Gifts from Provence (Luberon)
 

My wife and i are in Pertuis in the Luberon for Easter week, with day trips throughout Provence. We want to get some nice, not too expensive (~$100 +/- each), easy-to-carry gifts for our blended family of nine grown children and their families. We were thinking of Provencal table linens or possibly santons. Where are the best place(s) to find them? Other good gift ideas?

Both the linens (including placemats and napkins) and santons would make excellent gifts. However, don't overlook the fine olives and olive oil, the lovely olive-oil soap and bath gel, and lavender products (including soap and cologne, sachets, and much more). You will also find delicious nougat (that from Montélimar is the best), the famous calissons of Aix, and lavender honey. I always bring back some bath mitts, as they're not easy to find in the U.S.

Stopped too soon!

You will find linens in gift shops and large supermarkets, along with olive-oil and lavender products. The supermarkets are generally a good place to shop for gifts, as they carry a wide variety of merchandise.

I forgot to mention the beautiful paper napkins and plates--again, to be found in supermarkets and gift shops.

Besides linens, you'll find a wide variety of handbags and totes made of Provençal fabrics.

We bring back large sacks of Herbs de Provence and Fleur du Sel. I used the Herbs de Provence yesterday on Rack of Lamb. We have brought back large amounts of Marseille scented soap - but they are quite heavy if you tote a dozen of them in the suitcase. Go to the market in Carpentras today, or Apt tomorrow, or l'Isle sur la Sorgue on Sunday, or Bedoin on Monday to load up on gifts...... I almost forgot to mention the 60+ Provence tablecloths we've purchased there.

Stu Dudley

Great suggestions all. Thank you.

You might care to look at Cote Bastide's shop in Lourmarin, close to Pertuis.They are at 3 rue grand pre in the centre. Soaps and linens etc, beautiful shop. I have no affiliation with them.
Happy shopping
W

Back to the santons, which I think would be excellent gifts if the recipients are interested in folk art. The gift shops at Les Baux have an excellent variety of santons, especially those made by Provençal artisans such as Marcel Carbonel (the best, IMHO). On the road between Fontvieille and Maussanne-les-Alpilles is a shop that has a permanent large display of santons in a village setting. The shop part of the operation offers a good choice of santons.

If you can get over to Marseille, visit the Carbonel Atelier, where you can watch the artisans at work. If you're lucky you will be offered a visit to the adjacent historic museum of santons, including some beautiful old ones from Italy.