Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur / Bouches-du-Rhone
Fields of soft lavender, rolling hills, deep gorges this region is France at its finest: spectacular countryside of vineyards and orchards; fascinating 'perched' hill-top villages; outstanding natural produce; and the light of van Gogh and Cezanne.
PONT ROYAL
Pont Royal's origins date from the XIII century. Le Moulin de Vernegues, a 17th century manor house (now a beautiful hotel and restaurant) located within the Domaine once used to mill grain for the Archbishop of Arles. The centre of the village complex in Pont Royal is a short stroll from the villa and has been beautifully designed around a church, in the style of an old Provencal village, with lots of attention to detail - stone steps through arched walkways lead to small village squares with cafes flanked by fountains, pine trees and terracotta pots filled with flowers. The main square has restaurants, a tapas bar, souvenir shop, wine cave and delicatessen and during the summer months there are twice weekly markets selling local produce, fashion and crafts. There is a whole range of on-site activities, including children's clubs and play areas as well as sports and plenty of entertainment to keep the adults busy too! There is an additional charge for some of the activities which can be booked at the main reception area which also offers wifi connection and a cash machine.
MALLEMORT
Mallemort is a pretty village and the closest to Pont Royal. The main square has a weekly market and there are shops, restaurants (particularly the Auberge du Vieux Village - booking recommended, it is busy throughout the year), bars and banks. Climb up the winding streets to the viewpoint at the top of the village and visit the large and very ornate graveyard which definitely boasts the best views.
THE LUBERON
Perched villages, fields of lavender, tiny out of the way restaurants and bars just waiting to be discovered, winding streets with pretty shops and art galleries - we are sure you will soon have your favourite.
CASSIS
This little seaside resort is snuggled at the foot of a very tall cliff - a wonderful place to stroll about with its picturesque fishing port lined with cafes and restaurants. Take a boat trip and explore the famous calanques that go all the way to Marseille.
AIX EN PROVENCE
Aix is a city of art - home to art schools and several universities attracting a youthful population which sparks the atmosphere. The Cours Mirabeau is the heart of Aix - a beautiful tree lined avenue - if you sit at only one French sidewalk cafe outside of Paris it should be here where the air is warm, the light sublime and the sidewalk alive.
AVIGNON
Cite des Papes - City of Popes There are seven entrances into the city through the superbly preserved walls. The Palace of the Popes was built in the 14th Century and overlooks a lively square - not too far away is the famous Pont d'Avignon. The annual theatre festival between 10th July and 5th August brings the streets of Avignon alive with strangely dressed actors. The two tier carousel in the main avenue is a hit with children - young and old!
This is just a taste of what this region has to offer - we love it and we hope you will too.
