Apartment

Experience Village Life in our Bonnieux Apartment

Photo gallery for Experience Village Life in our Bonnieux Apartment

The beautiful village of Bonnieux
Bienvenue... welcome!
Living area
Living area
Looking from the salon to the kitchen

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 61300 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space
    Outdoor Space
  • Mountain view
    Mountain view

Explore the area

Map
Bonnieux, Provence-Alpes-Côte-D’Azur
  • Luberon Regional Park
    1 min walk
  • Sous Les Toiles de Provence
    1 min walk
  • Château de Lacoste
    7 min drive
  • Avignon (AVN-Caumont)
    45 min drive

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Twin Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining Area

About this property

Experience Village Life in our Bonnieux Apartment

We’ve named our apartment “Bonheur en Bonnieux” (Happiness in Bonnieux), because that’s how we feel when we’re here. We hope you’ll feel that same sense of “bonheur” when you live for a week or more in our comfortable and well-equipped apartment and enjoy village life in this beautiful part of Provence.

The buildings are 200+ years old, but our apartment was completely renovated and decorated in 2012 and offered for rentals beginning in April 2013. The newest bedroom was renovated and decorated in 2016. We know sometimes there is a "leap of faith" when renting directly from an owner. We've been leading small group tours in Europe (and in Bonnieux) since 2006, and we're well-known in the travel business. We have many repeat guests and take direct bookings as well as bookings through rental websites. The VRBO listing includes reviews from guests who have enjoyed our home in Provence. We're happy to provide references or to talk with you by phone.

Our 1300 square-foot apartment has three bedrooms and two bathrooms and is ideal for solo travelers, couples, small groups of friends, and small families with older children. You’ll especially enjoy our large, well-equipped kitchen and the adjoining covered terrace where you can enjoy a meal, sip a glass of wine, and observe daily life in Bonnieux.

Our apartment is set on two floors of the building. We have our own front door off a small, conveniently-located pedestrian street in the lower part of the village. In the entranceway there are pegs to hang coats and shopping baskets or to leave dirty hiking boots.

Our newer bedroom suite (with ensuite bathroom) is located off the entranceway. The other two bedrooms, a second bathroom, the living room, kitchen and terrace are located upstairs.

Our newly-decorated, spacious bedroom suite is about 300 square feet. This room is very private with its own bathroom: a toilet and tiny sink in one room and a big shower with the larger sink and mirror in a separate room. The suite has a queen bed and includes a wardrobe, dresser and bed tables with lamps.There's a beautiful, original tiled floor and lots of light from the two windows. The "coffee nook" is a separate area with a cafe table and two chairs, sink, cabinets, Tassimo coffee maker, and hot water kettle... perfect for a morning beverage before joining the rest of the group upstairs. And off this area is a little balcony with a table and two chairs, overlooking the main street.

The rest of the apartment is up a flight of steps from the front door and entrance. This part of the apartment extends across two adjoining buildings and there are a few stairs on this level.

One bedroom has a queen bed and the other bedroom has twin beds; both bedrooms have tall windows that look out across the village and the surrounding countryside. Both bedrooms have plenty of storage space and good reading lights.

The upstairs bathroom is located on a separate level so it's very private, up eight steps from the main level. There is a handrail and nightlights. The tiled bathroom is compact but has lots of natural light (even a little view!), with a toilet, shower, sink and plenty of storage space for your personal items. We have a heated towel bar for stays in the off-season.

The living room has a tall window overlooking the pedestrian street below and includes a comfortable couch and three armchairs; a coffee table; an antique chest; a wide screen television with DVD player and lots of movies; plenty of reading lamps; and a bookcase filled with guidebooks, maps, novels and more. We also have a CD player with an Ipod/Iphone docking station.

The kitchen is a large and bright room with modern appliances and cabinets, lots of counter space, a big round table with four chairs , and a cupboard filled with colorful pottery and glassware. (Two more chairs are available for larger groups.) The kitchen includes a four-burner cooktop, oven, refrigerator and freezer (new!), dishwasher, clothes washing machine, microwave, and Tassimo coffeemaker. We entertain when we're here, and it's important to us to have a very well-equipped kitchen. We think you will love preparing and eating some meals here! The boulangeries, butcher shop, small grocery store, and Friday market are two minutes from our front door.

Double doors open from the kitchen out to the covered terrace, which also has a table and four chairs. From the terrace you can look down the narrow main street to the Petit Luberon mountain.

We’ve decorated our apartment in a style that is comfortable and authentic, a mix of antiques and modern pieces. We’ve used our experience staying in more than 40 vacation rentals all over Europe to provide everything we think will enhance your stay in Provence. We love Provence and this is our part-time home, so you’ll find many special touches that aren’t typical in a vacation rental.

Best of all, our Bonnieux home is located in an ideal spot in the village... in the lower part of the village near most of the shops, restaurants and cafes, artist galleries, the post office and ATM, and the wonderful Friday morning market. There are several options for parking just minutes away.

Our apartment is equipped for year-round living and Bonnieux is a year-round village. In winter the double glazed windows, electric heat, and extra blankets will keep you warm. In the warmer months, our tall windows allow a breeze and some cross ventilation, and the shutters help control the sun and heat during the warmest part of the day. We have air conditioning on both levels (as well as electric fans), which will quickly cool the apartment during the warmer months.

Property manager

Kathy Wood

Languages

English, French

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Air conditioning
Outdoor Space
Mountain view
Parking available

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 13-17
Older children or teens only (7 or older).

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

We should mention

Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed USD 1000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using information in the booking confirmation
A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Bonnieux

Located in Bonnieux, this apartment is in a rural area. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Luberon Regional Park and Luberon. Le The dans l'Encrier and Nestor le Castor are also worth visiting. Relax and indulge in the area's winery tours, or seek out an adventure with hiking, cycling, and rock climbing nearby.
Map
Bonnieux, Provence-Alpes-Côte-D’Azur

What's nearby

  • Luberon Regional Park - 1 min walk
  • Sous Les Toiles de Provence - 1 min walk
  • Château de Lacoste - 7 min drive
  • SCAD Lacoste - 7 min drive
  • Luberon - 41 min drive

Getting around

  • Cavaillon Station - 25 min drive
  • Avignon (AVN-Caumont) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪La Louche A Beurre - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪La Recreation - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Café de France - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Café de Sade - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Château la Canorgue - ‬16 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Experience Village Life in our Bonnieux Apartment pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Experience Village Life in our Bonnieux Apartment?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Experience Village Life in our Bonnieux Apartment?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Experience Village Life in our Bonnieux Apartment located?

Situated in a rural location, this apartment building is steps from Luberon Regional Park and Sous Les Toiles de Provence. Foret des Cèdres and Château de Lacoste are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 27 out of 27 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 27 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 27 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 27 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 27 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Mark A., Savannah, GA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a Gem!
Kathy's property is such a special place. She has done a wonderful job of making it feel like your own home. Plenty of books, great art, fully stocked kitchen. The downstairs is an apartment- with its own bathroom and toilet, kitchenette, and patio. Kathy was a pleasure to work with; she was super communicative and offered helpful guidance/ advice for taking full advantage of the place and the area. The upstairs patio is a lovely place to enjoy your coffee/ evening wine and watch the village. You are a 3min walk away from a bakery, which we thoroughly enjoyed as we had fresh croissants each morning. We feel lucky to have found Kathy's fantastic apartment and are already thinking about how much we would like to return.
Stayed 13 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jessica A., Ashburn, VA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best. Rental. Ever.
We’ve traveled quite a bit, and stayed in a lot of different rentals. This is the first rental where I will absolutely return, hopefully multiple times. Never in my life have I been to a more exquisite location, with a more perfect apartment. The town, the property, the view, the accommodations? Absolute perfection. It does not get better than this. It really really doesn’t. It was heaven. The owners are so responsive, and went above and beyond with our communications, so that we were all on the same page. The location itself? Feels like it’s straight out of a fairytale. The market is literally a three minute walk. If you’re a slow walker. Parking was easy and so close. You could walk around the entire town for an entire week and never get bored. It’s small. And charming. While we were there, we visited Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Saint Remy, Arles… It’s central to everything. But out of the way, so you feel like you really are just living the French countryside dream. We drove past endless lavender and sunflower fields. And the apartment? I could live there forever if given the opportunity. Forever. I’m hoping that this wasn’t a once in a lifetime opportunity for us, but if it is? I will cherish it for the rest of my life. Thank you so much Kathy and Charley.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca A., Ann Arbor, MI

Happiness in Bonnieux
If you want to experience life in an authentic French village, this is your place. Step out the front door in the morning, and get your croissants or baguette. Savor your breakfast from your own patio overlooking the street in your village. You will quickly be recognizing faces and greeting your French friends with a smile and bonjour. The apartment is completely comfortable and thoughtfully furnished. The beds are comfortable and towels and linens are good quality. The kitchen is very well equipped if you want to do your own cooking. I have rented before from VRBO and this apartment is by far the best equipped. Although you are on a street, the apartment is very quiet. You receive very clear communications from the owners and their response is always quick. I had always wanted to live village life in France. Bonnieux and this apartment were a dream come true for me.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Linda ( Mrs. Rodney) T.

Couldn't be nicer!
My husband and I stayed in this very comfortable and perfectly located apartment for a week and wish we had booked it for longer. We've spent a few weeks each summer over the last 9 years in the Luberon and can't get enough of it. This is the first time that we tried a village setting. What fun to be in the middle of town! It's out the door and just a few steps for a wonderful restaurant, a few more steps to pick up croissants to munch while sipping coffee on the veranda that overlooks the city. This apartment is a delight with everything you could possibly want in a rental and more. All rooms were spotless with a spacious kitchen that was fully stocked and lovely Provençal touches and local artists prints throughout. This is truly a home away from home and one the Woods have furnished and supplied to make it the most pleasant stay possible. We loved it and plan to return and that's proof positive of our recommendation. Timely, detailed and accurate communication from Kathy made the booking and the arrival easy. A bookcase full of guidebooks and the owners personal suggestions will give any guest resources to fully enjoy the beautiful Luberon area. I do not exaggerate, we loved it and highly recommend it.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Five days in " Bonheur en Bonnieux "
Last month I spent 5 days in my favourite village in the Luberon. I was fortunate enough to enjoy the time at a beautiful apartment in Bonnieux. Kathy and Charley Wood have created a home anyone would be loathe to leave. No detail has been missed, in fact the only thing missing was Kathy and Charley ( and Kelly) !! I was in my idea of heaven. The warmest welcome from friends old, and new, looking out for me, meeting for a glass of rosé , driving around finding lavender fields in bloom.... a perfect resting spot for recovery after the long trip from Australia. Packing to leave was a wrench, soothed only by the knowledge that a week with Kathy and Charley in the Alsace was waiting. I need to slow down a little these days, so I had no time hanging heavily, so easy to sit on the balcony and watch the village life go on around me. Time to take the time to chat to Madame at the Boulangerie when buying my croissant and a wedge of quiche ... the warmth with which she responded to my basic french a highlight each morning. Restful to have no driving , a sense of achievement to make the rather steep climb to the "old" church at the top of the village. Conversations with shop owners, sometimes half each language and accompanied by mime ... feeling that it would not be difficult to stay forever. This was my fourth visit to Bonnieux, and though I love everywhere I have visited with European Experiences, if a few peaceful days are what you yearn for, this is the place.( Obviously, a car would give the chance to see more countryside, more villages etc. ) A word of warning.. the make-up mirror in the bathroom is VERY revealing !!.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl C., Wisconsin USA

Great value for a wonderful location
Our stay was out of season in March . Weather was cool but sunny. We thought perfect time of year to visit, some places are closed but plenty of good places to eat and great trade for quiet villages and no queuing in lines for attractions. Every where we went was peaceful. The apartment is spacious and comfortable. Much more than we expected. The kitchen is large and well laid out. Nice bathroom. Comfortable bed. Hosts informative and accomodating. Everything a rental should be.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Edy N.

We Stayed As If We Were Guests in Owners' Home
We felt as if we were guests in the Woods' home. Thank you Kathy! Before our trip and during our stay in their apartment the owners were remarkably helpful in responding to trip planning (complicated since we were meeting my cousin from Germany + we're from the US) + other questions. The village is beautiful + the people are friendly. The apartment is pretty, and comfortable + well-located. Also -as others have mentioned - the kitchen is well-stocked - we had everything we could have wanted in terms of equipment, condiments, and paper + other goods. There's only 1 bathroom + it's on a different level from the other rooms (there are stairs up to it) which I thought might be a problem during the night - but everything is well-lit - so it was no problem. Also- the owners have provided (in the apartment) detailed information about the apartment, the town + the region - which was really helpful!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Stephen J.

The Place to Stay in the Luberon
We stayed a week at the Wood's idyllic apartment in super charming Bonnieux, a picture postcard hilltop village dating back to the 12th century (but with all the modern amenities). We do not exaggerate in saying that every conceivable detail of the apartment has been considerately attended to, including a chef's kitchen, of which we took great advantage, although there are several excellent restaurants well within walking distance. The, spacious, comfortable apartment is ideally located on the lower half of the village and so it enjoys great views of the countryside as well as easy walking. And, of course, there is the weekly farmers' market. We feel there is no need for our future exploration for a place to stay in the Luberon. We have found it already in Bonnieux!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Bob F., Port Moody

Fabulous apartment in beautiful Bonnieux
We spent two weeks in Bonnieux in late July/early August at the Wood's apartment and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our vacation. First of all, Bonnieux is a beautiful little village in the Luberon Valley and is the perfect "home base" from which to explore the many pretty villages and gorgeous scenery in this part of Provence. Secondly, this apartment is perfectly situated at the base of the hill in Bonnieux (helpful if you wish to minimize your hill climbing), close to many fine restaurants, the weekly farmers market, boulangeries, cafes and other amenities. Thirdly, the apartment itself is perfect. It is clean, bright and spacious. Walking in the front door, we felt like we had come home. We really appreciated the artwork displayed on the walls. The covered terrace off the kitchen is a real bonus. We spent many wonderful hours on the terrace, eating, sipping wine and relaxing in the warmth of a gentle afternoon breeze. The kitchen is the best equipped of any apartment we have rented in France during the past several years. You will not be disappointed if you decide to stay in this apartment. Our only regret is that we didn't stay for two weeks more. Perhaps next time. Enjoy!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jerelen O.

Bonheur en Bonnieux
Our long planned and anticipated vacation to France has come and gone, but what a time we had!! We ended our trip with a week in Bonnieux at the Wood's beautiful apartment. None of us had previously traveled to the Provence area and this was the perfect location to enjoy "town life", neighboring hill villages and surrounding countryside. We enjoyed all our day trips; lavender and sunflower fields, 2000 year old Roman bridge, medieval chateaus and keeps, multiple beautiful towns and markets... and the Rose wine, ah the Rose!! We enjoyed our daily outings but always loved coming back to "Bonheur en Bonnieux" for a glass of wine, talk over what we had enjoyed that day, pick out a local restaurant for a late meal (many wonderful ones to try) and then back to the apartment to pour over guide books to plan the next days adventure. We found the Provence area to be very sensually "rich", touching all the senses. The Wood's apartment is beautifully decorated with all the colors of Provence throughout... red for poppies, blue for lavender and yellow for sunflowers. We enjoyed the village sounds wafting through the windows each night... late night diners, music from the square (2 music nights the week we were there.. dancing in the street.. fun). And the beautiful aroma seeping through our bedroom windows at about 5:30 am.. Ah, the local baker making our daily petit dejeuner of croissants and baguettes... and the smell of lavender coming, seemingly from everywhere!! And then taste... everything was so fresh. I do not think I have ever tasted a tomato so good. So, thank you Charlie and Kathy. Your "bonheur" apartment was so perfect and you have thought of everything from fruit and wine on arrival, pots of flowers on the terrace for me to water and "fuss" over, well appointed kitchen (we did not cook a thing), comfortable beds with fluffy pillows, books.. movies.. music for a rainy day, travel guides and suggestions etc... We had a great experience in Bonnieux and now have great memories.. Jerelen Ohrt (North Carolina) and my two lovely travel mates: daughters Amy and Laura Ohrt (Chicago, Illinois)
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Robert P.

Bonheur in Bonnieux
We spent a glorious month in Kathy and Charley's wonderful apartment in the beautiful hill town of Bonnieux. As soon as we walked in the door it felt like home. The pictures on the web do not give you a sense of how great the place is. From the well equipped kitchen, comfortable beds, lovely art work and delightful terrace, everything has been carefully chosen to ensure your well being and comfort. We loved that the apartment was situated in a village with fine restaurants, butcher shop, boutiques, art galleries and Monsieur Guy's fantastic boulangerie. Bonnieux is located within 30 minutes to an hour's drive of all the places we wanted to visit in the Luberon. We loved hiking the trails recommended by Kathy. We especially loved the markets bursting with delicious fresh produce which enabled us to prepare almost all our meals, eaten outside on the terrace with a view. We appreciated the air conditioning on those few days we really needed it and the washing machine, clothes pins and collapsible drying rack. This has been one of our best adventures. The Luberon with its plants and animals, the sun, the Roman and medieval architecture, the markets, the incredible food and wine have been, for us new to the region, all unique and seductive. Being fluent in French, we were taken in by the openness and generosity of the people here. The lavender fields took our breath away. We hope to return, but in a different season for a different experience. In the interim we hope Provence stays the same and globalization does not rob its soul. Thank you Kathy and Charley for your patience in answering all our questions and helping make this a perfect vacation. We loved your perfect Bonheur!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Gavin C.

Home away from home
We've stayed in apartments throughout France and Italy for over 40 weeks at different times in the last 15 years and the Wood's apartment is the best we've experienced. Not only is the kitchen as well appointed as you would expected in your own home, the beds are comfy, the furnishings tasteful and the location perfect. Despite being seasoned slow travellers, Bonnieux worked some sort of magic and slowed us down even further. We really could have spent 4 weeks or more to explore the Luberon. There were days when we planned on visiting four other villages and only made it to two. Other days we settled for a leisurely one and probably experienced more. Kathy's advise on visiting Cassis was absolutely brilliant. While a 90 minutes drive away, the 6 hours we spent there were sublime. Admittedly it was early spring and the hordes from Marseille were yet to descend on the town, however we'd even brave them for a repeat visit. One of the highlights was overcoming a terror of heights and cliffs when we accidentally climbed "the Hidden Staircase" at Fort Buoux. The easy path taken afterwards lead to the Roman settlement on top of the ridge and the tranquillity to calm the beating heart. A word of warning, don't even leave valuables in your boot when out sightseeing. Thanks Kathy & Charley for sharing your second home.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Carrollanne O.

Living the village life
We loved the apartment in the lovely village of Bonnieux. It is very comfortable, well appointed and in a great location. We enjoyed being right in the heart of village life. The apartment is very well appointed and is really like a home away from home. We enjoyed Charlie’s book – a rival for Peter Mayle. Lovely to have DVDs to watch and a wealth of information on the bookshelf. So many great restaurants and cafes right at the door and a wonderful weekly market. We will miss Bonnieux and hope to return one day. Thanks for the magnificent space you have created.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Bette J.

Bonheur IS happiness!
Bonheur in Bonnieux, Provence was my first experience in France and it will not be my last. Bonnieux is a charming village and the apartment is so centrally located that you can, from your patio perch, watching all that is going on from morning to evening. The Woods have thoughtfully provided everything one could need, including guidebooks, a detailed notebook about the apartment, the local places, etc. In addition, one is welcomed to the Provencal-decorated home with a bottle of wine, olives, and grapes! My goal was to experience village life and one can certainly do it from here, in complete confort, withOUT a car if you choose. I recommend this rental without reservation! Bonne vacance!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte B.

A Beautiful Apartment to Experience French Village Lifestyle
The owners of this apartment have thought of all the "things" that make it feel like your own home: comfortable and welcoming (well equipped gourmet kitchen, beautiful prints and paintings throughout, comfortable beds and great views from the bedrooms; wonderful little balcony off the spacious kitchen....a great space to sip wine and experience the ambience of the village life). Oh yes, not to mention the amazing views and surroundings of Bonnieux with many, many other villages close by to explore with their rich history and natural beauty. If you love to explore (from the beautiful country sides to the markets and galleries and the caves and ruins) this is a vacation spot for you to have a once in a lifetime adventure and come "home" at the end of the day to an apartment that feels like your own.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

July in Provence
I just returned from a 3 week stay at this wonderful apartment in Bonnieux. It is hard to describe just how great this place is. It is in the center of the fabulous village of Bonnieux. Walking distance to everything. You practically fall into the the cafés and shops. The view from the terrace and bedrooms is of both the village and the gorgeous Luberon mountains. The kitchen is charming and has everything you need, including a dinning table. The Provençal theme is throughout and makes you feel right at home. Kathy and Charley have thought of everything. I met wonderful artists and shopkeepers in Bonnieux and will remember them always. They were so hospitable! My daughter joined me the 3rd week and we had a wonderful "girls" getaway. She loved the apartment and Provence as much as I did! I wholeheartly recommend this charming "home away from home" during your visit to Provence! Thanks Kathy and Charley for a memorable trip!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Wonderful relaxing provincial holiday
Right from my first enquiry Kathy and Charley were wonderful to deal with. The booking process was easy and secure. The instructions Kathy provided for check in were also very detailed and easy to follow which made our welcome so much easier! We arrived later than expected after a cancelled train from Spain and Kathy and her friends in Bonnieux made arrangements for us. A wonderful welcoming basket of fresh fruits, wine and vegetables awaited us. The kitchen in the apartment was as well equipped as our own, which made cooking so easy. We shopped at the local markets daily to buy produce to cook for lunch and dinner. The village of Bonnieux is a great little place, quiet but with all the necessities. Short drive to surrounding villages, nice walks from the village too. The apartment also provided us with some evening entertainment of board games, music and DVDs, great for relaxing after dinner with a wine and or ice cream from the local ice cream store. All in all, I would 100% recommend this apartment to anyone, and if I am ever fortunate enough to be back in Provence I will stay here again.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Robert L.

Luberon perfection
Absolutely perfect apartment in a most charming village. Wonderful location and the apartment can't be faulted.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Bonnieux apartment
The apartment in Bonnieux was fantastic. It was decorated very nicely and the owners had thought of everything you could need while there. The terrace overlooking the town and valley was great. We had local wine and cheese out there every afternoon with our fresh bread from the bakery. The town market was held on a day that we were there and it was literally outside our door. I can not say enough about this property - it was exceptional.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Donna W.

Perfection achieved!
We spent 2 weeks in this lovely apartment. We have never stayed in such a well thought-out and equipped vacation rental. The kitchen was extremely well outfitted for cooking with all the basics and spices, salts, oil etc present. A detailed instruction manual had been put together for all the appliances, and was helpful with tips about recycling, shopping etc. The apartment was spotless and extremely comfortable. There was ample storage for clothing and luggage, and the washing machine and drying rack and outdoor line came in very handy. The outdoor covered terrace proved a lovely place to sit on a warm day. There was free wifi too. The village of Bonnieux was a perfect choice to use as a base to explore the Luberon region, and with it's combination of services, shops, restaurants, and parking; probably the best village to come home to each day in the area. Thank you for such a perfect stay in Bonnieux.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Lovely Apartment in a Beautiful Village
My husband and I stayed in the Bonnieux apartment for a week in April. The location in the village couldn't be better - close to parking, dining and the weekly market is right outside the door. The apartment was quiet and tranquil in spite of being in the middle of the village. We've stayed in many rental apartments, and this one was by far the best equipped. Kathy has thought of every convenience, from baskets in the bathroom to hold your toiletries to an ideally equipped kitchen. She even has shopping baskets hanging by the outside door and detailed instructions for everything. The furniture in the living room is very comfortable, and the artwork on the walls throughout the apartment makes it pleasant to spend time there. The beds are comfortable and the bathroom is larger than most. There is lots of storage for clothes and suitcases in the bedrooms. We were very happy with the apartment, and would love to return.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Merle F.

"From the moment we arrived in the small village of Bonnieux,I knew we were going to enjoy our week"
The apartment entrance was located on a small pedestrian street right in the middle of the village. After parking with no problem, we got our suitcases from the car and walked down the short, narrow street to the apartment. We unlocked the door and walked into a small cheerful foyer on the first floor. Then we pulled our suitcases up the staircase to the second floor. We were happy when we saw that the apartment looked exactly as we remembered in the photos. The bright colors on the kitchen walls highlighted the white cabinetry, furniture and linens, especially the glass door cupboard where the beautiful pottery dishes were kept. A round table with four chairs was covered with a Provencal tablecloth. The kitchen is fairly large with new appliances, including a washing machine, stove and dishwasher. It is supplied with a very nice coffee maker/espresso machine. The refrigerator-freezer was large. The cabinets were well equipped with very nice cooking utensils, dishes, and glassware. We needed nothing that wasn't already supplied. We were pleased with the two large bedrooms, one was decorated in blue/white and the other in a muted red. The beds were very comfortable and the linens were top quality, with several pillows to choose from. The bathroom had a nice stall shower, with never ending hot water. The storage space in the bathroom was adequate. There was a hairdryer provided, along with fluffy, large towels. We found it nice to have a window in the bathroom to get fresh air and provide extra light during the day. A binder with information was provided. This binder was a wealth of information. It also included the directions to the small, well supplied grocery a short walk away. Within twenty minutes of time we had picked up supplies for the next few days. For dinner the first night we walked up the small pedestrian street, a two minute walk, to the restaurant/bar that had been mentioned in the owners' binder. The food was delicious, the house wine was very drinkable and a friendly staff made us feel at home. We ate there several nights that week. After our lovely dinner, we walked around the village then realized we were very tired. We slept well, knowing that we had made a good choice to stay in Kathy and Charley Woods' wonderful apartment for our week in Bonnieux. Both my friend, and I would recommend this apartment to all our friends and family. We gave it an A++.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

'Bonheur', yes it is!
our thanks note to Kathy: "kathy: thanks for sharing your lovely home with us. what a wonderful and memorable time we had in provence. your 'Bonheur Bonnieux' well deserves 5 stars, in terms of the quality/ convenience and location of the apt, and the authentic beauty of provencial village of Bonnieux. especially, even in the late of Nov. we had enjoyed local fruits/ products and been impressed with authentic local/ rustic provencial cuisines. we wish for another opportunity coming back to the 'Bonheur Bonnieux' soon. warm regards, james."
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Beautiful Bonnieux Apartment
I cannot rave about this apartment enough! I have always wanted to visit Provence and stay in a local home. My husband was leery of staying in a private rental but our stay in the Woods' apartment has converted him! We had several contacts with the owners prior to finalizing the rental and they were so knowledgable and helpful that we knew the accolades we had read from National Geographic Travel about their tours extended to their private rental as well. The apartment is located in a wonderful small village in Provence with easy access by car to other towns you might want to see but there is plenty to do in Bonnieux as well including the excellent Friday market. I have read the other reviews and agree with all of the positive things they say. The attention to detail was amazing. The apartment is clean and bright. Even though it was a very warm week while we were there, we never missed air conditioning. When the winds picked up, the windows were amazingly windproof! I want to highlight a few things I haven't seen mentioned in other reviews. We stayed here in the middle of a 15 day trip and it was wonderful to have a clothes washer and drying rack to use. It meant we could travel with just carry-on luggage! I made liberal use of the kitchen and always had everything I needed to prepare our meals. The Woods also made it easy to pack a picnic to take while exploring some of the other towns. They had a soft-sided cooler and several "blue ice" packets available to borrow. We did eat at several of the restaurants and bought pastries every morning from the boulangeries down the street. It was clear that the Woods have made a positive impression on the townspeople - just mentioning that we were staying in their apartment increased the warmth of the smiles we received. We had one of the best meals of our lives at the L'Arome restaurant just across the street from the apartment.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Even Better Than It Looks in the Pictures
The pictures on this page show you how beautiful the apartment is, but they cannot show you the quality of even the smallest detail in how it has been finished and decorated. Everything in this apartment shows that it has only just been done and done with a deep knowledge of what travelers want and need. We were so lucky to be able to stay here as among the first people to get to share it with the Wood family. The location could not be more central; if you like walking to restaurants, for example, you'll love that there are five within a short walk including L'Arome which is literally next door. By the way, we had a wonderful dinner there, one of the best we had this summer, and I have to say that Rick Steves is incorrect when he says that the best tables are on the terrace. Do what we did: get a table just inside the restaurant and next to the tables on the terrace. The best of both places. And check out the kitchen if you always wanted to see what a really professional French restaurant kitchen looked like when it was in top gear. The first morning we were there, and every morning afterward, I became aware at 5:30 a.m. that both of the boulangeries were baking bread. They are each about twenty yards from the door of the apartment and we had our bedroom window open. My wife was still asleep so she missed it. But the two things that make me happy when I smell them in the morning are coffee and fresh bread baking. Each moning when we went to either boulangerie, the bread we got was still warm. Yum. While each room has its charm, my favorite was the kitchen. It's big, the appliances are new and first rate, the color scheme is delightful, and the view out over the terrace and onto the Luberon valley is wonderful. I did not cook much while we were there because so many good restaurants were just outside the door, but if I had I could have used any of the really complete set of kitchen ware provided, including everything from top-of-the-line enamel coated pots to toothpicks. In the kitchen, as in each of the rooms, the owners have decorated the walls with delightful posters and paintings of local scenes by a local artist (whom you can meet at her atelier in a nearby town). When we arrived at the apartment, we were happy to find a cold bottle of rose in the fridge and two, not one but two, beautiful big bowls on cool, fresh local fruit.It was touches like that which let us know that the owners were in touch with what a traveler wants. Very highly recommended.

About the host

Hosted by Kathy Wood

Host profile image
Our family has been traveling in Europe for 30 years. We made our first trip to Provence, the Luberon and Bonnieux in 2003, and this area captured our hearts. We lived here for 6-1/2 months in 2004/2005 in a farmhouse between Bonnieux and Lacoste. Our daughter went to the village school. It was a life-changing experience, and we've been spending 2-3 months a year in Bonnieux ever since. It was great thrill to finally get our own place in December 2012.

We live most of the year in Knoxville, TN. Kathy took early retirement from the faculty of our state university a few years ago. Charley is partially retired and and writes novels based in Europe. Kelly is now working on a doctorate in French history and living in Paris.

In 2006 we launched European Experiences, providing small group tours in several beautiful places in Europe that are special to us. Our 'Luberon Experience' tour is based in Bonnieux and was named one of the top tours in the world in National Geographic Traveler magazine in May 2012. We've hosted 60+ groups in Bonnieux, and also offer tours in other areas of France (Alsace, the Dordogne, and Normandy), Italy and England.

Why they chose this property

We have rented several apartments and houses in and around Bonnieux. When this apartment became available, we knew it was the right one for us! The layout, the size, and the location were ideal. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

What makes this property unique

We'll spend several months a year in the apartment, so it's our Luberon home, not just a rental. We want to make it really special for us and for you. We've included much of our personal library here (books, guidebooks, maps, movies), and our housebook includes all of our personal recommendations for enjoying the Luberon.

Languages:

English, French
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