We have seen an ad for a one bedroom house in Menerbes. It has been advertised as the "highest House" there. I do hope that doesn't mean "asin money." Has anyone stayed there and does anyone have anything personal about this town that can be shared. I am like a blind mouse trying to find my way to the niftiest place. This will probably be my only chance to visit this area as my husband loves Italy,and has "Italian genes" that call him back as often as possible. Thanks, Sharon

Do you have a website for this property? Have you looked at SlowTrav as they have lots of vacation rental reviews?

If you are talking about the 2 bedroom, 2 bath house that was the office of a local notary where Peter Mayle bought his place etc..as advertised..yes, I have toured the house. I actually rented it and had to cancel because of family illness. The house is charming in every way. They bought the place next door and remodeled it, also. Smaller but from what I have seen it is also charming.

If the location is where you want to be, I am sure that you will like it.

Here is the website for the one that I am talking about:
http://www.vrbo.com/12424

Gracejoan3 Thanks so much for the quick reply.. That's it. I don't know where I saw the ad, but it wasn't slowtravel. It is lovely, but, it rents for a week at a time. It if it isn't rented, maybe we can cut a deal. Or perhaps, just stay longer.. Thanks again. Sharon

shanart,

Just noticed that you said 1 bedroom place...so you were looking at the smaller and "newer" one that they remodeled next to the one that I sent. They have all of their listings on that one vrbo site.

Stay longer, if you need to. You will probably find that most are weekly rentals.

Enjoy...

shanart, is it this one? www.vrbo.com/27824

If it is, it's a nice looking place, and it has the added advantage of its own parking spot. The rates look to be in line with other rentals we have made in the Luberon and in Uzès.

Sorry I can't help you with Menerbes, though. We've visited but haven't stayed.

Anselm

Amselmadorne. Thanks! Where do you stay in France? The DH thinks it may be a tad to small of a village. It looks great to me. I could sit and paint all day and never leave the house. I will, of course, but it is so tempting. Sharon

They both look lovely!

We stayed in the one bedroom house last September. It was wonderful. It is exactly as shown on the website. Very comfortable and well equipped. Make sure you have a small car if you want to use the house's parking spot. It is a very tight turn to get on to the small street where the house is located. After having difficulty the first day we just starting parking in a lot down the hill maybe 100 yards from the house. I highly recommend the house and the town. Beautiful perched village that is not heavily touristed. Easy to drive in and out and centrally located to reach Aix, Avignon, Bonniuex, Gordes, Isle-sur-Sorgue, and other sights. There is a small grocery store and four or five restaurants in the town. If you would like more information, let me know. The views were incredible. I could also send you some of our photos if you like.

shanart, we really like small villages. They're easy to get in and out of for day trips, they're generally quiet, and you get to know the baker, butcher, and the people at the tabac. We liked Saignon in the Luberon and Uzès in Gard (although it's really a town). We've also rented in Auvergne and other parts of Provence and Languedoc.

BoulderCo, that place in Menerbes really sounds lovely.

Anselm

Anselm, We agree with you. Staying in a small village is a true Provençal experience. It always amazes me when posters think staying in St Remy, Avignon or other places is the way to go.
It is very easy to get around in Provence, IMHO.
Most of our visits are spent in small villages, including Saigon and Sivergues.

BoulderCO, I would love to see some pictures. My email is [email protected]. Thank ya'll so much.My DH can't stand those tight squeezes. We always add a dent or two in Italy cicalechanta, I always enjoy your responses, thanks for the imput. AnselmAdorns, I will check out your villages as well when I get my map. For two people it is difficult, I think, to find a house. We actually don't need much, but I do love a great view. I do tend to stay up and paint as well as wander around.a bit. DH is a heavy sleeper, but I feel much better in a different room. I, as well, love to "meet and greet," in the area where I am staying. BoulderCO, is there a square where we can "people watch" and pass the time of day? Thanks,everyone, I feel better every post!

BoulderCO [email protected] s...my mistake. One would think one would know................

There is a small square in town but it's not a big hangout area. A popular place for the locals is the Cafe du Progres in the center of town. It was immortalized in the book A Year in Provence. Looks like it hasn't changed a bit since Peter Mayle lived here. By the way I found the house he lived in nearby which was fun to see since I had just read the book on the flight over. I thought I had some pictures on my work computer but apparently I don't. I will try to send some from home.

BoulderCO, thanks so much for the information. We can't wait to go. We are considering moving the trip up to April. It is all about the FF miles now~ Sharon

BoulderCo...One more question please. What size and type car did you drive? That has concerned my husband a little bit. We had private parking in Montepulciano last year and it was a bugger to manage the sharp curve into the car park. We also had to do a little gate work as well. Thanks once more. Sharon

To see Provence, A small car is a must. Th village streets are so narrow and parking would be impossible with a big car and the locals will notice that big car and not be happy.

shanart, like cigalechanta, my wife and I prefer small cars. Our last rental was a VW Golf and the one before that a Renault Mégane. (I think both fall into the "compact" category at AutoEurope, but you might want to double check.) I felt very comfortable on narrow streets and roads, and both cars had good manners on the autoroute. Those cars also had room for two adults, a 26 and a 22 inch suitcase, two pieces of carry-on luggage, and a week's groceries.

Anselm

Thanks, Ya'll. The Golf is what we usually drive when we are there. I can't imagine driving a larger car when in Europe. I, too, felt very comfortable on the Autostrada.. Thanks again so very much! Viva La France!!!!! sharon