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Although all the major car hire companies have offices at airports, TGV railway stations and in city centres, I have consistently found a company called Aspect to be very competitive. Cars can be reserved and prepaid over the Internet. Click here to go to the Aspect car rental website.
Provence is a year round destination. It enjoys just about the best climate in the whole of France and basks in the sun for 300 days of the year. Provence has long, hot, dry summers which can stretch from May to October with between eight and eleven hours of sunshine per day. July is generally the hottest month. After the heat of the day, the summer evenings are cooler and are perfect for sitting outside with a glass of Côtes du Lubéron wine. The daytime summer temperatures vary between 18°C and 30°C (68°F - 92°F). The Lubéron in winter is as beautiful as during the summer, and the winter months of November to April are usually mild, sunny and crisp with between five and eight hours of sunshine per day. The daytime winter temperatures vary between 12°C and 15°C (56°F - 62°F). Very occasionally it snows in winter, but this is short-lived. Bad weather seldom lingers for many days and the Mistral wind blows through and sweeps the clouds away, bringing in the light which has always attracted artists. In the off season, the Lubéron is all yours and every month there are days when it is warm enough to eat outside in the Provençal sun. Why not winter in Provence this year and escape the rain and grey skies? Solièra Cottage is lovely and cool in the summer, and cosy and warm in the winter with central heating throughout, plus there is a large wood burning stove and an open fireplace. Click here to find out this week's weather in the nearby town of Apt (4 kilometres from Saignon).
The nearest surgery is in Apt, but French doctors provide a 24 hour call out cover on a rotating basis.
The nearest pharmacies are in Apt. French pharmacies take it in turns to provide 24 hour cover with nighttime ones listed in the local paper.
There are several restaurants in Saignon and all are within a few minutes walk of Solièra Cottage. The Auberge du Presbytère (Tel: 04 90 74 11 50) is a charming hotel and restaurant in La Place de la Fontaine. The food and ambiance are both typically Provençal. Au Baladin (Tel: 04 90 04 63 55) has a small terrace overlooking the church and serves good regional food with a special organic menu. Apt offers a wide choice of places to dine, as do many of the local villages such as Céreste, St. Martin de Castillon, Rustrel, Viens and St. Saturnin lès Apt.
There are a number of village shops in Saignon, including a bakery, small general store, post office, newsagent and a couple of gift and handicraft shops. There are also numerous terrace cafés and several restaurants. Four kilometres down the valley in the lively market town of Apt there is a large Saturday morning market and all manner of shops including large hypermarkets.
The markets are one of the great aspects of Provence - superb food and a wonderful atmosphere. It is possible to shop at a different village market almost every day. The lush Lubéron Valley is full of vineyards, olive groves, fruit orchards and fields of delicious melons and vegetables sold in open markets every day. Most open very early and begin closing down around noon. If you miss the morning market, there are small shops in almost every village or very large supermarkets in Apt, Forcalquier, Manosque and Pertuis. The supermarkets, while devoid of charm, do stock good local produce. Recommended local village markets are:
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