Bonnieux: Clos d’Estallan (au lieu d’un Gite)

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Is there any terrestrial paradise where, amidst the whispering of the olive-leaves, people can be with whom they like and have what they like and take their ease in shadows and in coolness?

– Ford Maddox Ford, The Good Soldier

In the Luberon, “sauvage” (wild) is posh. A place out of sight from the masses, hidden away in the wilds of nature is posh.  In cases where free standing flora and garrigue (shrubland) do not exist, one compensates with high walls and landscaped barriers.

By this standard, the bed and breakfast Le Clos d’Estallan is very posh. Only a few miles from the center of Bonnieux, the elegant property is on the southern outskirts of Bonnieux, on the opposite side from the busy towns in the Luberon, in a sparsely inhabited swath of parkland leading up to the Claparèdes plateau.

Le Clos d’Estallan, enveloped by olive groves, vineyards, and garrigue, is where you can connect with your own inner-Provence.

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The three rooms are tastefully decorated in rich Provencal tones with traditional terracotta tiles. Two rooms have queen beds, and the other one has two singles.

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All of the rooms have lamps, dressers, and sitting area, and the bathrooms have modern fixtures and tiled showers.

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In addition to the three rooms, there are three gites on the property (for details, consult website below). From poolside (below), an expansive view of the Luberon landscape stretches out before you.

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For fine dining in Bonnieux, book a table at Le Fournil is the center of the village where in a natural troglodytic cave with modern décor, Chef Guy Malebec prepares sumptuous dishes elegantly presented.

For stocking your room with an excellent AOC Luberon, Serge Seignon produces superb red, white and rosé wines at the Château les Eydins in Bonnieux (see info below).

Basics:

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Le Clos d’Estallan, Les Claparedes 84480 Bonnieux, Tel 04 90 75 61 84, Email h.estallan@wanadoo.fr, Website

Directions: Leave Bonnieux south on D36, and turn left towards Saignon and Sivergue on D232, after 1.4km take right at signage to Le Clos

Le Fournil, 5 Place Carnot, Bonnieux, Tél. 04 90 75 83 62, Website

Château les Eydins, Serge Seignon, Route du Pont Julien, 84480 Bonnieux, Tél. 04.90.75.61.58 Email: serge.seignon@club-internet.fr, Website, The wine cellar is open everyday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and from 2:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

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