Luberon or Provence
 

We will be a group of 3 generations traveling to France next June for my parents' 50th wedding anniversary. We've narrowed our potential rental locations to Gordes, Goult or further east between Jouques and Rians (20 min NE of Aix). We're having a hard time deciding as we had originally wanted to be within walking distance of a village but have decided that is not of particular concern. So my question - is the Luberon or Provence area a better bet? Have any of you stayed near Jouques? We like to explore villages, cafes, and museums but not be stuck in traffic or fighting throngs of tourists especially since the grandchildren will be along. Thanks for suggestions in advance.

The Lubéron is IN Provence. I think you need to check your maps and get a better sense of geography. The entire area (and it involves quite a lot of territory) is very busy in summertime.

I realize that ...I meant to say Luberon more toward Gordes/Goult or closer to Aix.

One consideration is how much independence your group cares to have. Is it ok to be canned in a remort location for many days if they care not to rent enough cars for people to go independently? If the people needs to be able to do independent activities from time to time, you might need to be within walking distance to a large enough town. At an inn I just stayed in Gordes, there was a group of 8 people celebrating one lady's 70th birthday. Although it was within easy walking distance to the Gordes village center, it was ok for them to do group activities each day.

We will have a few rentals cars since we'll be a rather large group. So that part is not an issue. More wondering about opinions from others on the areas.

It is 7pm and we are currently having wine on the terrace of our gite just outside of Goult overlooking the Luberon valley with fabulous views of Bonnieux and Lacoste. We are just starting our 2nd week in this gite near Goult. We have previously spent 4 weeks in a gite near Gordes - plus 14 weeks elsewhere in Provence. Of all the places we've stayed, Goult is our favorite - much less touristy than Gordes.
Near Aix is not centrally located enough.

Stu Dudley

Locationwise, Goult would be my first choice because it is close to D 900 which gives you easy access to the western part of Provence which has more attractions (particularly Roman ruins) than the Luberon.

Jouques and Rians are a bit in the middle of nowwhere (what might be appaling, depending on your preferences).

Gordes has also a good location, at least with regard to the eastern Provence attractions Senanque, Roussilion, Fontaine de Vaucluse and the Bories.

I cannot say much about the micro-locations of your rentals, but travelwise, Goult gives you the best road connections. Les Antiques, Glanum (both near St. Remy), Les Baux, Arles, Avignon are easily accessible from Goult.

>>>We will be a group of 3 generations<<<

We have always travelled with 3 generations and we still do. We have travelled the World but Provence has always remained our favourite destination.

I admit that it is not always quite easy to satisfy the interests of three generations. Kids usually are quickly bored with art museums and wine tastings, and seniors have trouble with strenuous hikes.

Let's focus on the grandchildren. When they are happy, the elderly will be happy too. You did not say from which country you are, but kids from Europe are usually fascinated by the Romans. Has to do with the Asterix the Gaul comics. These comics and films will be an excellent introduction into Provence.

Children (and teens) who have read about the people who lived 2,000 years ago are usually fascinated if they have the opportunity to see the remnants of these past ages. And Provence has some spectacular remnants, usually in scenic settings. It is fascinating to explore Glanum, an antique town, and to discover streets, buildings, stores, even latrines. It is fascinating to stand in front of still impressive monuments, say Les Antiques, and realize that they are two thousand years old.

Provence is a driving destination. The roads are incredible scenic, and it is much fun driving the narrow, winding country roads. We used to travel with six people and we used to rent a 7-seater oder 9-seater minivan.

Sightseeing was fun, and also the roadside picnics we had. You will find many picnic places along the roads, and it is part of the fun to buy supplies in the wonderful French grocery stores and to have a roadside picnic, of course accompanied by a decent bottle of wine.

We always had plastic plates, cutlery, an insulated bag and bottle openers with us. DW also insisted in taking a cleaning cloth and detergent.

(BTW, next August will be travelling to Alaska with 3 generations, and of course, we will take picnic supplies with us.)

Just returned yesterday from the trip of a lifetime for us. We stayed at a B&B outside of Gorde in the Luberon that I can't speak of highly enough! The owner is a consumate host attending to our every need and helping us plan each day. http://www.lesterrassesdesoubeyran.com

Roussillon was my favorte place to visit especially after a rain. The colors of the structures are radiant from pink to deep red.

Have fun planning!