Excursions

There are too many sights in Provence, even just in Vaucluse, to try to see and do everything.  No mad dash to and fro.  The best way to experience the true nature of this region is to take your time and relax.  With our shopping and business out of the way, the majority of the rest of the week is a combination of napping, eating, and short sightseeing excursions (to be honest, personally this means more gluttony and sloth than actual tourism).

This area is, however, rife with the picture perfect; splendor is ubiquitous.  One probably should visit Aix-en-Provence, and Avignon for the history and architecture (although my husband just wanted to dance on the bridge in Avignon with our daughter while singing “Sür la Pont” – crazy Canadians).  Apt and Isle Sur La Sorge have the markets; Fontaine de Vaucluse has the quaintness (the “Fountain” isn’t, most of the year), and Bonnieux, Lourmarin, Ménerbes, and Lacoste for the true classic village atmosphere.  Smaller towns are asleep from about noon to three (lunchtime, so have a long leisurely feast), and dinner usually doesn’t start until after seven, so plan accordingly.  Our favorite haunts are the more subdued like L’Arome in Bonnieux.  Splendidly covered from head to toe with stone, speckled with rather mod art, this would be haute cuisine if not so laid back and comfortable.  Skip the Stark inspired hotel and Michelin starred restaurant – you know who you are – in favor of the cozy.  This land feels as though time has slowed and mellowed, and after a few more days, so have I.