There might never be a better time to visit Southern France!

Air fares are a bargain! Most of the fuel surcharges have been eliminated and reduced traffic has led many airlines to lower their prices – a lot. Hélène and I just booked on Air Canada for about half what we paid last year.

European trains are offering all kinds of special deals. Rail Europe recently announced a pass good for four trips within any three European countries for $152 Canadian. Even hotels, bed and breakfasts and gîtes can be found at off season rates.

The dearth of North American vacationers also means that popular tourist attractions can be enjoyed without feeling like part of the herd.

The Canadian dollar is gaining on the Euro – 1.572 dollars to the Euro as I write this.

The fabulous 2007 vintage is being released – the best in thirty years according to Robert Parker. What a great opportunity to try them in their native setting!

And, the two best bedrooms in the Bastide near Avignon are still available for the week of September 5 to 12, 2009 (the following two weeks are sold out). Yes, Hélène’s up close and personal tour of Provence this fall still has room available for two couples. Read all about it at her O!France website; be sure to click on ‘Fall 2009 Brochure’ at the bottom of the page for all the delicious details.

The beautiful, spacious master suite (at the left) and the lovely corner ensuite bedroom on the second floor are ready to welcome you. They will serve as your base for seven days of visits via a luxury Mercedes minibus to spectacular hillside villages, Provençal markets, ancient ruins, fantastic shops, Arthur’s Cellar wineries, great restaurants and cultural sites (including special Picasso exhibits at the Cathedrale d’Images near Les Baux and at the Musée Granet in Aix).

Here is what some recent guests said about their visit with us in our Provençal paradise:

“Wow, what an experience! Avignon and its environs have so much to offer; sunshine, warm experiences, history and of course food and wine. And the details are all taken care of from A to Z.

O! France made it a trip to remember. So much so, we returned a second time!”

Ron and Christine, New Canaan, Ct

“I had a fabulous time – great company plus SUPERB planners. The detail and extras were amazing. Thanks so much for such a memorable vacation …

Barb, Bracebridge, ON

We hope you can join us this fall. Please contact Hélène for more information or to make your reservations. And, please pass this note on to anyone else you think might like to take advantage of this wonderful time to visit Southern France.

Many thanks and cheers,

Jim and Hélène
www.ofrance.ca
hbuisson@ofrance.ca