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Tag Archives: Provence

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Provence in the Fall

13 Tuesday Jun 2017

Posted by anneeuropeantravel in Provencal ways to vacation, Visit Provence

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Fall, Provence, tours, travel planning

The best time to visit Provence is when the tourist season is over, then you can enjoy and relax in the warm sun!.

Each season has its pros and cons. In January the tourists are in the Alps or Pyrenees , in February the mimosa and almonds bloom on the Cote d’Azur . In April and May you can sit outside at restaurants and swim, and within an hour’s drive you can ski at Auron or Isola 2000. By June, the Mistral ( gusty winds) is slowing down and the resorts begin to fill up, walking is safe in the highest mountains. July and August are definitely not the best months to visit, when everything is crowded and temperatures and prices soar and tempers fare!. I will say that it is also the season of great festivals in Avignon, Aix ,Juan les Pins and Nice. Once French school holidays end in early September, prices and crowds decrease with the temperature. In October the temperature is still mild inland and on the coast!.

Planning a trip to Provence this coming fall 2017?

We offer travel planning, Villa rentals, hiring a private chef, nannies and drivers, the best itineraries, wine tasting, truffle hunting. We also offer private tours and small tour groups ( not more than 12 guests).

Visit us online at : http://www.luxurytravelconsultant2.com

Contact information and best way to connect is via email: anne@luxurytravelconsultant2.com.Luxury Travel Consultant2.

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Truffle season in the Luberon is an event not to be missed if you join us for Thanksgiving 2016.

11 Sunday Sep 2016

Posted by anneeuropeantravel in Provencal ways to vacation, Provence Food

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Luberon, Luxurytravelconsultant2.com, Provence, Thanksgiving 2016, Truffle

A brief history of the truffle.

Love of the truffle extends back into the mists of time. We know for sure that a certain Mr Cheops, the incumbent pharaoh 4600 years ago prized it. And 2000 years later Mr Licinius a governor of Carthage , apparently lost 2 teeth when biting into one.

The ancient Greeks and Romans were considered particular aficionados of the truffle. After the collapse of the Roman empire, a black hole opens up in the truffle history. The truffle with its aphrodisiac smell , was anathema to the ascetic churchmen of medieval times. When the Renaissance came along, did the truffle come back into fashion. And then with a vengeance. All the European royal houses were enamoured of it and Maria Theresa was downright  smitten by the Tuber, which she liked incorporated into her omelette.

In France, the truffle hunter is apparently a man’s job ( not anymore, thank you!). Truffle hunting is a clandestine occupation that shuns the limelight and other people. Although much of it is designed is fellow seekers and rivals on the wrong track ( Beware!). After all you have to understand that a truffle grove is a pot of gold.

Thanksgiving 2016 and Truffle hunting in the Luberon.

Something to add to your bucket list. Truffle hunting in one of the most beautiful  location in the Luberon. Experience Provence off the beaten track with one of France’s most traditional and secretive countryside traditions: The truffle hunt! We conduct truffle-hunting tours in English during summer and winter truffle seasons, followed by a sampling of fresh truffle hors d’oeuvres, Champagne, and a tasting of olive and truffle oil. Divine!. Join us for a special afternoon!

The 11 hectares produce grapes, olives, apricots, cherries, plums, apples, pears, pomegranates, figs, almonds, hazelnuts and black winter truffles. We offer truffle-hunting tours of the property when in season. Tours include a sampling of fresh truffle hors d’oeuvres, Champagne and a taste of our organic olive and truffle oil.
The Truffle hunting is included in your tour package.
Departure Dates:
November 19, 2016 – November 26, 2016. ( 12 guests are invited) $ 3,370 ppimages-1
Provence Thanksgiving 2016
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Black diamonds are a serious business in Provence

08 Saturday Aug 2015

Posted by anneeuropeantravel in Provencal ways to vacation

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Black diamond, Luxurytravelconsultant2.com, Provence, Special offer from LTC2, truffle hunting

Truffles and Provence go hand in hand and if you ever take a trip to Provence you have to taste the truffle a prized and elusive fungus , which grows in the oak forests of Vaucluse. It brings diners to gourmet bliss- and is said to drive rival truffle hunters to the occasional gun battle for the precious harvest.

The town of Richerenches takes the truffle so seriously that every January it holds a mass in honor of Saint Anthony, patron of truffle hunters. the mass’s hallmark : Instead of money , worshippers drop truffles into the offertory plate.

Truffle hunting is definitely an old art, part woodcraft and part witchcraft and its techniques are closely guarded. Many truffle hunters can work under cover of darkness to avoid detection, sniff out the quarry with the help of specially trained dogs and pigs.

The famous black diamonds are brought to specialized markets, such as those of Carpentras and Aups, where they are sold through a combination of high stakes bidding and covert pacts.

Not all truffle hunters agree  with the secrecy . Some say it’s a shame to keep such a great and fascinating tradition to ourselves, says third-generation truffle hunter Marc Giardini, who from December to March invites guests at his country B&B ( http://www.leviguier.com , French only) to accompany him on a truffle hunt, then learn how to cook it and enjoy the meal.

The communication with the dogs, the beauty of the mountains on a winter morning, the emotion of unearthing a truffle…. are all part of Provence. It is a passion too precious not to share with someone.

Two very good  truffle restaurants in Provence that I have gone to are Bruno near Lorgues  (www.restaurantbruno.com), which also sells truffle products at its shop and Les Chenes Verts  ( 4-9070-5506) in Tourtour.

Special Offer from LTC2

Join us in October 2015 for a gastronomic tour in Provence.

Anne Suire

anne@luxurytravelconsultant2.com

Truffle, black diamond.

Truffle, black diamond.

I dream of getting married in Provence

25 Monday May 2015

Posted by anneeuropeantravel in Weddings in Provence

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amenities, catering, limousine, Luxury Travel Consultant2, Provence, villa Accommodation, wedding

You want to get married in a very romantic setting where the sun is always bright  and in the summer the sun-soaked landscape turns blue with fields of lavender.

The perfect villa accommodation for you and your guests.

We offer a distinct collection of Luxury Collection Villa Rentals. We offer all comforts and amenities – pool,housekeeping and chef services.

We will accommodate you with one of the best catering company in Provence.

No wedding without a limousine service.

A photographer to capture the memories of a special day!.

For more information contact anne@luxurytravelconsultant2.com

We will make your special day an unforgettable memory!

Travel with us to Provence in the Fall 2015.

www.luxurytravelconsultant2.com

Anne Suire

Let's get married in Provence!

Let’s get married in Provence!

Let's get married in Provence.

Let’s get married in Provence.

Wedding cake to die for.

Wedding cake to die for.

A luxury villa that accommodates 20 guests.

A luxury villa that accommodates 20 guests.

Getting married in Provence.

Getting married in Provence.

Living room....

Living room….

Guest house in Provence for a more affordable price.

Guest house in Provence for a more affordable price.

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Memorable Itineraries, Seven perfect days in Provence

02 Monday Mar 2015

Posted by anneeuropeantravel in Provencal ways to vacation

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Anne Suire Owner, Foraging for mushrooms Provence, Itineraries, Luxury Travel Consultant2, Provence, restaurants, truffle hunting, villa rentals

Memorable Itineraries by Luxury Travel Consultant2 – Luxury Travel Guide for Provence, featuring villa, nightlife, restaurant, interesting sightseeing and our tour recommendations in Provence, 2015.

We have chosen some of France’s most beloved destinations and with the help of our best travel insider in the travel business,  Luxury Travel Consultant2 owner has revealed her secrets, treasures and her experiences. The result is a series of step-by-step trips that will truly surprise and delight those who have never been to the destination before or who have been a few times.

Each of our detailed itineraries have been created and perfected by the company, each can be brought as is with just an email or phone call. Let the true romance begin!

Would you like us to plan a trip for you?, contact us at anne@luxurytravelconsultant2.com

We also offer villa accommodation, private chef, drivers / tour guides and the best itineraries to explore the region.

Want to go truffle hunting or foraging or fishing? we will make it happen for you.

The South of France has never been short of visitors. Its blue Luberon mountains, beautiful coastline, breathtaking lavender fields, and honey stone hilltop villages have truly inspired everyone from Nostradamus to Van Gogh. The Romans had settled in the second-century b.c;  Even the Vatican transplanted here from Rome. Provence is 12,124 miles and six departments. The small towns’ attractions range from Farmer’s markets to world-famous vineyards, famous brocantes, truffle tasting, foraging to fishing in just 7 days, and how to see it leaving the tourist hordes behind. Our trips take place in the early to late spring ( March to June) and early to late Fall to winter ( September – December).

The tours also include scoping out medieval churches and Roman ruins as well as a Provence for Art Lovers or the best historic architecture; we also invite you to taste Provence, drink the wines and eat the food.

Want to explore Provence with the kids or without and go hiking , visit the beautiful beaches, go on a wine tour. Together we can design a great itinerary and skip the hip seaside of the Cote D’Azur in favor of low key and majestic Luberon or The beautiful Camargue, horseback riding, a wonderful dinner at a chef’s table and also a cooking class.

Behind, Luxury Travel Consultant2 is Anne Suire who grew up in France and got to spend time at the family vacation home in Provence. Anne was born and raised in France and moved to the States when she was in her early 20’s. She loves the South of France, the people, the food and the  Provencal culture. For information regarding tours and itineraries, villa rental and more, contact her at anne@luxurytravelconsultant2.com

www.luxurytravelconsultant2.comChambre Cypres 2CHAMBRE 2 ENTREE RTOCHAMBRE 3 SB

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Provence, you cannot help it to just fall in love with the scents of Haute Provence

25 Wednesday Feb 2015

Posted by anneeuropeantravel in Provence Food

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cooperatives, Creme brulee, farms, fougasse, history of the lavender., lavender, Lavender distilleries, Provence

Is it a reflection in the sky or just an illusion created by the sun’s rays, or perhaps nature trying to trick us into believing that the lavender keeps shifting color from a deep blue to mauve. Lavender is truly the soul of Haute Provence said the writer Jean Giono. It has grown wild on the southern slopes of Mount Ventoux and the Lure mountains  and has carpeted vast areas in early summer in various shades of imgres-1imgres-2imgresimgresimgres-1violet and blue. Later, a cultivated variety of lavender was introduced as a crop on the high plateaux and mountain slopes of Provence, much to the satisfaction of the local farmers who needed something to compensate for the decline in cereal production. Today, fields of lavender stretch from the pre-Alps near Gigne to the Valensole plateau.

Flowers and essential oils.

True lavender ( Lavandula angustifolia), which is by far the most widespread variety, grows best at an altitude of 1,970 to 5,200 feet ( 600 – 1,600 m) above the sea level. Spike lavender ( Lavendula Latifolia) on the other hand, prefers higher temperatures and lower altitudes between 650 and 1,625 feet (200 – 500 m). The third type is an hybrid of the 2 previous ones and occupies the area in between , growing 1,300 and 2,275 feet ( 400 – 700 m) above sea level. This true favorite of Provencal gardens is the result of cross-pollination by insects of the two varieties. The oil is of lesser quality of that of true lavender.

When the harvest begins in July just after the buds open and the intoxicating scent of lavender fills all of Provence. Tractors have replaced the pickers but you will occasionally see them carrying wide willow baskets and cloth sacks harvesting the lavender by hand. The lavender is left to dry for two or three days before being transported to the distillery. The essence of genuine lavender is used in the perfume industry and also in cosmetic manufacture. Spike lavender has a smell of camphor and is used for paint and varnish. The hybrid lavender which fragrance is inferior to the genuine lavender is used in detergents and other household products.

Lavender in the kitchen.

Lavender is finding an increasing use in the kitchen. It has been used to flavor honey, candies, sorbets and creme brulees, herbal teas or spicy cakes. It is also in competition with chocolate and vanilla as well as seasonal fruits as an ice cream flavor and even found into main courses. La Fougasse, and oval yeast bread, flavored with lavender and herbs is about conceivable. Actually lavender, thyme, rosemary and savory do have quite a bit in common, just try a leg of lamb roasted and add a few sprigs of lavender over toward the end of its cooking time, it will give the dish a delicious flavor. Lavender is used to reduce blood pressure, heal wounds, have antiseptic and disinfectant properties. Rubbing fresh lavender on your arms and legs will keep insects away. Beekeepers , who collect the Lavender honey, are rarely stung by bees. Also Lavender honey can provide relief for migraine sufferers.

In the summer time lavender festivals are held in its honor all over the country from Vaucluse to the Alps of Haute Provence. Also one in Valensole as well as Digne-Les_Bains and sault. These events take place in August. In Coustellet, the Lavender museum has a very good exhibition of the various types of lavenders. You will also find lavender distilleries, cooperatives and lavender farms that are open to the public.

Travel with us this spring 2015 to Provence.

http://www.luxurytravelconsultant2.com

Anne Suire

In Provence we celebrate with a Pastis, Part 1.

22 Monday Dec 2014

Posted by anneeuropeantravel in Provence Food

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absinthe, aniseed flavor, Arthur Rimbaud, distillers, Jura, pastaga, Pastis, Paul Verlaine, Pernod, Pernod 51 banning, Provence, Ricard

In Forcalquier, a small village built on a hill between the high plateaux of the Luberon and the Lure mountains, and the Durance river. Forcalquier is an appealing little town, steeped in history.

A brief history of Pastis.

While there is nothing absolutely wrong with Kir, one thing is certain : whether you are on the south coast or in northern France, pastis is the most typical aperitif found in French Bistros. And rightly so , if you consider how much this drink has had to endure to gain its place at the bar.

Two hundred and fifty years ago, a liqueur called “Vinum Silatum” was created from fennel and wormwood (absinthe) to quench the thirst of folk in the Mediterranean region. It most recent history begins in 19th -century France.

In 1805, Henry-Louis Pernod, a distiller, settled in Pontarlier, near the Swiss frontiere. Each day, his distilleries produced around four gallons ( 16 liters) of a herb-based spirit with a very high alcohol content. The drink which became very popular and was known as La Fee Verte or Absinthe.

During the Colonial wars in 1830, absinthe was handed to French soldiers suffering from dysentery. The drink had a medicinal effect and it also helped with the soldiers’ thirst and helped them to endure wars.

Drinking absinthe entailed a very special ritual which further enhanced the experience. Water was added to the drink and it trickled through a crystal containing absynthe, which gradually turned cloudy and lost its greenish tinge.

From around 1860 onward, absinthe began to gain a lot of popularity amongst workers and artists alike.  It 72 percent alcohol content made it a very potent brew, often with devastating consequences. Alcoholism increased and had inspired no lesser men that Paul Verlaine, Arthur Rimbaud, Vincent Van  Gogh and Pablo Piccasso, fell into disrepute. In 1915 , absinthe-based spirits were banned in France – A decision that embraced all aniseed-flavored alcoholic aperitifs.

Distillers were extremely reluctant to accept this. They joined forces and after 5 years of protests, managed the government to revoke its ban on aniseed-flavored aperitifs with the proviso that no absinthe would be produced with an alcohol content of exceeding 30 percent. It was not after 1938, following long years of administrative and legal arguments, that pastis was again allowed but permitted an alcohol content of 45 percent. The producers were happy since this was precisely the right amount needed for the aniseed flavor to achieve its full potential.

The story does not end there, however. Absinthe was to be banned once more. A century after being given to French soldiers, it was banned during world war 2 for undermining the troops’ fighting morale . The ban did not last very long and once again was being served in French bars.

Pastis and its extended family.

Pastis means mixture – the individual types of Pastis are the result of different combinations. It is why the individual aniseed- flavored aperitifs  can vary considerably in taste. At the beginning of the 20th-century , a descendant of Henry-Louis Pernod opened distilleries in the Jura region. This is where Pontarlier was first produced, the father of an entire family of Pastis drinks. In 1932, Paul Ricard created his ” genuine Marseille Pastis”,” vrai pastis de Marseille” and in 1951, Paul Pernod entered the arena with his Pernod 51.

As the number of new varieties grew, so,too, did the terminology surrounding the yellow drink, a command of which distinguishes the layman from the connoisseur. You first ask the barman for your usual brand, in other words, a Casa or a 51. If your bartender knows what you like , you simply ask for a glass of Jaune ( Yellow) or Pastaga.  Then you have to refine your request : Flanc means neat Pastis with no water, momie means half measure of the desired label, and 102 means a double Pernod 51.

The Pastis can be mixed with almond, peppermint, or pomegranate syrup or with a combination of all three. Whatever your choice ice-cold water is added to the pastis in the ratio of four (or five) to one.. The water releases the aniseed flavor and causes that milky cloudiness typical of this drink.

Commanding the 35 percent of the domestic market is Ricard, the leading Pastis in France well ahead of Pernod and Pastis 51 ( 9.7 percent), Duval ( 6.5 percent), and Janot ( 0.3 percent). Those results  also reflect the preference of consumers in the South of France for Ricard and Pernod 51 over all other available varieties. The numbers have probably changed in today’s world.

Of Le Petit Jaune, available at French bars, only the Bardouin, Pernod, janot and crystal labels are 100 percent Provencal in origin.

Cheers & Happy holidays and peace on Earth!

http://www.luxurytravelconsultant2.com

Travel with us to Provence and book your trip in January 2015.imgres-1imgres

May 2, 2015 – May 9, 2015. ( 7 nights, 8 days)

10 guests are invited!.

$ 3, 990 per guest.

All inclusive ( air fare not included)

The Provencal Christmas Desserts

18 Thursday Dec 2014

Posted by anneeuropeantravel in Provence Food

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13 christmas desserts, almonds, beaumes-de-Venise Muscat, black nougat, dried figs, Epiphany cake, galette des Rois, gibassier, mendiants, Provence, quince bread, white nougat

The 13 Christmas desserts

They are supposed to symbolize Christ and the twelve Apostles at the last supper. They are the total culmination of what is definitely very much a very traditional meal. The differences between a Provencal Christmas table and what is customary in the rest of France are definitely noticeable in the table decorations. In Provence three white tablecloths overlap each other, symbol of the Holy Trinity. Candlesticks are the completion to a Christmas table arrangement. As far as the food, it is totally true to say that Provence is a country onto itself. Provence offers some traditional dishes such as a vegetable fondue with anchovies or dried salt fish, various Provencal cheeses, followed by cakes and fruit are definitely part of the Christmas table.

They are accompanied by sweet dessert wines from Rasteau or a Baumes -de- Venise Muscat. But what is the real story behind the thirteen desserts which does not include cream and candies on the table. We will start with the four mendiants ( mendicant monks): raisins, the amber color of which is reminiscent of a Dominican  monk’s habit, dried figs, almonds, and hazelnuts or filberts, symbolizing the Franciscan, Carmelite and Augustinian monks.

Then the fresh seasonal fruits, usually pears, apples, mandarins, or oranges, occasionally melons or grapes. Depending on the local traditions and of course of personal taste, these can be followed by nuts or dried other fruits, such as dates or prunes, possibly candied fruits and quince bread. Then the nougat, white and softer, followed by black nougat with its harder consistency, accompanied by a few calissons d’Aix. A very magnificent Gibassier provides the grand finale to this humble banquet. This is a yeast cake with  eggs, flavored with orange and lemon peel and a little bit of orange water. It is still as soft and sweet as in the days when the baker gave it to its customers as a seasonal gift. It is a tradition to break the Gibassier into pieces instead of cutting it.

January is the month of honoring the three white men and once again, the festivities are accompanied by sinful sweetmeats. The Galette des Rois, or Epiphany cake is on sale in every bakery and often served with coffee or tea during a family get- together. Sometimes or even now days it is made with puff pastry and filled with almond cream, or it can take the form of a yeast cake filled with candied fruit and sprinkled with sugar crystals. The latter version is the one favored in the South of France. Tradition requires that it contains a lucky charm, such as a little porcelain figure depicting a particular trade or a biblical figure.

Merry Christmas & peace on Earth from Luxury Travel Consultant2.

Join us in May for a tour to Provence. Visit us online at http://www.luxurytravelconsultant2.com if you have any question email us at anne@luxurytravelconsultant2.com

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Spend your vacation in a dream villa for the right price in France or Italy

01 Monday Dec 2014

Posted by anneeuropeantravel in Provencal ways to vacation

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agencies, amenities, France, immersion, Italy, owners, Provence, Umbria, villa rentals

Anyone who has had a small taste of the sweet life in France and Italy has definitely fantasized about renting an estate in Italy, a chateau in the Loire Valley or a restored farmhouse in Provence .

No hotel stay  can really compare to having a grand European home of one’s own and filling it with great friends and family.

Finding a home can be very simple but choosing the right one with the best value really takes some serious planning.

Owners versus agencies.

First you have to decide whether you want to rent from an owner or an agency. From an owner the price will be lower but also higher risk. With an agency, the converse is true.

With the rise of the Internet, renting directly from an owner has become much easier and more popular. Seasoned renters always go back to a familiar area. After paying a membership fee, owners will post their vacation rentals on the website of companies such as vacation rentals by owner ( vrbo.com) and also homeaway.com. Potential renters can find a gems, such as the perfect villa , one is a six bedroom 15th century house near Cortona with three living rooms and a large pool. This home is listed on vrbo and available at a very decent price!. Also do keep in mind that prices depend on the season.

Removing a rental agency from the equation can reduce the cost up to 40 percent.  Sometimes on occasion, individual owners might be willing to waive the week long rental requirement and allow a shorter visit. Keep in mind that only the owner’s word guarantees that a property is as described. Also the villa may indeed be a very lovely home, but also be in need of a deep cleaning or maybe close to a very noisy road.

In contrast, the best rental agencies hire staff to inspect and choose the finest properties in the region. Also an agency will help renters decide what villa is best suited for their needs, considering children, pets or aging parents. Then, an agent is very useful in helping you choose the perfect place.

If your villa is located not far from a church and that the bells ring frequently some people may see it as a downside. The best agencies will provide lots of material about a house as well as its neighboring villages along with restaurant, shopping and sightseeing information.. Also an agent can solve problems that are not uncommon with a 15th century chateau or rural house.

France and Italy really appear to a lot of travelers such as the warmth of the summer season, the gastronomy, the wines and the sound of the language spoken with romance.

I have read that Provence and Tuscany renters may bump into a lot of Brits and Americans which can reduce the immersive feel. When I take groups to France & Italy, we never bump into English speaking tourists and have local drivers & tour guides take us to very interesting spots!. If you really enjoy authenticity renting a villa is a great choice!.

Books have been a great inspiration for travelers who love both the hill towns of Tuscany , thanks to Frances Mayes’s ” Under the Tuscan sun” but the adjacent rolling hills of Umbria and the wonderful cuisine is also very famous for travelers in search of the ultimate experience. Also most adventurous travelers won’t shy away from rural homes  next door to Umbria.

The classic destinations for villa rentals are Provence, Dordogne, the French Riviera. Languedoc -Roussillon in Southeast, France is starting to get more attention  but is still a sleeper hit.Great food and very good wines from Marsanne, grenache and Syrah grapes. Also a lot of little towns and hamlets surround historic cities such as Nimes and Carcassonne.

The best time to visit France & Italy is before summer and after summer. I will take groups in May, June, September and October.  July & August are high season, so try to avoid the hordes of tourists heading down the coast ( Provence). Restaurant reservations, hotels are in full swing and it hard to walk on crowded streets . If you want to rent a villa , do it 7 to 8 months in advance. Also if your best choice is to be a little further away from the action, because there are many small towns and they never feel crowded, even in July or August.

When renting always make sure that the sleeping arrangements suit the group. Every villa has its very own layout and if a property is listed as sleeping 10 guests, that does not mean that it translates into 5 bedrooms. It can be 10 individuals or 5 couples, also make sure there is a bathroom with each bedroom. Always make sure that the owner or agent describe the property while you look at the photos online.

Amenities.

Every agency or owner must list the amenities such as Linens, washer & dryer access. In France & Italy a daily maid or gardener along with pool maintenance. Other services  can include babysitting, concierge and cooks.

Also remember as an American you can get used to certain comforts but when you are abroad some amenities can be in short supply such as window screens or air conditioning. Many pools may not be large enough for lap swimming. Sometimes internet maybe  not available.

Additional fees will be added for bicycle rentals, a stocked pantry or for fresh linens. You can also have a babysitter watch the kids and it usually runs from $20 to $ 30 an hour in France or Italy.kitchen2vbedroom2vlivFrontView

A deposit is always required to secure a villa rental and payment in full is usually required 90 days before arrival, sometimes even often an owner or an agency will require a security deposit, sometimes they are not refundable. Do not forget to have insurance in case the trip is cancelled. ( Travelguard.com).

Anne Suire

http://www.luxurytravelconsultant2.com

” Anne had done her homework with regards to the house, grounds, amenities and cleanliness of this wonderful home. The entire group really enjoyed themselves. It was peaceful, beautiful and well orchestrated.  It was a home, private pool and guest house in a very beautiful setting”

Kate & Ted Smith , San Francisco.

Flavors and colors of Provence.

09 Sunday Nov 2014

Posted by anneeuropeantravel in Uncategorized

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2015, Anne Suire, bouillabaisse, cultural experiences, Epicurean, France, Gordes, Gourmet Tour, Italy, La Camargue, Les Bories, Luberon National Park, Luxury Travel Consultant2, Marseille, May 2- May 9, Provence, Roussillon, Tour planner, Travel Concierge, Truffle farm, Villa Accommodations, wine tasting

Romance heats up in Provence and this  destination is truly an affair to remember.

About the Luberon.

Signposted like an open-air museum, the Luberon Regional Park attracts hordes of hikers. The mountains between Cavaillon & Manosque are thick with Guarrigues ( scrublands) and olive groves, and dotted with caves, castles , abbeys and picturesque villages with magnificent views. One of them is Bonnieux where our trip will take place.

About the Viila.

Large renovated and air conditioned stone house located on a vast private property with view near the famed hilltop Luberon village of Bonnieux.

This comfortable and spacious  house opens to a large, beautiful garden with view, pool, and outdoor dining. The property is designed for modern comfort on the inside and simplicity and beauty of outdoor living in the garden.

This beautiful property will accommodate 10 guests and will be your home for 8 days and 7 nights.

The staff will include :

-A private chef ( Continental breakfast, lunch & dinner ) included as well as 3 bottles of wine per dinner.

– Drivers / Tours guides ( Transfers/ touring the region).

Activities:

-Hunt for the black truffles at a gorgeous farm in Luberon.

– Meet a truffle hunter and learn how they train the truffle dogs.

– Sample truffle snacks served with  champagne and local olive oil.

– Tour the vineyards, olive groves and behives.

– Purchase Provencal products to take home.

– Cooking class with local chef ( meeting at the market’s coffee shop).

– 9:30 am visit of the market and selection of products.

– 10:30 am back at your kitchen, let’s get cooking!

– 12 ( noon) enjoy your meal.

LA BOUILLABAISSE IN MARSEILLE.

– Visit to the old Port and have lunch in Marseille and enjoy the famous Bouillabaise 

–  ( one glass of wine per guest as well as coffee).

–Visiting the region.

-Our tour will take us to La Camargue, and stop at L’Abbaye de Montmajour. Also we will tour the Luberon and all its famous hilltop villages. La Maison des Bories  ( a hamlet  consisting entirely of restored bories  ( Dry-stoned igloos )outside the village of Gordes.

-Another stop in the Ocher cliffs of the Roussillon. Legend has it that the wife of a noble man threw herself from the top of the cliffs after her husband forced her to eat her dead lover’s heart. The earth turned scarlet with her blood, and the rocks and village were left with a permanent rosy glow.

Avignon, Chateauneuf du Pape and much more.

May 2, 2015 – May 9, 2015.

The Villa in Bonnieux.

The Villa in Bonnieux.

Provence.

Provence.

images-1pistou_soup3_500a

-$ 3, 990 per guest. ( Air Fare not included)

– We have Paypal and accept credit cards & checks.

-For more information, go to our website http://www.luxurytravelconsultant2.com and Email us at anne@luxurytravelconsultant2.com

-Planning a trip to Provence with friends or family, Anne Suire is a travel concierge & travel planner to France & Italy.

Anne Suire

Travel Concierge & Tour planner.

 

 

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