On one section of our trip we'll be moving from St. Remy to Gordes. I've promised my husband that he gets a little 'leisure' time in Provence, so it won't all be going to markets and shops, etc. However, this board has been so helpful, I thought I may as well ask. It looks like one could take a northerly route and perhaps lunch at Isle sur Sorgue. Or, come in from the south and have a look at maybe Menerbes or Rousillon on the way. The morning we leave Gordes we'll go by Senanque. We'll also have the following day to spend in the area, so I'll try to avoid backtracking. Just looking for a scenic, leisurely route that would get us from one town to the other (with stops) yet leave some afternoon for lounging. I'd hate to mistakenly pick the most industrial route.

The scenery between St Remy & Gordes is not nearly as pretty as the area around Gordes & to the east of Gordes. We've vacationed in those areas for over six weeks in the last couple of years. I would go directly to Gordes (through Cavaillon - no need to stop), and spend the time in the Luberon - Menerbes, Roussillon, Saignon, Bonnieux, Goult, etc. That whole area is perhaps smaller than you might think. You won't be driving any great distances. It's less than 1 hr from St Remy to Gordes.

Take my "Lavender Route" that starts from Gordes. It is quite pretty & will take you to areas that are the most scenic in Provence, IMHO. The Lavender Route is part of my 20+ page Cote d'Azur & Provence itinerary. E-mail me at [email protected] if you want a copy.

Stu Dudley

I always try to avoid Cavaillon when I go over to Gordes...
If you have a good map you should be able to do it this way - leaving St Remy, go to Noves, then follow the signs for Avignon (you'll cross the Durance river). Once over the bridge you take the only exit before the toll booth that goes to the A7. When you get down to the circle, go three quarters of the way around it and head toward l'Isle sur la Sorgue and Caumont.
This takes you to l'Isle, which is worth the visit and from there you can go over to Gordes.

PB

If you go to the Sunday market, have lunch by the train station at Le Jardin du Gare. The chef was formally at the Mirande in Avignon. Dining outside is a delight.

We went to the Sunday market in L'isle sur la Sorgue and then went to Fontaine de Vacluse. We stopped and walked up to see where the Sorgue comes out of the mountains. Since it was March it was very dramatic. Then we took the back roads from there to Gordes. It was a very nice drive.

if anyone goes to AGM's suggestion of the Fontaine de Vaucluse, dine at Chez phillipe that over looks the falls where I first tasted my Cavaillon Mellon with Beaume de vince, that wonderful dessert wine poured over it and the tiny frustrating miniture lobster like things. I forget the name ..

Cigale -

Ecrevisse perhaps? Annoying, yes, but very tasty.

-Kevin

Thanks guys. Sounds like I have options. I'm leaning towards taking the northerly version with lunch in L'Isle Sur La Sorgue (sorry if I keep spelling this wrong). Our second day we could have a look at Menerbes and Rousillon. Both our stays in the area are located on or near 10 minute footpaths to town. Would one be safe walking back from dinner at night? Or better to do the car?

Thanks Ken, that's what they were. I prefer to tackle the tellines.

Completely and utterly safe.

-Kevin

Thanks Kevin. It sounds like one could use the walk to 'walk off' some of those French dinners!