C? (Electricity is expensive.) More amenities/public rooms for guests? Just some ideas.

I'm sure you'd be happy either place... and $200 could buy your family a special meal.

Kathy