We are based in the St Rémy de Provence region. This position gives us all the possibilities in the region.
Of course it has an administrative delimitation but actually this "country" extends well beyond its borders. As you know, cultures, traditions, climate, fauna and flora are not restricted by boundaries. The heart of "Provence" is Saint Rémy, the Baux, the Luberon, the Alpilles.
Provence also offers us other aspects You will find all the characteristics of this beautiful region in the Alpes de Haute Provence, Avignon, the Drôme in Provence, the Camargue, the Gard, the coastline in Cassis with its rocky inlets, the Marseille and Aubagne regions….
We are fortunate to have the necessary infrastructures (airports, motorways, train..) to get each of these places quickly.
We have developed a presentation of the main town of the Alpilles and the Luberon, but there are many more all abounding with soul and history.
All these places help carry on the Provençal traditions, the culture and the language of Frédéric Mistral.
We will help you find the Provence that you like and we might even help you discover one that you had never imagined.
And it will be our pleasure, in addition to being our mission.
Alpilles : taste of authentic Small solid mass of mountain, true cradle of natural life in Provence
Alpilles, which extends from East to West, are accompanied all the day by the race of the sun which plays with its mountains limestones of which the diffuse and intense light inspired so many great painters.
While coming from the north of Europe, they are the lastest rampart in the valley of the Rhone, before reaching the very close Mediterranean sea. They are also located at a flight of warbler of Luberon, the Camargue and the Cevennes. Alpilles extend on approximately 40 kilometers length, of the Durance on the level of Cavaillon to the Rhone with Tarascon. They shelter very many species of fauna and flora, often rare; This small solid mass of mountain constitutes kind an exceptional natural space in the variety of its landscape, where natural spaces and spaces arranged by the man and agriculture marry harmoniously, by constituting a single ecosystem and very thoroughly balanced.
Alpilles deserve a very attentive care and a respect in order to maintain this delicate balance vis-à-vis an inattentive human frequentation.
The landscape is formed in Piedmont of wines and orchards, of market gardenings, separated by hedges from cypress, and by the presence of many rare trees and gardens decorating the very beautiful residences of Provence. In south Alpilles, the olive-tree is much more present.
When one starts to go up in the Alpilles, the very beautiful forests of holm oak and the bunches of pine of Alep, and sometimes of the cedars, are freshness and bosky bower which precedes, to the wire of altitude, the dense garrigues strewn with bundles of wild asparaguses and kermes oak to the prickly sheets, then the “ lawns “ with thyme ans rosemary of the watershed. With the arrival of spring all this very beautiful landscape is transformed into a true mosaic of colors.
Les Baux de Provence : feufal town
The village of Les Baux de Provence stretches out along on a spur of rock, a natural fortress and place if refuge since time immemorial, and has an amazingly rich architectural heritage. Its citadel stands high above some breathtakingly beautiful spots.
This is an outstanding backdrop against which to revive the past, perpetuate traditions, house the art of people who live here, and host prestigious entertainment.
All thses places steeped in history, though, have still more to offer – a traditional warm welcome is present as never before thanks to gourmet restaurants and delightful hotels that are so popular with VIP guests.
The local registered designation ( AOC Les Baux de Provence ) is a symbol of quality . The wines produced by the rocky soil and sunshine are warm and friendly while the olive oil is subtle, voluptuous, fruity and always full of flavour.
The Village if Les baux de Provence is a “ classified resort “, one of the most Beautiful Villages in France, a center for good food. It is also quite unique because it is just that bit more magical and more famous.
Yet, the essence that gives Provençal villages their charm and their very own special redolence can be found in the small squares, shady pavements cafés, narrow streets and picturesque little shops.
Fontvieille : the Alpilles of Alphonse Daudet
Fontvieille imposes its charm by its authentic character of quarrymen village and this since the roman period, with its shaded houses, old wells and ancient streets, also thanks to the historical, patrimony and cultural assets.
Immortalised by Alphonse Daudet in his “ letters from my Windmill “, Fontvieille, all year round, lives according to the rhythm of the Provençal customs with the Camarguaise bull races, parades in traditional clothing, the visits of the “ santonmakers “ ( santon : small figurine made out of clay, used in the cribs ), and many different cultural events.
Many are the artists that came to lull their work under the shade of the windmills and the pine trees of Fontvieille. The most famous remain the writer Alphone Daudet, the painter of the arlesiennes ( ladies in traditional clothing ) Lée Lelée, and the non-figurative painteings of carl Liner.
Maussane les Alpilles : the art of living in Provence…
Maussane les Alpilles is a picturesque Provençal village nestled in the Alpilles wooded hollow in an environment of olive and almond groves and pine forest. The culture of olive-trees is a tradition and the village has got the leadership in the production of olive oil in France.
We’ll be happy to share traditions with you, make you discover our olive oil AOC Vallée des Baux de Provence and savour the tasty cuisine.
In the shade of the plane-trees that border the village square where the cafés have their pavement, you will enjoy a fresh drink, admire the works that painters display every Friday or go to the market on Thursday morning. Stalls after stalls, you will discover the richness and the variety of the soil products and you will savour the southern French accent…
That’s the promise of a warm and authentic stay where you will experience the genuine Provençal life style…
Mouriès : a soil of Culture and Tradition
Thankks to its geographical location, Mouriès with its 3000 inhabitants is the gateway to Camargue. Only 30 minutes from the Mediterranean Sea and its beachs, our village is at the crossroads of the most prestigious touristic nd cultural sites of Provence. Hudding among the Alpilles in the very heart of the “ vallée des Baux “ and the future Natural Regional Park, the village is surrounded by olive trees. With the passing time, Mouriès has managed to keep authenticity and a gentle way of life in Provence. Its vestiges in charge of a historical past, the heart of the village bordered with century old plane tree and the Provence market are an ideal setting for typical and exciting holidays or more.
You can also wander in the olive groves, enjoy the perfume of the garrigue, visit a herd of bulls and discover the Alpilles horse back riding or in a barouche. You will enjoy our local feasts for sure ( they are famous throughout the region ! ) and admire our women wearing the traditional Provençal costume… You will vibrate when attending a bullfight and experience the warm and festive atmosphere of our village.
Mouriès is a leader in the olive growing in France and is proud of having three olive oil mills in activity. It makes it a destination that can’t be avoided when speaking about gastronomy of quality. You will taste its prize-winning olive oil and its wines labelled AOC Vallée de Baux, as well as many other soil products such as olives, tapendade, honey…
Saint Rémy de Provence
One of the elder townof France, Saint Rémy de Provence, was founded over 2500 years ago. It was built on the remains of the former capital of the salians, a celto ligurian people.
Nostradamus was born in Saint Rémy de Provence in 1504.
This is also where Vincent Van Gogh produced a large number of his works, and where the “ felibres “ poets and writers like, Frederic Mistral, Joseph Roumanille and Theodore Aubanel established the grammar for the Provençal language. Today, the town center is a very good place for shopping. The small shops and art galleries in the narrow shaded streets of the old town show the lively and convivial side of the comtemporary creative world. A lot of shops are open on Sundays and bank holidays.
Les Alpilles : the spirit of the South
These are villages among the most beautiful in France, lying beautifully between and upon the hills of the Alpilles and planted with olive trees. From there who visit all the Provence and the Camargue. To come to the Alpilles, means take one time, strolling in the market place, admiring the wiew, sitting outside a café, meeting the inhabitants of villages and spek about their traditions. Traditional markets with local handicrafts, restaurants, art galleries, painters, sculptors, men making clayfigurinees, writers and musicians, studios of artists represent the spirit of the South, lying in the sun and surrounded with the smell f aromas and falvours. These village well know for their gastronomy, offer you, goat cheese, honey, crystallized fruit, old and nex recipes. Taste themand see how wonderfully delicious they are.
In summer, when you hear the cicadas, and smell the scent of lavander, thyme and rosemary, taste the olive oil and famous wines which are among the best in the world and just at this moment you will feel how wonderful and magnificient it is to be there and enjoy the holiday atmosphere.
Villages in the Alpilles in Provence reresent a cultural patrimony and a very rich environment; Others towns and villages lying around the Alpilles are as much as beautiful You will enjoy their way of life and from there walk or go along picturesque small roads. See charming villages, inhabited by artists in the heart of traditional and rural Provence, see wonderful landscapes which inspired Vincent Van Gogh.
Cavaillon
Cavaillon is strategically placed at the crossways of several roads. It is easy to get to places from here, and one can make short journeys for a day's visit either to the Alpilles or the Luberon.
In the Luberon, there is the regional nature reserve to see, and its many perched villages to admire. In order to make your visit worthwhile, the Tourist Office can provide you with information on different excursions with themes such as the ochers of Roussillon, the lavender of Lagarde d'Apt, or the stained glass windows of Gordes.
For most French people Cavaillon means first of all -melons! Here it is the king of the market and the merchants will show you how to choose them. (The most important is the weight : the heavier it is, the sweeter and juicier. It it is to be eaten the same day then the stem must be cracked and ready to fall off!) After a tour through this market teeming with local produce other than the star melon,one comes to realize that the farmland outside the city is rich and bountiful.
But Cavaillon has other attributes to boast of apart from melon! The green St. Jacques's Hill in the heart of the city allows one to have a walk in the country only two steps away from the shady cafe terraces or shopping in the pedestrian streets. From the top there is a magnificent view of the city itself, and continues all the way to the plains of Apt, the Luberon, and the Alpilles.
A cycling itinerary has been marked out between Cavaillon and Forcalquier (100km.) far from the main roads, throughout forests and villages, giving plucky cyclists a true feeling of Provence and of those who live there.
Gordes
Standing on the edge of the plateau of Vaucluse, Gorges is one of the "in" villages of Luberon where many movies stars and artists have made their home.
Its houses of white and gray stone rise up in a spiral around the rock where thevillage is set. At the very top is the church and the castle which face out onto the hills of the Luberon.
Due to its privileged position, its exceptional charm and its typical architecture, Gordes has been listed as "one of the most beautiful villages of France".
While strolling around the tiny streets which climb up between the tall houses, you will discover here and there beautiful old doorways, arcades and walls of flat stone perfectly restored, and on the other side, there is the panorama of the valley and mountains of Luberon.
Once at the top of Gordes, you can see the fortified castle enclosing the city hall and the Pol Para museum (Flemish contemporary painter), The odd village of the "borie" is intriguing.
Bories are little round huts built in stone and were at one time used by shepherds or hunters.
But whatever you do, you must not miss the fabulous Abbey of Senanque hidden in the green valley. Cistercian manks still live there producing honey, lavender essence, and liqueurs.
The whole twelfth century ediface is open for visits.
Gordes is without a doubt worth seeing. The village has a world wide reputation due to its famous inhabitants, and
Peter Mayle's book A Year in Provence certainly helped.
Menerbes This superb little village in the Luberon is considered one of the finest in France. Built on a hill, it is surrounded by magnificent countryside. When visiting Menerbes you will notice that its rich historic past has been well-preserved. The Dolmen de la Pichouno (unique to the Vaucluse) shows that Menerbes has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Archeological excavations have uncovered the remains of villas and an ancient cemetery dating back to Roman times.
During the Middle Ages, access to the town was through the two doors, St Sauveur et Notre Dame. At the time of the religious wars in the 16th century, Menerbes was the capital of the Protestant movement and you can admire the imposing citadel built between the 12th and 16th century.
This dramatic past comes to life when you see the magnificent old houses, now lovingly restored and the power taken by the aristocracy at the time. The houses certainly lend character to the old Menerbes !
Nicolas de Staël and Picasso both owned houses at Menerbes and they have been joined by other famous artists, musicians, comedians and writers, all of whom own one of the farmhouses scattered around the village.
Do not leave Menerbes without making a tour of the picturesque "corkscrew museum" where more than 1,000 different varieties of this magic tool are on display. The corkscrew was invented in the 12th century... by a Frenchman of course!!!
Lacoste The famous château belonging to the Marquis de Sade is situated at Lacoste.
In 1771 the Marquis fled from Paris to escape the scandals created by his erotic writing and outlandish behaviour (too liberal for the era).
He came to Lacoste and sought refuge in the château which belonged to his grandfather. This huge 11th century château, partly in ruins, belonged to a professor who has been restoring it for more than 30 years. Today the château belongs to M. Pierre Cardin, the famous stylist designer.
The château de Sade is not the only discovery to be made at Lacoste. The village has charming narrow streets, paved in "calade" stone and wandering around is a pleasant way to pass the time.
You will come across beautiful old stone houses, some of which are being restored.
Most are made from ochre, limestone and amateur geologists and history lovers will find it difficult to leave this engaging place.
Bonnieux
No matter what route you take to Bonnieux, you will see the church tower well before you arrive. At a height of 425m, the tower dominates the countryside and the surroundings of this magnificent village, situated in the Luberon region.
Built on a plateau above the valley, Bonnieux is one of the finest villages in the area. The houses spread out on the hill-side form a striking harmony of earth-toned colours and shapes.
Some superb residences dating back to the 16th, 17th, and 18th century serve as a reminder that Bonnieux was a wealthy village when this region, the Comtat Venaissin, belonged to the Popes. Several bishops also chose to live here and as you wander through the village streets you will no doubt marvel at the architecture and history on display.
After having climbed 86 stone steps to the "Vieille Eglise" and the old cedar trees, you will discover a beautiful view of the Monts du Vaucluse, and the villages of Gordes and Roussillon.
You can also admire the vast plains planted with grape vines (Côtes du Luberon), lavander, cereals and fruit trees - just as the impressionists painted them!
Don't leave Bonnieux without visiting the the Boulangerie Musueum where you will see a collection of bread and learn plenty about its history and manufacture.
All this will certainly whet your appetite - but don't worry, Bonnieux has some excellent restaurants, complete with charming terraces.
L'Isle sur Sorgue is one of those places in Provence that one has to see. This "island city" lies at the foot of the Vaucluse plateau in the plains of Comtat Venaissin.
Its colors are nature's green and the bright reflection of the water shining from the several canals running through its center. The river Sorgue surrounds the city as if to hug it. Walking along the canals you will notice how they run between the narrow ancient streets. There are little bridges to cross and great wheels to look at with mossy blades turning in the river. 1 kilometer from the city is the "partage des eaux" where the river splits in two and forms a small pond where plane trees and green foliage abound .
Antique lovers and art collectors will be gratified by the nearly 300 permanent antique dealers and second hand shops here. L'Isle sur la Sorgue hosts antiques' fairs at Easter and over the August 15th holiday that have given a worldwide reputation to this small city. More than 500 antique dealers and second hand dealers gather here to show their treasures to customers from all over the world.
This city is truly worth the trip! But just a suggestion : leave your car in the parking lot provided, and stroll around the town -slowly taking in the atmosphere and letting yourself be captured by its charms.
Fontaine de Vaucluse
is truly one of the most visited places in the Vaucluse : In the summer months the streets are literally crowded and the souvenir shops come at you from all angles... If you're looking for calm walks down the charming village streets, try and come in the morning.
The success of the village is essentially due to the impressive spring which flows out of the 230 m high cliff. This gigantic source is the most powerful on France and fifth in the world. 630 million cubic meters of water flow out every year. The emerald green calm summer waters become spectacular in the wet seasons, (automn and spring). 90 m3 of water per second spill into the bed of the River Sorgue. In all seasons secondary sources flow into the river to create an extremely beautiful shady pool, under the immense plane trees.
Fontaine de Vaucluse gave its name to the département, and inspired the poets Frédéric Mistral, François Pétrarque and René Char. They were seduced by the beauty of the place and enchanted by walks along the verdant banks of the River Sorgue.
Roussillon Situated in the Luberon, at the foot of the Monts de Vaucluse, the village of Roussillon is surrounded by beautiful countryside. It is considered one of the most impressive villages in France - Roussillon is one of the "must-sees" in the Luberon, and is well worth a detour.
Situated in the heart of one of the biggest ochre deposits in the world, Roussillon is famous for its magnificent red cliffs and ochre quarries. The red, yellow and brown shades of the earth form a striking contrast with the lush green pinetrees. The vivid blue of the Provençal sky and the exceptional quality of light make this a magical site.
It is like an artist's pallet, with the infinite combinations of colours varying from yellow to purple with all the shades of pink and red inbetween.
Situated in the heart of one of the biggest ochre deposits in the world, Roussillon is famous for its magnificent red cliffs and ochre quarries. The red, yellow and brown shades of the earth form a striking contrast with the lush green pinetrees. The vivid blue of the Provençal sky and the exceptional quality of light make this a magical site. It is like an artist's pallet, with the infinite combinations of colours varying from yellow to purple with all the shades of pink and red inbetween.
As soon as you arrive in the village of Roussillon, you will be charmed by its atmosphere. Take the time to stroll around the picturesque maze of streets and squares.
The ochre façades of the houses are magnificent... shades vary subtly from light yellow to dark red, set off by the brightly painted shutters and doors. From the base of the village to the summit of the Castrum and its splendid view, Roussillon is a delightful place to visit!
Numerous artists, naturally, have been seduced by Roussillon: Jean Cocteau, Carzou, Buffet, Ambrogiani...to name a few. You will discover several art galleries and studios, and a number of excellent restaurants where you can appreciate the talent of chefs well-known throughout the region...
Les Taillades Close to Cavaillon, Taillades merits a detour to discover a medieval village which has kept its charm and offers pleasant walks. (It is a classified village). Once upon a time Les Taillades was an important stone quarrying center. The quarries were abandoned at the end of the XIX° century and have now been transformed into an open air theater where dance, theater and concerts are held in August each year.
The marvellous landscapes which surround the village are protected as Taillades is within the Luberon Regional Park.
During your walks you'll discover and appreciate a variety of flora species as well as the subtle perfumes of the mediterranean and the aromatic plants typical of the "garrigue"... and of course, don't forget (in summer...) you'll be accompanied by the song of the cicadas.
