How to Spend a Luberon Weekend in Goût et Voyage Style

Martine Bertin-Peterson is intrepid; she had a window of 90 minutes of “downtime” between her back-to-back tour groups, yet she agreed to meet me for a glass of rosé. Beneath the walls of the immense Palais des Papes in Avignon, we chatted about her food and wine excursions in Provence. Goût et Voyage trips are like travelling with your best friends; the group size never exceeds six people.

Even train strikes and lost bags are not a problem for this travel pro who has been running tours for 30 years. Born in France, Martine’s French is impeccable, which helps when there is the odd snag like a transportation delay. No worries, though, for this lady who has moved from a career in marketing to owning (and running) a high-profile gallery in Santa Fe to teaching marketing and management at The College of New Jersey (School of Business).

Did I mention she speaks five languages?

Annual Goût et Voyage trips to Provence round out Martine’s culinary and wine focus. During the balance of the year, she leads market tours and cooking classes in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Here is what one recent guest had to say about their Goût et Voyage trip:

“The week in Provence was wonderful! Martine is very knowledgeable, personable, and lots of fun. The places we visited, the cooking classes, and the restaurants she chose were perfect. I enjoyed every moment!”

Apparently, Goût et Voyage tours are well planned even down to the natural elements:

“The weather, the landscape and towns, the company, the cooking, tasting, eating, were so enjoyable. How did you get all of those variables to conspire with you to make a great trip?”

Our window of time was quickly closing, Martine had a group dinner booked for the arriving clients, and our rosé glasses were empty, but I would not let her go before she shared.

How would you spend a weekend in the Luberon?

Stay
La Ferme de la Huppe, a peaceful and luxurious 4-star property outside of Gordes, has stunning grounds, ten well-equipped rooms, a lovely pool and a fine restaurant. The buffet breakfast will keep you sated well past lunchtime.

Consider renting a house in Goult, Lacoste, Menerbes or Bonnieux, less of a tourist destination than some other, more famous hill towns. You’ll be able to pick up your morning croissants at the bakery while chatting with locals, create a lovely meal with the provisions you purchased at the market, and enjoy an evening stroll through the town, perhaps followed by a stop for ice cream. After a long day of touring, you can relax by the pool or try your hand at a game of boules.

Eat
There are many excellent, small restaurants in the Luberon. At L’Arome in Bonnieux, you dine in a 114th-century vaulted room with old stones, contemporary lighting and a grand fireplace. When the weather is warm, you can have your meal on the tiny terrace while passers-by ogle your dish selections. The chef prepares a changing seasonal menu focusing on fresh produce and fish. Don’t forget to visit the 11th-century wine cellar.

In Goult, I like Aux Fines Herbes, a small family restaurant run by the charming Martine and Johan. The restaurant serves contemporary, seasonal Provencal fare. The terrace is a perfect place to dine on a warm summer evening.

Aux Fines Herbes
Rue de la République
84220 Goult
Tel: +33 (0)4 32 50 23 54

The tiny Saveurs Gourmandes, run by a husband and wife team, is located down a small street in Menerbes. The menu is limited, but the dishes are well-prepared, and the ambience and welcome are warm and friendly.

Les Saveurs Gourmandes
51, rue Kleber Guendon
84560 Menerbes
Tel: +33 (0)4 32 50 20 53

Coffee
Snag an outdoor cafe table on market day at any of the Luberon hilltop towns, order a cafe creme and enjoy the people-watching!

Apéro
It’s fun to join the locals for an aperitif at the busy Cafe de la Poste in the centre of Goult. (and then head over to Aux Fines Herbes for dinner!)

Skip the meal. The drop-dead gorgeous view across the Luberon is why to drink at the Cafe de France in Lacoste.

Shop
You can’t beat the busy markets at Apt (Saturday) or Lourmarin (Friday). You’ll find beautiful local produce, meats, cheeses and bread for your picnic. Those looking to bring back gifts and souvenirs won’t lack options: soap, pottery, jewellery, clothing, housewares, hats and much more.

Margotulle sells upscale straw hats of his own design from his atelier in Saignon and is often at the market in Lourmarin.

Tempted by the 48 hours in the Luberon? Or, better yet, a longer trip? Here is a Goût et Voyage sample itinerary.

Taste of Provence: 

June 2024 tours are fully booked.

June 4 – 11, 2025

Taste of Provence for the Holidays: Accepting inquiries

To book your Goût et Voyage tour, contact Martine via email at info@goutetvoyage.com
Tel: +1 973-222-7957

Space is strictly limited to 6 clients per trip.

Please click here for additional details on these “Taste of Provence” tours.

Image credits: All photos provided by and published with the permission of Goût et Voyage