I have recently returned from my vacation (Sept.11 - Sept. 25) in the South of France. This was a 50th birthday present to myself. After reading Peter Mayle's Year in Provence (and then evey other book he wrote), I had a dream of experiencing Provence for myself. Along with 3 friends, I booked a villa in a small town, 20 minutes outside of Aix-en-provence, called Trets. The villa was appropriately called Villa Pervenche (periwinkle) after its periwinkle shutters. The villa was the epitome of a provencial villa in an idyllic location. At the end of our quiet street was a magnificient view of Montagne Ste-Victoire (one of Cezanne's favorite views).

Our villa was beautifully decorated and had all the amenities that one would want in home away from home. We were met at the villa by M. & Mme. Gremy, who warmly welcomed us and gave us a thorough tour of the home. There were 4 large bedrooms with very comfortable beds. A lovely bathroom (with a seperate WC ), a cozy living room and dining room (all decorated in a light and airy cream colour). We had a lovely backyard with a patio and a pool -------- the weather was beautiful and we swam everyday when we weren't travelling. There was also an herb garden in the backyard and a fig tree that bore delicious fruit (I made some wonderful desserts with them).

One of the reasons I wanted to rent a villa was to be able to cook. Yes------- I love to cook when on vacation. I was not disappointed by the kitchen at our villa. It was the perfect size with wonderful appliances, plenty of cookwear and staples.