A Sunday walk

Glorious sunshine for a Sunday walk from Cereste along the ridge to the lovely village of Montjustin with superb views right across the eastern end of the Luberon valley to the southern Alps in the far distance. The superb weather continues it seems like forever......

Another RP find!

Always on the look out for venues open in the winter, we happened upon the Sonograf, just outside Ilse sur la Sorgues.

http://www.lesonograf.fr

Le Sonograf is a music venue and supper club offering what we think is great combination. Last Friday we went along to see Nine Below Zero, a band that came to prominence in the eighties but it could have been last year for all that it matters. We paid €30 for the evening with three course supper and even a free drink, together with a bottle of beaujolais nouveau for an extra €10, we found it incredible value.

http://www.real-provence.com/history-art-music.htm

A lively evening in Marseille

The Fiesta des Suds down in the docks in Marseille. A fantastic evening of live bands and street food to keep you going all evening. The energetic Banda du Dock had everyone dancing in the aisles. Superb music and great fun.

Real Provence gave you the "Septemberists"

Now we have the "Octoberists"!

We sneaked out of the office on Friday to have lunch in Lourmarin and make a few market purchases. Turned out we were there with a few others. Well a cast of hundreds at least. The fantastic weather has to end sometime but no sign yet.

Was it hot? These ladies found it so!

Yes that is a table mat tied on with ...

Sorry but couldn't resist that shot

By clicking on the blog title we take you to the Real Provence web site.

Getting to the end of the season

Though you'd hardly know it. We've had two bad days since the middle of July and temperatures are still in the 30's. Our "off" season begins at the start of November when the Luberon is very tranquil, some love this time whilst some of our owners head for holiday destinations themselves down under.

Our autumn pricing is generally very competitive so if you fancy that late getaway don't forget to check our prices & availability. For the latest availability and other dates check our Prices & Availability page.

To hand pick or not?

As we were walking out this fine morning on what should be but isn't, our daily constitutional, we came upon this fine crop.

What makes this shot interesting is the condition of the fruit. Like 90% of the producers around here in the Luberon this vineyard mechanically picks the grapes. Now our good friends the winemakers at Domaine Fav maintain that to get the best results everything has to be handpicked in order to only take the perfect bunches leaving out the dried up or mouldy stuff. Makes a lot of sense. What makes this shot interesting is that the vineyard has been up and down the rows cutting out the less than perfect bunches and cutting back the foliage. Very clever, minimum labour cost on the hand picking, maximum speed in the cool of the morning which is needed for the white and the rosé wine.

Art in the open air

Photographs of the natural surroundings and local wildlife.

Or looking the other way, over the edge of the terrace at Sault, the beautiful natural surroundings for real.

Storm clouds over Bandol

The harbour at Bandol and pretty fishing boats - perhaps even more photogenic under these low clouds after a storming morning over the Mediterranean.

The best view in the Vaucluse?

The terrace in the village of Sault. Views right across the plateau to Mont Ventoux beyond. Is this not the best view in the Vaucluse? Just stop awhile, rest and let your eyes tell you the answer.

Scrumptious lunch

Fresh salads, delicious pasta, great plat du jour. In the Grand Café in Valensole village opposite the pretty fountain and lovely old lavoir. And a group of friends to share the experience. This is what holidays in Provence are all about.

Dramatic skies and sunflowers

The Valensole plateau. Lavender and sunflowers under a dramatic sky. Just breathtaking.

Lavender ladies having fun

A beautiful sunny morning in July and here are the 'lavender ladies' group from the States lining up for their group shot in the lavender fields.

With photo opportunites at every turn, and later enjoying cake and fruit at the Ferme des Lavandes.

A perfect day out on their Real Provence lavender trip.

Finally they got the shot!

The lavender is at its absolute peak - all they had to do is make the shot.

And double wow!

On a clear morning in July on the Plateau de Sault such lovely sights

The lovely village of Aurel nestling up against the mountains, catching the morning light.

And a field of lavender sparkling in the sunshine.

No words necessary really.

Wow!

The only word for these superb lavender fields on the Plateau de Valensole this week! Lavender as far as the eye can see. And even sun flowers as well. What an amazing sight, just stunning.

I know we've published poppy pics before but...

... this wheat field made me stop the car this morning. Stunning!

Weather report

Looks like wonderful weather is around most of Europe at the moment. It is however worth mentioning that we've opened up our pools and people are swimming and sunbathing already. We've never known the season to start so early. Everything is fresh, green and verdant as well. Perhaps worth mentioning a few early season vacancies available at the houses? Pouraque, last three weeks of May http://www.provenceholidayhouses.com/Pouraque.htm Les Cistes, first two weeks of June http://www.provenceholidayhouses.com/Les_Cistes.htm

Flowers galore

A warm blue sky day for the flower fair in the pretty village of Maubec. Seems like the whole of the Luberon turns out for this annual event with lots of colourful plants and flowers to choose from - just right for the start of Spring. A glass of wine with friends, a merguez and frites and a jolly village brass band. What better way to spend a March Sunday afternoon.

Cassis - Too cold to swim in January!

January 8th

Everybody seems to be out and about today.

Lets have lunch by the port instead.

Happy New Year!