LESIMBERTS.CoM
Presents
MAISON MALONE
Vacation Rental IN Gordes, Provence
Regarded as Europe's most picturesque village
Location, and Points of Interest
Note: Almost all links below are "clickable". Hover your mouse over the site or attraction and click on it for further information.
​
Les Imberts
Is strategically located in the heart of Provence, close enough to the main sites and attractions, all the while maintaining a feeling of true French village life. Be sure to take the time to take in all of these nearby, and culturally interesting, sites, sounds, people and beautiful scenery. Below, are some of my absolute favorites.
​
One of France's most picturesque hill towns. Like something from a fairy tale, Gordes offers, sites, tradition and views that can't be rivalled. Be sure to check out the outdoor museum depicting ancient homes of the early French people, also known as Les Bories, walkable and really interesting.
​
The small hilltop village a short 2 km from Les Imberts, eternally, and some would say, unhappily, made famous by the British contemporary writer, Peter Mayle. While endearing his audience worldwide, the same cannot be said for his former neighbors, who regard him now as a spoiler. His books truly do reflect life in Provence, and should be given a read before your trip. He is an entertaining, and skilled author.
Here the two branches of the Sorgue river finally come together. For most outdoor market fans, Sunday, at Ile sur la Sorgue is the best you can expect; food, wines, antiques, bric-a-brac, clothes, accessories, everything can be had, for a price.
​
​
Is a MUST see village. Generally regarded as one of France's most beautiful villages, you will be charmed. Drive home to Les Imberts, or splurge for a Hotel room or Gites for the night, make it a part of your vacation. Just 35 minutes form Les Imberts. Don't forget to visit the Chateau.
​
​
Too much to say about this amazing former home of the Pope. Life on the river, Palace of the Pope, the shops and restaurants, all cloaked in an amazing landscape. Worth your time and effort to do some reading before arriving.
A University city, where students from around the planet come together to study the world through French eyes. An amazing old city-center, and sites and shops for days. Don't miss a visit to home and studio of the painter Cezanne.
​
Site of the oldest standing, and still functioning (plays, operas, etcetera) ancient Roman coliseum. You can still book a ticket for rock concerts today!
​
My personal favorite, just has a great vibe to it. Nice markets, pleasant people, and a real sense of style. The famous textile brands, Souleiado and Les Olivades maintain their base here.
Just a short walk or drive up the hill will take you to the real Roman ruins of Glanum. Definitely worth the walk and price of admission.
​
Famed for their lavender fields, and amazing Abbey. This home of the Cistercian Monks, is a great half day trip. Make sure you are dressed appropriately! (I am not kidding, look it up!)
​
Famed for a major thing in the art world, The tint/color, Ocre. Visit for a half day, and be sure to visit the Atelier Fidler, home of talented, creative and dynamic ceramicists Edith and Natasha Fidler .
Edith's husband, and Natacha's father, Eugene Fidler was a renowned, and accomplished painter; also good friend, and contemporary of Pablo Picasso.
​
​
Don't really need to say a lot here, wine grown in rocks and limestone, pretty amazing! A majority of the small wineries exist in carved out limestone caves. Worth the trip, absolutely.
​
Known by most people as the clothing brand, Lacoste has an amazing, and sometimes dark history, with it's connection to the Marquis de Sade. Followed several generations later by Andre Breton, a French poet and writer, principal animator and theoretician of surrealism. Then, starting in the 1970's, Lacoste was brought back to life by the fashion designer, Pierre Cardin. Unfortunately, Monsieur Cardin does NOT bring back fond memories to the residents of Lacoste, or nearby Bonnieux, as he was known to be mentally abusive to the residents. (I say this with only the word of residents I have been acquainted with).
​
​
Although extremely close to Les Imberts, the city of Nimes is not actually in Provence. Though geographically very close, Nimes is actually in Occitanie, and is in fact closely related to the people of the Catalan region of Spain. During Roman times Nimes was a willing part of the Roman Empire, and in fact was rewarded for their compliance, where the Provencal people were not. Provence was invaded, and bloodily, for their resistance to the Roman Empire. The feeling in Nimes is different in subtle ways. Visit the OLDEST Roman coliseum in the world (predates the Coliseum of Rome by 200 years), and the Temple of Diana, one of the oldest in the world.
Nimes is known worldwide for one major fashion trend: Denim, as the word actually means de Nimes! Rick Steves has a marvelous overview of this really interesting city.
​
​
Truly one of the most interesting spots in Provence. Can be VERY CROWDED in the summer. Home of the French Resistance Museum, and the amazing Fontaine. From which, water spews directly from an ENORMOUS crater in the ground. In the late summer the Fontaine can be almost bone dry, but during the late Fall and Winter it can be gushing straight out of the crater. Get there early to catch this site and avoid the crowds.
​
Looking to expand your horizons with that quintessential French Chateau experience (Pool, Boules court, fish pond, and olive orchard)? Why not contact our friends, Lindsey Taylor and Charles Vivier?
Owners of the FABULOUS Chateau Lindsey, a short 45 minute drive from Les Imberts. Chateau Lindsey sits right in the heart of the Chateauneuf de Pape wine growing region, Chateau Lindsey is on another level. Contact them early for reservations. Worth EVERY PENNY! www.chateaulindsey.com
Make sure you tell them that Latham Woodward and LesImberts.com referred you, as we are childhood friends!
​
Navigational Note
There are THOUSANDS of ways to find your way around the roads of France. Google maps is indispensable, BUT keep this in mind. Google maps tends to steer you towards major roads. I have found that it is possible to cut a lot of time from a trip utilizing back roads.A good example is the trip from Les Imberts to Chateauneuf de Pape, Google maps usually suggests a route that can take an hour and a half, though I have done it on back roads in 45 minutes.
​