Auberge Charembeau

Pass quickly through the village of Forcalquier and continue on to a lovely knoll just outside of town and the Auberge Charembeau. As the name implies, the hotel is on a charming site, surrounded by large walnut trees, poppy fields, gardens, and lawns. André and Sandra Berger (who live here with their four sons) converted an 18th-century stone farmhouse into a lovely inn. Sandra, who has excellent taste, decorated the spacious guestrooms with Provençal fabrics, antique furniture, and handmade tiles on the floors and in the bathrooms. Many rooms have high, beamed ceilings. There is a newer section featuring rooms with kitchenettes, which are ideal for guests on extended stays. This newer wing, built in the same style, blends harmoniously with the original farmhouse. Throughout, the bedrooms have lovely views to the distant Luberon Mountains. The hotel also has a new heated swimming pool and a sun terrace surrounded by poppy fields. There is no restaurant, but André has a list of the best restaurants nearby—a list he constantly checks for quality. Auberge Charembeau offers very good accommodations at a most reasonable price. Rates are kept low so that happy guests keep returning, knowing they receive quality and value.