The Emotional Escapes website new features

Find all our destinations through one site.

The major advantage of the new emotional Escapes site is that you can now access our all portfolios by hovering your mouse on the “destinations” bar at the top of any page. A menu opens offering all the available destinations.

New search options

You can use the search button to open a scroll down bar offering you to not only select your requested date and capacity but also some essential features of the property. this feature changes depending on the destination you are searching through.

Direct access to regional information

Over the years  we have come to realize that the location of a property is just as important as its commodities in the choice of a luxury holiday rental. Therefore we  have put a lot of effort in being as informative as possible in our property descriptions, you can now have direct access to information about the area in which the property is situated.

Property Reviews

When choosing a holiday rental it is often helpful to have insight into past experiences which is one we have added a review feature which presents reviews from past guests to the properties we promote.

Cet article What’s new on the Emotional Escapes site. est apparu en premier sur Provence Emotional Escapes Blog.

New luxury properties to Just Provence – January 2014

Just Provence is proud to introduce the first new properties of 2014 in the most sought after locations of Provence. Keeping with our dynamic of 2013 we continue to extend our portfolio with properties of a high standard which will appeal to a variety of tastes from the rustic and traditional to the chic and contemporary.

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L’Arlésienne, near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

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Mas l’Arlésienne is a charming, country holiday villa  within short driving distance of  the centre of the  market town of St-Rémy-de-Provence. Overlooking  the famous archaeological site of Glanum, this luxury vacation rental is perfect for a family looking to relax in mature gardens, lounging around a spacious swimming pool. This provençal mas can host up to 8 guests and benefits from air conditioning  throughout.

Domaine Marderic,an exclusive stone-built farm near Ansouis, Luberon.

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Domaine Marderic, is a beautiful stone-built vacation rental is set within 20hectares of private grounds including mature woodlands. With panoramic views over the south Luberon, this is a property where a large family can spread out and really take advantage of the surrounding nature.
And to complement all this rustic wonderment, the property has been lovingly renovated with all the mod cons needed to ensure that your stay will be a wonderful one for all the right reasons.

Cet article New luxury properties to Just Provence – January 2014 est apparu en premier sur Provence Emotional Escapes Blog.

New Provence luxury properties to Just Provence – December 2013

Just Provence is proud to present this winter’s new additions to our portfolio. You will find in this month’s selections a very varied selection of properties ranging from the newly restored mas near the perched villages of the  Luberon to  established domains in the heart of Les Alpilles.

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New Properties in Les Alpilles.

Domaine du Gourmet, a luxurious estate near Eygalières

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This luxurious estate for rent offers outstanding services with Air-conditioning, jacuzzi, private tennis court, golf practice course as well as a heated pool. The high quality of services provided is carried  in the on-site restaurant serving home-grown produces.
Set in 25 hectares of parkland planted with pine trees, olive trees and lavender, the property is a fully renovated 17th-century hamlet that was once home to shepherds and their flocks near Eygalières. The owner has paid a lot of attention to the decoration, both inside and out. With 8 en-suite bedrooms and 3 suites, the property can sleep large groups of up to 24 people in great comfort. All bedrooms are air-conditioned and equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite reception.

Clos Paradou, a renovated mas in a wonderful location

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A beautiful Mas with a very high level of comfort for up to 12 people, enclosed in its own 2,600 sqm private grounds right in the centre of the charming village of Le Paradou – situated between Les-Baux-de-Provence and Maussane -les- Alpilles at the foot of the Alpilles mountain range. This really is the perfect luxury holiday rental for a group of adults who appreciate the finer things in life.  this vacation rental benefits from a 10 x3 m private heated pool and air-conditioning throughout.

Les Mirabelles, traditional mas set in an orchard

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A delightful mas surrounded by mature trees,  set in 4 hectares of fruit orchards and lawns near the small village of St Andiol, this holiday rental is a perfect  home from which to explore the impressive Alpilles mountains. The beautiful village of Eygalières and the well-known market town of St-Rémy-de-Provence are both only a 10-minute drive away.

Mas de la Capelle, a comfortable near Eygalières

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A delightful restored mas just outside of Eygalières, Mas de la Capelle is truly characteristic of properties in the Alpilles, blending a traditional, rustic exterior with a modern and comfortable interior. Enjoying a large lap pool and charming, well-kept gardens, this luxury rental villa provides a relaxing and serene environment for guests to put their feet up in style.
The property can sleep 6 people in comfort in its 3 bedrooms, each of which has its own bathroom.

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New Properties in Luberon

Valensole, a lavender surrounded villa

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This Provençal holiday rental sleeps 10 with private heated 12 x 6 m swimming pool, situated in the base of the valley between Lacoste and Bonnieux it benefits from wonderful views.  Recently renovated to a very high standard this stone built Provençal mas is full of character and charm, surrounded by its own lavender fields.
The interior of the mas has been stylishly furnished to offer contemporary holiday accommodation that gives the whole group lots of space and privacy. Set in extensive grounds with its own private pool it is a peaceful setting for a relaxed holiday in the Luberon region.

Domaine de l’Oustalet, restored property in Lourmarin

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A very spacious luxury villa rental in Provence, sleeps 24 with two private pools and tennis court, fully air conditioned, within walking distance of Lourmarin. Air conditioned throughout, with fully equipped gym and fabulous views of the surrounding Luberon hills.Set in an idyllic Provençal setting, this impressive traditional stone built Domain is a wonderfully blended mix of authentic architecture and contemporary decor. Thoughtfully renovated last year the accommodation provides ample space spread over the main house and a west wing, and caters for all the needs of a large group. Including a purpose-built double en-suite bedroom with ramp access to the pool and gardens suitable for disabled guests.

Cet article New Provence luxury properties to Just Provence – December 2013 est apparu en premier sur Provence Emotional Escapes Blog.

Garden Drawing course

in Provence Luberon 2013

Just Provence maintains a close relationship with the owners of the properties we promote, especially when they are as passionate about Provence as we are.
Therefore we are very happy to present this exclusive training course in the heart of the Luberon National Park which is a wonderful opportunity to discover Provence and fine tune your artistic skills.

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Corinne Détroyat, owner of Le Coquelicot near the hilltop village of Saignon, has been running a painting course for some years now. A qualified landscape gardener, she shares her passion for nature, Provence and painting with her spring and summer students every year. The course takes place in her authentic bastide, surrounded by 30 hectares of oaks, olive trees, lavender, almond and cherry trees so typical of Provence

She will welcome you for four days of drawing from the 4th to the 9th June and 27th August to the 1st September 2013.
Corinne defines the course as:

A unique course in Provence, it is an opportunity to experiment with watercolour: a sensitive graphic method for sharing a garden’s vision, atmosphere and layout.

The course is organised in partnership with Claude Pasquer who is a landscape architect and sculptor from Versailles. Lessons and advice are given in French and English and has included Russian and American participants, making it open to visitors to Provence from all corners of the world.

The four day course will concentrate on :

• Recalling of drawing perspective rules for an intuitive building of space.

• Recalling of shadow and light theory: the key to harmonious drawing lays in the expression of dynamic circulation.

• Watercolour: technique and working method to render a colourful atmosphere.

• Practical exercises in the estate.

The course takes place both indoors and outdoors and includes visits to the local market town of Apt.

It will reveal and develop your graphic personality, whatever your level. Above all, it is a nice working atmosphere in which to immerse yourself and progress in graphic expression.

Participants arrive on Tuesday evening, they are welcomed in Corinne’s Provençal bastide with drinks and local products. Each day will then follow the schedule below:

9am: Breakfast
9.30am: Drawing
12.30pm: Lunch with the teacher and the hosts
2pm: Drawing
5.30pm: Free time (swimming, walking, visiting sites, maybe even a siesta)
6.30pm : Learning of the computer graphics with Photoshop
8pm: Dinner

The rates cover different options:

• If you choose to stay at Le Coquelicot it is 750€/person or 1100€ for two people (single/double room, shared bathroom).
  This fee includes the course and full board.
• If you choose to stay at another exclusive vacation rental in the region, it is 480€ per person including course and lunches.

As the course runs from Wednesday morning to Sunday morning  you could plan a family stay for a week in Provence and enjoy your four days of watercolour course whilst the rest of the family pursue their own activities. You also might enjoy visiting nearby interesting sites such as the Salagon ethno-botanic garden, the Rustrel Provence Colorado and Saignon village.

If you would like more details or a leaflet detailing the course, please contact Corinne Detroyat at [email protected].

For more information on the Luberon region and luxury holiday rentals near Saignon contact us at [email protected].

 View rental properties in Saignon

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Destination Weddings in Provence.

This article was inspired by another article entitled: destination wedding mythbusters which raised the  crucial points that destination weddings were not more expensive, nor complicated to organise and offered the advantage of doubling as honeymoon destinations. In this article we will look into how organising your wedding in Provence can be a variety of experiences beyond but not excluding the restrictive postcard image of lavenders, sunshine and cicadas.

The Côtes Du Rhône region.

Provence is famous for many produces from olive oil to cicadas printed napkins. But among its noblest of products is the world renowned Côtes du Rhône wines. As mentioned in a previous article, Vaucluse has been once again recognised in 2012 for the quality of its fine wines. Planning a wedding in North Vaucluse  not only means that you’ll be able to welcome friends and family in the heart of  these exclusive vineyards but also that you will have at hand beautiful sites such as Les Dentelles-de-Montmirail, the “Giant of Provence” that is Mont Ventoux or historically rich towns such as Vaison-la-Romaine or Orange.

Weddings are festive  occasions where your loved ones travel to gather and share your joy. By choosing an exclusive holiday rental in the heart of Provence you will ensure that not only will they have a wonderful time during the wedding but will also be able to visit a beautiful region and enjoy its products.

North Vaucluse is very versatile in the themes it can bring to your wedding and honeymoon. You can choose organise a chic wedding reception in a “domaine” near Grignan with  Mme de Sévigné’s romantic 17th century as backdrop or add  wine tasting tours to the occasion with the famous vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Valréas within a short drive. Treat yourself and your guests to not only a trip to Provence but a voyage through the flavours of rich and exquisite wines sought the world over.

North Vaucluse is one of the most historically rich regions of Provence and gives many options to choose from for your wedding photo shoots from the steps of the popes’ palace in Avignon to the Roman ruins of Vaison-la-Romaine. Planning your wedding in Provence will mean that local caterers will supply you with home grown produce from this agriculturally rich part of France, the owners of holiday rentals that can accommodate wedding receptions will direct you towards services and the possibilities the properties offer.

 Luberon

The Luberon offers a wonderful setting for a romantic hide-away honeymoon in the heart of a UNESCO recognised National Park doted with perched villages from which you  can choose to stay or visit. A great choice for a more rural wedding, the splendid views of rolling hills, lavender and poppy fields as you exit  a small Provençal chapel greeted by your loved ones.

Planning your wedding in Luberon means you will be a short drive the  history rich capital that is Avignon or the large market town of Apt whilst being in a quiet and idyllic part of Provence which has proudly retained its Provençal heritage of stone-built houses, winding streets, charming “cabanons” and isolated monasteries dotting the hillsides. What could be better then spending your honeymoon in such a peaceful setting, overlooking the Luberon Valley with only the endless horizon greeting you, every morning.

 Les Alpilles

“Les Alpilles” is  a mountain range  Provence and gives its name  southernmost region of  inland Provence and as inspired world famous artists like Cézanne, Picasso, Gauguin and famously Van Gogh who spent time in Arles and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. The famous impressionist was inspired by the colours and beauty of this region. The Mont Sainte Victoire was Cézanne’s favourite subject having painted it 60 times, it most certainly won’t leave you indifferent.

Les Alpilles shares with Vaucluse a strong Roman Heritage and like Luberon has been -and still is- home to many artists. It has a close access to the sea and the regional capital that is the city of Marseille whilst being quietly nestled in a low mountain range.

By planning your wedding in Les Alpilles you could embed the occasion in artistic influence with views from Cézanne’s paintings and colours that inspired Van Gogh enabling you and your guests to literally walk in pictures only seen in the great Art Museums of the world.

Planning your destination

wedding in Provence

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Now the strong points of various destinations in Provence have been laid out you can consider renting a holiday villa in the South of France  to host your wedding and honeymoon. Enjoy the comfort of a home: privacy, exclusive setting and modern comfort whilst being able to plan your stay as you wish. Whether you wish to live like a local,  experience an intensive tour of this beautiful region or simply enjoy the sun by your private pool.

Just Provence has an extensive portfolio of properties from the isolated mas for a romantic honeymoon in the Luberon or a luxurious farmhouse near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence that can welcome up to 20 friends and family to enjoy the week leading to or following  your wedding. We will be more than happy to help you pick the destination for your once-in-a-lifetime emotional escape in Provence.

If you have any questions or comments do not hesitate to leave a message or contact me at: [email protected].

Dylan

Cet article Where to plan your destination wedding in Provence. est apparu en premier sur Provence Emotional Escapes Blog.

Finding the perfect location for your luxury vacation rental in Provence.

People looking for accomodations on the Just Provence site search through our portfolio of exclusive rental properties and get attracted by the high quality photos, as they pick through the list for the perfect setting for their family’s vacation in Provence. After this process,  questions we are often asked are: where is this property located, how far is it from the nearest village, Avignon or a famous landmark and, will this vacation rental be a good base camp for excursions? In this article we’ll look at how you can determine if a location will fit your needs.

There are few straight roads in Provence.

One important factor to take into account when planning your visits in Provence is that Provence itself is delimited by the River Rhône and mountain ranges, the Alpilles, Mont Ventoux and Luberon to name the most prominent. This means that travelling around the region will enable you to discover wonderful natural sites but also a lot of winding roads and curves. The region around Avignon is very well served in dual carriageways and motorways. But quaint medieval Provençal villages, that the area is famous for, have kept their character by being off those main roads. These are the places you might want to visit.

This factor of time spent travelling between points of interest will weigh heavilly on your choice of holiday rental destination.

Your time is precious.

The average stay in Provence in peak season is 2 weeks. In those 14 days you will want to see it all and enjoy the  “Must See” places that you have pin-pointed while planning your stay. Places you could associate with a holiday in Provence could be daily colourful markets, visiting a village you have seen in “A Good Year” with Russell Crowe, the magnificent millenia old Pont du Gard or touring the Côtes du Rhône villages for that wine experience you have anticipated for years. You will have to consider if they fit in your tight schedule and if they require a day trip, an afternoon or just a quick visit as you cycle by.

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You can use the search function on the  Just Provence website to sort properties by location. This also allows you to enter detailed requirements as for example chosing between a country home or a vacation villa near a village.

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In order to help you pick the ideal location for your stay in Provence, I have made this very simple map (thank you Google!). It highlights 4 important cultural centres of Provence, Uzés, Avignon, Saint Rémy de Provence and Apt.  Avignon being the gravitation point since it benefits from a fast train station, two motorway exists and an airport.

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Chances are Avignon will be your point of arrival in Provence whether you come in from Paris, London or Marseille. As you can see, all four centres are within a 30 minute to an hour radius of each other. Which means, for example, that when you pick any location in the red circle you will be able to plan, at least, a day out in these areas with ample time for visiting, enjoying restaurants and then getting home safely with time to spare.

During your stay it is a good idea to book a private tour, so an English-speaking driver guides you around the places of interest you choose without the hassle of driving around with your eyes focussed on the GPS instead of enjoying your visit of Provence.

Picking the ideal location saves you time and money.

As I mentioned in a previous post on planning your stay in Provence in advance, it is essential to make a short list of things you would definitely want to see and do during your visit so as to plan a memorable emotional escape in the South of France. By giving the location careful thought when choosing an exclusive rental properties you will ensure your stay goes as smoothly as possible.

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Do you have a favourite destination in Provence? Have you already considered a list of things to do and visit on your next trip? We’d like to hear from you.

If you have any questions or comments do not hesitate to leave a message or contact me at: [email protected].

Cet article Finding the perfect location for your luxury vacation rental in Provence. est apparu en premier sur Provence Emotional Escapes Blog.

Provence Wine tasting tours : what to do with the children?

Peak season may be over,  but should you visit Provence after “Toussaint” (1st November) the vendanges* will be truly over but you will still be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery Provence has to offer while tasting excellent wine in Caves and Caveaux. But the question many families ask themselves is: what will we do with the children? An afternoon of wine tasting isn’t exactly what they’d describe as a fun day out. won’t they be bored to death while we enjoy the local produce?

Worry not our friends at Côtes du Rhône News have a list of activities for your little ones if you’ve  forgotten colouring books and toys at home…

Inter-Rhône has designed  an activity booklet for children  called “Jeux de Raisin” which can be found in cooperative and independent caves around Provence. the contain crosswords ( a fun way to improve your French), Sudokus, colouring pages, and even an easy cooking recipe (for your junior foodie)!

Another service developing is for example Vignerons de Caractère in Vacqueyras ‘ initiative of installing a closed and secured “play space” for children with small tables and chairs, colouring pencils, balloons and even blow up structures.

In the summer, activities for children are more varied with some domains going as far as organising pony rides like for example: domaine  domaine Mourgues du Grès or the domaine Lucena…

Tranlated with their permission from an article on Côtes-Du-Rhône News.

Dylan

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Harvesting of wine grapes in French*

Cet article Provence Wine tasting tours : what to do with the children? est apparu en premier sur Provence Emotional Escapes Blog.