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.

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

Cet article 5 family friendly outings in Roman Provence. est apparu en premier sur Provence Emotional Escapes Blog.

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

Cet article Vaucluse Wines honoured by the Wine Spectator for 2012 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.

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

Cet article 3 things you should look for in an exclusive Provence vacation rental. est apparu en premier sur Provence Emotional Escapes Blog.

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

Cet article How can I chase the autumn Blues away? est apparu en premier sur Provence Emotional Escapes Blog.