I don’t think I can say a lot more about the landscape of Provence – so many have rhapsodized about it. A really fun book to read sometime is Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence – about his journey from life in London as an advertising exec to life in the Luberon region of Provence. Quite a leap of faith, but this country inspires faith.
We are staying at simply the most beautiful B&B we’ve ever been, or at least one of the top 3. It is Chateau Talaud, and their Web site really doesn’t do it justice, so here are some photos that other guests have posted on TripAdvisor. The main house is quite large, divided into two areas – one for the couple who own and run the place, and the other side for guests. The Chateau is now owned by a very pleasant Dutch couple, Hein and Conny Deiters-Kommer, who have enhanced and cared for this property with much love and grace that permeates every step.They own two big Sharpei dogs – sisters – who are friendly and who prance around to greet the guests, then settle down on one of the little dog beds placed in the front yard where guests are taking the sun in one of the loungers. It is so quiet – you can only hear the trickle of water from the fountain feeding the pool, or the whoosh of the Mistral blowing through the leaves of the tall trees.
Across the little driveway that borders the main house and the guest houses, there are acres of vineyard – Hein has also created a thriving wine business. His wines have evidently won a number of awards, and he is currently marketing and exporting them to, of all places, Africa. We will be tasting some of them Wednesday night at a dinner at the main house.
[Vivian, as a sidenote: I the first morning we were here, and were having our breakfast at a sunny table on the front lawn, I asked Conny what was her favorite espresso maker. I had noted that in our apartment, she has carefully placed only the finest, from table linens to china (Villeroy & Boch) to comforters, so I knew she would have an opinion. She loves her - guess what? - Nespresso machine! She raved about it - says she has had it for 2 years, it's so clean, makes great coffee, never has had a problem with it ... I don't know ... we may yet become Pod People ...]
I really love this place – here is a picture of the apartment in which we’re staying, the Talaud. It is quiet, tastefully decorated with the finest, and every detail has had loving attention. Conny says they are booked for the next 8 months … I don’t doubt it for a minute.
