Why go to Provence at all anyway?
Because the weather is good, splendid ; much sunnier than in the rest of France and even northern Italy.
But also because :
- the food is superb, based on fresh produce, tasty but simple recipes.
- lodgings are better than the french average, althought a bit on the pricey side ( but we offer here a solution to this problem)
- the wines tend to be strong, refined and affordable, ( this despite the fact that experts like Tony Parker rate some of them as truly prodigious)
- the landscapes are a painters delight, and incredibly varied from the craggy limestone peaks of Montmirail to the laveder fields of Luberon, the salt flats of Camargue, etc.
- the stones monuments Roman arches and arenas, medieval abbeys and cathedrals, walled cities, classic-erapalaces and castels ...are suitably old (and often golden-hued),
- culture is alive everywhere from big festivals to village parades,
and more important, because the people here are genuinely nice. They care for you, they like to oblige, to comment and to smile at you and to jest. OK, you didn't need to read Peter Mayles'book "A year in Provence" to be tempted to settle in the country side of Provence. But the countryside is not the only place to feel the pulse and passions of the region. Some preserved cities can do the trick better. There are quite a few largish towns in Provence : Aix, Marseille, Nice... but those are big cities - probably just what you want to forget.
But then again, why Avignon??
Avignon is "une grande petite ville" : both small ( about 100.000 inhabitants) and immensely rich in architecuremonuments, history and culture. It is a World Heritage city, but also a university town : an open minded placee, home to Europe's first or second biggest theater festival (shoulder to shulder with the Fringe in Edinburgh), museums, many gay restaurants and venues, nightlife, art galleries, antiques shop, design outlets, designers boutiques...
We suggest you start from here :
In this intimate but historic building, (once part of a Antonian Convent)you can rent by the week one of our lovely XVII Century STUDIO furnished in the Provence style, or book one of our independent guest rooms.
Enjoy staying in the best part of Avignon, only minutes away from the Popes palace, in the heart of the shopping district and within walking distance to the gastronomic restaurants, museums, train and bus stations.
The studios offer a Bathroom with bath, kitchenette, wholly furnished.
The owners live upstairs and will make sure your stay is enjoyable ; just bring your suitcase. Free wifi, book exchange, local info.
Also available, two guest rooms with independant access and bathroom. Altogether a great offer for couples, but also families or friends travelling together.
Studio : weekly spring season rate 310 euros (including electricity, laundry...)
Guest rooms : 60 euros per night, minimum stay 2 nights.
Booking 0627691845