We're going back to Provence this summer. We've visited there many times over the last twenty years, usually for three weeks each year. We stayed at Mas Pichony, a Chambre d'Hote near Pernes les Fontaines for a number of years. It was very comfortable and just the place if you want the "in the middle of the vineyards" experience. It's in between the Pernes les Fontaines and St Didier, with very friendly and helpful hosts. The rooms are spacious and well kept. The communal area is beautifully decorated like a large country kitchen/dining room, and the terrace is the quintessential stone terrace shaded by large Plane trees. They also have a nice big pool and a cabana. Their website is
http://www.maspichony.com/
One year we happened on Sablet by accident and the following year we rented a small house by the church. Being new to holiday house rentals, we assumed that the house would meet a "normal" standard of size, furnishings and equipment. That was a mistake. It was clean and tidy, but so small and best described as very, very basic.
We liked the village very much and looked around quite a lot. The village is a regular French working village, with people who go to work everyday from their homes there. Since first staying there, we have come to know some of the shop keepers, who remember us and remember the things we like to buy, and even though there have been a lot of changes in the time we have been visiting. Sablet is very central as we like to do a lot of day tripping to our various points of interest.
For the last five years we have rented a house, also next to the church. It is Maison des Pelerins and it was a find. It has lots of space, wonderful views, a charming little garden and a beautiful kitchen that is equipped as well as my kitchen at home. A couple of years ago, the bedrooms were fitted with air conditioners That was nice for hot nights or afternoon naps. This house is always spotless and so well cared for, it is like coming home each time we stay. The owners are very helpful and always want to make sure that we are comfortable. It was easy for us to reserve and we got an arrival package full of information. The website is
http://www.sablethome.com/.
Provence has so much to enjoy, we have stayed in a number of towns and villages over the years. There are surprises like finding a "beach" just outside Pernes les Fontianes. We were intrigued and had to take a look. It was a man made lake with a beach, but what an enjoyable hidden away little oasis. It's fun to go exploring.