Another day of ignoring alarm clocks and meandering around Le Luberon. I could get used to this slower lifestyle. We drove to Ménerbes this morning and what a gorgeous drive it was. Nestled among the vineyards are old stone bastides (country houses) reflecting the summer sun from their limestone walls and subtly dotting the landscape with little dabs of blue from their wooden shutters. There are almost no words to describe the beauty all around you. It’s picturesque to say the very least.

Perched high above the vineyards and rustic homes sits Ménerbes, a walled village full of 16th and 17th century architecture. Winding stone pathways lead you through cafes, shops, churches and a cemetery with an incredible view for those long passed (I said to myself, I think they earned it). 

We started the morning with a petit-déjeuner of cappuccino, croissant, and pain au chocolat on a cafe terrace under an umbrella. The weather has been perfect. Warm in the sun with a cool breeze. We did the people watching you naturally do in this scenario. After our leisurely breakfast we wandered the streets of Ménerbes, enjoying its ancient buildings still standing proudly in an, at times, all too modern world. There are more photo opportunities than you can count in this quaint little village. Every corner reveals a snapshot of the past. 

Paul made a lunch reservation at Bistro Le 5, which was the perfect way to end our exploration of Ménerbes. The terrace here overlooks a stunning view of the vineyard filled valley below. While the food was good but not great (I’ll be doing an Eat+Stay+Play guide for more on this), the view and ambience are why you come here. The rosé was cold and crisp and the service was also very good. 

Since we missed the grocery store opening hours yesterday, we went there today to pick up provisions for lunches and dinners we plan to have at the cottage. For a grocery store I was very impressed with the wine selection. Heavy on the rosé department but that’s to be expected here. For me, that’s like finding the mother ship! Twelve bottles and an overflowing shopping cart later we made it back to the cottage to enjoy the late afternoon sun and prepare for my favorite time of day – apéro hour!

Bonne nuit et à demain!

xo – Erin