La Bonbonnière

In the 18th century, a small box often made of porcelain or silver, filled with sweets was referred to as a bonbonnière.  Gradually the word also came to refer to a sweet but snug dwelling and, as in this case, a small apartment decorated with taste.

Our apartment, La Bonbonnière, is located in the heart of one of the most charming villages in Provence, Lourmarin.  Listed as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France" and considered the cultural capital of the Luberon,  Lourmarin is filled with cafés, galleries, shops, and restaurants as well as historic sites and a vibrant cultural arts scene.  Yet, it remains a town where 1100 people live and work year round.

In La Bonbonnière, you are just steps away from the daily activities of this colorful village, but our secluded entrance and private courtyard create a tranquil ambience.

Located on the rue de la Juiverie, the oldest street in the village--really more of a lane than a street--and just below the remains of an 11th century fortress where a 17th century clock tower now stands, you may feel as if you have been transported back in time.  Yet a perfectly steeped cup of tea and a fabulous meal can be found just a few doors down.

On Friday mornings, you can walk to the market, one of the nicest in the area, where you will find an outstanding selection of Provençal products, running the gamut from traditional fabrics and pottery to local honey, jams, and herbs to hand-crafted baskets and chairs.

In the summer months, the size of the market swells, musicians abound and an expanded array of vendors arrives to sell, for example, freshly harvested lavender and newly released wines from Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

The mood is lively and festive, the sounds are alluring, and the scents are inviting and difficult to resist.  We usually bring lunch back to La Bonbonnière.  A basket hangs on the hook just inside La Bonbonnière door--fill it with a warm rotisserie-cooked chicken with flame-roasted potatoes, vegetables, olive oil, cheeses, olives and tapenade, and country breads.

Don’t forget the obligatory baguette (tucked under your arm).  Enjoy your feast al fresco in the private courtyard.

La Bonbonnière lies behind a large green Provençal door, through a short passage way, and into our courtyard.  Upon entering the apartment, one finds a spacious living room, charming dining room, and well-equipped kitchen, all attractively appointed.

Up the spiral staircase, one sees the large inviting bedroom, with a queen-sized bed, and a cozy alcove, in which a twin bed is found.  The bathroom is on this floor.  Our apartment is recently renovated, freshly painted, newly furnished, and fully equipped, including linens.

There are games, books, and a CD player, but no television.

Our apartment sleeps three.  Unfortunately, it is not handicap-accessible.

Lourmarin is the perfect base from which to visit Provence.  Just a short drive away are the major historic cities of the region--Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Arles, St. Rémy, Apt, Marseille--as well as picturesque perched villages, Roman ruins, and famous beaches such as Cassis and St. Tropez.

One is never far from a market for every day of the week, memorable food and wine, hiking, biking and simply moving at a slower pace.  There are stunning landscapes of olive groves, vineyards, forests, and wild herbs, dotted with the occasional borie and highlighted by the famous Provençal light.  And the people are warm, welcoming, and quite forgiving when one’s repertoire of French words is limited.

Rates

April - October	650 euros/week
November - March	550 euros/week

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