Garden work at Le Chene

In preparation for the season there are always jobs to do.

When we first planted the garden at Le Chene in 2009 the row of white roses were fabulous.

But sadly each year they have deteriorated, so time to re-plant.

Having removed the roses and the roots time to add some good new soil.

Before planting the new hedge of 'Laurier Rose'

Job done - lets hope we have more success,

 we shall need to wrap them up over winter to survive the frost and snow.

Another great restaurant

In the tiny village of Reilhanette, on the borders of the Drome and Vaucluse, (see report below) the restaurant l`Oustau de la Font; Christophe serving front of house has spent many years in the USA and speaks excellent English and has a real eye for detail.
Everything is just right, spotlessly clean, nice tableware, cutlery and glasses.
Well presented food, Karen loved her Veloute of Asparagus with olive oil ice cream whilst the plat de jour is excellent value at 10.50 for duck on the day we visited.
They have set menus covering a wide price range or the a la carte was unusally good value.
The wine list is vast and very well priced with plenty of choice around the 20 Euro mark.
Finally the views are stunning looking out on Montbrun Les Bains - go and enjoy!

A hidden Gem!

Last week we took a drive North to explore a small village recommended by one of our gite clients and wow- what a beautiful place it is.

From Saint Saturnin Les Apt take the route to Sault taking in the spectacular view on Mont Ventoux.

From Sault follow the signs to Montbrun Les Bains, a short way before turn left for Reilhanette. 

This is the village of Reilhanette where you should stop, walk to the top where there are great views and a picnic area. We also discovered the restaurant L'Oustau de la Font , stop and have a coffee here - we returned for lunch!

Drive on and you will see this great view of the North face of Mont Ventoux rising to almost 2000 metres.

The tiny village of Savoillan , again stop here and try the Boulangerie, the bread oven is almost 100 years old

Then head to the Medieval village of Brantes, with its old stone houses and just 65 residents ! Follow the signed walk and as well as the church there is a small restaurant serving salads etc and the most amazing views.

Dating back to 1684 the church is delightful.

A very peaceful setting indeed!

meander through the cobbled streets

Karen studying one of the wall plaques that explains about the plant species growing out of the walls

Another one of the commerces, the auberge in the village is a very popular lunch spot

Plenty of out side space and much needed especially in summer this is a popular stopping point.

The village school, in 2004 it had nine  pupils and one teacher! It was built in 1896.

Fabulous blossoms!

Gorgeous white & soft pink blossom is in abundance in the Luberon.

As regular as ever the cherry  trees burst into colour from about the 8th of April, yes it is as accurate as that! 

Another feature of April in the Luberon is the arrival of many artists coming to paint the scenery.

And it is also a perfect month for walking and cycling amongst the fabulous landscapes.

It looks like we will have good cherries this year!

Its not to early to reserve your holiday for next April!

A cherry pickers trolly & table.

Does that not look the perfect place to live!
 

Another Fab meal at Umami

Once again a wonderful meal at Umami in LÌsle-sur-la-Sorgue.
We love their innivotive menu and presentation, we also love their prices!
Bookings essential which we are happy to make for you.