Your reference to La Cuisine Au Planet in Fontvielle brought back fond memories. Did you try their tartes aux figues? When we were another part of Provence a few years later I told the chef at a local restaurant that I had had it in Fontvielle and can you believe he made it for us the next night when we came back.

To John B.<BR>We didn't have the tartes aux figues but I do recollect having a hot chocolate cake dessert that was quite spectacular. Most memorable was the breast of duck entree which was visually stunning - I savored every bite.<BR>Joe G.

Joe, I'm glad you had a great time in Provence. Didn't you find the off-season to be a tad depressing, though? Like you, I try to avoid crowds, but I remember once going with Canadian friends to Saint Remy in October, and, after the animation of the summer, it just felt like a glorified village, and we had a hard time finding a restaurant that would serve us after 9 PM.

Vincent,<BR>We did have dinner in St.Remy on a Tues. night at La Gousse d'Ail. I think our reservation was for around 8:30PM. Another couple followed us in and we were seated at the last two available tables. We left about 11:OOPM and enjoyed the walk to our auto which was parked behind the tourist office. Those huge leaves were falling off the plane trees and there was a hint of autumn in the air. Everywhere we went there was enough activity to keep the atmosphere lively (not depressing at all). Remember this was early October - I'm sure things change very quickly. <BR>Joe G.

Terrific report Joe. We just started planning our trip for next Spring and will &quot;do&quot; Provence. I'll have to copy this entire thread and put it in my file for reference! It sounds like one of our trips -- we like to travel like you did -- staying based somewhere and just poking around, savoring every experience.