A log fire at La Clarté
Provence is equally alluring out of season. The weather won't be as hot as during the season and can be cold but it is consistently warmer than the UK (about 8 to 10 degrees Celsius warmer). We were there in early January, recovering from Christmas, and were able to enjoy having our lunch outside and to even recline in the sun on the sun beds in a temperature of 17 degrees while it was freezing in England. The Luberon is lovely at this time of year with so few tourists. Even in winter the countryside still looks luscious as most of the trees are evergreen. It is the perfect time to enjoy the many beautiful walks, to explore the enchanting hill-top villages and go on some fascinating excursions. There is a winter sports centre at Mont Ventoux (about an hour away) - we have a sledge which you can use. All the local shops in Gordes and Coustellet are open throughout the year. La Clarté is very effectively heated by thermostatically controlled electric heating. There is a large fireplace in the living room and we have a good store of logs. We have an excellent selection of games, DVDs & books. The heated pool is available all year although we normally use it between the beginning of March and the end of October when the temperature varies between 25 to 29 celsius.