Provence luxury villa rentals- Summer 2015

Genévrier

Provence, Emotional Escapes presents Genévrier, a luxury villa rental nestled in the hilltop village of Crillon-le-Brave. Sleeping 6 in 3 en-suite bedrooms, with wonderful views over the Mont Ventoux and its lush valley.

Genévrier is a luxury villa rental nestled in the village of Crillon-le-Brave, from this vantage point guests will enjoy  a expansive views of the Ventoux valley.

The home is tasteful and refined, originally an ancient stone village house built of stone from local quarries. The two story home was re-built and enlarged, creating a seamless integration of old and new.This vacation rental consists of three first-floor en-suite bedrooms and can welcome up to 6 guests.

Weekly rates: €1,895 to €2,476

Château Condrieu

Built on the remains of a 12th century fortress this spectacular luxury rental overlooks the village of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue famous for its antique fairs. This luxury rental will comfortably accommodate  a group of 10 guests

Whilst staying in this prestigious château you will enjoy the service of a chef who will prepare every meal for you daily.

Making for a truly hedonistic stay, the on-site chef will prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner for you daily so that you can enjoy the site, its vistas and your vacation to the maximum.The services of the chef and the waitress are included in the price of the rental; the cost of ingredients for the meals you choose, and the drinks you consume, are separate. The buffet breakfast is fully included in the rental.

Weekly rate: €15,120

Maison des Prés

Maison des Prés is a modern villa  rental sitting in a quiet residential area just a short stroll from the village of Caromb near the Mont Ventoux. This vacation rental has just been purchased and refurbished by the current owner, it can sleep up to 6 guests in three en-suite bedrooms.

Weekly rates: €1,495– €2,598

Villa Alouette

Provence Emotional Escapes presents Villa Alouette, a well appointed luxury rental property with stunning views from the house and the swimming pool.

Villa Alouette, located in the tiny village of La Roque-sur-Pernes, has a dramatic setting on a hillside. It is perfectly situated on the edge of a quiet village for a relaxing vacation but is also near local commerce, and Provence’s most sought out attractions.This vacation rental can welcome 6 guests.

Weekly rates: €1,795 to €2,640

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Provence luxury villa rentals- Spring 2014

Emotional Escapes prides itself in constantly seeking new luxury rentals to introduce to our discerning clientele. We insist on regularly visiting the villas we promote to ensure they maintain their high standards and we keep our presentations up to date with new photography. To this effect, the Emotional Escapes Provence team has revisited some of their most popular villas and took the opportunity of this early Spring’s splendid weather to update their property descriptions.

Mas des Florettes

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This luxury villa rental sits just outside the perched village of Bonnieux and benefits from a high level of comfort, with air conditioning, a heated pool, spacious grounds and seven en-suite bedrooms.
Mas de Florettes was visited in late April and we were able to photograph the newly refurbished living areas and bedrooms of this exceptional property.

Beaumanière

[portfolio column=”1″ cat=”exclusive-holiday-rental” current=”exclusive-holiday-rental” ids=”2137″ title=”false” desc=”false” more=”false” moreButton=”false”]This luxurious rental property is just a ten minutes’ drive from the centre of the city of Aix-en-Provence. Beaumanière offers Air-conditioned bedrooms, tennis court, heated infinity pool, gym / fitness room, 10 hectares of manicured grounds.

The villa is located right next to a brand new 18-hole course. There are shops for all your needs just 5 minutes away and the delightful beaches of Cassis are at just half an hour’s drive. Aix TGV station is only 15 minutes away and can get you to Paris in under 3 hours, while Marseilles airport is just 15 minutes further.

Having refurbished the pool house and swimming pool, the owners of this luxury rental villa are delighted to offer a special summer rate of 14,995€/wk for all weeks from early July to the end of August, instead of the previously advertised rate of 18,360€.

Le Mas Volets Bleus

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Le Mas Volets Bleus is a short drive from Chateaurenard with its local commerce, and just a 15 minutes drive from the stunning St-Rémy-de-Provence with all that market town has to offer.

This traditional provençal holiday home has been part of the Just Provence portfolio since the launch of the site, in early of May 2014 Mas Volets Bleus benefited from a new visit from Tim, owner of Just Provence, resulting in a complete new set of photographs showcasing this peaceful family-friendly rental.

La Maison à Caromb

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La Maison à Caromb is an 18th-century village house situated  in the foothills of the Mont Ventoux. Everything has been prepared to ensure that its guests enjoy a short stay that will remain in the memory for many years to come. The owners live in the village and are always on hand should they be required. This traditional Provence rental is ideal for visitors seeking a truely authentic experience in the centre of an active village in the south of France.

Thanks to a photoshoot in late April, La Maison à Caromb’s description now benefits from updated interior photographs which better representes the variety of  spacious rooms the house has to offer.

Clos Paradou

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Clos Paradou is a traditional and very comfortable stone-built rental Mas  enclosed in its own  private grounds right in the centre of the charming village of Le Paradou  in the heart of Les Alpilles.  Setting this vacation rental just a few minutes walk to butchers, bakers, grocery store and restaurants.

Clos Paradou benefited from a new photo shoot in early May and you will surely agree that the new photos do justice to the luxurious interiors as well as the in beautifully manicured gardens.

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Artistic workshops to discover in Provence.

Provence has much to offer in terms of activities and places to explore, from wine-tasting to guided tours of the region’s major landmarks (the Luberon, Pont du Gard, Avignon….),  travellers visiting the region go home with fond memories and souvenirs from their experience. But rather than taking home photos and gifts why not also bring back a new set of skills? Every year we recommend one of our owners’ classes in watercolour painting, but there is a wide selection of artisans offering to share their knowledge with visitors for a day or more. This month we have chosen to present two of these passionate workshops which have set up shop in Provence.

Ateliers de Couleurs

Liz Wyatt and Monique Lecoq welcome visitors to their workshop, opened last September in the perched village of Ménerbes in the heart of Luberon. There Liz presents her restored hand-painted furniture, also working on commissioned furniture-painting  services for clients looking to add  a personal touch to their residence in Provence. She also gives classes where you will learn painting techniques in bespoke groups of up to six students.

Ateliers de Couleurs is exclusive stockist of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint(c) in Provence.

The courses range from half-day initiations to full-day training on  furniture, lent for the occasion. Refreshments are included in the price and classes are given in English and French.

You can visit their site at Atelier de Couleurs.

Mosaic Academy

Marie-Agnès Jacquet, a master mosaïst trained in Ravenna and Rome, will welcome you in a provencal « mas » tucked among vineyards and olive groves in the perched village of Crillon-le-Brave  ideally located near Avignon and the famed Luberon district. There you will learn the techniques of the traditional art of mosaic in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere amidst her creations

Marie-Agnés offers classes for all levels ranging from a half-day initiation course to five-day master classes.

you can visit her site at Mosaic Academy.

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New South of France luxury holiday rentals April 2013

This Spring, Just Provence has managed to secure a brand new selection of luxury rentals all around the region. From 18th century farmhouses to modern architectural projects, which are found in as diverse locations as the perched village of Ménerbes or the classy countryside surrounding Aix-en-Provence. These stunning properties offer a wide spectrum of experiences and décor but all have in common the owners’ high expectations in delivering a luxury holiday to visitors.

Click the images to view larger slideshows.

La Maison Chandon, an 18th century family holiday country home.

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This 18th century house sits  just a few minutes walk from the perched village of Ménerbes in the Luberon, where Peter Mayle set the action for his books. It has been lovingly restored by its French owner who guided us through the property at the end of March. This rental property was refurbished with holiday rentals in mind, thus offering all the amenities visitors coming to Provence would expect, such as its huge 10 x 7m private pool and pétanque court for the warm summer evenings. Services such as Ipod docking stations, WiFi access and many other commodities are available to our guests. La Maison Chandon is the ideal vacation home for a large family;  it succeeds in offering privacy, splendid views whilst being close to a lovely village in one of the most beautiful parts of Provence.

Villa Domino, an exceptional contemporary rental villa.

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We visited Villa Domino with the property manager in early April, she told us how this exceptional contemporary rental villa was the personal project of a Portuguese and French couple living in the USA who entrusted a local architect to design a light filled structure which would maximise the splendid views and sunshine that this location is blessed with. Situated on the edge of the village of Cadenet which offers a choice of stores and cafés, it is also just minutes from the famously charming village of Lourmarin.  This exceptional villa, sleeping 8, is the ideal choice for a family looking for a stylish modern experience in the heart of Provence neighbouring major cultural centres like Aix-en-Provence or Avignon just 40 minutes drive away.

Le Belvédère, an architect’s hidden gem in Provence.

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This luxury rental is situated in the midst of a oak forest. The French owners of this atypical villa were inspired by the Tour de Pinet; a 12th century square tower guarding the entrance to Venasque which is the nearby perched village overlooking the “Vallée de la Nesque“.  Le Belvédère offers splendid views, luxurious comforts – air conditioning, 2x 2m beds, heated pool- and total privacy in an underrated part of Provence.

Mas de l’Arc: luxury, comfort and splendid views.

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Mas de l’Arc is the first property near the trendy city of Aix-en-Provence to be promoted by Just Provence. This traditional Provençal mas was tastefully restored and entirely refurbished by the owners with the help of local interior designer Nathalie Vingot Mei. It can accommodate up to 14 people and not only boasts a 12 x 6m infinity pool but also fantastic views over the surrounding vineyards and the Mountain Sainte Victoire. Staying at this holiday rental ensures you will experience all the sights and pleasures of a region which inspired some of the greatest artists of their time such as Picasso, Cézanne or Van Gogh.

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Perfect Golf courses for your holidays in Provence Part Two: Var And Luberon

The Luberon mountain is spread across  two departments Alpes de Haute Provence and Vaucluse. It is host to the UNESCO recognized Luberon National Park which is not only a fantastic natural reserve but host to a collection of quaint perched medieval villages made famous through books and films set in this part of Provence. South of Luberon you will find the Department of Var which is better known for the French Riviera. But inland just as you are heading for the sea, it is host to two quality golf courses within a 25km drive of each other.

Le Golf du Luberon: this 5623 m course in the heart of Provence, near Manosque, opened in 1988 and offers fantastic views and an enjoyable course. It also has a “pitch and putt” 6 hole course and a 9 hole putting green. Golfing lessons are available, the instructors speak English.

Golf de la Sainte Baume: Having opened in 1988 and situated near the historical town of Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baumerespects this very traditional part of Provence (Les Alpilles) by its layout and the typically local flora you’ll encounter on the 18 hole course on a length of 6062m par 72.  A restaurant and bar are available on the premises as well as a Golf Shop.

Les Alpilles are a low chain of mountains in the heart of Provence. The area covered goes from Arles, a city rich in gallo-roman heritage, to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence which like Arles boasts roman sites and a rich artistic heritage that includes Van Gogh and Provençal poet Frédéric Mistral.

Golf de Barbaroux: “Nestling in the heart of Provence, in 200-acres of majestic, wooded landscapes, this is one of Europe’s most prestigious golf courses!” The Golf de Barbaroux is a 18 hole, par 72, 6069 m course, designed by architects Pete Dye and PB Dye. It offers all the amenities you’d expect from a course of such standing (bar, restaurant…).

You can find more information about these Golf courses on their respective websites :
www.barbaroux.com
www.opengolfclub.com/saintebaume
www.golf-du-luberon.com

You can read part 1 of this series by clicking here.

Have you ever visited any of these courses? Would you like to comment on them or the locations mentioned in this article? We’d love to hear about your experiences. Please leave a comment or contact me at [email protected]

Dylan

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3 things you should look for in an exclusive Provence vacation rental.

Just Provence prides itself in having a portfolio of luxury rental properties built up over a number of years with ever higher expectations. To this effect we have agents in Provence always looking to add properties of the standards we have set for our discerning clientèle.  One might wonder what are these standards? What differentiates an exclusive rental property from your run of the mill villa with pool in sunny southern France?

These standards at first seemed very subjective, what can make a property stand out to be deemed worthy of the “exclusive” title ? I asked myself that question not being quite sure  I could answer it precisely. Until Romuald, owner of L’Oliveraie, brought us his guest-book. His reviews answered the question for me and self-defined the “X-factor”. Yes, X stands  for exclusive…

August 2012

Thank you for  a wonderful, relaxing week – fabulous spot + everyone should have a massage ! I loved the massage.

(In child’s writing) I really enjoyed all the sports.

There are lots of good restaurants near the villa and lots of activities to do at the villa. Rom, thank you for a great week. Regards.
The Goods, UK

L’Oliveraie will be our case study so to speak, this review by the Good family (it is their real name) clearly states three factors that made the property stand out for the whole family. First thing mentioned is the great location, second come the activities at the house and third are the services provided by a friendly owner, affectionately called “Rom” by this family. It seems to me this simple review sums up “Rom’s” recipe for success. And this same recipe will ensure our portfolio only includes such properties and applying these principles in your choice of a holiday rental will ensure you pick exactly the right property for you and your loved ones.

Location, Location, Location !

Where is L’Oliveraie? The villa is situated near the beautiful perched village of Le Barroux. The village itself has a good selection of restaurants, nearby towns of Malaucène and Caromb ( 5 minutes away) both complete this selection with more shops, cafés and restaurants. The area has plenty to see within a 15 minutes drive radius, with two monasteries, a castle, the natural sites of Dentelles de Montmiral and Mont Ventoux and the  various perched villages (Lafare, Suzette, La Roc Alric…) hidden  behind the hills that dot the area. But don’t just take my word for it another review was all about the location :

13 – 27th Aug 2011

Dear Romuald, thank you so much for letting us stay in L’Oliveraie. We had a wonderful holiday, enjoyed Le Barroux and many of the Provence villages. We leave with many happy memories. All good wishes.

The Hobbs family (Michael,  Ingrid, Tom and Adam)

Services available “sur place”*

But as you and I know Provence is full of such jewels and travellers nowadays need more to entice them into venturing into this location rather than the hundreds at hand. I asked Romuald what were those massages the guest were mentioning and the answer I got was very detailed.

” My wife offers oriental massages  for our guests’ well being.”

These massages include the use of essential oils: argan, jasmine, orange flower, rose, ylang ylang and frangipani.

The lady of the house also offers beauty treatments on demand ( pedicure, facial care, manicure…).

And while you are relaxing from your day discovering the area your children and/or friends can relax in the pool, playing table tennis  and other activities made available on the premises.

I sit in the stone house considering fans of lavender and the small basket of blushing apricots given to us by Romuald. Cicadas sing still, morning to night. The “sanglier” maybe will visit, the clear moon will keep us awake. (…) What delightful memories.

Oleander, black blood cherries. The tick tock of our ping pong game. Maybe the dog’s instant ownership- a blessing and a curse for poor Romuald.

I’m looking forward to finding out. Merci à la prochaine fois.

A truly bespoke service.

Finally, what really makes a luxury holiday rental stand out is the little services at your disposal that aren’t really  customary but will make your life so much easier. Romuald and his wife truly understood that. They offer a welcoming dinner to their travelling guests who can just pick from a menu he sends them once they have booked their week online. He even goes that step further by offering to do their grocery shopping  prior to their arrival so the only thing they have to worry about the next day is whether to bask in the sun or go sightseeing. The couple also has a listing of babysitters, chauffeurs and even a yoga teacher should the need arise.

 Do all Just Provence properties fit exactly in this mould? The answer  is yes but in their own ways. But do all visitors to Provence wish these exact services or types of locations? The answer is no.

That is why it is important you define what you need and want for your vacation in the South of France. You can look for destinations you’ll enjoy more, a village like Le Barroux might not be the right choice for you if you enjoy going to the theatre/concert every night. If you’re more the autonomous type who likes to handcraft this vacations from start to finish then you should look into a more “independent” property. But you will benefit from Just Provence’s services along the way to making your choice.

So what truly makes a vacation rental exclusive? As mentioned above a great location that will suit your tastes, services that match your needs and a bespoke service that will answer any question.

As always you can contact me at [email protected] with any questions or requests concerning the blog, our services or Provence in general. All comments are welcome.

Dylan

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* sur place means on site in French

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How can I chase the autumn Blues away?

“Villages once bustling with the crowds of tourists now lie dormant in preparation of the coming winter…” Or are they? Summer may be over in Provence, the cicadas and humming bees may no longer be heard in the sun-baked valleys, but all is not doom and gloom. Moving into October, the countryside donned its beautiful autumn colours, the wine harvests are coming to an end. Summer festivals might be a distant memory but the Jazz and Blues scene here in the Vaucluse is in full swing.

Dark smoky piano bars aren’t exactly what comes to mind when you think of the Luberon, but despite appearances the link is strong between Provence and Jazz. There are actually several Jazz dens spread across the region, and they’re not very dark, or smoky either. I’ll let you in on a secret, there is a website all about Jazz in Provence, a true goldmine of events and concerts for all tastes, from the muddy Delta Blues to the Ragtime bands…

One place worth visiting if looking for a quality concert is Le Sonograf’ in le Thor, which has a fantastic selection of local and international artists all year round. They also sponsor the Avignon Blues Festival which has now been running for 15 years and takes place every year at the beginning of October. It recently saw Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne among others, and the festival attracts regular crowds of Blues enthusiast and curious melomaniacs. I tell my friends I fit in the first category but when I chat with some of the fanatics that attend these events I am humbled into the second category… Another Avignon  scene that offers a blues selection is Les Passagers du Zinc who, incidentally, program Popa Chubby on the 15th of October. Yes, Provence isn’t all about fragrant Thym and singing cicadas… shocking news, I know.

Did you know Oppède-le-Vieux, one of Just Provence’s luxury vacation rental locations, was restored to its great condition in recent years by the humourist and Jazz enthusiast Michel Leeb? He organises Jazz concerts and one-man shows every year in a summer festival that raises funds to help restoration of the village’s most important buildings. This is a fine example of how cultural activities benefit the region for the good of all who enjoy it, travellers and locals alike.

Prior to attending the   Kenny Wayne concert I enjoyed a delicious salad “au chêvre chaud”  at the Offset restaurant who themselves had a show on that night, but until I develop a gift of ubiquity I have to make choices… I’ll be attending the Eddie C. Campbell concert on the 6^th in Montfavet, but worry not Tim will be answering your e-mails during the week-end while I’m grooving…
Did you attend  any memorable concerts or festivals during your stay in Provence? Do you plan on attending any? What kind of events would you be interested in? Please tell us here or simply drop us an emailing at [email protected] or with your next enquiry so we can help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Dylan

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