John B.

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.

Joe G.

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.

Vincent

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.

Joe G.

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 11OPM 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.

Diane

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.