Kcdwood. As you can see I am trying to decide between this house and Le Clos du Bois. We do not speak French and I am concerned with communicating with the owners when we arrive. Did anyone you speak with concerning the house know any English? Thanks, Sharon

Hi Sharon,

The little house in Bonnieux is owned by an American woman named Christine who lives in Pennsylvania and has become a friend of ours. I believe that she would mail the keys and that everything in the house is self-explanatory, but you could (and should) e-mail her and ask her if her local contact person speaks some English.

My husband and I stayed at the Clos du Buis for eight nights at the end of September 2006. As the other poster has said, Sophie speaks very good English. Pierre's English is quite limited, but he is very friendly and helpful. It is a great place, reasonably priced, and an ideal location right in the village.

In most of the restaurants and shops in Bonnieux you will find that the people are very welcoming and that some English is spoken. But it will be good for you to try to learn a couple of the most important French words and phrases so you can be polite. Surprisingly, it usually somehow works out!

In my mind the big difference for you is whether you want a house or a B&B room. The house will be quite a bit cheaper. You will have more room to spread out in privacy-- a living room, a dining room, a kitchen, a nice little terrace... not just your bedroom. You can go buy your own bread in the morning (the best croissants in all of France are sold just down the street at Henri Tomas') and perhaps eat a couple of your meals at your house, buying provisions at the little grocery in Bonnieux or the local markets.

The B&B is more expensive, but you'll get more service. Breakfast is provided. Your bed is made. Le Clos du Buis does have some nice public facilities-- a garden, a kitchen guests can use for simple meals, a big living room. But you will likely eat most of your meals out. Some people like to do a bit of cooking, others want nothing to do with it. Think about how you envision your vacation as well as your budget.

Hope this is helpful. Bonnieux is a very special place, whatever you decide! (Check out today's USA Today!)

Kathy Wood

kdcwood, Henri Tomas does indeed make magnificent bread and pastries. When we stayed in Saignon in 2003, his daughter ran the café just down the street from our house. Henri drove over from Bonnieux every morning to deliver his wonderful products. We've been talking about his pain aux raisins ever since.

Anselm

And don't worry, most speak English.
I want to tell you about a tiny shop there. "Nid D'Abeille"
One year She made me a linen shoulder bag with my initials and mailed it after her Christmas rush, I bought a few linen drawstring bags to keep my stocking tights in(on door knobs) because my condo is small, very little storage. I have bought in another year, napkins with the names of the local villages, (one on each napkin)

Thanks to all! I do need all the information I can get. The little shop sounds right up my ally. It all sounds so tantalizing! Kcdwood, We are processing all the information as fast as we can. Unfortunately, I am a little under the weather, therefore, things are seeping in mighty slow. Thanks again. Sharon

Sharon, Anselm and Mimi-- you might enjoy this story about our friendship with Henri Tomas (from my blog this past summer):

http://www.slowtrav.com/blog/wood/archives/001038.html

Kathy

It's a wonderful article, thank you but as a baker I think Mr Auzet in Cavaillon wins IMHO.

And speaking of bakers, those of you who love Provence and bread must see, if you haven't already, an old film by Marcel Pagno based on the story by Jean Giono, "La Femme du Boulanger."

Kathy, Isn't it amazing how a question about a sweet little house can end with such a wonderful story? Thank you so much. Ya'll have been a tremendous help. We started thinking Menerbes was the place for us. Now, I think we have found the perfect village for us. Thanks again to everyone! Sharon

Kathy, that was wonderful. Many thanks.

Anselm

Kathy runs tours in Provence and you can read in todays USA Today. an article mentioning her and the film that stars Russel Croewe in Mayle's book, adapted to the screen "a Good Year"

Good morning Sharon-- hope you are feeling better.

It sounds like you are really interested in Bonnieux, and whether you decide on the B&B (Le Clos du Buis) or the "sweet little house," I think you will have made a great choice.

You might be interested in this photo album of Bonnieux that is on my website: http://www.luberonexperience.com/pho...ieux/index.htm There are a couple of other photo albums that will give you a broader view of the beautiful Luberon.

Let us all know what you decide!

Kathy

Thank ya'll again for the help. Due to time constraints, the decision was made for us. We are the proud renters of the sweet little house in Bonnieux. The Lu Clos du Bois was up in the running, but they couldn't accomodate us for the entire time. Of course, in my senile mind, I didn't have us booked through Sunday. That is what we needed. I'm going to take a much needed break from Fodor's and just bask in the glory of the decision being made. Then, I'll pull out my Stu Dudley trip report and start all over. This seemed to have been an exhausting process. Smiles, Sharon P.S. Ask me something about the south and I can be some help!

Sharon

I have just come across this threat. Could you post details of the 'little house' you've just rented.

Many thanks!

S

Oops, typo, should read 'thread'.

Swagman, Surely, I will. Scroll back up the post until you se kcdwood's post with the slow travel web site. It is the first one, not the second. The second is a great story of her stay in Bonnieux. She has great info as well as Ihopp. And there is always Stu, who has been a great help in choosing our area. Sharon

Swagman, It is not on this post. Put in the name shanart and you will see a post about a country house vs. a B&B. Kcdwood has posted there as well. Still, scroll down her post until you see the slowtra.site. Sharon