The Area:
Banon is located in one of the most traditional areas of Provence. The town is located in the lower Alps set in a beautiful valley predominately used to grow lavender and wheat fields. A village of one thousand inhabitants it nevertheless acts as a central hub for many little mountain villages and hamlets that lie a short drive away and provide for many wonderful views. A full range of services is available in the village : banks, post office, bakeries, cafes, butchers, small supermarkets, news agency, video/DVD rental store, tourist information, restaurants and bars. Nearby is Forcalquier - a large market town with its beautiful narrow streets in the old part. Simiane is a world heritage listed village.
The house:
A haven of peace away from the stress of the city ! Unobstructed views as far as the Luberon mountain to the south and Lure mountain to the north. The house is very comfortable and spacious and impeccably clean: downstairs, there is a kitchen, back kitchen, living-room, sitting-room with wood stove, bathroom, separate WC, and a bedroom with twin beds.
Upstairs, there is a TV lounge, and a bedroom with a large very comfortable bed. Open rafter ceilings and views from every window complete the picture !
Markets and Festivals:
Many lavender and other 'theme' festivals take place during the summer months. The cheese festival takes place in Banon in late May. Lots of stalls where you can eat good food 'sur le pouce'. A herb festival takes place in St Etienne-des-Orgues (where the swimming-pool is located) every 14th July. The weekly market in Banon takes place on Tuesday mornings. The two major outdoor markets are Apt and Forcalquier - Apt on Saturday mornings, and Forcalquier on Monday mornings. In Forcalquier, buy your roast chicken/ham at the rôtisserie stall and Lebanese tabouleh and salads in front of the cinema on the main square and come back to La Violette and eat 'alfresco' - delicious !
The tourist office in Banon is a mine of information for all that's happening in the area.
Other Activities:
Visits to lavender distilleries and bee-keepers
