Destination Guide

The tranquil countryside of lavender fields, olive groves and vineyards is the setting for most of our glorious Provençal properties.  Many are nestled in the foothills of Les Alpilles, close to the charming towns of Maussane, Paradou, Fontvieille, Les Baux de Provence and St. Rémy de Provence, and within easy striking distance of the larger centres of Avignon, Arles and Nîmes, or the fascinating Camargue area.  Several are situated right within the villages of Maussane, Paradou and Fontvieille, and walking distance from the local shops, weekly market, restaurants and cafés.  

Others are situated in the Luberon Hills, within easy striking distance of the picturesque towns of Bonnieux, Gordes and Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. The many activities on offer here include golf or the weekend antique market at L’Isle sur la Sorgue, bicycle hire (at Bonnieux, Apt or Coustellet) or kayaking at Fontaine de Vaucluse and L’Isle sur la Sorgue. Several are within the picturesque Luberon village of Cabrières d'Avignon. This historic towns of Avignon, Orange and Vaison la Romaine, all with evidence of their Roman past, are within an easy drive.

Then there is Aix en Provence, the Provence of artists, such as Cezanne, who depicted his beloved Aix countryside so beautifully.  Stunningly elegant, the Roman town of Aix-en Provence is full of traditional architecture, fountains and lively streets filled with restaurants and cafes. Most famous is the gracious, mansion-lined  Cours Mirabeau with the Fontaine de la Rotonde at its western end.  Many of our villas are situated in the Aix countryside, within a short drive of the city.

Local morning markets worth a visit are:
Monday  – Cavaillon, Goult and Cadenet
Tuesday – Aix-en-Provence, Gordes 
Wednesday – Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Rognes
Thursday – Aix-en-Provence, L’Isle sur la Sorgue and Roussillon
Friday –  Bonnieux, Lourmarin and Carpentras
Saturday – Aix-en-Provence, Apt
Sunday – L’Isle sur la Sorgue (antiques)

All the properties, including the village houses, have their own garden and swimming pool; many also offer wonderful views of the landscape, saturated in colour and scent.  The interiors of these traditional Provençal properties match this natural beauty, with their tasteful elegance, furnished to a high standard with soft muted colours and country antiques. 

Provence is renowned for its abundance of restaurants, bistros and cafés, and its markets overflowing with fresh local produce.  Feel your senses come alive as you explore the variety of traiteurs, charcuteries and boulangeries, as well as vineyards and small speciality stores selling local honey, olive oil and tapenade.

Most of the properties are within an hour’s drive of Marseille or Nîmes airports. British Airways and Ryan Air offer regular services to Marseille and Ryan Air to Nîmes.  Flybe fly to Avignon from  Southampton, Manchester and several other UK airports. Rail alternatives, include the Eurostar from London to Avignon, during the summer months, or the high speed south-east TGV from Paris, or Lille to Avignon, and hire a car from there.