Photo of the Day - Forcalquier and the Alps...

People tend to associate Provence with the Mediterranean, Lavender fields, Hilltop villages and the Luberon Valley but rarely would one associate the Alps. The Northernmost department of Provence is called Les Alpes de Haute Provence. It is probably the most authentic part of Provence in my mind and abounds in hidden secrets which I take enormous pleasure in revealing to my clients. It's also where I live and every day when I drive home from my office I have the privilege of the view of the Alps bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. The Southern Alps are just next door and even though they are not strictly speaking Provence they fall within its administrative jurisdiction. There are several ski resorts which benefit from the sunshine of Provence whilst often boasting an excellent snow coverage especially towards the end of the season.
Here is a photo taken during an afternoon walk, you can see the Citadel of Forcalquier as well as the unmistakable mountain slopes in the background. The cameras zoom makes the mountains seem even closer than they really are and the effect is quite dramatic. There was no high point to get a clear shot so the tree branches became an inherent part of the image as well.

Forcalquier and the Alps 

Your Provence Travel Questions Answered.

Do you know where this is? Answer in the comments if you think you have the answer.  

Whilst browsing through my blog's statistics I always take a look at some of the queries used by search engines that people use to find me. These vary from people looking for a Nougat making machine to others searching for breeding stock of Provençal goats or Camargue horses, but today I noticed someone who was looking for the time it would take to drive from Gargas to the Valensole plateau. I don't think that the answer to that question can be found here, but I can answer it (about 1h20). If they are going to Valensole to admire the lavender fields I would tell them to go to the Plateau d'Albion instead which is closer (30-40 minutes) and in my mind, more spectacular.

Lavender field on the plateau d'Albion, complete with weeds which give it an altogether  more rustic charm don't you think?

All this to say to visitors to this blog, if you came here looking for simple answers to your Provençal travel questions and you can't find them, just click on the contact button to the right and ask me directly! Its free and chances are I have the answer you are looking for.

Unless you are looking for a stud goat...

                                         ...and even then I may be able to help.

Have a very Luxury Christmas in Provence

If you are going to be in France this year’s Christmas holidays and are looking for somewhere to stay, do or see then come to Provence and enjoy a bit of pampering, a perfect way to face the start of 2013. Here is a list of a few of the luxury breaks and ideas from some of the leading luxury hotels of the region. The list is not exclusive and as I receive more information from hotels I will add them on.

Since this is not a list ordered according to any specific criteria I have listed the Hotels by their town names alphabetically.

La Mirande – Avignon

La Mirande is literally across the road from the monumental Papal Palace in the centre of Avignon. Over the Christmas and New Year period they have several offers.

The first is a pre-Christmas offer with a festive market with Artisans, animations for Children, tasting of Christmas fare by the hotel’s chef, wine tasting, mulled wine, waffles all in and around the hotel. All this and One night in a Large Deluxe Double room, a buffet breakfast. The afternoon Christmas “goûter” served in the patio of La Mirande and the Christmas present from La Mirande made by one of the artisans at the artisan’s market.

From the 14^th to the 16^th December Prices from 305€ for two

And for Christmas day a 7 course Christmas dinner, one night with buffet breakfast included from 547€ for two.

L’Abbaye de La Celle – La Celle en Provence

The first of two of Alain Ducasse’s Inns on our list, in the heart of La Provence Verte, here is a Christmas offer for Gourmets.

3 nights in a superior room (upgrades possible according to availability. All breakfasts. Cocktails on your arrival. Christmas gifts and a personalised welcome in room. A Gourmet dinner on Christmas Eve with two starters, two main courses cheese and dessert.   A Gourmet lunch on Christmas Day with two starters, two main courses cheese and dessert.

Prices from 1 195€ for two.

Hotel Crillon le Brave – Crillon le Brave

Perched at the top of the hilltop village of the same name here is one of the most romantic settings in Provence to spend a gourmet Christmas. Over Christmas there will be cooking classes, a concert on the 23^rd and their special Christmas gourmet offer.

One night including breakfast and either Christmas Eve dinner or Christmas lunch for two.

Prices from 299€ for two.

La Bastide de Gordes – Gordes

With an access to the stunning hilltop town of Gordes enjoy the New Year with gourmet delights and the Luxury Spa.

3 nights in a double room.  3 breakfasts.  New Year’s Eve Gourmet Dinner.  1 Dinner (Bastide Menu)

Access to the Open Spa: Chromatic pool, Jacuzzi, hammam and fitness room.

From 705,50€ per person

Le Couvent des Minimes – Mane en Provence

Nestled in La Haute Provence discover « another » Provence based at Le Couvent des Minimes

1 night in a double room. A selection of Christmas treats in your room. Buffet breakfast. A choice of either Dinner on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day lunch both at the Le Clôitre gourmet restaurant. Prices start at 240€ per person

La Bastide de Moustiers - Moustiers Ste Marie

The other Alain Ducasse Inn on our list, the setting of this hotel near the village of Moustiers Ste Marie is perfect for Christmas. The offer is nearly identical to that of L’Abbaye de La Celle.

3 nights in a superior room (upgrades possible according to availability. All breakfasts. Cocktails on your arrival. Christmas gifts and a personalised welcome in room. A Gourmet dinner on Christmas Eve with two starters, two main courses cheese and dessert.   A Gourmet lunch on Christmas Day with two starters, two main courses cheese and dessert.

Prices from 1 235€ for two.

If you would like more information on Christmas and New year offers contact us using the link on the right.