PROVENCE GUIDE
By Évasion de Charme
This is the first feature of a series of Provençal boutique hotels carefully selected by Italian interior designer Martina, from @evasiondecharme.
France has always been in my heart since I was a child, it is the destination of many trips with my parents and home to many memories. France is where the journey is a continuous discovery, where it’s possible to admire contrasting landscapes in a single day, where once you have been there, you can never fail to return.
The charm of Provence is more than known, not for nothing its extremely bucolic landscapes have been the subjects of many famous French artists. The provençal villages are animated by traditional weekly markets, there are long roads that run along the coasts and cliffs, towards golden and sunny beaches and among fragrant lavender fields. You will love the constant scent of freshly baked butter baguettes, the sunsets that will take your breath away and the colours of the houses that blend in with the surrounding nature. Just thinking about it makes me want to pack and go back again.
I planned my trip to Provence this summer and finally, at the end of July, we left for our first stop during the itinerary. I specifically chose to visit several places, some more known by tourists and others more famous among the French people. I wanted to stay away from the big crowds and enjoy the tranquillity and the romance of the places.
Our Room: L’Instinct de l’Ange Suite / Garden flat
Accommodation & Rooms facilities:
- Pool: Yes
- Private Parking: Yes
- Breakfast: Included
- Dine-in: Yes, reservation needed.
- Bathtub: No (in this room)
- Wi-fi: Yes
- Air conditioning: Fan
This 18th-century Provençal house is totally refurbished with old materials and decorated by Delphine Louvel.
The location of this B&B leaves absolutely breathless and never like here, will you feel the real French atmosphere. This property offers very well-kept and organized common spaces, a large Mediterranean garden, and an amazing swimming pool. Our room (one out of the five), Instinct de l'Ange, is located on the ground floor and directly overlooks the pool; it’s almost a 50 square meters suite, furnished in detail and with fine finishes.
The property offers several services: in addition to the breakfast buffet the owners can also prepare food at the moment according to everyone's preferences such as eggs, pancakes and crepes; it is also given the opportunity to cook, with your own food, directly in the private kitchen, upon agreement with the owners. Breakfast is served directly in the private terrace of the suite, but you have the choice of whether to be served by the pool or in the dedicated indoor room.
Much care and attention are dedicated not only to the location and the various services, but also to the relationship between the owners and their individual customers. This Maison de Charme is so impressive that you may spend entire days enclosed within the walls of this beautiful dwelling, enjoying its peace and serenity.
For those who love animals, you will be happy to know that little Numa, a very lively Jack Russell, will welcome you and keep you company during your entire stay; she appreciates the guests’ breakfast as well, be careful to yours! :)
Curiosity: Le Mas de la Chapelle takes his name from the Church located at the entrance, that is now part of the property.
WHAT TO DO/SEE
Visit Gordes & the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sènanque.
Since this Maison de Charme is also located near Uzès, take a day trip to Gordes, the pearl of Provence. The distance from the accommodation is 1.5 hours, but that's not a problem because the landscapes are so beautiful that travelling is a pleasure.
Gordes is situated in the Vaucluse department and it is perched on a hill; this village is considered one of the most beautiful in France. Strolling through the narrow streets is magnificent and you can see interesting architecture and enjoy spectacular views.
Le Château du Gordes
It is one of the jewels of the village, classified as a Historical Monument since 1931. The 11th-century medieval castle, with its imposing mass, dominates the valley and provides the village with the look of an impregnable fortress. You can buy the ticket directly inside the castle and it costs 5-10 euros per person.
Village des Bories
This village with its 17th-century bories (also called huts), uninhabited since a long time, is the best example of what is called dry stone construction. The site is classified as a Historical Monument in the Rural Habitat Museum. It is located on the road to Gordes, just 5 minutes from the village.
Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque
The abbey is one of the most deserving examples of Cistercian architecture in southern France and one of the unmissable destinations on a journey through the landscapes of Provence, especially in the Luberon area. The abbey is a 10-minute drive from Gordes, so it's worth a visit.
