La Feniere — near Lourmarin -Excellent dining experience. Provencal inspired dishes. One of the best "restos" around.
Chez Bru — in Eygalieres — Excellent meal — inventive — has a nice casual feel. La Petite Maison — in Cucuron — The chef Eric Sapet is a master — he has a great pedigree of having worked for many top chefs but remains very open and friendly in his own restaurant.
He is often mingling with the guests and talking about his preparations, the area, his favorite wines, etc. La Closerie — in Ansouis — a small little restaurant with wonderful, simply but perfectly prepared meals. Has become a local favorite so call days in advance for reservations. I am French and was born and raised in another lovely region of France. It is also easy and fast to get to from Paris, where I usually land when I travel to France from the U.
When I go to Provence and stay in Lourmarin—which is perfectly located for such a visit—my favorite things to do and see are:. Peter Mayle has chosen to live there—so read some of his books before going! Visiting the Luberon National Park itself where the mountains are covered with forests and the plains are filled with vineyards, olive trees, and fields of lavender which is a tremendous color and fabulous aroma. Going to all the outdoor markets, especially the ones in Lourmarin, Aix, and Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, where there is also a famous antique market every Sunday.
Visiting Arles where van Gogh lived and painted. Visiting Cassis and putting your toe in the Mediterranean Sea. Seeing the Pont du Gard. Visiting Aix-en-Provence where Cezanne lived and painted. A day in Cassis with a visit to the Calanques 2. Exploring the villages of the Luberon on market day. Favorites include Lourmarin, Cucuron, Bonnieux. Isle sur Sorgues on a Sunday for the market and Antique market.
