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.

Domaine Les Martines - Provence