Posts Tagged ‘Gordes’
Provence – The Luberon
For my birthday I am keeping with my tradition of heading somewhere new. Although I have been to The Luberon Area in Provence, I had never explored Aix-En-Provence. The old town is so charming. We happend upon the most delicious pizza place.
Aix-En-Provence
Le Four Aixois - This pizza place is not to miss. We had lunch here I think the best pizza I had the whole trip. It is very inexpensive, super friendly service and cute no frills decor. They have a would burning pizza oven in the back. The power went out in the whole building and they used the oven for light.
4 Rue Boulegon, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France
Mana - delicious coffee, I stopped by here twice. They also serve food, which looks pretty yummy, you should make a reservation if you want to eat.
Shop right next to Mana - There is a really cute tiny home store a few doors down. It sells traditional Provence home goods, soaps, linens, ceramics.....
The old town of Aix-En-Provence is so charming. Plan to spend the day wondering around the streets. There are tons of cute shops, lots of jewelry, linens, and clothing.
***There is a big parking deck in the middle of town (its a bit of bottleneck so prepare to be patient). Bring your parking ticket with you and pay before you get on elevators down to parking deck.
STAY
This was my second stay in Bonnieux and I love staying in this charming town. It is located on the side of a hill and the views of Provence are incredible. The first place we stayed in 2020 was my favorite place and I highly recommend it. Check out my post from that trip here.
Townhome in Bonnieux
This trip we stayed here. The home is beautiful, every single detail. The negative for me were the staircase up to the upstairs 2 bedrooms. It is so old and narrow and no real railing that I found you did not want to go upstairs at all. The other downfall is there is no view. Since we knew that there is a view when facing the other direction we missed this.
Bonnieux
We were in Bonniux Sunday, Monday and Tuesday and so a lot of places were closed! The Boulengerie was closed the whole time were were there and it is the only breakfast/ coffee spot besides Capelongue. Just wander around and there are charming places to eat everywhere (make sure to make a reservation) and plan ahead if you are there on Sunday and Monday as a lot of places are closed.
Capelongue, a Beaumier hotel
We ate breakfast here every morning! Capelongue is a gorgeous hotel just a short drive above Bonnieux, you could walk. The breakfast is amazing. They serve fresh produce (green figs in September) and jams from their properties. The breakfast is more on the expensive side 35 euros, but a great place to hang out relax and map out your day.
The Capelongue has a few restaurants on site.
CAFÉ CAPELONGUE - is more casual cafe style. We didn't eat here this trip, but looks very cute.
LA BERGERIE - is currently being renovated, but ate here a few years ago. Loved it and looking forward to going back. Everything is cooked on an open fire! Apparently that is one of the reasons for the renovation as it got insanely smokey in the restaurant.
LA BASTIDE- Michelin starred restaurant. I haven't eaten here but imagine it is lovely.
Casa Bonilis - located in the heart of Bonnieux
This was my absolute favorite a few years ago and we came back here for my Birthday dinner (it was closed all the other nights we were in town). It wasn't as good as I remember, but I am thinking it was just a fluke. They didn't have the pesto gnocchi, which I was drooling for. I will for sure give it another chance on my next trip.
4 place Carnot 84480 Bonnieux, France | +33 4 90 71 18 02
Lourmarin
Another great town in this area.
SHOP
L'Antiquaire - This is a gem, I bought the cutest bag made out of old grain sacs. The shop owner makes them!
9 Rue du Grande Pré, 84160 Lourmarin
Gordes – Provence
I spent the last 2 weeks in France. It was the absolute best time to travel because France opened the borders to the US 2 days earlier. The lavender fields were in full bloom, it was beautiful. Our trip started in Provence (we flew to Paris and took the TGV to Avignon and rented a car. We stayed at the most beautiful Domaine Les Martines, outside of Gordes.
I traveled with my fabulous travel buddy Kate. She, her husband and daughter will be living in France for 8 months. We went to get the house ready for their move in August and of course to just to simply pretend we were French.
STAY
Domaines Les Martines
We stayed at the lovely Domaine Les Martins. I cannot recommend this place enough and I am already dreaming of my next visit. It is a tiny B&B, with only 7 rooms run by David and Regis. Quintessentially French, understated elegance, fab location, exquisite attention to detail and the insane breakfast.
Just down the road, we stumbled upon the most perfect little lavender field, so much fun to be riding through these fields at sunset. We couldn’t stop taking pictures.
84220 Gordes, France | + 33 (0)4 90 72 09 56
www.domainelesmartins.com
EAT
La Citadelle at La Bastide de Gordes
Located in the gorgeous Airelles Gordes Hotel, right in the town of Gordes. We had a beautiful view over the valley from the terrace of the restaurant. While it is an expensive restaurant, it is well worth it. Our food was gorgeous, and the staff were very attentive. Loved the Arrabbiata
Opens at78:15 and you need a reservation.
+33 (0)4 90 72 12 12 | 61 Rue de la Combe, 84220 Gordes
www.airelles.com
La Bastide de Marie
The beautiful property and setting is quintessentially Provence. It is picturesque with a french rustic elegance that makes it ideal for winding down and enjoying the day. This Chateau, which is a boutique hotel is situated in a Vineyard outside of Menerbes. The food was incredible and the staff was absolutely lovely. The menu changes each day and the server will explain the menu (its not written). Schedule your lunch for Thursday and go to the Menerbes market before.
+33 4 90 72 30 20 | 64 Chemin des Peirelles, 84560 Menerbes France
www.labastidedemarie.com
MARKETS
Menerbes Markets - Thursdays
All the markets are fabulous, but this is one of my favorites. The markets wind down around lunch time, so get there on the earlier side. A highlight was the oyster truck where they shucked the oysters right there and served rose. Picked up some nice linen items and of course lavender everything.
Our stay in Provence was way too short but onward to the south, with a stop in the town of L'Isle Sur Le Sorgue for some antiquing. The town is know for its antiques stores and weekend markets, plus waterwheels on the Sorgue river. It made it more fun to be searching for items for the house. We found the perfect little outside table and chairs for the 2 of us to enjoy our meals, rose and the view.
