We are renting for a week at the end of Sept. Would you recommend Lourmarin or Saignon as a base? And why? Thanks so much. I'm sure either will be fine. CJ

Either one. Both are near main roads. They are two of my favorite towns.I stop every year in Lourmarin to stock up on my natural fragrances at Coté Bastide's main and beautiful shop. Lunch at the Moulin is special. We have stayed in Saignon and that is one of my favorite villages.Nearby is Silvergues, that has a goat farm where you can make reservations to have dinner, Les Castelas. He supplies cheeses to all the nearby restaurants. In Saignon, the owner/chef of the Presbytere is a friend of the goat herder. Bonnieux is a nice stop for a Bakery museum, a wonderful tiny linen/embroiderery shop and lunch beside the village fountain at Le Fournil.

You can't go wrong with a choice like this. Use the dart in a map method of choice and have a wonderful time.

Be sure to visit Roussillon while you're there.

Cigalechanta and Sal - thank you for your replies. I have read all of the posts by both of you and have learned so much. Sal - we have booked Les Terrasses in Annecy. I know the choice is a win-win situation. Thanks again, CJ

Anyone else with an opinion? I posted this late at night and it promptly got buried. CJ

We stayed in Saignon for a week last fall. It was an excellent base for exploring the Luberon. Roussillon, Gordes, l'Abbaye de Sénanque, Goult, Lacoste, Bonniuex, Lourmarin, and l'Abbaye de Silvacane were all within a reasonable drive.

We loved Saignon itself--it is a delight to approach and provides spectacular views of the Montagne du Luberon and the valley below.

If you do decide to stay there, do try the bread at Christine's shop in the middle of the village. Her father is a baker in Bonnieux and he drives over every morning with wonderful bread and pastries.

Anselm

If you stay in Lourmarin, check out the restaurant La Feniere, which is just outside of town on the road to Cadanet.
If you are planning a drive to Moustiers -ste-Marie, make a reservation for lunch at les Santons.

Both are excellent choices as you say. Lourmarin a bit easier for getting to Aix and points south. Saignon maybe gives you access to a wider range of villages - but either way you will do fine.

Definately check out Bob and Sue Winn's guidebook to the area at provencebyways.com - it has some great driving itineraries right in the area where you will be staying.

And don't miss the Bistrot de France in Apt - a true "locals" hangout, and for good reason.

-Kevin

Thank you all for the great recommendations and comments. I will take them with me. Kevin-I'm so glad you responded. I always look forward to your suggestions. At this point, we are leaning toward the place at Lourmarin. It has more room, especially outdoors. Keep your fingers crossed for good weather at the end of Sept. CJ