Will be in the south of France, Beziers for 14 days. Would very much like to visit the lavender fields of Provence. Where in Provence is the best area for doing this? Interested in seeing the a distillery that produces lavender oil too. Any suggestions on any of the above would be most helpful.

Hi Darlene, <BR> <BR>I haven’t been to a lavender distillery but have visited the Lavender Museum between Apt and Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. It’s very small but they take you through the entire lavender process and I found it interesting. The talk took about an hour. If you’re interested email me and I’ll look up the information for you. <BR> <BR>You didn’t say when you’re going to Provence but most lavender is harvested in July. I’ve been there in early June and the plants weren’t budding yet. One sight that would be spectacular when the lavender is blooming is Senaque Abbey, just outside Gordes. Lavender is planted in front of the Abbey and the Abbey itself is well worth visiting, so you’d see a small field of lavender as well as the Abbey. By the way, there are many postcards of this Abbey with the lavender in boom. <BR> <BR>Adrienne <BR> <BR>

The lavendar field at the abbey near Gordes was the most wonderful thing I think I've ever seen (at least in July). We left there, went into Gordes and then went back again for a picnic. Only problem was everyone thinks my pictures are postcards - it really does look exactly like all the calendars and post cards. I would skip the Lavendar museum.

I've never been there, but it's one of my dreams. Those who have actual experience describe please. I enjoy virtual trips too! Lavender fields in Provence. I think it's right up there in my visions of heaven. <BR> <BR>Darlene, hope you report back with a wonderful description of your trip! Have Fun!

Mine, too, I just did a search on Provence as I'm planning next summer's vacation and decided to add 5-7 days in Provence onto it, but was trying to figure a good base and timing for the lavender. From what I've read, late June to early July is best -- Ann, when were you there in July that you saw them blooming? I found a lot of Provencal lavender web sites (including that musuem and the Abbaye) and one said that in 1999 all lavender had been harvested by 7/19. I was going second half of July but after reading that, decided to switch around my itinerary to be there prob. first week in July. I'm just starting to look for a good base town, will probably rent a car and will want to stay around Gordes but if things don't work out, staying in Aix wouldn't be too bad, I like it there, or St-Remy.

I was in Provence around 6 -8July last summer and the lavender was at peak. But from what I know of growing it here (can't even begin to compare with France) it does stay in bloom at least a month. I stayed in both Aix and Avignon and did a day trip to Gordes from Avignon. I think it wasn't more than an hour or two. We stopped in Isle sur la Sorge on the way. It's an interesting little town especially on Flea Market day. Gordes seemed nice but I got the impression it would be expensive to stay there. There were several other hill towns in the area. St Remy was another day trip from Avignon, along with Les Baux. I also loved St Remy, it seemed like that would be a nice town to stay in if you wanted something smaller than Avignon. St. Remy was a "real" town, in addition to being a tourist destination whereas Gordes and Lex Baux seemed almost entirely tourist oriented. There were lots of other lavendar fields around but the one by the Abbey was special, probably because of the abbey. I didn't know you could go into it and I wasn't really intereted in that but it was certainly very beautiful to look at.

Thanks, Ann. I've been looking a lot in the last week for places to stay in Provence and everytime I think I've found the perfect place I find out something negative about it. I'm willing to spend between $100-150 a night for a nice place and from what I've seen of PRovence hotels, that should not be a problem except in the most luxurious places. For example, I had selected a Relais & Chateaux property around Gordes as I recall that looked lovely on the web (most tasteful decor of many, not too stuffy or silly-looking) and then I read a customer review on digital. france that said they had a $300 room that was very small and plain and they were really mad. Well, as I was going to book one of the less expensive rooms (which were only about $150), I ruled that out. ONe thing I wondered was if it would be awful with air conditioning in early July--I am thinking it would be from everything I've heard,like temps of 90 or so before noon. It's too bad as a couple places I liked the best do not have AC even though quite nice (H. Crillon le Brave and H. la Grangette near Isle-sur-le-Sorgue). I was surprised at the fact that a lot of very nice 3 star places in the Vaucluse do not seem to have AC given how hot it's supposed to be there in the summer. What do you think? I'm not an AC nut, never book a hotel with AC in Paris in July and it doesn't bother me, but 90+ temps are not enticing, this is supposed to be a relaxing and indulgent vacation (which is why I'm willing to spend up to around 1100F/day) and do not want to be miserable. I just got out Peter Mayle's book as I figured his place would be cooler (around Menerbes or Bonnieux, I think) as that is even more in the mountains than the place I was liking near Isle-sur-le-Sorgue, and yet it went on about how terrible it was there in summer. What did you think of Gordes? I found a couple nice places there that do have AC and I don't mind the rates (too much) but I've read Gordes is just too horrendously touristy. I don't know, these places aren't right in town, anyway, so I would think that would help re the tourism thing. Any advice re temps and AC in the Vaucluse in July are appreciated.

The lavender fields around the Abbaye de Senanque are truly gorgeous - and because they aren't commercial fields, will be blooming and beautiful most of the month of July. You can see lavender blooming a bit earlier in the Alpilles area (Les Baux, St Remy, etc.) - not huge commercial fields, but in gardens. <BR>In May and June, you'll also be treated to fields of red poppies - beautiful as well. <BR> <BR>Re A/C... although the temps here are hot in July and August, the evenings and nights are quite cool. Electricity here is also VERY expensive, and the cost outweighs the comfort. In my case the stone walls of my house range from 3 ft. to 8 ft thick - and that keeps the "cool" in, and the 'hot' out.... <BR> <BR>PB

Thank you, PBProvence, for finally answering the AC question in Vaucluse. That is a little encouraging about lack of AC, as I'm not having much luck with getting the place I finally picked in Gordes to respond to my emails or FAXes. They won't answer my specific questions, just FAXed me a rate sheet after my first query and it has been a week now since my second letter to followup with specific questions on the rooms and deposit amts/dates and they have not responded (two emails and one FAX have gone unanswered). I'm giving up on them (that was Domaine de l'Enclos in Gordes) as if they act that way about inquiries, I don't much trust them, anyway. If anyone has stayed at that place, I'd be interested in knowing your experience. I write them in French (and I know I write "fluently") and they respond in English terms that are translated by someone who does not know idiomatic idiomatically and I don't know what they are talking about; I think I'd understand better if they wrote it in French, frankly. Their last (and only) FAX to me on rates said that there was 560F "deposit" due (sometime not clear when) with the note "With 17 accomodations we can't confirm a reservation without deposit (in FF). Deposit is an absolute engagement for all the stay long an a forfeit in case of cancellation after the Delay indicate. Deposit by Credit Card is deduct ONE WEEK after the delay of cancelation - see delay (1)" Then delay (1) note says "8 wks before arrival date". I don't understand the phrase "is deduct one week after the delay of cancelation." I thought a "deposit" was charged to your CC upon reservation, espec. since they say about how they can't confirm a reservation with deposit. Anyone familiar with French hotel lingo know what this seems to mean as an English translation by a French person in Provence? I was especially concerned about the heat at night and sleeping, so if it gets cool at night, I may go for the nonAC place I liked best.

I have done quite a bit of research for my trip to Provence. We are staying in a place called Forcalquier which is very close to one of the best Lavender areas. it is about 40 kls from Apt but does seem a little remote - although it is reputed to have wonderful views and scenery which is why we chose it.

To Christina: <BR> <BR>I'm not in the Vaucluse, but next to Les Baux. It's much drier here than in the Vaucluse, where it tends to be much more humid and damp after sundown. <BR> <BR>Re their interesting English translation. They mean that they will not confirm your reservation until they have a Credit Card number or deposit in hand. Once they have your cc number they will not charge your card until seven weeks before your arrival (one week after their cancellation policy which appears to be 8 weeks. If you cancel within that 8 week period they will deduct some amount as a penalty - it doesn't say the amount or if they keep the entire deposit as a penalty). In France, if you've given them your CC number, they have the right to charge your card whenever they choose.... <BR> <BR>To Lee - Forcalquier is a charming village and the surrounding countryside is lovely as well. It IS rather remote for seeing anything other than the immediate area though. And those 40 kms. from Apt are very winding, narrow roads and the drive can take an hour if there's no traffic. The Occitane museum is on that road... for a nice break. <BR> <BR>PB <BR> <BR>

My husband and I stumbled upon this wonderful B&B last May: Le Clos Saint Antoine (www.clos-saint-antoine.com). It's located just outside L'Isle Sur La Sorgue - about 2 miles - and is an easy drive to all the beautiful villages in Provence. There is an antiques and flea market in L'Isle every weekend, and a HUGE antiques market Easter weekend and mid August. We're returning in 2 weeks for the Easter market and to stay again in this B&B - yea! <BR>The B&B is a charming old restored stone farmhouse with gorgeous blooming roses everywhere. Breakfast is served by the pool - delicious croissants and baguettes, local fruits and jams, coffee, tea, fresh juice. Rooms are nicely furnished and baths are great - big, fluffy towels! This is only their 2nd year in business, so everything is still "fresh" and new. <BR>Hosts Jackie and William are so friendly and helpful (both speak English), and provide those little extras - scented candles in the room, a bouquet of roses by the bed, a small bottle of wine. Cost of rooms range from about $80/night to about $115/night. Check the website to be sure. <BR>As you can see, I can't wait to go back!! Have a wonderful trip. If I could find a cheap fare I would go back again this summer just to see the lavender blooming! <BR> <BR>

Topping for Sue's question about Forcalquier.