If you are going to the Provence in the spring or summer, consider staying in the lovely village of Lourmarin, which was the home of French philosopher Albert Camus and where he is buried. Lourmarin is in the Luberon region of the Provence. It can be very touristy in the summer but don’t let that put you off. The Luberon has an immense natural park, quiet back roads and ancient abbeys where solitude reigns.
Although there are enough places to stay in the village of Lourmarin, one of the very best is the Auberge la Fenière, a gourmet restaurant and boutique hotel run by chef Reine Sammut, a well-known chef in France. Her cooking – a blend of Provençal and Mediterranean – is simply irresistible. Reine shies away from traditional Provençal cuisine which can be very heavy; she says that people today travel a lot and in her own experience – living in different parts of the Mediterranean – bringing influences from Sicily and Malta together with Provençal cuisine creates food that appeals to our modern tastes.
The boutique hotel consists of:
(1) The Inn: seven rooms decorated by local craftsmen with views over the Durance Valley. Rates start at 230 EUR for a double room.
(2) The Farmhouse: four rooms in the former post house. Rates start at 150 EUR for a double room.
(3) Bellevue: five rooms with a view over the valley. Rates start at 320 EUR for a double room.
The auberge also has combination packages for people who want to have breakfast and/or a meal at the restaurant.
If you don’t stay at the auberge, you can still enjoy lunch or dinner at the gourmet restaurant. Be aware that it is closed in the winter months. If you love to cook, inquire about their cooking classes.
Route de Cadenet
84160 Lourmarin
France
+33 (0)4 90 68 11 79
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