Gordes on a gloomy day in October 2005. This is the last time I was in Provence in the fall.
I’d resigned myself to the fact that trips to France were no longer an option because my husband’s lung disease just won’t allow it anymore, but a few days ago he suggested (again) that I go by myself or with a friend. This time he struck a nerve. I thought about it for all of five minutes before my mind started spinning with possibilities. A few days of furious googling and emailing and my plan is set, accommodations are booked and plane ticket purchased. All that remains is to rent a car.
View My October Provence trip in a larger map
I’ll fly to Marseille in early October for 2+ weeks.
The first week will be in Bédoin in the northern part of Provence. We’ve only been in this part of Provence for brief daytrips, and I’ve wanted to spend some more time exploring the area for a long time.
I found this nice little house right in Bédoin almost immediately and bookmarked it while I went back to see what other possibilities there were. It was soon obvious that this would be my first choice. It has everything I hope for in a rental:
- Central location in a small, but not too small, village with great daytrips in every direction
- A reasonable kitchen and sitting area with a real sofa, not a futon, and tv
- Outdoor space with a view (a balcony AND a rooftop terrace!)
- A separate bedroom
- Laundry facilities
- Wifi
- Even a garage, for pete’s sake!
I’ll spend the second week in Lourmarin. I didn’t have to think about this one, because I’ve been wanting to return since the day we last left in May 2007. I also knew exactly where I wanted to stay, an apartment overlooking the cafes of the Place de l’Ormeau in the center of the village. I’ve never seen the apartment but I spotted it on the website of the owners of two places we’ve stayed before. It’s Le Loft, the second one down on the page.
This one meets all the same requirements except the garage, which isn’t really a requirement anyway. I’ll have a fabulous view of cafe life from the windows, and the cafes just downstairs take care of the outdoor space.
Normally, I can spend weeks researching and dithering to choose a location, accommodations, and dates. I decided four days ago to do the trip sometime this fall, emailed back and forth with the owners of the accommodations to get the availability dates to line up the way I needed and everything was done in three days.
I still can’t quite believe it’s happening, but I am as excited as I’ve ever been about a trip!
I’m really happy for you, Chris! I have been wanting to do a solo trip myself.
You’ve selected some great spots to stay in. I won’t be the same as travelling with Frank but you’ll have a fine time nonetheless. I look forward to the blog posts!
Chris, I am thrilled you will be able to travel back to France again, especially since you thought you might never return. Looking forward to hearing more about your plans.
Chris, I’m so happy for you! And to be returning to Loumarin – perfect. Thanks to your suggestion, that’s where I stayed in 2008 and can exactly picture that apartment, which is just the perfect location. I was there the end of October, and while it was crisp and beautiful with fall colors, I did say to myself that just a few weeks earlier would have been better – just about the time your trip is. Have a wonderful time!
Good for you! It will be interesting to go solo on a Europe trip after so many trips with Frank – I am sure you will miss him. Looking forward to reading all about it.
Chris, I’m really happy that you are going to be able to do this, exciting.
Frank has always been great about this, Marta. We always traveled really well together, and I wish he could come, but I’m looking forward to being able to wander on my own and linger wherever I feel like. There is something to be said for not having to compromise!
Perfect. We spent the second week in October when we were in Provence and it was gorgeous. Evenings got a little cool but all-in-all wonderful time.
Isn’t wonderful when our partners know our passions and suggest that we go on our own when they can not. George made a similar suggestion in 2000. I had been dreaming over a hiking trip to France when he said – why do you go on your own? I had a great time. I also had a great time when I went to the French school for four weeks on my own.
You will miss him – I did. But I also had a wonderful trip exploring on my own and not having to talk/decide what to do. George is a planner – I am more spontaneous. I kinda didn’t want him to arrive on the second trip.
Chris, this sounds like such a wonderful trip. With great accommodations. A fabulous two weeks in Provence (my next favorite place after Italy).
yippee!