Ellen & Philip

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ellen — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 16:29:06 +0000

Abbaye de Senanque

ellen — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 03:14:33 +0000

The Abbaye de Senanque is a functioning 12th-century Cistertian abbey very close to Gordes. The monks sing a Vespers service in the chapel every night at 6pm, open to the public. The architecture, aesthetic, texture, acoustics, and history of this scared space make it a truly extraordinary experience.

Stretching out from the abbey buildings is a valley of lavender fields, which are in full flower and fragrance during the summer, and harvested in July and August.

Bonnieux

ellen — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 01:33:04 +0000

The village of Bonnieux is perched on a narrow, steep ridge, rising up from the valley opposite Lacoste to the 12th-century Catholic church at the top with its high, pointed steeple. You can access the church via 86 steps near the top of the village. Take a hike from bottom to top, winding up through the narrow streets, passing in arched tunnels beneath the houses, up the 86 steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view, shaded by tall pine trees and centuries-old cedars.

Gordes

ellen — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 12:33:46 +0000

Gordes is a gorgeous village perched on the southern edge of the high Plateau de Vaucluse. The stone buildings built in tight against the base of the cliffs and perched on the rocks above glow in the morning sun and especially in late afternoon. You can stop to take in the view on the way to 6pm vespers at the Abbaye de Senanque.

For a longer visit, park at the top, explore the 12th-century castle, walk down through the narrow streets, past a stunning church, and wind around to several viewpoints — a southern panorama out across fields and forests and small perched villages to the mountains, including Lacoste, Bonnieux, and Rousillon.

Market day is Tuesday.

See & Do

ellen — Sun, 14 Jul 2013 21:01:08 +0000

Get ready to enjoy all the wonders that Provence and the Luberon have to offer — spending time here is a feast for all five senses and your spirit. Our favorite thing to do is simply relax and soak it all in. Simply enjoy the weekend’s events and places… If you are planning a longer stay and looking for suggestions, Luberon.com has an extensive list of local sights and activities, and here are some of our favorites:

Abbaye de Senanque

Vespers Service at 6:00pm every day.

Lacoste

ellen — Sat, 13 Jul 2013 20:59:25 +0000

Lacoste is the hilltop village where it all began, when Ellen attended Lacoste School for the Arts in 1992. The school is now part of the Savannah School of Art & Design — you’ll see signs on the dorms, studios and galleries as you explore the village. Dating back to the 12th century, Lacoste stood out as one of the few Protestant villages in a valley of Catholic strongholds.

Spend hours on the terrace at the Café de la France with its sweeping view of the valley, or walk up through the village to the the top where you can explore the partially renovated ruins of the Marquis de Sade’s castle. It has been under renovation since the 1950s, first by one man as a labour of love, then as a UNESCO project and now by the fashion designer Pierre Cardin, who also presides over an arts festival in July and August.

Morning Markets

ellen — Fri, 12 Jul 2013 03:03:28 +0000

There is a different local market every day in the valley where you can find delicious lavender sachets, antiques and gifts for everyone back home. If you can muster the energy early Sunday morning, you won’t want to miss the Coustellet on Sunday before joining us for brunch! You can also find more extensive listings and info on Luberon.com.

Sunday: We love going to the Coustellet market for the freshest local everything. All goods and produce sold in the market must be grown or made within 10 kilometers. Go across the street on the north side of the N100 for antiques, Mitzi’s chicken man, and a cheesemonger with Roquefort that will change your life.

If you’re a real antiques lover, you might want to bypass Coustellet for the market at L’Ile-sur-la-Sorgue, also on Sunday morning.

Saturday: Apt, more town than village, is the largest market in the area. You’ll also find shops of all kinds and Harry’s favorite wine shop, the Cave de Septiér.

Monday: Cavaillon

Tuesday: Gordes

Wednesday: There is a small market at the Cave Cooperative in the Bonnieux valley, where you can also stop in for some wine tasting.

Thursday: Ménerbes

Friday: Bonnieux

Rent Bicycles

ellen — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 20:30:28 +0000

Exploring the valley on two wheels is exhilarating, especially on the hills! You can rent bicycles by the day or for your entire visit at Sun-e-bike in the village of Bonnieux. They will also have maps and directions for for both road and trail riding.

To See & Do

ellen — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 21:19:28 +0000

Get ready to enjoy all the wonders that Provence and the Luberon have to offer — spending time here is a feast for all five senses and your spirit. Our favorite thing to do is simply relax and soak it all in, and we invite you to do the same in sharing the experience of the weekend’s events and places.

If you’d like to explore a bit or you’re planning a longer stay in the area, here are some of our favorite highlights. For even more information, download this list of Mitzi and Harry’s suggestions — including restaurants, sightseeing, and markets. Luberon.com also has an extensive list of local sights and activities.

Schedule of Events

ellen — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 18:25:32 +0000

Thursday, September 19

Harvest Moon
The full moon over the valley is spectacular and definitely worth taking that extra day off work! We will have an informal dinner gathering, details TBD, so please send us a note if you’ll be in the area. For the astronomically curious, the Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox September 22 — the first day of fall when the sun shines directly on the equator and the length of day and night is nearly equal.

Friday, September 20

Rehearsal Dinner (for all guests)
6:30pm*
Maison de la Truffe et du Vin du Luberon
1 Place Horloge
Ménerbes, France
* Allow time for parking in the municipal lot at the bottom of the hill and a 10-minute stroll up through the village of Menerbes — longer if you stop to enjoy the views! We will also have transportation to the top for anyone who prefers to ride.

Saturday, September 21

Wedding Ceremony
4:00 pm*
Abbaye-St. Hilaire
Rue de Lacoste
Ménerbes, France
* Please arrive early to allow time for parking, and be prepared for a 10-minute walk down to the Abbaye on a slightly steep path. The Provençal countryside is un peu sauvage! Even better, early guests will have more time to explore the grounds of this breathtaking 13th century Carmelite monastery.

Reception, Dinnner and Dancing
Domaine de Pibernet
Chemin de Gaillargues
Bonnieux, France

Dress: Provençal fabulous. Semi-semi-formal. Have fun with it, we love your style! Jackets and ties? Only if they don’t constrict.

Sunday, September 22

Brunch
12:00 pm
Domaine de Pibernet
Chemin de Gaillargues
Bonnieux, France