We have finally decided on where to spend the winter (January through March) -- Provence! I hear it is beautiful and should have a reasonably mild winter.

I've gone through a lot of the vacation reviews, but thought I would post for advice as well. Does anyone know of a place in Provence that has high-speed internet access? I particularly liked Kaydee's place, but we also need somewhere that accepts dogs and they apparently do not.

I'd welcome any other tips on staying there as well. TIA!

I don't have any specific recommendations for you, but I have been looking for a place with Internet in Italy and found this website:
holiday-rentals.co.uk

The good thing about it is that it lets you put Internet access in as a search option. It might also have an option for pets -- I don't recall, since I wasn't looking for that, but they definitely have the best search engine of any site I've seen.

- Roz

Hi Tammy,

I think you've made a great choice for a winter stay! We loved our sunny winter months in Provence and were able to hike throughout that time.

I suggest you contact Paolo who is a member of the message board and has a website here: The Luberon. He handles several rental properties and probably knows of many others-- he may be able to offer some suggestions re. your requirements for internet and your dog.

When you say "Kaydee's place," are you talking about the place we rented for our long stay? I know the owner has just put in high speed internet, and it's possible they would consider a pet... it never hurts to ask! (Feel free to mention my name...)

The owner of that house also has a really nice village house in St. Cannat on the south side of the Luberon. The price would be more reasonable if there are just the two of you; this is a larger village that will likely have more activity in the winter. You'd have to ask about your dog and the internet.

High-speed internet seems to be becoming much more widely available in Provence. (It wasn't an option when we were there, but we did use dial up.)

I wondered if you might find a place that is pet-friendly on the Gites-de-France website, though I'm not sure about the internet in these types of properties.

When you are making inquiries, be sure to ask about heat! The utilities may not be included at this time of year, so make sure that there would be adequate heating and what the range of costs will be.

We will be in Bonnieux from March 10 until March 24. We would LOVE to get together and do some hiking and/or share a meal if you are anywhere nearby! And I'd be glad to help you with locations or offer input as you narrow down your choices.

Kathy

You'd have to check with them about pets, but this place in Lourmarin has high-speed internet access in all the apartments. We have an apartment there booked next spring, so I haven't seen it first hand yet. Their winter prices are fantastic!

Roz- That looks like a great site. Lots of choices to browse through! Thanks!

Chris - Your place looks gorgeous! You're right, the winter prices are fantastic. It looks like all their apartments are studio or 1 bedroom. We'd prefer two or three bedrooms, but I'm definitely going to keep it in mind.

Kaydee - Your stay in Provence was actually very inspirational in us deciding to stay there. It sounds like you had such a wonderful time and I love that you can still be so active there during the winter. I was looking at the place you were in for your long stay. It specifically states on their site No Pets, but after your post I decided to inquire anyway. We'll see! I also emailed Paolo. The other site is a bit harder for me to maneuver because you have to pick a particular destination. I am still very new to Provence geography, so I'm a bit lost in their selection, but will hopefully learn more as I go through it.

I would love to get together in March! It would be wonderful to meet you. I'm sure in the meanwhile I may be picking your brain a bit as we are just now starting to learn about Provence and making plans.

I think there are some "combo" options to get more bedrooms. It's worth checking out. Although I haven't stayed there, I have stayed in another property owned by the same people and they are really great!