Roving I Finds: Places in Provence

Provence Paradise

While planning our upcoming trip to the south of France, searching for the right vacation rental for two couples for a week-long stay yielded some amazing results. And while we have yet to visit our chosen location, any of the choices below would make excellent home bases for a stay in the Provence region. On y va!

• Provence Paradise: Located near the lovely St. Remy de Provence, this hamlet of restored 17th Century farm houses provides families and couples alike with self-catering accommodations in the heart of Provence.  

Photos: Provence Paradise

• Moulin de la Roque: Between Avignon and St. Remy de Provence, next to the small town of Noves, a restored 18th Century flour mill and its surrounding homes make up this welcoming Provencal estate on 12 acres.

Photos: Moulin de la Roque

• Le Mas de Bassette: An 18th Century exterior is the perfect vintage cover for this Bed & Breakfast's modern interior and furnishings. Located 20 minutes southwest of Avignon in Barbentane, it would make a perfect place to unwind in the French countryside.

Photos: Le Mas de Bassette

Roving I Finds: Europe's Best Fall Deals

Photo: National Geographic

Even though we just left Italy, I'm ready to go back to Europe. This week I've been drooling over Provence thanks to a jaw-droppingly beautiful No Reservations episode on my DVR and a dwindling travel section at my local Borders store (RIP). The south of France is definitely in our consideration set for next summer's "big" trip, but it's probably about six months too early to start planning. I did, however, secretly check out a few Provence villa rental sites. Nothing wrong with a little head start!


If you have the luxury of taking a trip to Europe this fall, you're in luck. Low(er) season offers less crowded cities and beaches and cooler temps. It's a perfect time to hop the pond and the deals are in full swing. Here are just a few I came across this week:

• FRANCE: Air France dropped rates to cities in France and other places in Europe for the months of August and September. Chicago to Paris checks in at $451 one way. Book by August 8th for travel through September 30th. 
• CROATIA & SLOVENIA: Travelzoo.com is featuring a 9-night Croatia and Slovenia Tour for dates this fall and winter starting at $1499 pp. Includes air, some meals and four-star hotels each night.
• IRELAND: Sceptre Tours has a phenomenal deal on a 6-night Estate Package including RT air, car rental and accommodations on the magnificent Adare Villa property for as low as $599 from JFK if you book by August 12th. Multiple dates and departures are available for slightly more.
• SPAIN: Gate 1 Travel has a great, 8-day independent package for three stellar Spanish destinations - Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona. Includes air, hotel and rail for as low as $1149 for November to March dates. 
• PRAGUE, VIENNA & BUDAPEST: European Destinations is offering a 6-night Air and High-Speed Rail package including two nights in each of these cities starting at $1309 for dates through November. 

On y va! More tomorrow! 

Web Roves of the Week: Six Links to Linger Over

In honor of the first Friday in June, here's a list of travel web finds that are sure to make your passport itch. Enjoy!
1. Jetsetter.com: Featured in yesterday's post, this membership-required travel site (it's free to join), is a feast for travel lovers' eyes. The photos are as phenomenal as the deals.
2. Snapshots of Provence: A beautifully-designed interactive experience dedicated to the Provence, Marseille and Camargue regions in France. Explore by sight or sound. On y va! 
3. Vintage Postcard Passport Holders: Add a unique look to your passport with these covers available in vintage, travel-inspired designs. And they're a bargain at only $5 each.
4. Discover Ireland Trip Planner: Ireland tourism site with a handy interactive planner tool to help you customize your trip before you go. Make sure to plan in plenty of time for Guinness.
5. Around the World in 80 Days:  Explore 80 Hotel Offers in 80 Days with Luxury Link's limited-time offers. We're halfway through at Day 40. Today's deal: Terme Manzi Hotel & Spa on the island of Ischia in Italy. It looks spectacular.  
6. World's 20 Coolest Hotel Pools: It's 95 degrees here today. That inspired me to check out Forbes' list of awesome hotel pools from around the world. If only they were within diving distance. (Sorry - couldn't help myself on that one.)

Photo: Forbes
Amangiri, Canyon Point, Utah

Hope you're roving somewhere great this weekend! More on Monday.