Recommendation for farm house or B&B in countryside near Avignon

We are traveling in Sept. and staying in a cottage on a 13 acre estate known as Le Moulin de la Roque. It appears to be about 20 minutes from Avignon. This was an old textile mill, then a flour mill, owned by the same family for something like 300 years. The present owner purchased the property about 24 years ago and has renovated it into a property for guests. There are five cottages or houses around the main garden and three apartments in the historic old mill building. There is a pool on the property, and adjacent vineyards, orchards and olive groves. The owners, Guy and Gaby, live in a manor house on the estate and serve somewhat in the role of consierge to their guests. We'd had a wonderful stay at an agriturismo in Tuscany a year ago and I was looking for something like that in Provence, but it appears that industry isn't big in France the way it is in Italy. Le Moulin de la Roque was one property that did pop up when I was online using the search term "agritourism in Provence." So this may not be the farm or B&B you are looking for, but check it out! I read many reviews before booking it, and I was hooked. It's very central to all the places we want to visit in Provence. In planning for our activities, I've emailed Gaby a few time with my questions, and she's always sent a prompt and helpful reply. We're really looking forward to our stay there!

Hi Vickie, Thanks so much for your detailed review. The photos are lovely. Are you traveling by car? Since we'll travel through France via train, we were hoping to take buses to our destinations not on the train line. It's not out of the question to rent a car, but thought I'd check. Secondly, I wasn't able to find any rates for your recommendation. Would you mind telling the rates you've been quoted. I appreciate your responding and wish you a bon voyage. Irene

Yes, we are renting a car. I was told that this is pretty necessary when visiting Provence. I've never been there before so I'm not speaking from experience. Le Moulin de la Roque requires a minimum one-week stay and the weeks run Sat. to Sat. Please don't rely on my rate quotation, in case there's been an increase since my booking, but when I did that booking, it appeared that the rates started at 1150 Euro for the week. The accommodation for that price was a two bedroom apt. in the mill building that can be used by up to 5 people. There is nothing smaller than 2 BR. All the mill building apts., and one of the cottages, have 2 bedrooms. The other cottages have 3 or 4 bedrooms. The biggest house has five bedrooms and holds up to 10 people. We are traveling with another couple so will be able to split the cost of the 2 BR cottage we are renting, which makes it super affordable. Yet, I think that this rate quoted above is reasonable even for a couple, when you consider the lovely amenities and the fact that a full kitchen will allow you to fix some of your own meals, if you choose, and save the money you'd spend eating out every meal. (The nightly rate is less than what I pay to stay in a hotel in a major city in the US when on a business trip, and look what I'm getting for it! I'm on a charming estate in Provence!) The town of Noves is within walking distance and you can pick up bread, pastries and groceries from the small local markets each day.

Again, many thanks, Vickie. You've been enormously helpful. May not work for us, but I'm learnng a lot. All the best, Irene

You can also check VRBO / HomeAway for apartments and vacation rentals at varying price levels.

Thanks, Laura.