Hi all,
I have been trying to do some serious researching, evaluating before asking some questions. My last question concerned Grignan and the Drome as a possible base, but for practical reasons we are now circling in on easier access to Avignon.We are interested in all that the small, beautiful villages have to offer, eating some great cuisine and seeing Roman ruins as well. Anyway, has anyone stayed at La Cordiere, operated by Francoise Henry in Lourmarin? It is in town,looks very charming and homey, and is recommended by the Winns of Provence Byways. Also, Mas Pomona has terrific reviews. Obviously two different kinds of ambiance-in town versus more relaxed country-type surroundings.Your feedback is so appreciated, you are all thoughtful and desire to guide us into memorable stays and experiences in France (or wherever). can't say enough good about you.
Merci, Peggy

This message has been edited. Last edited by: TourMama,

Yes! My friend and I stayed at La Cordiere in Lourmarin in March of 2008. It is a studio apartment and was very roomy, clean and nicely decorated. The kitchen was well stocked and easy to use.

The bathroom was a little strange. The shower curtain around the bathtub did not fit quite right so it was a little chilly and water got on the floor. We stayed for a week and we did figure out how to prevent some of the water on the floor.

There was no washing machine, as was promised on the website, however, Francoise did all of our laundry for us.

We really enjoyed the village of Lourmarin! We went for a wine tasting at the town coop and found they were very generous with their tastings and it was free. We did buy several bottles of wine before we left.

The man who ran the village grocery market was very friendly and we enjoyed talking with him. We also went to Lourmarin's weekly outdoor market and enjoyed buying some items for lunch.

Lourmarin was conveniently located to drive to other villages that we wanted to see. Francoise even provided a small garage to park our rental car.

If you have other questions, I would be happy to help.

Laurie

Hi Peggy.

We stayed at La Cordiere for a week in April of 2006. We really loved the town of Lourmarin very, very much, and La Cordiere is a lovely establishment. You can read my review here on the SlowTrav main site. However, I did not recommend this establishment for one very important reason for us. There was no hot water in the afternoons or evenings. This was an important issue for us. Perhaps it was just an aberrancy, but if you decide to look in to staying there, I would talk to Francoise first about the hot water situation. Hopefully it has changed.

Did you check out some of our other reviews for rentals in Lourmarin here, here, here, and here? Best of luck (and fun) planning.

We've been very happy at Les Olivettes in Lourmarin. Lourmarin is a beautiful village.

I can't speak about the specific places youo mention, but I can tell you that Lourmarin is a lovely village with a fantastic market. At the center is the main street, lined with cafes--touristy, yes (watch out for Peter Mayle, whom I believe still lives there), but an infinitely charming way to spend an hour or two over lunch. You mention wanting to be close to Avignon; I obviously don't know your reason, but I'm one of those who finds Avignon singularly lacking in charm or interest, unless you like big, empty palaces. Once you're outside the walls, it's downright ugly; every region needs some place for entrepots and big-box stores, and Avignon got the honors. It's geographically well centered, but that's about it. If you're interested in Roman ruins, you might consider looking just a tad further north, around Vaison la Romaine or Orange, or going a bit west to Arles.

St Remy isclose to alot of famous ruins.

quote:

I obviously don't know your reason, but I'm one of those who finds Avignon singularly lacking in charm or interest, unless you like big, empty palaces. Once you're outside the walls, it's downright ugly; every region needs some place for entrepots and big-box stores, and Avignon got the honors.

Jeri, welcome to ST. I do agree that Avignon is not as charming as the other Provence towns like Arles, St Rémy, etc. For me Avignon is the TGV-to-rental car town, no more.

Mas Pomona is lovely (we visited it once), but I would recommend Lourmarin as a better village from which to base. You will enjoy your down time in Lourmarin, as it has a great weekly market, nice shops, and plenty of cafes. It is ideal. We once rented there from the Winns - an apt. they owned.
I would also consider the villages near Avignon and Mont Ventoux, the Rhone wine villages of the Dentelles de Montmirail, including Gigondas. And Vaison la Romaine. Although I don't recommend Avignon as a base, after many visits, this is the area that we like best. It's great.
Linda

Hi All,
We have decided to stay in St. Remy, at Masbellevue. I appreciate all of your good input which helped us to evaluate Avignon, Lourmarin and the different points of interest. Thanks for all your help.
Merci, Peggy

St Rémy is a great choice.

Have a wonderful trip Peggy. I hope you return and tell us about your trip. Don't forget to do a review.

I can recommend La Cordiere...it is as you say it looks "very charming and homey". Parking was a bit of a problem but while we were there work was being done at the front entrance to provide some on-site parking.
There is plenty to see and do in Lourmarin and the surrounding villages.
I believe le cathedrale d'Images at les Baux de Provence is featuring Australia this year ...it might be worth a look :-)
Jamtart.