We usually base ourselves in the Luberon but feel the need for a new location for our 2007 trip so are looking at the St. Remy area.
We are looking for an apartment/gite for 2 people, Val d'Alpilles looks ideal but somehow I have reservations so would really appreciate some feedback from anyone who has stayed or knows this property or can recommend an alternative. Our needs are not great, cleanliness is a must, a pool (shared is okay), walking distance to a village would be nice instead of having to drive but is not essential.
Thanks.

I know Val d'Alpilles... I live in Maussane. It's less than a two minute walk to the main square of the village.
It's a great village and everyone is very friendly and helpful.

Maussane has restaurants, cafés, bakeries, a bank with 2 ATM machines, two well stocked grocery stores (8 à 8 and Casino), hairdressers, "presses" where you can get your newspapers and magazines, decorator's shops. In fact, it's rather amazing what they've managed to open here since I moved here almost 15 years ago !

It's a great area for bike riding or just walking. You can visit several of the local olive oil mills and it's less than five minutes to go to Les Baux, or about ten to fifteen to get into St Rémy

If you want any more information on Maussane feel free to email me.
Patricia

Hi, Patricia(PB).

How far are you from the Verdon River?

letour

Hi, Letour--

In case PB is busy, the Verdon river is some distance from Maussane; it's up in the mountains east of Moustiers-Ste-Marie, off the Route Napoléon.

Hi Patricia
Thanks for all the info on Maussane, we did stop for a very brief visit some years ago on the way to La Baux but the memory is vague.
Can you tell me anymore about Val'Alpilles itself, I have seen pictures of an apartment and it looks very comfortable. Do you know how many apartments there are, are they lived in permanently or purely holiday homes? Trying to get a feel of the place really.
Thanks once again,
Patricia

Thanks, Jean. I'll check it out further on Michelin. Apparently there are very hard-to-catch trout in the Verdon. One has to go with a guide to find the right spots.

All the best,
letour

Do I detect a hopeful angler?

Always hopeful!

Yes, I am an addicted fly fisherman, and I have been told that the trout fishing in the Pyrenees is good. At the same time, I have also been considering another visit to Provence and have been advised by a guide that the Verdon is another possibility for trout, but that they are very hard to catch! I don't really care too much about the outcome in terms of yield, but it's another way to pursue my twin passions of France and fishing!

Jean, are you on your way back to Europe anytime soon? I think that I may have read one of your entries about a possible upcoming sojourn...

letour

Topping my thread as it disappeared very quickly. Are you there Patricia, if not I will email you directly.

I guess it may be getting confusing with two Patricias. The above post is for PBProvence.

Letour,

We hope to return to Provence in October, knee willing. The rest of me definitely is.

I would like to ask Kathy or anyone if the would suggest staying in Maussane over staying St Remy or L'Isle sur la Sorgue. We are currently considering renting small houses in those areas. I am wondering if Maussane might be too small. Would L'Isle sur la Sorgue lack charm? I like a place that has lively restaurants and bars and that is sophisticated but also quaint. I stayed in St Tropez last fall and really enjoyed it, but this time I would like to tour the Luberon. Debbie

Jean,

October sounds like a wonderful time to go. We're due to go as a family in December to visit my daughter's school exchange partner. She lives on the outskirts of Aix-en-Provence. Then it's back to Paris for a week over Christmas.

Keep working on that knee! Maybe you can ride a stationary bike while watching the Tour on TV this July!

Cheerio!

letour

I know Val D'Alpilles well - what are your reservations and hopefuly I can answer your concerns.

ttt, for more info about the Val d'Alpilles if possible.

See if your library has a copy of the Michelin Green Guide to Provence, where's there's good information on the Alpilles region.

You've made a good choice for the area and village I love.

http://www.provenceweb.fr/e/bouches/...e/maussane.htm