Its finally summer

Yesterday i heard the first sounds of the cicadas singing, this confirms the ground is warming up as causing them to hatch, typically this happens when the temperature rises to 30 degrees as it is today. At times the noise can be deafening! But it is very Provencal. 

All Change

Saturdays  are always our busiest day with changeovers, today our guests from New Zealand, Canada and England depart whilst we prepare for new guests from England & Scotland who will arrive to enjoy the Lavender 

Fabulous Produce!

  June is a delicious month! 

Strawberries, Melons, peaches and Nectarines are in abundance! 

As are asparagus & radishes, tomatoes and of course garlic! 

Roussillon - A must visit whilst in the Luberon!

The ocre-red village of Roussillon, one of the 'Plus Beaux Villages of France' is a popular  tourist destination just a short drive from Saint Saturnin Les apt. 

 Roussillon is a beautiful village, with its red rocks, red stone buildings and red tile roofs.

Roussillon is lovely from the outside, set in a deep green pine forest on bright red-ocre hills. Roussillon is even more spectacular inside the village, with the colorful old buildings and narrow medieval streets. The village center is fairly small, so wandering the streets to discover the many lovely sites doesn't take very long. Take enough time for a beer or coffee in the square and watch life go by.

Head to the top by past the church where there are great views of Mont Ventoux and take the walk into the Sentier des Ocres to get a real flavour of the colours of the ground and formations.

Coming soon - The Tour de France

The 100th Tour de France will be heading up Mont Ventoux on Bastille Day, July 14th and we shall be there to watch.

The stage covers over 240 kilometres with the gruelling end at the top of Ventoux at 1912 metres.

We were very impressed by Richard, one of our gite clients who cycled up from Bedion to the top in abt 2 hours, a fantastic achievement on a pretty hot day.

Susan, Richard's wife was there as support and to meet him at the top, here Richard has taken a short pause at the memorial to Tommy Simpson.

We are ideally located for cycling, whether you prefer the flat route adjacent to the River Callavon 

or for the real enthusiasts the challenge of Ventoux.

Colourful house signs

Available in the St Saturnin Les Apt Tuesday maket Martine makes these colourful signs by hand.

They are on lave rock , the coloured glaze is then added and then baked. A perfect gift or  memory of your stay in Provence.

Bumper Olive Crop?

The last two years have been disapointing for our Olive Trees with our harvest dropping from 250 kilos in 2010 to 49 kilos  in 2011 and just 19 kilos in 2012.

Signs are encouraging this year as these buds show - watch this space for progress.

La Coquillade -the new Bistrot restaurant

Many of our clients have enjoyed meals in both the Gourmet restaurant, which now has a Michelin star and the Bistrot, which in high summer is set outside amongst the vines.

Last week we ate at the new Bistrot restaurant which has been built over the winter period.

It now boasts a large and impressive indoor dining room with huge glass doors, which can be opened up to maximise the  view and open feeling or for the hotter nights the eating area in the vines remains.

The menu is priced at 34€ with 3 courses, or there is a la carte which is more expensive. 

Wines from the vineyard Aureto are excellent and reasonably priced for the quality.

What makes Coquillade stand out is the surroundings, high up with amazing views over the vines and Luberon countryside, the staff are friendy and effecient and the whole environment exudes quality of a 'demeure prestige 5 star hotel'. We continue to enjoy and recommend to our clients.

L'Estrade in Saint Saturnin Les Apt, Luberon, Provence

As most of our guests will know, L'Estrade is one of our favourite restaurants and we are very fortunate that it is within walking distance of our houses and gites. 

What differentiates it to others?

The Ambience and 'blackboard' menu that changes almost daily are just two highlights.

Anne Laurence is the chef and creates really tasty home cooked food, there are always 5 or 6 starters including local seasonal produce and half a dozen main courses including one or two fish choices and a vegetarian option.

Leave space for the home made desserts especially the  Tarte Tatin

Out front is Gaelle who keeps everything in order, speaking good English and keeping the wine flowing helped during busy times by Natalie.

The restaurant is cosy seating about 20 covers and you are sure to strike up a conversation with someone from somewhere in the world!

It is sensibly priced, relaxed and welcoming and we are sure you will enjoy, bookings recommended - open Wednesday to Sunday.