we are looking at a place in saint-saturnin and one in lourmarin for a base for a visit to provence. it's our first time visiting, and i was hoping that some of you might be able to provide some insight into which we might choose.

we are looking at these two places (2 of us):

(in Lourmarin) http://www.rentourhomeinprovence.com/oustaloun.asp

(in Saint-Saturnin) http://www.gite.com/france/saint-saturnin

If anyone has stayed in either of these actual rentals, I'd love to hear what you thought of the places. It would also be great to just hear pros/cons of staying in Saint-Saturnin vs Lourmarin. Thanks in advance!

I'm unfamiliar with either of your two options but will offer this:

The Saint-Saturnin location is preferable because it's to the north of the Montagne du Luberon where you'll be closer to most of the scenic perched villages of the Vaucluse.

As usual - I agree with TuckH.

I always tell people to get a map, put a red dot next to the places you want to visit, and then stay in the location that is the closest to those dots.

Stu Dudley

I'm learning much more about the area from you two and others, but part of the issue is just not exactly knowing the places we want to visit.

Tuck, your comment was helpful. We do want to be able have easy access to the perched villages, just enjoy provencal life, relax, go to the markets, etc. My (future) husband (this is our honeymoon!) is a chef and we want to really take in the local fare.

Stu, I did get your provence itinerary file, and it has been quite helpful. I guess it just seemed like neither was much farther than the other from things to do in provence, which is why I asked the question. Are they both good representations of the area? Is one more touristy than the other? Are there more restaurants, boulangeries, etc in one or the other?

Having stayed for 2 weeks in Provence last May (1 week based in St Remy and 1 week near Saignon)I'd prefer to base myself on the Apt side of the mountains. Lourmarin is lovely but there is a windy gorge to drive through to get from Bonnieux to Lourmarin and if you had to travel this road all the time to get to places such as Gordes, Roussilon, D'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue etc. it could be tedious. But as Stu says it depends where you will mostly be travelling. We stayed near Saignon at http://www.provencecottages.com/location.php and found this was a superb location. Easy drive to lots of restaurant/marekt options but set in a wonderful rural location. One day we drove up around the north side of Mont Ventoux via Sault to Bedoin which had spectacular scenery. The Saturday morning market in Apt is great as is the market in St Remy which is on a Wednesday morning I think. Happy holiday!