How to Spend a Luberon Weekend in Goût et Voyage Style

Martine Bertin-Peterson is intrepid; she had a 90-minute window of “downtime” between 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 aren’t a problem for this travel pro, who’s been running tours for 30 years. Born in France, Martine’s French is impeccable, which helps with the odd snag, like a transportation delay. No worries, though, for this lady who moved from a career in marketing to owning (and running) a high-profile gallery in Santa Fe, then 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 focus on culinary and wine. 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 time was running out; Martine had a group dinner booked for the arriving clients, and our rosé glasses were empty, but I wouldn’t let her go before she shared.

How would you spend a weekend in the Luberon?

Stay
La Ferme de la Huppe, a peaceful, luxurious 4-star property outside 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 touristy than some other, more famous hill towns. You can pick up your morning croissants at the bakery while chatting with locals, create a lovely meal with the provisions you bought at the market, and enjoy an evening stroll through the town, perhaps ending with a stop for ice cream. After a long day of touring, relax by the pool or try your hand at boules.

Eat
The Luberon has many excellent, small restaurants. 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 dine on the tiny terrace while passers-by ogle your dish selections. The chef prepares a seasonal menu that changes with the seasons, 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 perfect for dining 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 café table on market day in any Luberon hilltop town, order a café crème, and enjoy the people-watching!

Apéro
Join the locals for an aperitif at the busy Café de la Poste in the centre of Gordes. (and then head over to Aux Fines Herbes for dinner!)

Skip the meal. The drop-dead gorgeous view across the Luberon is why you drink at the Café 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. If you’re looking for gifts and souvenirs, you won’t lack options: soap, pottery, jewellery, clothing, housewares, hats, and much more.

Margotulle sells upscale straw hats he designed in 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 the Goût et Voyage website.

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

From Nice: Chateau de Cremat and Chateau Ste Roseline Wine Tour

Venture into the scenic vineyards of Nice on a delightful 6.5-hour tour that showcases the art of winemaking and culinary delights. Start at the stunning Château de Cremat, nestled in the hills, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour and sample exquisite wines. Next, visit the historic Château Sainte-Roseline, where you can explore its beautiful estate and taste renowned crus.

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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).