Discover Taste Relax Philippe Goninet Shares His Perfectly Provence

Philippe Goninet might be slightly biased, but according to this Provence tour guide read more here. “St Remy is the place I always recommend as a base for visitors.” Here are his top tips for a visit to Provence.

 #Discover

• Stroll around the village and discover its hidden gems in the old streets. Understand why Van Gogh loved Saint Remy, and you will never look at a Van Gogh painting the same way.
• Arles is another must for its rich Roman history and gorgeous Renaissance buildings.
• The Luberon’s perched villages they are so different from one another and yet still spectacular.
• Eygalières (read more here) is a quaint little village with limited shopping, but a great Provencal feel.

# Taste

• The Olive mill Moulin du Calanquet, where the fifth generation reopened the mill in 2000 and is keeping the tradition alive. One of the only mills I know where you can taste “mono varietal” olive oil. It is a unique experience.
• The Sacristain a traditional St Remy pastry. A puff pastry filled with marzipan and almond slivers if you see one buy it as this pastry is delicious.
• The violette chocolate from Joel Durand is a must – or any of his chocolates for that matter.

# Relax

• Visit the old hospital St Paul de Mausole where Van Gogh spent the last year of his life. A soothing atmosphere still prevails, and the setting is gorgeous.  When visiting with me you’ll get some stories…
• Take a little hike to the top of the Alpilles for the views of the valley; from there you can see Avignon and even Mont Ventoux.
• At over a leisurely lunch at Aux Caprices de Matthias my favorite restaurant with a stunning view over the Alpilles from the terrasse. This restaurant located in the middle of nowhere will give you the sensation that you have Provence to yourself.

You can find more tips from Philippe on his blog here or contact him via email if you are interested in his guided trips at philippe.goninet@wanadoo.fr.

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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).