Hello again, I would like to ask you all for your opinions...so I'm trying to put my 10-day Provence travel plan together, and here are my initial thoughts:

1. Fly into Marseille and stay in Aix for 3 days - I'm thinking perhaps this might not be a bad place to stay at the beginning while dealing with jet lag.

2. Stay in Bonnieux (Luberon area) for 4 days.

3. Stay in St. Remy for 3 days.

I appreciate your comments.

I'd be inclined to start with St-Rémy, a restful place, rather than the large city of Aix. From St-Rémy you could then work your way east to the Luberon and then Aix rather than backtracking.

Underhill,

It is a good idea to not stay in Aix first. I've made my reservation in St. Remy.

Thanks!

Also think 3 days is too much in Aix. You can walk every street twice & poke your noce in most shops in one full day. For only 10 days, add another to the Luberon or St Remy, and 1 less in Aix. The area around Aix is not as scenic as the other regions, IMO.

Stu Dudley

Oops - "noce" should be "nose" - gotta be careful when it comes to body parts.

Stu Dudley

Thanks, Stu! Somehow I thought there is a lot to do in Aix. I am getting ready to book the next 2 places, so it's a good thing I know. I actually changed my mind and plan to stay in Gordes instead of Luberon. I found out that La Mas de la Beaume has availabilities during the dates that I want. Their rates are good and I read some good reviews. I will see if I can add another night.

BTW, do you have any suggestion(s) for a "nice" restaurant in or near Gordes? We'll be celebrating our anniversary while we're in Gordes, and it'd be nice to have a memorable meal. I don't mind driving a little bit since we'll have a car.

>>I actually changed my mind and plan to stay in Gordes instead of Luberon.<<

Gordes IS IN the Luberon.

Our favorite restaurant in that area is Bernard Mathys in Le Chene, near Apt. Excellent choice for an anniversary - beautiful setting & lovely building.

Do you have my itinerary for Provence - it has several restaurant recommendations, along with scenic drives, favorite villages, Provence fabric, markets, etc E-mail me at [email protected] if you want a copy.

Stu Dudley

Stu, I was obviously confused - I thought Gordes is just outside of the Luberon region Hopefuly, by the time I leave for Provence, I will know the geography of that area much better.

I don't have your itinerary and I'll email you to get a copy. I'll check out that restaurant and perhaps make an advance reservation.

Knowing the geography of the Luberon region can be difficult, as the Michelin map creases right at that spot.

Hello Stu,

Have you eaten at the Mas de Tourteron before? I'm wondering how that one is compared to the Bernard Mathys that you really like....

Thanks,
C.

I've dined at both a several times. Haven't dined at the Mas in several years, however. Don't hear much about it anymore. Both settings are quite lovely

Stu Dudley

Mas Tourteron is as good as ever. Make sure to save room for dessert...

-Kevin

The Mas Tourteron is a favorite of ours. I think Elizebeth Bourgeois is the best female chef in Provence.
(She has cookbook)

Cosette,

Mas Tourteron continues wonderful. I would dine outdoors here if at all possible. It is a spectacular setting.

To get in the mood for it first rent DVD "Sunday in the Country", a French film by Tavernier. This film is marvelous and you need no special reason to view it.

I second the film that is like walking in an impressionist painting with romantic chamber music by Faure.
I looked up the film location and was surprised. It was filmed in Villers-en-Arthies (Val-D'Oise)

We've eaten in Mas Tourteron twice. The first time (4 years ago) was fantastic but the second time (2 years ago) was a bit disappointing. The food was just OK and the service wasn't very good.
We had dinner in Bernard Mathys last year. C'est magnifique!

Out of curiosity where is Mas Tourteron?

In Les Imberts, a hamlet just outside of Gordes.

Hi All,

Thanks for your replies. Since I'll be staying in Gordes for 4 nights, I decided to indulge and made reservations at both places, Mas Tourteron and Bernard Mathys! I will probably end up gaining an extra couple pounds, but oh well, it's my first time in Provence

C -

By the way, is this safe to be carrying a handbag while walking around in Provence?

Thanks,
Cosette