Which terrace for lunch? Straight out from the kitchen to enjoy the wonderful view across to the Luberon hills, or next level down under the productive grapevine, or down another set of stairs to the small table under the amazing pine tree. Such minor existential questions occupied our minds for the nearly 3 weeks we spent at Jean Marie’s house in Ménerbes. Such a charming family home to enjoy, and from which to explore the multiple delights in the region. While a tourist destination, somehow Ménerbes - at least in the time we were there - seems to avoid the awful tourist overrun of other attractive neighbouring towns such as Roussillon and Lacoste. We went to accomplished classical concerts in Château de Lourmarin, weekday markets that ranged from small size with local farmers selling their own produce to the amazing cornucopia that is the market at L’isle sur la Sorgue, to brilliant sculpture at Château La Coste, and to wonderful hikes in the cedar forests and elsewhere in the beautiful environs of Ménerbes. A true richness of experience.
All of this while staying in such a delightful home that we were so happy to return to each day, hopping into the small pool to cool off and unwind. The house reflects lives well travelled with interesting and clearly much loved furniture, artefacts and an ambience that we enjoyed and much appreciated. Thank you Jean Marie for sharing your home, we loved every moment of it.