Which village in Luberon?
 

Hi everyone,
Just starting to plan our trip to Provence for april next year.
We have narrowed our choice down to two hotels which both look stunning: le Bastide de Gordes in Gordes obviously or Bastide de Capelongue in Bonnieux. Has anyone stayed in either or both? any comments? We like intimate places with a nice atmosphere, good views and an interesting town or village nearby- both look wonderful. We would like to tour the area from there. Anything else that you can recommend?
Thanks in advance
JuJu

Bonnieux offers more variety--cafés, restaurants, shops--than does Gordes.

The Bastide de Gordes is right in town with wonderful views - but I don't know if I would call it intimate. Rooms I've seen were a little small.

Not sure I agree with Underhill about more shops in Bonnieux than in Gordes.

I have not found any good restaurants IN Gordes, but there are several that I frequent that are "downhill" from Gordes, but not within walking distance. I have not dined at the Bastide de Capelongue (beyond my budget), but I would certainly take the Michelin folk's word for it that it's better than any place around Gordes.

I've "checked out" the menu at the Bastide de Gordes, and it seemed a little boring & overpriced, but the views were great.

Gordes is a little more centrally located for seeing the sites west of the Luberon (Avignon, St Remy/Alpilles region, Vaison/Dentelles, etc). Bonnieux is closer to Aix & Lourmarin (latter has a great restaurant - Auberge la Feniere)

Stu Dudley

JuJu,

I am going to Bonnieux next week, so if you like I will let you know how I get on. We also plan to visit Gordes but we won't be staying so not sure if I will be able to give a balanced view. It is so confusing trying to pick somewhere isn't it. Sounds to me like wherever you go, it will be lovely.

Keep you posted.

Cailin

Thanks for your replies.. am still a little confused!! It's so hard to make a decision as everywhere looks to be really nice. Sounds like Bonnieux might have pipped it just slightly where restaurants and shops are concerned. I will wait and see what you have to say Cailin on your return.

Thanks for your help
juju

We loved the Bastide de Capelongue in Bonnieux. Stayed for three nights (with breakfast and dinner (awesome)).

Nice quiet location and I'd recommend it.

The Bastide de Gourdes is in the center of town on a pretty busy street. Looks very nice but much more of an 'in town' kind of place.

We also like Bastide de Capelongue. The rooms are small, but there is one, on the ground floor called Simione, which is very large.

Twenty minute drive to La Feniere for at least one dinner.

For a 'different' view in Gordes, we stayed at Hotel Les Romarins which looks across a small arroyo at the town of Gordes all lit up at night. We were still walking distance from city center. I was not impressed with what I saw of Bastide de Gordes. However, Romarins was not luxurious either, but had a nice outdoor terrace.

We also stayed at Les Romarins last September. We chose it mainly because of the exceptional views of Gordes from the hotel terrace. it is just a very short walk into town.

Walked by the Bastide de Gordes every day and wasn't overly impressed - was happy we chose Les Romarins. We had the junior suite with private terrace which was lovely for sitting and having a glass of wine at the end of the day. It's a small charming hotel with very personal friendly service, good breakfasts and they serve dinner 4 nights a week. The food was quite good.

I would say there are the same number of shops & restaurants in Gordes and Bonnieux. Both places are quite small and very quiet at night.

It's such a difficult choice, I know I agonized over it but on the whole was happy with my choice.