Boys and their toys!

I got some strange looks when taking photos of this work going on in Apt but it really was quite fascinating, even Karen agread! Whats interesting is that even with France in a recession the amount of money being spent on the roads around here is incredible, everywhere you turn there are new pavements, changes in the routes through the towns- Apt and Cavaillon of note both of which will be superb when completed and even our dear village is having the treatment with new drains, pavements and road surfaces - its just a shame its all taking so long! now that is French! the 35 hour week including  the obligitory lunch break combined with some rather untipical weather has delayed work just a tad!

Impressive machines made in Germany of course

The new pavements are complted lined with new plane trees, just the road surfaces to go.

Fete de Mere - mothers day!

A rare visit, due to work comitments,  from my son Richard, perfectly timed on French mothers day !

He kindly took us to Coquillade which remains one of our favourite resaurants.

LATE AVAILABILITY

We have had a late cancellation at Les Cypres from June 22nd to July 6th so if you fancy a week or two lazing by the pool we are offering discounted rates.

The Luberon Jazz Festival

Great live music coming to the Luberon next weekend 

Strange weather

Our weather of late has been coming from Spain, warm southerly winds drawing moisture bringing exceptional rain fall notably over the last week as much as 10 centimetres. It has also given dramatic skies as the front moved away last night the returning sunshine gave not one but two  rainbows.

Food glorious food!

Another visit to Le Bistrot de Lagarde which did not dissapoint, but it is becoming increasingly popular so booking is essential, just part of the service we offer.

Sometimes we can sneak a table that others cannot! 

May, the perfect month for walking

April & May are two fabulous months for walking and cycling in Provence.

There are spring flowers, blue skies and comfortable temperatures.

Karen, Martin and I walked last week to the Bories at Aiguiers Grognards, 

about 10 kilometres the walk departs from the chateau in St Saturnin Les Apt 

 following high above Chemin de Romanet. 

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.

Five hours from fabulous skiing in the Alpes

One of the most amazing things about living in Provence is the diverse scenery that is so accessible from home.
The Cote d'Àzur is under three hours drive, with the sea, glitz and glamour and whilst it is possible to ski in the Southern Alpes within a couple of hours drive, the more impressive and serious slopes are within five hours passing Annecy and Geneva on route.
We joined our close friends Ian & Sheena for five days in Morzine. Ian used to be an instructor so led me carefully back onto the blue and red runs having not skied for a couple of years.

Aero dynamically friendly (not!)

This rather striking vehicle was parked in the village this week.
Apart from it coming from the East of Europe it was quite hard to work our its origins,
It is possible to park camper vans just out side the village for a night or two and there is electric hook up and water; Not a bad spot to camp! This guy has his own on board generator.

Spring is here!

Getting our gites ready for our first guests, there is lots to do inside and out, but the spring sunshine sure does help!

North/South divide

Its is hard to believe the contrast in weather between the South East of France, Provence in particular.
Whilst we are opening pools and gardening in t shirts the Northern half of the country together with other parts of Europe are again engulfed in cold weather and snow . We are very fortunate to live in such a sunny place!

The Paris to Nice cycle race

Saint Saturnin Les Apt might be a quiet and at times sleepy village , but we were all awake to see the riders of the Paris to Nice cycle race come through the village last week.

Over 200 riders including team Sky created quite a spectacle.

There is always something going on in the Luberon - next is the Tour de France, coming closeby in July to the summitt the mighty Mont Ventoux

Winter is over - Spring is coming!

A sure sign that winter is over and that another season is approaching is the re opening of our favourite restaurant in the village, L'Estrade, Gaelle serves out front whilst chef Anne Laurence produces great Provencal faire from her kitchen. 

We are very happy to make reservations and of course regularly check that high standards are being maintained!

Colourful scenary

Just under Table Mountain and Signal Hill is the quarter known as Bo Kaap, a largely Muslim community still thriving, and how can you not have a smile on your face living amongst such glorious colourful houses!

Wine lovers paradise

Most of our friends and clients know our passion for wine and South Africa offers not only a wonderful varied selection but also some of the prettiest and most impressive vineyard settings we have experience around the world , it certainly reminds us of Provence.
This vineyard is just outside Stellenbosch, it is part of the Graff empire and has a suitably up market feel! Stunning gardens, sculptures , wine and a good restaurant - service though is a little snooty!

Settling in nicely

Almost a week has past since we arrived, why do holidays pass so quickly?
South Africa has the most amazing beaches, its a shame though the sea is so cold.