Lavender Seasons Provence
Cheryl ShufflebothamExplore

Embrace the Lavender Seasons in Provence

Purple Lavender It’s the essence of Provence—intoxicating, calming, soothing, stunning—the purple elixir of Provence. Yet, it’s here for just a short time—at its peak in July but still stunning at the end of June. Provence is raw, rugged, and enchanting all year, but how can one resist being there when …

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Oppède-le-Vieux Luberon
Cheryl ShufflebothamExploreVillages Towns and Cities

Oppède-le-Vieux Perched in History in the Luberon

Luberon Villages A sleepy village that is stunning and peaceful and ranks high on the charm factor, Oppède-le-Vieux makes me return again and again. It tears my heartstrings to say goodbye to it at the end of our yearly trips, knowing I won’t lay eyes on it for a year. …

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Bastide de Marie
Cheryl ShufflebothamRestaurant RecommendationsTaste

An Enchanting Dinner to Remember at Bastide de Marie

Just a skip down the road from our holiday rental in Ménerbes, we returned to la Bastide de Marie for the final evening of our yearly trip to Provence. And the meal won for best of the trip, though a couscous and garbanzo dish from an auberge in Brantes was …

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Hotel Crillon le Brave Spa
Cheryl ShufflebothamHotels Provence & Cote d'AzurStay: Accommodation & Rentals in Provence

Spa Time Relax at Hotel Crillon le Brave

In keeping with our yearly tradition and being a supportive wife while my husband does the challenging cycle up Mont Ventoux, I needed to find a place to pass the time. Thus the Spa des Écuries at Hotel Crillon le Brave was my “sacrifice” for a few hours. Well, what choice …

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Maison de la Truffe et du Vin du Luberon
Cheryl ShufflebothamRestaurant RecommendationsTaste

Visit Maison de la Truffe et du Vin du Luberon in Ménerbes

At the top of the dreamy village of Ménerbes within a 17th-century mansion is la Maison de la Truffe et du Vin de Luberon. Year after year, upon visiting this village, we would peer curiously through the iron gate of la Maison de la Truffe into the most beautiful, intimate garden …

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Crestet Vaucluse Village
Cheryl ShufflebothamExploreVillages Towns and Cities

Crestet a Vaucluse Village on the Route de Charm

Hilltop Crestet Crestet can be described as what I like to call Burgunesque, a word I made up for places that remind me of the rural charm of Burgundy that I first fell in love with. This village is not in Burgundy but in the gorgeous Provençal countryside with a …

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Visit Ménerbes
Cheryl ShufflebothamRestaurant RecommendationsTaste

When You Visit Ménerbes Make Sure to Try Chez Auzet

Hungry during the afternoon when restaurants and grocery stores are closed in Provence? Then head up to Chez Auzet at the top of Ménerbes for the most delicious quiche for just five euros! If you want to splurge, you can spend seven euros and get a salad with your quiche. …

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Brantes Village Vaucluse
Cheryl ShufflebothamExploreVillages Towns and Cities

Brantes this Village in the Vaucluse is Hard to Beat

Suspended across from the mighty Mont Ventoux is a village that can only be described as jaw-droppingly stunning, as it is surrounded by breathtaking Alpine scenery and filled with rustic charm. Brantes has been on my list for years to visit, as it was described as a place of total …

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La Ferme aux Lavandes Sault
Cheryl ShufflebothamExplore

A Scented Visit to La Ferme aux Lavandes in Sault

It’s the lavender season in Provence! And what better way to enjoy it than to incorporate a visit to a lavender farm in the stunning fields around Sault, the capital of lavender. For quite some time, I have been enjoying the beautiful posts of charming villages, lavender, and adorable rabbits …

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Mas des Romarins Gordes
Cheryl ShufflebothamRestaurant RecommendationsTaste

At le Mas des Romarins Enjoy the View Over Lunch in Gordes

Gordes—a stunning village indeed. Yet, there never seemed to be a memorable place to eat in the village—until now. Perched on a cliff, across from the village, lies a small boutique hotel called le Mas des Romarins. We just happened to discover it and its beautiful view of Gordes one …

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