This post is a tribute both to our bed and breakfast near Marseille and to the Peugeot automobile. First, our B&B was one we found in 2012 when searching for a place to stay near Gardanne (site of EMSE). I had contacted someone who rents out part of their villa for holiday goers. He wrote back that his villa was too big (and too expensive) for us but his neighbor was renovating two bedrooms for a B&B. I corresponded with Nicole at that time regarding staying in one of her bedrooms but ultimately we chose a place actually in Gardanne (instead of nearby) and with a kitchen.
When I considered again this year where to stay, I dug out the old email and wrote to Nicole. She was delighted and we booked four nights with her and her husband, Gerard. They live in Les Pennes de Mirabeau which is situated between Marseille and Gardanne (and also near Aix). She gave me a good price.
Well, the place and the experience proved amazing! The villa is in a beautiful area - convenient to everything but secluded and private. Their house looks out on a pine forest reserve. There is a swimming pool (too cold to use now). We took their bedroom with the double bed but no one was next door in the triple bedded room. The room was so comfortable and looked out on the yard and forest.
The best part was Gerard and Nicole themselves. Gerard cannot speak much English (though he knows Spanish) but Nicole speaks very well. They are interesting, hospitable and knowledgeable. And, caring. The breakfasts were laid out with extreme consideration and we enjoyed all of our conversations with the couple. We shared some wine in the late afternoons and in the evenings occasionally. It was interested to hear about their lives and activities (both are retired those Nicole consults with universities and with companies). Besides consulting, Nicole is physically active (and so trim!) and cooks fantastically and takes care sometimes of their three grandchildren. Gerard is into wine (I will drink to that) and also leads a hiking group each week. He is constantly working on their garden and yard and pool area. They are an inspiration to the relaxed yet productive lifestyle. We were their first American guests and they were interested in learning about the "real" U.S.
They recommended those good restaurants that I already blogged about (Le Riserve and Les Deux Bouchons).
Their cat, Orgeat, was elusive but sweet and beautiful. Their garden was amazing (see the photos) and so relaxing.
In short, the price was about 1/2 or less of a decent hotel in the area and the experience was an order of magnitude better. As a final kicker, they are quite close to the Marseille airport which made flying out super easy.
Nicole and Gerard, we cannot wait to visit you again, and thank you so much for your hospitality!
Readers, if you visit the Provence area, you must stay here - see the page of this blog which lists the places we are staying in Europe for the website and contact information.
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| We were lucky to arrive at Nicole and Gerard's during the blooming week of their wisteria |
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| Chez Gerard and Nicole in Les Pennes de Mirabeau |
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| Detail of the glorious wisteria |
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| Our hostess, Nicole |
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| Orgeat - the family cat |
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| The herb garden |
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| The back of the villa - our bedroom is the upper right |
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| The pine forest preserve behind the house |
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| Their very small olive tree |
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| One of the beautiful blooming plants in the backyard |
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| Another view of the villa |
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| Nicole in her kitchen |
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| Randy chills out in our bedroom in Provence |
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| The bathroom with its good shower |
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| One of their small grapevines in the backyard |
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| Gerard and Nicole - two of our very favorite French people! |
Finally, Hertz rental cars gave a us a 2008 model Peugeot in Nice. We thought actually for a few weeks it was a 2008 year model (which we were amazed at the good condition and low mileage for a car six years old). We found later that it is the model number and we had a virtually new car. Anyway, after I deciphered the French User's Manual and changed the menus to English and figured out the Cruise Control operation (so weird), it was primo. We had no troubles, we could charge things up using the USB which was built in, we could listen to music via my cell phone, and we could also listen to the pseudo-satellite radio which it came with. It was the right size (small enough for European streets and parking places but big enough for our luggage and comfort). We had never driven or even experienced a Peugeot before, but we are now converts. Bravo, Peugeot and Merci!
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| Our faithful Peugeot 2008 - it took us everywhere in comfort and style |
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