cruisinred

We are planning a somewhat last minute trip to Provence in May, staying in Bonnieux at La Bastide de Capelongue.

- Can someone advise on what the weather will be like in mid-May in the Luberon? Too early for the lavender, right ?

- How "dressed" do people get for dinner at a michelin starred restaurant? (I'm from NYC and have dined in Paris before, but could use some packing guidance ie. a nice scarf + pearls with a little black dress OK?)

- Any tips for hikes or bike rides in the Bonnieux area? Are there any companies that give hiking/biking tours in the area for 1 day, or simple enough to plan/arrange on our own?

Merci

hopingtotravel

To early for the lavender but you may see poppies, lilacs, etc and the flowering pink trees whose name I can't remember. Judas trees?

I understand temps vary. On May 1, 2005 I was overly warm in a sleeveless dress in Gordes.

StuDudley

I never take a jacket or tie to France - especially Provence. Business casual is probably the best bet. More jeans appear every year.

Cycling
http://www.beyond.fr/sports/velo.html

Stu Dudley

AnselmAdorne

Yes, too early for lavender, but typically warm (but not hot) weather. I've been in that area a couple of times in May and have worn short-sleeved shirts and light cotton trousers. There may be the odd day where there's still a small bite in the wind, so I usually take a sweater with me in the car. You might also need something like that in the evenings.

I'm sure there are local companies that arrange bike or walking tours. There are many, many public trails in France. You might try searching here or on Google using key words such as "randonnée France" to get information about maps and trails.

Anselm

KathyWood

I will be in Bonnieux for most of May, and it's a lovely time to visit. Yes, it's too early for lavender, but depending on your timing you may see fields and fields of poppies (lovely!) and wildflowers. The weather can vary from cool to warm, so bring layers to dress up or down. There may be days when you can wear cropped pants, but you may also need a jacket, especially after dark.

The hiking and biking in the Luberon is fabulous. There is a bike rental shop right in Bonnieux (your hotel can tell you) and marked bike trails on lesser-used roads. From Bonnieux (the bike shop) you could go toward Menerbes or toward Apt. The bike shop can give you info.

There are also numerous hiking trails (marked), and you could even begin from your hotel. The Tourist Office in Bonnieux sells a little booklet (in French) of a couple of loops right out of Bonnieux. Up in the Foret de Cedres (not far from the Capelongue), there is a very nice marked trail with views out to the south. It's possible that your hotel will have some information or notes for hikes.

I have some information on hiking in the Luberon posted here. http://www.slowtrav.com/france/hiking/luberon.htm This walk from Bonnieux to Lacoste is a really nice one if you have a couple of hours. It begins at the bottom of the village. http://www.slowtrav.com/france/hiking/bonnieux.htm (I have a more detailed set of notes on this walk-- e-mail me if you are interested.)

Kathy

cruisinred

Thanks to everyone for the feedback.

A big thanks in particular to Kathy. The information you provided about Bonnieux is great. I have been reading about your adventures on the Slowtrav board for several years. Kudos to you for having the guts and gumption to pursue a life/business/adventure that most of us just dream about.

Perhaps our paths will cross is Bonnieux in May? If you see a tall redhead with a loud voice, its probably me