Yes, Another Request for Provence Help
Jan 1st, 2023, 05:54 PM
#41
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I have not stayed in the Luberon, only passed through or done day trips. However, reviewing posts above, I see votes for staying in Lourmarin or Apt, both of which we found indeed pretty. Apt has a terrific Saturday market, while Lourmarin’s market is Friday. If you can wake up in either town on those mornings, it’s worth considering. The trick is to stay somewhere close enough to walk to the market yet far enough away that your car can get out of town.
Jan 2nd, 2023, 08:27 AM
#42
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Nyons olives are occasionally seen here in the US at upmarket importers and speciality stores. I am a fan. But their smaller size with full size pits plus the high price per pound means they are definitely a luxury olive. And black olives in cans are colored black with iron and rate as olive shaped objects for decorative use only.
Jan 3rd, 2023, 03:28 PM
#43
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Hello again. I hope the new year is off to a great start for everyone. I'm at it again. I think this is close to our final itinerary with some gaps/questions. Very much looking forward to any and all input. Thank you very much.Looking for base locations that are small to mid-size, fairly easy to navigate with a car, that offer a somewhat lively town/evening environment, i.e., restaurants, shops, etc. Ideally, where we can walk into town in the evenings.
Not sure about best choice for arriving and departing airports and when to pick up car. I believe we will need it for the entire trip. We are using Delta because of frequent flyer miles.
Sept 5 Tues Depart Las Vegas, Fly into Nice, Marseille, or Paris???. Pick up car at airport or TGV to ??? and pick up car.
Sept 6 Wed Cote d’Azur: Thinking Antibes as base, per Stu. However, Villefranche or Menton look interesting.
Possible day trips: Antibes, CapFerat, Villefranche Sur-Mer, Menton, Aix.
Sept 7 Thurs Cote
Sept 8 Fri Cote
Sept 9 Sat Cote
Sept 10 Sun Luberon. Drive to base location: Gordes, Menerbes or Roussillon?
Sept 11 Mon Possible day trips: Gordes/Senanque Abbey, Roussillon, Menerbes, Bonnieux, Oppede le Vieux, l'Isle-sur la Sorgue, LourApt
Sept 12 Tue Luberon
Sept 13 Wed Dive to St. Remy (base location)
Possible day trips: Eygalieres, Avignon, Les Baux, Uzes, Check out Glanum
Sept 14 Thurs St. Remy
Sept 15 Fri St. Remy
Sept 16 Sat – Depart for Las Vegas. Drive back to Nice, Marseille, or TGV to Paris??? May need to spend the night and leave on the 17th.
Not sure about best choice for arriving and departing airports and when to pick up car. I believe we will need it for the entire trip. We are using Delta because of frequent flyer miles.
Sept 5 Tues Depart Las Vegas, Fly into Nice, Marseille, or Paris???. Pick up car at airport or TGV to ??? and pick up car.
Sept 6 Wed Cote d’Azur: Thinking Antibes as base, per Stu. However, Villefranche or Menton look interesting.
Possible day trips: Antibes, CapFerat, Villefranche Sur-Mer, Menton, Aix.
Sept 7 Thurs Cote
Sept 8 Fri Cote
Sept 9 Sat Cote
Sept 10 Sun Luberon. Drive to base location: Gordes, Menerbes or Roussillon?
Sept 11 Mon Possible day trips: Gordes/Senanque Abbey, Roussillon, Menerbes, Bonnieux, Oppede le Vieux, l'Isle-sur la Sorgue, LourApt
Sept 12 Tue Luberon
Sept 13 Wed Dive to St. Remy (base location)
Possible day trips: Eygalieres, Avignon, Les Baux, Uzes, Check out Glanum
Sept 14 Thurs St. Remy
Sept 15 Fri St. Remy
Sept 16 Sat – Depart for Las Vegas. Drive back to Nice, Marseille, or TGV to Paris??? May need to spend the night and leave on the 17th.
Jan 3rd, 2023, 04:17 PM
#44
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Because your first destination is the Cote D'Azur, it makes the most sense to fly into Nice. And because your last destination is St. Remy, it makes the most sense to fly out of Marseille. Avignon (where you would pick up the train) is only about 30 minutes from St. Remy but for me, I would find it stressful having to take the train to Paris the night before departure, check into another hotel, and then get to the airport the next day, unless you stayed at an airport hotel. I know that using miles can be limiting, but if good flights are available, I recommend fly into Nice and out of Marseille.
According to Google maps, the drive from Nice to Antibes should be no more than 30 minutes. So in that case, I recommend picking up your car at the Nice Airport. If it were a several hour drive, I would be concerned about driving after an overnight flight. We always pick up our car when we land at the Marseille Airport, and then my husband would drive the 45 minutes to an hour to our daughter's home. He is always alert. Typically, we take a nap 4 or 5 hours after we arrive at our daughter's home. But you know better than I how tired you are after an overnight flight. Everyone has different levels of stamina and energy.
Another place you can visit in St. Remy is St. Paul De Mausole, the asylum where Van Gogh stayed for a year. It's very, very interesting. You can see the room where he slept, and there are reproductions of his paintings throughout the grounds. IIRC, you can walk from the asylum to Glanum.
Regarding where your base location should be on September 10, all the villages you mention are beautiful. Bonnieux and Lourmarin would be good choices, too. But they are all small so I don't know how lively they will be in the evenings.
According to Google maps, the drive from Nice to Antibes should be no more than 30 minutes. So in that case, I recommend picking up your car at the Nice Airport. If it were a several hour drive, I would be concerned about driving after an overnight flight. We always pick up our car when we land at the Marseille Airport, and then my husband would drive the 45 minutes to an hour to our daughter's home. He is always alert. Typically, we take a nap 4 or 5 hours after we arrive at our daughter's home. But you know better than I how tired you are after an overnight flight. Everyone has different levels of stamina and energy.
Another place you can visit in St. Remy is St. Paul De Mausole, the asylum where Van Gogh stayed for a year. It's very, very interesting. You can see the room where he slept, and there are reproductions of his paintings throughout the grounds. IIRC, you can walk from the asylum to Glanum.
Regarding where your base location should be on September 10, all the villages you mention are beautiful. Bonnieux and Lourmarin would be good choices, too. But they are all small so I don't know how lively they will be in the evenings.
Jan 4th, 2023, 05:50 AM
#46
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Karen, many thanks. I’ve followed a lot of your posts and journeys. I’m going to look into flying in to Nice and out of Marseille! Also, picking up the car in Nice makes good sense then. Yes, we would love to visit the asylum where van gogh stayed for sure. I’m collecting feedback/votes haha for locations in the Luberon so thanks for your input there.
AJ, Good idea regarding Labor Day! I'm going to look into that.
OK, my next step is to start looking at airbnb’s. Wish me luck. Again, my thanks to you and everyone that has helped make sense of this fabulous trip. I still have a lot of work to do but I feel like the structure is in place. Merci Beaucoup
AJ, Good idea regarding Labor Day! I'm going to look into that.
OK, my next step is to start looking at airbnb’s. Wish me luck. Again, my thanks to you and everyone that has helped make sense of this fabulous trip. I still have a lot of work to do but I feel like the structure is in place. Merci Beaucoup
Jan 4th, 2023, 07:22 AM
#47
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Aix is 2 1/2 hrs from Menton, and Antibes is 1 3/4 hrs. So adding car retrieval & parking - that's 5 1/2 to 6 hrs "consumed" in travel to get to Aix from Menton and 4 to 4 1/2 from Antibes.
Where is LourApt?
If you could arrive in Nice on Monday, and follow the same itinerary for the Cote - that would give you the opportunity to visit Aix on Saturday on the way to the Luberon.
Stu Dudley
Where is LourApt?
If you could arrive in Nice on Monday, and follow the same itinerary for the Cote - that would give you the opportunity to visit Aix on Saturday on the way to the Luberon.
Stu Dudley
Jan 4th, 2023, 07:37 AM
#48
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Bonjour Stu!
That was a type. Should have been Lourmarin and/or Apt. Thanks for the reality check on distances. Im checking flights for departure on Labor Day. I havent checked but based on your recommendation, I'm sure Aix would be in the direction we are going as we leave the Cote for the Luberon. I hate to miss Aix. I'm sure we will end up wishing we had stayed there or spent more time. At least we will get a taste so we can visit again. I'm going to look at airbnbs in Antibes next. Thanks again for the support. Such a great forum and group of people. Someday when I retire I hope to travel non-stop.
That was a type. Should have been Lourmarin and/or Apt. Thanks for the reality check on distances. Im checking flights for departure on Labor Day. I havent checked but based on your recommendation, I'm sure Aix would be in the direction we are going as we leave the Cote for the Luberon. I hate to miss Aix. I'm sure we will end up wishing we had stayed there or spent more time. At least we will get a taste so we can visit again. I'm going to look at airbnbs in Antibes next. Thanks again for the support. Such a great forum and group of people. Someday when I retire I hope to travel non-stop.
Jan 4th, 2023, 07:52 AM
#49
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""I'm sure Aix would be in the direction we are going as we leave the Cote for the Luberon.""
Yep. It is an easy/short drive from the Autoroute. There will be some parking lots on your left before you get to old Aix. If the Merry-Go-Round is still there - part before you get to it.
Visit Saignon while in the Luberon. Apt is really not very exciting.
Stu Dudley
Yep. It is an easy/short drive from the Autoroute. There will be some parking lots on your left before you get to old Aix. If the Merry-Go-Round is still there - part before you get to it.
Visit Saignon while in the Luberon. Apt is really not very exciting.
Stu Dudley
Jan 4th, 2023, 08:49 AM
#50
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Thanks for tips on Aix Stu. We will do that for sure. Also, Saignon, looks lovely. I completely missed that so I will add it to our list for sure. Keep the recommendations and feedback coming!!!
Jan 4th, 2023, 09:17 AM
#51
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It seems to me your wishlist on the Cote d'Azur is centered to the western end. Driving in and out of Antibes to points west can be a bit long (mainly on weekends, every day in July/August but this year early September was pretty busy as well). That stretch along the coast can get a bit trafficked before you get to the tollway and then you have to still get off the Autoroute and get to your destinations along the coast. (For me, when I head to Antibes I take the train as it ends up being faster from our place in Nice)
I would reconsider your choice and think about Villefranche-sur-mer, especially if you are a little higher on the hill and don't mind walking down to the village. For a secondary choice, you might look at relatively low-key Beaulieu-sur-Mer, which is still on the slower lower Corniche but you can get to the middle Corniche pretty readily, with pretty ready access to Eze-le-Village, Cap Ferrat and VSM.
Another alternative is to simply pick your car up later, stay in Villefranche-sur-Mer (or even Antibes) and take the train or bus everywhere.
BTW, Lacoste is another village quite close to Menerbes with a nice Chateau (de Pierre Cardin) and view from the top.
I would reconsider your choice and think about Villefranche-sur-mer, especially if you are a little higher on the hill and don't mind walking down to the village. For a secondary choice, you might look at relatively low-key Beaulieu-sur-Mer, which is still on the slower lower Corniche but you can get to the middle Corniche pretty readily, with pretty ready access to Eze-le-Village, Cap Ferrat and VSM.
Another alternative is to simply pick your car up later, stay in Villefranche-sur-Mer (or even Antibes) and take the train or bus everywhere.
BTW, Lacoste is another village quite close to Menerbes with a nice Chateau (de Pierre Cardin) and view from the top.
Jan 4th, 2023, 10:41 AM
#52
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Hey Gooster. You really hit a chord with me regarding driving in and around the Cote. We love the flexibility of having a car for vising other towns and my husband is not much of a bus person. However, he will not enjoy driving in crazy traffic or gnarly, winding roads. i really wish we could go at the end of Sept but we can't. I looked at Villefranche and thought it was lovely, right by the sea, etc. I wasn't sure how easy it was to navigate with a car and thought it important to find something close to town so we could easily walk to dinner, etc. I imagine it would get pretty expensive to take cabs or uber, if they have it for day trips. I will have to look into this a little more in terms of having a car in the Cote or picking one up on our way out. Really good points you make. Thanks for the vote for Lacoste too. I will add it to the list. Haha, I may end up adding another day to our itinerary.
Jan 5th, 2023, 11:43 AM
#53
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stu also helped us. we stayed in velleron our first trip but much preferred goult for our second trip. close to roussilon, menerbes etc. has its own market day. also has a good amount of delicious restaurants.
Jan 5th, 2023, 01:47 PM
#54
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Yo Gogh,
We like markets and would reccomend both the Lourmarin one plus the Aix version as well. But Uzes also has much to offer that way--two different weekly markets with very little vendor overlap.
Can recco fantastic rentals in Lourmarin, Aix plus especially Uzes.
Out TR here is titled 'Provencal Echo.' Although it does not yet included fotos, it could prove useful.
Bon Chance!
I am done. The end.
We like markets and would reccomend both the Lourmarin one plus the Aix version as well. But Uzes also has much to offer that way--two different weekly markets with very little vendor overlap.
Can recco fantastic rentals in Lourmarin, Aix plus especially Uzes.
Out TR here is titled 'Provencal Echo.' Although it does not yet included fotos, it could prove useful.
Bon Chance!
I am done. The end.
Merci!
Jan 17th, 2023, 08:09 AM
#56
Hello again. I hope the new year is off to a great start for everyone. I'm at it again. I think this is close to our final itinerary with some gaps/questions. Very much looking forward to any and all input. Thank you very much.Looking for base locations that are small to mid-size, fairly easy to navigate with a car, that offer a somewhat lively town/evening environment, i.e., restaurants, shops, etc. Ideally, where we can walk into town in the evenings.
Not sure about best choice for arriving and departing airports and when to pick up car. I believe we will need it for the entire trip. We are using Delta because of frequent flyer miles.
Sept 5 Tues Depart Las Vegas, Fly into Nice, Marseille, or Paris???. Pick up car at airport or TGV to ??? and pick up car.
Sept 6 Wed Cote d’Azur: Thinking Antibes as base, per Stu. However, Villefranche or Menton look interesting.
Possible day trips: Antibes, CapFerat, Villefranche Sur-Mer, Menton, Aix.
Sept 7 Thurs Cote
Sept 8 Fri Cote
Sept 9 Sat Cote
Sept 10 Sun Luberon. Drive to base location: Gordes, Menerbes or Roussillon?
Sept 11 Mon Possible day trips: Gordes/Senanque Abbey, Roussillon, Menerbes, Bonnieux, Oppede le Vieux, l'Isle-sur la Sorgue, LourApt
Sept 12 Tue Luberon
Sept 13 Wed Dive to St. Remy (base location)
Possible day trips: Eygalieres, Avignon, Les Baux, Uzes, Check out Glanum
Sept 14 Thurs St. Remy
Sept 15 Fri St. Remy
Sept 16 Sat – Depart for Las Vegas. Drive back to Nice, Marseille, or TGV to Paris??? May need to spend the night and leave on the 17th.
Not sure about best choice for arriving and departing airports and when to pick up car. I believe we will need it for the entire trip. We are using Delta because of frequent flyer miles.
Sept 5 Tues Depart Las Vegas, Fly into Nice, Marseille, or Paris???. Pick up car at airport or TGV to ??? and pick up car.
Sept 6 Wed Cote d’Azur: Thinking Antibes as base, per Stu. However, Villefranche or Menton look interesting.
Possible day trips: Antibes, CapFerat, Villefranche Sur-Mer, Menton, Aix.
Sept 7 Thurs Cote
Sept 8 Fri Cote
Sept 9 Sat Cote
Sept 10 Sun Luberon. Drive to base location: Gordes, Menerbes or Roussillon?
Sept 11 Mon Possible day trips: Gordes/Senanque Abbey, Roussillon, Menerbes, Bonnieux, Oppede le Vieux, l'Isle-sur la Sorgue, LourApt
Sept 12 Tue Luberon
Sept 13 Wed Dive to St. Remy (base location)
Possible day trips: Eygalieres, Avignon, Les Baux, Uzes, Check out Glanum
Sept 14 Thurs St. Remy
Sept 15 Fri St. Remy
Sept 16 Sat – Depart for Las Vegas. Drive back to Nice, Marseille, or TGV to Paris??? May need to spend the night and leave on the 17th.
For 14 years I stayed in Eygalieres, very easy to get to other places but a small car is needed to visit villages
Jan 23rd, 2023, 07:11 AM
#57
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If it isn't too late to reply, I would not entirely agree with some of these comments! I have a house in this area and would just add:
Sept is not high season so parking etc not that bad
hire car from Marseille and make sure it is ON TERMINAL, or you will need to take a shuttle. There are plenty to choose from
if you come from Paris, take the TGV to Avignon and hire car there or you can do same to Aix. Avignon worth checking out. These are closer to the area you might be interested in than Marseille, unless you want to see that city (well worth it but big)
Bonnieux IS memorable, right next to it is La Coste which is a preserved medieval village owned by the now late Pierre Cardin - you can hire an electric bike in Bonnieux and cycle to it. Gordes is one of the prettiest places if a bit touristy. Goult smaller put also v attractive. It is not that difficult park. Just don't hire a big car.
Oppede le Vieux def worth a visit but quite a bit of walking
l'Isle-sur la Sorgue - DEF go on Sunday. That is the antique market. Get there no later than 9 (it opens early) and there is plenty of parking. After 10 more difficult. The whole point of this market is the antiques, otherwise it is much like any other market (after a while you realise many stallholders are same and go from to town).
Apt market is huge and good if you like general markets. Get there early and there is plenty of parking.
Look out for signs for local brocantes - these are advertised by roads and are half junk half nice stuff - flea markets really.
Good luck
Sept is not high season so parking etc not that bad
hire car from Marseille and make sure it is ON TERMINAL, or you will need to take a shuttle. There are plenty to choose from
if you come from Paris, take the TGV to Avignon and hire car there or you can do same to Aix. Avignon worth checking out. These are closer to the area you might be interested in than Marseille, unless you want to see that city (well worth it but big)
Bonnieux IS memorable, right next to it is La Coste which is a preserved medieval village owned by the now late Pierre Cardin - you can hire an electric bike in Bonnieux and cycle to it. Gordes is one of the prettiest places if a bit touristy. Goult smaller put also v attractive. It is not that difficult park. Just don't hire a big car.
Oppede le Vieux def worth a visit but quite a bit of walking
l'Isle-sur la Sorgue - DEF go on Sunday. That is the antique market. Get there no later than 9 (it opens early) and there is plenty of parking. After 10 more difficult. The whole point of this market is the antiques, otherwise it is much like any other market (after a while you realise many stallholders are same and go from to town).
Apt market is huge and good if you like general markets. Get there early and there is plenty of parking.
Look out for signs for local brocantes - these are advertised by roads and are half junk half nice stuff - flea markets really.
Good luck
Jan 25th, 2023, 01:02 PM
#58
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Re Nyons olives: they have an appellation contrôlée, like the best regional wines. The olives are absolutely wonderful. If you're near the town of Nyons (well worth a visit), stop at the local olive co-op shop. There you can find olives in all sorts of guises, along with the superb oils (and soaps). You can also buy wine en vrac.
