Information - Villages in Provence
 

We have traveled to Provence in each of the last ten years. We stay in St. Remy.<BR>Each year we seem to find new vilages, restaurants to add to the many that we have already discovered. Last year we discovered Lourmarin and Saignon through the kind help of Fodorites.<BR><BR>We will return to St. Remy in July 2003.<BR>What I am looking for is personal experiences<BR>-not websites. Villages within 75 kilometers of St. Remy and restaurants therein would be ideal. Also, There is a village Banon--anyone know it or its environs?<BR>Thanks!

Hi Anthony,<BR>I can tell you about our fabulous dining experience at &quot; Le Bistrot du Paradou.&quot; Since you are familiar with St. Remy, it is only a 15 minute drive from there over the Alpilles to the village of Paradou. <BR>While we were spending time on a &quot;Food Vacation&quot; in the village of Bonnieux, (Near La Coste and Laurmarin), our gracious French hostess recommended this restaurant. We made reservations for lunch. It is frequented by locals and travel writers alike. The host will never let more people in the door than he can comfortably seat. The meal for that day, Friday, was a set meal for all. The wonderful Provencal dishes of the region were served. If you truly want to be part of an epicurian delight, this is the place. It was an experience that will ever stay in my mind.<BR>Afterwards or before, you may want to check out the village of Maussane, at the olive-oil cooperative <BR>

Francie, <BR><BR>Thanks!<BR><BR>I suggest La Maison in Mas de Bournissac, near Noves, the next time you are in the area.

Have you visited the Abbey of Frigolet? A bit further down towards Tarascon, and off the beaten track, is Boulbon, which I find quite attractive. Never eaten there but I will certainly pass through again before next July and let you know of any worthwhile restaurant.

my favorites that We keep returning to:<BR>Eygalieres, Great dining and the old village charming with great views, Bonnieux and Fontvielle both charming villages with good dining spots.

Hi Anthony,<BR>Thanks for your tip! Will certainly add this one to our list.<BR><BR>Regards, Francie

Anthony, we stayed at a goat farm near saignon as well as bedding down one night in Saignon.

Mimi,<BR><BR>I think you or one of the other kind Fodorites recommended &quot;Le Presbytere&quot;, <BR>a great restaurant in Saignon. We met JP the owner and had a wonderful lunch there in September.<BR><BR>A goat farm, mais pourquoi?<BR><BR>Anthony

Yes Anthony, Jp is a very good friend Of Gianni who runs the goat farm in Silvergues. He takes reservations for dinner even if you are not a livein guest. i love goats1

Anthony,<BR><BR>There's a fabulous new restaurant in the Camargue that's definitely worth a visit. &quot;la Chassagnette&quot; in Le Sambuc (on the road to the salt pans)<BR>The chef, Jean-Luc Rabanel is originally from Gascogne and all the vegetables are grown organically on the grounds....<BR><BR>Sorry to say that I don't recommend the Bistrot du Paradou any longer... you won't find many locals eating there anymore (too expensive) and the food isn't what it once was. La Petite France is much better.<BR><BR>Patricia<BR>(in Maussane-les-Alpilles)

Hi PB,<BR>I cannot imagine Bistrot du Paradou &quot;not being that it once was.&quot; That is hard to imagine, but to each his own. We ate there on a Friday...Aoili day...snails, salt cod, boiled potatoes etc, ah, and the wine. We loved it, and it was recommended to us by a &quot;local.&quot; <BR>Regards, Francie