macdogmom

Does it make geographical sense to spend one night at La Bastide de Moustiers (coming from St. Paul En Vence? And then driving to Riboto de Taven or Le Mas de Carassins for the rest of the week. And any opinions about Riboto de Taven or Le Mas De Carassins and which is in a better location for first time provence visitors?

cigalechanta

The two are close to each other. I loved the Taven but never stayed at the Carassins. In St paul-de-Vence
We stayed several times at the Colombre D'Or for my Birthday or anniversary choice.

macdogmom

Which is close to one another? Is La Bastide de Moustiers close to the other two hotels? I think we are going to stay in La Hameau in St. Paul--I have read lots of good things about it on these boards and tripadvisor.

StuDudley

Moustiers is not close to the center of Provence. That would be a good idea to stay in Moustiers 1 night & central Provence the remaining nights.

I've never stayed at either of the les Baux/St Remy hotels, but like I stated in a prior post, we've dined at Riboto.

You can walk to St Remy from Carassins - but not from Riboto. Riboto has an excellent view of Les Baux. I'm not sure, but I think dinner is included in Carassins - but don't take my word - check with others or call the hotel.

At Hameau in St Paul de (not en) Vence, some rooms are much better than others - make sure you get (and perhaps pay extra for) the better room if that's important to you. We've stayed there twice - small room & large room.

Stu Dudley

macdogmom

Thank you for your input, Stu. My head is spinning from all the new places and names I have researched in the last three weeks. I know that you have an opinion about what is a better place between St. Remy area and Gordes area to be situated. Can you remind me again where you think is preferable? I think that someone spoke highly of Le Mas des Romarins in the Gordes area.

After we stay in Provence area we need to get to Barcelona. I believe someone said that getting the train in Montpellier was the best way to go. Does anyone know the best way to purchase train tickets for this trip?

nsalerno

In Sept 06 my husband and I stayed in Gordes at the Mas des Romarins for 5 night and then moved to St Remy to the mas de Carcassins for 4 nights. We did not like the town of St Remy as much as Gordes. St Remy is much more touristy, commercial and flat compared to Gordes . Mas de Carcassins is a nice hotel but to us the location is not as good. Mas de Romarins has a magnificent view of a "perched village" that is a 5 minute walk from the hotel.The staff at Mas de Romarins was wonderful and we ate there 2 nights and it was delicious. Also good restaurants a 5 minute walk from hotel. A short drive to all the cute provencal towns. Would love to go back!!

StuDudley

I prefer the Gordes/Luberon area because I think the countryside is prettier there. You can head 20 mins north-east and be in some pretty rugged canyons, mountains etc, or just stay in the Luberon Valley & see rolling hills, small cute villages, Lavender fields, vineyards, etc.

The St Remy region is more arid, and if you head just about any direction except south, you're in some areas that have a little too much ugly commerce for my tastes.

Stu Dudley

StuDudley

Before others disagree, I should clerify the ugly commerce comment I made. South of St Remy, and southeast as far north as Eygaliers is scenic. Last year when we drove the D99 through there acouple of times in mid June, there was heavy traffic, and some warehouses were being built west of St Remy on the D99.

Stu Dudley