Provençal Village 5. Saving the best until last – Ménerbes, Provence, France

We had a leisurely start this morning as it was a Sunday and drove the 15 minutes to Ménerbes down narrow but very scenic country roads flanked by vineyards and lavender fields.

Ménerbes looked above us on the approached stretched across the hillside ahead. The honey colour stone village commanding views right across the Luberon. We were directed to an almost empty carpark by the beautiful carpark attendant. We selected a spot next to the only other motorhome under the shade at the far end and headed into the village to look around.

We had passed 4 restaurants and as many estate agents in the first 5 mins. This was no longer the sleepy village so prominent in A Year in Provence. However, despite this it has not lost any of its charm. The shutters on the windows still look weathered and old. The houses escaped from the cleansing of a modern makeover. A door opened to reveal and elderly couple in a very traditional looking lounge. The visitors were there but in small numbers peacefully walking the ancient stone streets under the perfectly blue skies.

We walked up to the church, the town hall and the old gate to the fortified medieval town. Flat pack tables were stacked in the twin square for an event either just finished or imminently planned.

We both felt a strong affinity to this little slice of heaven perched on a hill with 360 degree views for miles around. And that was even before we stopped at Bistro No.5 for lunch! We appeared to have wondered into another Mother’s Day, my first was in Portugal. This time I was awarded a rose, I assume for the living care I give to our 2 Border Terriers. The restaurant was full of local people, you could tell by the greetings to all around. Only one other English voice was heard.

We had the set lunch menu of Octopus, Risotto with prawns and cuttlefish followed by Strawberry flan. Every single mouthful was delicious! Not only this but the view from the terrace across the beautiful Provençal countryside was sublime. We died and went to heaven today. It is a good job the estate agents were closed 😁😂