My husband and I are flying in and out of Marseilles the last week of August. We have 7 full days and two half days for travel. We plan to rent a car. We'd like to stay half of the time in eastern Languedoc-Roussillon and the other half near the Luberon in Provence. We are big wine fans and would like to cover the regions of Pic Saint Loup, Cote du Rhone, Chataneuf du Pape, Giogondas, etc. I have done quite a bit of research on what to see: Pont du Gard, Roussillon, Gordes, Sete, Aigues Mortes, Les Baux, etc. We realize there is a lot to see in this area and would like to see as much as we can but at a relaxed pace. We have been living in Germany since January and have seen a lot of Europe already. The goal of this trip is to stay at a relaxing B&B with a nice terrace, pool, potential to eat dinner there at night while being in central locations to take day trips and not wear ourselves out sightseeing. We enjoy natural beauty, markets/picnics, and smaller towns with scenic views. We are not interested in visiting bigger cities where we can't easily walk the town. I'd appreciate any feedback on good home bases or particular chambres d' hotes suggestions that might fit what we are looking for. Thank you so much! -Carly
Posted by
washington
837 posts
Carly, you mention Rousillon as if it is in Languedoc; it is actually in Luberon. Most of the places you mention are as well. Even Aigues Mortes and I believe Sete are reasonably close to Nimes, on the western side of Provence. One place which comes to mind as a base is La Bastide Sainte Anne, located in Castillon-du-Gard. It has sight lines to the Pont-du-Gard from the breakfast room. It has a pool. It is set in an olive grove and is very quiet with wonderfully spacious rooms and a wonderful breakfast. They do not have a restaurant as part of the operation. You can find reviews by going to tripadvisor.com and searching either the facility by name or inputting Castillon du Gard as the city. Locationally, it is very good, between Avignon and Nimes, just off A9, east of Uzes. There are quite a few restaurants in Uzes. To get to the Luberon area, drive north on A9, PAST Avignon and then swing east. It is easier to go west and north of Avignon, then east, than it is to go east, south of Avignon.
Posted by
OP
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
2 posts
Hi David,
Thanks for the reply and your suggestion! I will check it out. I was confused myself when I saw there was an actual town called Roussillon (in the Luberon region of Provence) but it is not in Languedoc-Roussillon region. I knew there might be some confusion in my posting. :) I'm hoping to make a home base for a few days in the most eastern portion of the Languedoc-Roussillon region (Gard to be exact) and then a few days in the Provence region maybe closer to the Luberon. I understand these areas border each other but still seem far enough to make two separate home bases during our week trip. According to region maps, it looks like Nimes, Aigues Mortes, Uzes are within the L-R borders but in this area where L-R and Provence meet, some may still think of this area as Provence. The area you suggested seems well-placed in the middle of the two regions. Thanks also for the driving tips! :)
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1329 posts
Not sure this is central enough for you and it's a hotel, not a B&B, but Hotel le Beffroi in Vaison la Romaine has a very nice pool, terrace, views, and restaurant. I have stayed there twice and loved it and loved Vaison. It's near Seguret where you could visit Chateau Mourchon for a wine tasting. Vaison has a good Tuesday market. My favorite market is the Friday market in Lourmarin.