Last night was another perfect summer supper with friends. Perhaps worth a little plug for our favourite resto, Le Fournil in Bonnieux.  We've all been going here for the past twenty years and it goes from strength to strength.  Don't know if the guys will be there for ever so maybe worth a visit soon.

Le Fournil, Bonnieux

A Luberon winter institution

Winter in Provence has to be celebrated with a taste of the superb truffles this region produces. There are many local truffle fairs at this time of the year but one of the best is held just after Christmas in Menerbes in the Luberon. Here yesterday the crowds turned out in force to enjoy the stroll to the square at the top of this lovely old village, maybe to buy but certainly to enjoy a soft truffle omelette - the perfect lunch!

Winter lavender

Beautiful at all times of the year. Nestling low on the ground under a blue provencal sky, this lavender field on the Plateau de Sault is in its winter hibernation.

Belle de Nuit

Belle de nuit?
A 'lady of the night'
Pretty flowers which open only late afternoon and evening

Yes, both these but also a charming restaurant and chambre d'hote in Oppede le Vieux. This ruined medieval village nestles up against the mountains in the Parc Naturel du Luberon.

Laurie and Roger offer a delicious dinner in their delightful cosy restaurant. Check them out on www.belle2nuit.fr

Arrive in style!

Helicopter landing pad at the Domaine de la Coquillade

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

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.

Another spiffing find Mr B!

Real Provence & ProvenceHolidayHouses.com brings you another little resturant gem

This time in the village of Caseneuve - LE SANGLIER PARESSEUX
Téléphone :04 90 75 17 70 Have a look at on our site for more details but the "Menu du Marche" at 24€ is pretty good

Our Restaurant Guide

Les Platanes

Another "Real" secret gem, right in the middle of Apt. Restaurant Les Platanes, 13 place Jules Ferry. A shaded garden makes the perfect setting for summer dining.