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Le Petit Reve, our pied a terre, is truly our dream come true--a comfortable, modern apartment lovingly furnished to harmonize with the Provencal location, yet provide convenience and affordability.
Lourmarin has great cafes, tea rooms and restaurants, but there's a small well-equipped kitchen in the apartment with an open plan that has enough space to prepare your own food--if you want to! In the living-dining room, there's a sliding door to a small terrace where you can dine al fresco on warm days. The bedroom has lots of storage space for your clothes--after all, we live here, too! And the bathroom is large and modern with a full-size tub, shower, sink/vanity and towel warmer. The toilet is in a separate room, which the French call "Le Petit Coin".
There are lots of books and CDs to enjoy in your free time (if you have any) , and a collection of foreign movies (French and Italian) with English subtitles, plus a few Woody Allen DVDs for variety. These can be played on the lap-top computer in the apartment.
(There's also a TV for viewing French programs). We are in the process of getting WIFI in the apartment; we already have added a land line that can be used for local calls.
Parking is on level ground and right near our building. There are supermarkets and discount stores out of town, but you don't actually have to leave town to find whatever you might need. A small grocery store and a great bakery are a short walk away. You'll find a tea room and pharmacy right around the corner.
We are an American couple currently living in Upstate New York. Originally from New York City, we moved to "the country" in 1971, to a farmhouse where we could enjoy a flower and vegetable garden, rural scenery and fresh air. Not content to stay put, though, we have traveled to Europe as much as we could afford over the past 42 years, especially to Italy and France.
When we discovered Lourmarin a few years ago, we knew we had to come back again and again. This part of France had the added plus of having an Italian flavor--literally and figuratively. Don't forget--olive oil is better for your health than butter!
If visiting France only means "Paris" to you, you should also check out this part of the country. Lourmarin, in particular, is friendly and receptive to tourists. It has its own chateau, with wonderful concerts in summer. There are several excellent art galleries and boutiques--and gourmet restaurants. It also has one of the best outdoor markets in all of Provence. It will take you exactly one minute to get to this market, which happens year round, every Friday.
From our apartment you can easily walk to your choice of beautiful country roads to admire the olive trees, cherry orchards and vineyards. There are also dozens of wonderful little villages to discover that are 10 minutes to a half hour away by car.
But again, we think Lourmarin is exceptionally attractive and easy to negotiate, and the best village in Provence! Indeed, it has been designated one of the most beautiful villages in France. Albert Camus loved it too. (He's buried in the local cemetery).
We took the plunge and bought this apartment in the summer of 2006. It's primarily for us, but we would be glad to share it with others who would appreciate the opportunity to really live in France--if only for a week or two!
We have lots more pictures and information, so feel free to email or phone us. And there's comprehensive information on the area in our handbook, which you will find in the apartment, along with a copy of "Provence Byways" and many other guidebooks. In addition, the Lourmarin Tourist Office is two minutes from Le Petit Reve. We also have an English-speaking friend who lives 10 minutes away who is available to help you find anything you might need in the area.
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