Provence for the 2nd time
 

We are in the process of planning our 2nd trip. We did not see Arles and its surrounds on the last stay. We are thinking of staying at Le Calendal for 3-4 days then heading over to Ferme de la Huppe for 3 days. On our last stay we were based in St Remy(Mas Carassins) and then again in Bonnieux(Les Trois Sources). We thoroughly enjoyed both with a greater nod to Les Trois Sources. Both hotels in the more recent plan get very good reviews on this board and Trip Advisor. Would anyone care to comment on this go round?

Also..we will be taking TGV on to Switzerland from Provence. I am thinking to arrive from Paris @ Avignon, pick up our rental car for the week and depart from same. I think it is another 1.5 hours to Aix from Ferme and it might just make sense to drive back to Avignon. Ideas?

From the north side of the Luberon, Avignon TGV is closer than Aix.

-Kevin

>>Would anyone care to comment on this go round?<<

Yes. Try a different area to stay in while visiting Provence. Why return to the same two places. Give the Dentelles/Mt Ventoux region a try, and around Uzes would be another great choice. Did you explore these two regions on your prior trip?

Stu Dudley

Thank you! We actually have friends who live in St Quentin so will be seeing them. We did go to Uzes twice on our last trip on our way to visit friends. If we were to go to the Dentelles, I would consider Gigondas
and specifically Les Florets. Any other lodging ideas?

We've purchased quite a bit of pottery in San Quentin, and the 1 star restaurant there is excellent - my wife particularly likes the decor, both inside & out.

Don't have any hotel recs. - we stay in Gites.

Stu Dudley

Hi Pam,
We'll be staying as Mas Carrassins during our May/June trip (deluxe room on the garden, first floor, king bed). Does that sound like a good room location? I've had some good suggestions for restaurants and local sights in St. Remy, but I'd love to have your input as well.

Since you are staying in Arles(another fan of the Calendal) Be sure to visit the museum created by the Nobel Poet, Mistral and to see the Camargue. Some of the roads have observation decks where you can see the pink flamingos and wild horses. There's also a wild life sancuary.

La Ferme de la Huppe is very pleasant, and the restaurant is excellent.

Mim-we visited the Camargue on our last trip and loved it. We had lunch at La Chassagnette and then wandered over to stare at the flamingoes for awhile! It was all rather surreal. We also toured the crypt to St. Sarah.
(hdm-I recommend this as a day trip from St Remy).

hdm~ we stayed on the first floor in the back. I think we had a queen. The Mas is rather small and delightful. Our room was one of the less $$ ones. The locked car park is a very good thing in St Remy. The staff of the Mas were also immensely helpful.

Thanks, Pam. Well, in that case my lodging booking is all done! Woo hoo!

hdm~market day in St Remy is Wednesday. We went to the market and then took our picnic to Les Baux. It was lovely.

Also-Joel Durand Chocolatier in St Remy is not to be missed.

And Joel is so good looking. His hot chocolate mix is good also.

Excellent! We're going to be there on a Wednesday. I love markets.

I'll be sure to seek out Joel and give him a great big smoochy kiss for you.

Pam,
Consider booking Chambre #4 at le Calendal. It has a terrace with a great view of the amphitheatre/arena. It also has a very large bathroom.
Another plus staying in Arles is that the former chef at La Chassagnette has opened a restaurant in the center of town.
JoeG

It's called L'Atelier.

Here's the location and hours

http://www.guidegantie.com/en/restau...il.php?id=1277

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I had heard La Chassagnette had closed. How exciting to find the chef cooking in Arles. And, thank you for the room recommendation.