Off to Europe : GUIDEBOOK : The Potters of Dieulefit

Getting there: From Paris, the TGV (bullet train) departs from Gare de Lyon several times daily to Montelimar (3 1/2 hours/about $220 round trip, first class) and Avignon (4 hours/about $240 round trip, first class). Cars may be rented in either city at the train stations or from nearby rental outlets. It is advisable to book ahead, since touring the Dieulefit countryside by car is the best way to see the region. For getting around, Michelin map 245 (Provence/Cote d’Azur) is a good source.

Potters/ceramists: R. Mourre, Poterie Mourre, Place Chateauras (telephone locally 75-46-41-76), Dieulefit; open daily in summer, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-7:30 p.m. Closed in October.

Alain Mourre, Terre e Provence, Place Chateauras, Dieulefit (tel. 75-46-31-99); open daily in summer, 8 a.m.-noon and 2-7 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday in winter. Also in Avignon at Terre de Provence, 26 rue de la Republique (tel. 90-86-31-59). Poterie du Soleil, Route de Montelimar (75-46-31-99), Dieulefit; open Monday through Friday (summer/winter), 8 a.m.- noon and 2-6 p.m.

Barbara Hunzinker, Poterie Morgan, Le Poet-Celard (tel. 75-53-37- 59). By appointment. Also in Paris at La Tuile a Loup, 35 rue Daubenton (tel. 47-7-28-90).

Other potters in the area: Michel Manent, Poterie des Grottes, Quai Roger Morin, Dieulefit (tel. 75-46-44-74).

R. Montaudouin, Poterie Montaudouin, Le Parol, Dieulefit (tel. 75-45-82-13).

Dominique Pouchain, Poterie l’Atelier, Quai Roger Morin, Dieulefit (tel. 75-46-84-26).

Max Houville, Poterie l’Enclos, Place de l’Eglise, Dieulefit (tel. 75-46-38-68).

Stephane Milon, Poterie Milon, Route de Nyons, Dieulefit. (tel. 75-46-42-10).

Francois Soubeyran, La Farandole, Place Chateauras, Dieulefit. (tel. 75-46-43-15).

For more information: For a listing of other artisans, galleries and studios in the Dieulefit area, as well as a schedule of festivals and other events, contact the Office of Tourism, Place de l’Eglise, 26220 Dieulefit (tel. 75-46-42-49). Some English is spoken.