Things to do in Provence during Autumn

Being in Provence during Autumn is magical. Nature and landscapes always change. Just for the pleasure of the eyes, for your feed instagram or for the photo album memories, where you can find the field of lavender or poppies, the deserted beach, the flamingos in number. You will no longer look at the landscapes of Provence with the same eye! Each season is a corner of paradise. 

The hike in Autumn in Provence is a treat. The heat of the summer is over, the fresh air comes to cool us during the effort. The atmosphere is calmer, more peaceful, the tourists are more discreet. The fires have retired and the massifs are all open. Not to mention the autumn and winter light, which gradually approaches, on our massifs, the orange sunsets of the promenade. For the more adventurous, the bathing of the Indian summer.

Yes, here, even if you take your pet fleece or k-way as a precaution, temperatures allow you to enjoy an intimate bath. Provence has a great diversity of walks between its calanques that extend towards the east in the direction of the French Riviera. Not forgetting the beautiful Côte Bleue of Marseille in Martigues its magnificent authentic villages of the provencal hinterland, its massifs and its chains of mountains, like the Sainte-Baume, the Garlaban, the Sainte-Victoire, the Etoile. 

For those who wish to stay around Marseille and learn more about our city, here is a perfect  getaway for the autumn, which will make you discover a space impregnated by the human activity linking Marseille to its hinterland.

The hike is 7.1 km, with a vertical drop of 544m.

The little more of the promenade. On your return, take the opportunity to visit the Castle of the Buzine, house of the cinematographies of the Mediterranean acquired by Marcel Pagnol in 1867, located in the park of 7 hills and the workshop of Jean Innoncenti, master of faience around the Old Marseille.

Click here to enhance your South of France holiday with one of our luxury villas.

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Dominated by the ruins of one of the oldest châteaux of the Comtat (IXème siècle), this medieval village spreads out on the hilltop after which it was named. The village offers panoramic views that will take you breath away, overlooking la plaine de l’Ouvèze, les Dentelles de Montmirail, le Mont Ventoux up to the Baronnies.

This little medieval village hides many treasures… steep passage ways, arched passage ways, beautiful stone paths, and beautiful Renaissance properties, marvellously well restored. It has a beautiful old fountain (1843), wash pool and an old well.

And close to this picturesque village is the DOMAINE DES DENTELLES, which is a medieval priory and one of the finest properties Provence Emotional Escapes has to offer. It has a heated stunning infinity pool, a meticulously and lovingly renovated interior, 45 hectares of vines, tennis court and on-site winery.

Situated in a secluded mountain saddle within 350 acres of private forest in the heart of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Transport from Nimes and Marseilles airports or Avignon TGV can be organised and there is an on-site helipad and private road access.

They are organising a wine course, as they have been doing since 2008, it lasts five days and is an experience for wine enthusiasts of all levels, who are keen to improve their wine knowledge and tasting skills.

The group will be formed of international wine lovers and will consist of lectures, workshops, tastings of exceptional wines, wine games and hands-on activities in the winery and vineyard.

these courses are Extreme Wine WSET certified.

The next Extreme Wine WSET Level 2 course is due to take place 20-26 June 2015.

The next Beyond Extreme Wine WSET Level 3 course is due to take place 5-11 September 2015

The Wine and spirit Education Trust offers 3 levels: Basic, Intermediate and Advanced. The Intermediate level includes the Basic information but goes beyond, so it is not necessary to have previously earned the Basic certification.

Before the course, you are encouraged to study at least 14 hours from a book you will receive in advance.

All the world’s major wine regions, grape types and styles will be covered. You taste, discuss and analyse many of the world’s finest, most impressive and highly treasured vintages under the guidance of eminent instructors and even the renowned winemakers themselves.

The rates depend on the level of accommodation and sharing arrangements. Please ask us for more information.

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Things to do in Provence: Maussane-les-Alpilles

Nestled on the southern hillside of the Alpilles, Maussane is a typical and authentic provençal village in the vallée des Baux. It is well known for its olive production being one of the largest producers of olive oil in France with its 3 mills.

Olive oil production in the Alpilles

A questiion we sometimes get from guests at our luxury vacation rentals is: “How can you be sure you are tasting and buying quality olive oil whilst in Provence?”. As far as the Alpilles are concerned you will often find the AOP logo on the products of the vallée des Baux de Provence, it is earned as the result of conforming to a number of requirements. The first step towards earning the AOP label is proving the products merit to the INAO ( Institut National des Appellation d’ Origine), based on its geographic origins, specificity and production conditions.

The  recognized varieties of AOP olive oil in the Vallée des Baux, are the Grossane, Salonenque, Bouches du Rhône Verdale, Aglando olives, and Picholine to a maximum of 10%. The fruity green or fruity black oil varieties are obtained with the same olives. The difference is due to the time of maturation of the olives between harvesting and pressing.

Below is a link to one of the major olive producers in Maussane, you can visit their mill and production site whilst in the region:

Mas des Barres: www.masdesbarres.com

While  staying in a luxury vacation rental in Maussane, you should not miss visiting the market square with its fountain of the 4 seasons, as well as the adjoining streets cooled by small laundries and fountains, the Roman military terminals that line the road (Via Aurelia), the oratory dedicated to Saints honoured in Provence.

A visit to early 1900s Provence.

On the 23rd August 2015, like every year Maussane turns back the course of the time. Travel back to years of  Marcel Pagnol and  Jean Giono, discover artists and craft markets, children’s games, folklore….

For one day each summer the whole village returns to the early 1900s. If you happen to go through Maussane on this sunday, you will be welcomed by local inhabitants as well as professional comedians in traditional costumes bringing to life scenes from Provence’s heritage!

This day is dedicated to recreating an old fashioned atmosphere and to show what life was all about in those days. Lots of free activities and events  are sure to entertain the whole family.

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New Provence luxury properties to Just Provence – July 2013

This month’s new additions to the Just Provence portfolio offer a wide choice of properties from the quaint and  romantic Dovecote near Gordes sleeping two to La Pinède a modern villa suitable for a family of ten, within walking distance of Eygalières. We hope you will enjoy looking through this new selection of exclusive rentals in Provence.

The Dovecote, a romantic “cabanon” near Gordes.

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A landmark of the world-renowned perched village of Gordes, The Dovecote is a delightful romantic getaway just for two, set in gorgeous tailored grounds within walking distance of the village. An old “pigeonnier provençal” that was recently restored and refurbished, this unique vacation rental property enjoys splendid views over the Luberon from its exceptional location.

The Dovecote is a perfect place to spend your honeymoon, surrounded by the natural beauty of the olive groves, lavender and rose gardens all around.

Villa Bijou, a colourful family home in Vaucluse.

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Villa Bijou is a recently built villa which offers a large pool and grounds as well as stylish accommodation with air conditioning and brand new furnishings for a family or a small group of friends, in a quiet area of Beaumes-de-Venise, officially one of France’s most beautiful villages.

With 100 m² in the house and another 80 m² in the pool house, there is more than enough room for up to 7 people to live comfortably here. There is even a large two-door garage made available by the owner.  The property is not at all overlooked sits in the midst of  2.6 hectares of olive trees not only ensuring total privacy but surrounding it in an authentic Provençal setting.

La Pinède, a recently built luxury villa for rent in Eygalières.

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A recently constructed villa with underfloor cooling, a heated overflow pool and a spacious, tailored garden, La Pinède is a luxurious retreat within walking distance of the charming village of Eygalières.
Located in a quiet residential area, La Pinède has been carefully  designed and decorated by its owners, with a tasteful blend of traditional Provençal mas  and a recent fully equipped luxury home.
Eygalières is a delightful retreat for relaxing away from the busy world. Located at the foot of the dramatic Alpilles mountains, the village is a perfect pied-à-terre for exploring Provence – just twenty minutes’ drive from the market town of St-Rémy-de-Provence, half an hour from Avignon and Arles, 45 minutes from Aix-en-Provence and an hour from Marseilles and Orange.

La Valentine, a provençal villa with private tennis court overlooking Luberon.

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Just a quick drive away from the delightful village of Lourmarin, this lovely Provençal villa benefits from a very exclusive location that only adds to its charm. The views and the tranquillity of the surroundings contribute to making La Valentine a true haven of peace and serenity.

With its heated 10 x 5m swimming pool and astroturf tennis court, you’ll love being outdoors at any time of year at La Valentine. This exclusive property also offers multiple sitting rooms allowing for relaxation indoors for those long evenings or to avoid the height of the summer’s heat.

Domaine de Sénanque, a recently restored mas for rent near Gordes.

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A singularly beautiful Provençal mas that once belonged to the 12th-century Abbaye de Sénanque, this is a high-standard luxury rental villa enclosed in 30 hectares of private grounds within 5 minutes of Gordes, in a highly exceptional location. The village of Murs, a charming small village and a well-kept secret in the Luberon, is also 5 minutes away.

Enjoying stunning views along the entire valley it dominates, past the Petit Luberon mountain and as far as the Alpilles, this incredible property is an ideal retreat for a group of up to 16 people, which it can comfortably accommodate in its 600 square metres of living area and 8 bedrooms, 6 of which are en-suite, the other 2 sharing a bathroom.

The privacy and the calm surroundings genuinely contribute to the atmosphere of peace and tranquillity, making this property one of our ideal luxury retreats for getting away from it all. Chill out by the beautiful pool or just sit back and relax in the serenity of the indoor spaces.

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New Provence luxury rental holiday rentals May 2013

As summer approaches, Just Provence has secured a  new selection of luxury rentals in the region. The emphasis this month has been on recently restored farmhouses  some dating back to the 15th century.

You will discover Bastide de l’Arc, neighbouring property to Mas de l’Arc featured last month but also Mas de Montagnette a vast 1000 sqm 15th century mas near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. All the regions of Provence are covered from the Gard to Aix and Just Provence has even added a new location to its portfolio of destinations  with the famed perched  medieval village of Les Baux-de-Provence.

Bastide de l’Arc, a luxury bastide in Provence.

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Bastide de l’Arc is the neighbouring property to Mas de l’Arc near Aix-en-Provence. This traditional Provençal bastide  was also recently restored by local interior designer Nathalie Vingot Mei. It can accommodate up to 20 people and benefits from a 14 x 6,5 m pool. One of the property’s strong points  is the vast  250 sqm terrace which spans the entire length of the house making it a perfect vantage point from which to admire Mount Sainte Victoire and organise  large outdoor meals with the entire party.

Mas du Destet, traditional charm and luxurious modern comfort.

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Mas du Destet, a 18th-century Provençal  mas near Les Baux-de-Provence  has recently been restored and offers all the modern facilities and furnishings that you would expect from one of our luxury rentals (floor heating/cooling, Italian-style kitchen, high comfort bedrooms and bathrooms, a beautiful modern pool, etc). A great effort has also been made by the owners  to preserve the property’s original charm and character – exposing stone walls, preserving the bergerie’s original roof and volumes as well as the pergola with its vines overhanging the front terrace…

Mas de Soleillan, an 18th-century farmhouse in the midst of Provence’s finest vineyards

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 Mas de Soleillan near Laudun  is a recently restored 18th century farmhouse which is so successful that it was extensively featured in renowned interior design magazine. This luxury holiday rental is not only tastefully decorated, it sits in the midst of its 6 hectares of Côtes du Rhône vineyards, ensuring not only total peace and privacy but also an ideal position in the heart of this renowned wine producing region.

Villa Azur, an art collector’s retreat in the Luberon.

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Furnished and decorated to a very high standard in a tasteful modern style to which the owner added a personal touch to the contemporary interior design by including modern works of art from his private collection, Villa Azur is an idyllic retreat within walking distance of the  charming village of Lourmarin  in the heart of the Luberon National Park.

Mas de la Montagnette, vast 15th-century mas,

private lake and olive groves…

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A vast and beautiful Provencal rental mas, built in the 15th century and fully restored, Mas de la Montagnette benefits from a great location, 15 minutes from Avignon to the north, Arles to the south, Saint-Rémy and Les-Baux-de-Provence just to the east, in the Alpilles.
With over 1,000m2 of living space, the mas has 9 main double bedrooms of various sizes and standards, sleeping 18 people, as well as an extra single room for a nanny or a young teen and two extra beds for small children in small rooms just outside of two of the bedrooms.
The beautiful grounds at Mas de la Montagnette are perfect for hosting your wedding in Provence with up to 100 guests.

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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

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