If you happen to be in Bonnieux, just outside of town , on a beautifully landscape hillside , this country inn breathes such impeccable good taste, La Bastide de Capelongue, Bonnieux. Its beautiful wrought- iron gates open automatically to reveal a flagstone drive punctuated with pretty little trees in iron planters. If you plan on staying in June or July you will always have the smell of lavender, thyme and rosemary surrounding you. The inn’s overall color inside is ivory and raw linen, with warm Salernes tiles floors . The staff is warm and welcomes you home instead of checking in. A fire crackles in the main lounge which is filled with Limewood Louis XIII chairs and couches that are upholstered in raw linen. I would go back to La Bastide for the following reasons. The setting is wonderful and there is a great pool with a very beautiful view of the surrounding mountains of the valley; the food is very good and it is a prefix menu, a five course menu of hearty Provencal dishes. When you are ready to book, make sure that you want a Luxe room. Note that the rooms are small and also avoid the annex building where the rooms are somewhat motel-like.
Le Fournil in Bonnieux. The bistro is in an old bakery and it is the last word in rustic chic. What makes it apart from other places is the food is very delicious and the service is attentive and friendly. The last time I was there we had a great starter which was a mille-feuille of eggplant and tomato. The menu at Le Fournil changes seasonally. I really enjoy my dessert which was a wonderful fig tart with a cinnamon crust, or a selection of goat cheeses – Fresh, salted, herbed and rolled in ashes.
5 Place Carnot, Bonnieux France. 4-90-75-83-62 http://www.lefournil-bonnieux.com
Vernin Carreaux d’Apt.
If you like hand-glazed ceramic tile ,make a stop at the Vernin- carreaux d’Apt . This workshop offers 190 colors to choose from; even special orders are welcome. Route d’Apt; 04-90-04-63-04
Chateau de Mille. This property, which dates to 1238, makes what many considers the best red wines in the Luberon. You can visit the chateau and pick a bottle or two, but BE SURE TO CALL AHEAD. Conrad Pinatel , the wine maker is a cordial host. Chateau de Mille is on D3, a pretty back road between Bonnieux and Apt. 4-90-74-56-82
Anne Suire
Fall Provence Tours/ thanksgiving 2015
10 guests are invited to join us. $ 3,840 pp.
La Bastide de Capelongue
A room at La Bastide de Capelongue
The wrought iron gates at La Bastide de Capelongue
Entrance at La Bastide Capelongue
Le Fournil in Bonnieux
Chateau de Mille
Carreaux d’Apt
Carreaux d’Apt
Lunch at Le Fournil in Bonnieux
