An easy, delicious and off-beat  place for lunch when you are in Avignon is Gaston le Camion Food Truck.  It is located right in front of the main train station in the « centre » of Avignon, not at the TGV station, so it is easy to find—and no traipsing through the winding medieval streets to figure out where it might be. Many signs point to the “Gare Centre,” just off the Boulevard St. Roch, part of the circular avenue surrounding the city.

Jane and Linda, two entrepreneurial and creative young avignonnaises (women from Avignon) decided to share their passion for cooking and entertaining.  Though food trucks are still rare in France, especially in Provence, the women bought and renovated a 35+ year old truck and turned it into quite a classic beauty. « Gaston » the food truck is named after a French hit song « Le Téléfon » recorded by Nino Ferrar in 1967.

I have had the pleasure of trying the food several times, when the women prepared tastings for Inter Rhône, the Rhône wine marketing organization; a local sommelier paired the dishes with Rhône wines.

The food is local, very fresh and mostly organic; the women are lots of fun, but serious about quality and taste. Prices are very reasonable. At lunch they serve burgers, bagel sandwiches, salads, savory tartes, a Plat du jour and desserts.   Just recently I tried a Nordic Bagel; a fabulous creamy chicken risotto; a St. Marcellin, honey and thyme goat cheese tarte; strawberry and chocolate desserts.

Avignon is definitely worth a visit when you are in Provence. One of the three main cities in Provence, it is especially noteworthy as a Papal city, and has impressive 2.6 mi long ramparts (medieval walls built for protection).  As a major city, it has great food and shopping.

You can find Gaston in front of the « Gare d’Avignon Centre» on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and at the famous Villeneuve-les-Avignon brocante market on Saturday mornings.  They will also cater within 40 km / 25 miles of Avignon.

Contacts:

Jane :  +33 (0)6 21 79 23 45

Linda :  +33 (0)6 99 22 52 07

Email : [email protected]

Website

Google map

Written by : Sharon deRham

Cet article Great eats at Gaston le Camion Food Truck in Avignon est apparu en premier sur Provence Emotional Escapes Blog.

Château de Beaucastel is not only one of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s greatest wine estates, is also one of the world’s great estates. It belongs to the Famille Perrin portfolio of wines and is located on the northern end of the appellation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

According to French wine rules, the appellation’s wineries are permitted to use 13 different varieties (cépages) of grapes in their blends but unlike most other local wineries, Beaucastel uses all 13 varieties, though the major grapes are still Grenache, Syrah, and mourvedre, counoise and   cinsault with small percentages of the other varieties. Their whites as well as their red wines are world famous. The estate is organic, and they are converting to bio-dynamic production.

In California the Château de Beaucastel formed a partnership with their importer, Vineyard Brands, to create Tablas Creek wines, a  pioneer in the production of Rhône varietals (i.e. Grenache, syrah, mourvedre) in central California.

In Provence the Famille Perrin has entered into a partnership with Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt to produce the Miraval Wines in the Var region.

Visiting a top-notch wine estate and tasting the wines is always a highlight of a wine lover’s trip to Provence or the Rhône Valley. For a winery visit, write to Kirsty at [email protected].

However you will get a more extensive tasting of not only Château de  Beaucastel but also a wide gamut of Perrin Family wines if you visit one of the brand new tastings rooms, where a knowledgeable, English speaking sommelier (François in Châteauneuf; Richard in Aix) will explain the wines.  Look for “Famille Perrin”. You will have a great time!

In Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Famille Perrin, Place du Portail, (next to the Tourist Office in the center of the village. ) +33 (0)4 90 02 15 54 

10 to 6 :30, Monday through Saturday.

In Aix-en-Provence: Famille Perrin, 1 Place Forbin (at the opposite end of the Cours Mirabeau from the very large ‘Fontaine de la Rotonde.’) 10:30 til 7:00 Tuesday-Saturday. +33 (0)4 42 27 45 20

Château de Beacastel

Chemin de Beaucastel, Courthezon, Provence

+33 (0)4 90 70 41 00

Website

Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, Ala. 205 980-8802

Sharon Derham

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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 – 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.

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New South of France luxury properties to Just Provence – October 2013

With the summer of 2013 at an end, visitors to our site now mainly focus on the coming Spring and Summer of 2014. Which is why it is the perfect time to introduce new properties to our portfolio for you to discover and enjoy. This month’s selection centres mainly around the  beautiful Vaucluse area with properties in the renowned wine producing Côtes du Rhône region and  around the foothills of the Mont Ventoux.

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New Properties in Caromb – Mont Ventoux

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Villa Brégoux, a family home overlooking the plains.

Sitting in an imposing position on the outskirts of Caromb, Villa Brégoux enjoys spectacular views both of Caromb and the Ventoux valley to which it belongs. Sleeping up to 9 people in four bedrooms, this is an ideal property for a large family holiday. The spacious 12 x 4 metre swimming pool is bordered by a large summer/pool house which is ideal for dining at midday or relaxing with a good book.

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La Maison Saint Christophe, an old stone-built mas.

Set in extensive private vineyards and with stunning panoramic views of Mt Ventoux, Caromb, and the beautiful village of Crillon le Brave.  This secluded old stone Mas for short-term rental gives you a taste of real Provençal living, at one with nature and the environment and free to enjoy all the simple pleasures the region has to offer. Situated in the heart of the countryside yet only a short stroll to the bustling village of Caromb.

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Vallée du Barroux, a vacation villa with splendid views.

This charming Provencal village holiday rental is  just a few minutes walk to the centre of Caromb, with private, heated swimming pool and spectacular views of the perched hilltop village of Le Barroux. Vallée du Barroux is a sympathetically restored old stone mas with parts dating back to 1783.

Famous for its figs, olive oil and wine, part of the charm of Caromb is the fact that it remains a working village despite its growing popularity, and has retained a real sense of community. Staying at Vallée du Barroux gives you the chance to experience authentic Provençal village life with its weekly market, shops, bars, cafés and restaurants.

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 New properties in Séguret – Côtes-du-Rhône

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Villa Cézanne, unique panoramic views.

Just a 5 minute drive from the historical Roman town of Vaison La Romaine, Villa Cézanne is a luxury rental holiday home with a 12x5m private swimming pool and panoramic views of the Mont Ventoux. Set within the owners own wine estate, it offers complete peace and tranquillity in the heart of the Côtes du Rhône countryside. This old stone villa , sleeping 10, has been sympathetically renovated to a very high standard and is the perfect base for exploring the Route Des Vins in Provence.

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Mourchon Gîte, a holiday rental surrounded by vineyards.

A small property located on a working wine domaine, Mourchon Gîte in Séguret sleeps 6 with private swimming pool set in peaceful Provençal countryside. The front terrace offers fabulous views of the Mont Ventoux mountain range.

Set in a  valley between the picturesque village of Séguret and the ‘Giant of Provence’ Mont Ventoux, the area is an ideal base for exploring Provence, whether that’s by car, walking or cycling only Provence offers you such a myriad of experiences and wonderful views.

Cet article New South of France luxury rental properties to Just Provence – October 2013 est apparu en premier sur Provence Emotional Escapes Blog.

5 family friendly outings in Roman Provence.

The first things that come to mind when thinking of Provence are olives, wine and lavender. These three key produces of the region have been trademark productions of the area for over 2000 years and all three of them were introduced by the Greeks and the Romans. The name Provence, derives from the Roman name “Provincia Nostra” which means “our province”. Therefore everything essentially Provençal by nature is deeply linked to its antique origins and the Greco-Roman civilization that would shape Mediterranean culture forever.

In the holiday rental industry, the term villa in itself has retained its Roman definition, meaning a luxurious country home. One of the appeals of staying in an exclusive vacation rental is the “live like a local ” experience.  If you are planning on staying in Provence why not go a step further and live like a Roman? This is our attempt at a quick guide to making your visit to Provence a truly exotic, enriching and awe inspiring experience back in time. Maybe like Jean-Jacques Rousseau visiting the Pont du Gard  in 1738 you will also say :

Why was I not born a Roman!

• Pont du Gard

Undoubtedly the most famous Roman built monument of Southern France, the  2000 years old this UNESCO protected aqueduct has inspired generations of visitors through the centuries. It the best preserved and tallest Roman building in Europe, since 2000 it has a visitor centre and museum with activities and information for the whole family. There are amenities on sight and the proximity to Uzés makes this architectural marvel a must-see  visit to Provence.

In the summer the site of the Pont du Gard is host to music festivals and firework displays of excellent quality.

• Orange

Orange boasts a superb 2000 year old Roman theatre, which features a 37m high theatre wall.  The theatre was within a century of the establishment of this Roman colony and survived through the centuries. Nowadays it has been returned to its original use and hosts operas, choir festivals and concerts. Like the Romans themselves you can visit the town centre its market and amenities, and at night enjoy a meal at the troglodyte theatre’s restaurant  before a wonderful spectacle in this architectural gem of Ancient times.

The town has museums and visitor centres the whole family can enjoy and a perfectly preserved Triumphial Arch.

•  Vaison-la-Romaine

Through the progressive romanisation of the local Celtic tribes of Provence, Vasio became one of  the most important towns of Roman Provence. Being a great example of successful Gallo-Roman culture it boasts large villas with rich mosaics, a well preserved theatre and 1st century Ad Roman bridge still used to this day. Remains of a Roman temple can be seen at the cathedral, one of the oldest in France. The museum of  Vaison-la-Romaine  for 2013 has prepared a 3D experience to recreate life in Roman Vasio you can view the trailer (in French) below.

The old town is also charming with its  medieval castle and winding streets.

•  Arles

Arelate as it was named by the Romans was inhabited by Ligurians since 800AD. It has been visited by famous figures of Rome like Julius Caesar or emperor Constantine I. Today much of Roman Arles remains and is in use like the impressive arenas for example. The ancient Mills, Arenas, museums are worth visiting and truly remarkable. The town puts on Roman themed festivals in the summer with gladiator displays, equestrian presentations  and re-enactments. You can even take gladiator classes from September to April.

•  Glanum

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, arguably the most sought after location in Provence, is historically an offspring of a much older settlement known as Glanum. This Gallo-Roman town is rich with exceptional historical monuments such as the Triumphal Arch and the Julii Mausoleum commonly known as “Les Antiques”. To complete your Roman experience in Glanum you can visit the Taberna Roman, a Roman tavern neighbouring the archaeological site offering Roman menus and setting.

This list could include a host of other locations from renowned Nîmes to the less known Laudun with its Caesar camp and ancient ruins, but the locations listed above are the most family friendly and immersive Ancient sites of Provence. Have you visited Gallo-Romans sites in the South of France, any we have forgotten that you think is worthy of our top 5? Do not hesitate to leave a comment.

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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Vaucluse Wines honoured by the Wine Spectator for 2012

The Wine Spectator a lifestyle magazine focussed on wine founded in 1976 and boasting over 240 000 wines ratings to date, has recently published their annual TOP 100 listing for 2012.

Source: The Wine Spectator

We are happy to learn that this list not only includes 4 wines from Vaucluse in Provence, one of Just Provence main destinations,  but that 2 Vaucluse wines make it into the top 5 of this year’s listing. Unsurprisingly these wines originate from Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas, two well-known destinations for wine connoisseurs.

If you would like to learn more about wines in Provence or wine tasting  in general you can visit the Wine Spectator website which includes video presentations of the top 10 wines of 2012, we also recommend reading  this article on wine classifications in France.

Wine tours in Provence are one of the highlights of a stay in Just Provence exclusive holiday rentals and there are many locations within just minutes from these award-winning wine producers to choose from. Do not hesitate to ask us for advice on the best locations and rental properties for your wine experiencing or you can also read our post on choosing the perfect destination for your stay in Provence.

If you have already experienced wine tours in Vaucluse or the Côtes du Rhône region and would like to share your experience, we would like to hear from you. Please leave a comment or contact me at [email protected]

Dylan

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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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