L'Elegance

L’Elégance is in an ideal position: set down winding country lanes in tranquil seclusion, yet less than five minutes by car to Saint Rémy de Provence (two kilometres) where the nearest pharmacies, banks, shops and restaurants can be found.

Saint Rémy is a bustling, lively place with narrow, winding streets as well as colourful café-lined squares. Known for its arts heritage, most notably former home of Van Gogh, today this region retains a thriving arts community. Local artists display work in the galleries of Saint Rémy, and along the Route des Artistes on selected Sundays. The Mausole Saint Paul offers tranquil cloistered gardens worth a visit (as well as being the psychiatric centre which treated Van Gogh after he cut off his ear.)

Those keen on walking, climbing, cycling or riding will be well looked after; this region is rich with charming Provençal market towns as well as intriguing natural beauty. Saint Rémy is in the heart of the Alpilles. Set between the Carmargue and Luberon in Western Provence, lies this spectacular natural park, known for its intriguing breadth of plant varieties and bird species, as well as its craggy beauty encompassing limestone ranges, marshlands and olive groves.

At the heart of the Alpilles range, visitors will be able to explore traditional, pretty villages such as Eygalières and Paradou, many of which have earned the status of “plus beaux villages.” History buffs will enjoy archaeological sites such as Glanum, which features Roman settlement remains that prospered from the sixth century BC to the third century AD.

Wildlife-lovers will be particularly spoilt in the Alpilles with its rare bird life, whilst those keen on hiking, riding or cycling will have an array of trails to wind their way leisurely through this delightful part of Provence.

Arles (18 km) much beloved by Van Gogh, boasts UNESCO listed Roman monuments, as well as museums, Roman theatres, and winding medieval streets. The photography event takes place every summer drawing an International crowd. There are plenty of Van Gogh tours for arts enthusiasts during the summer season.

Avignon is about half an hour away (22 km), known for its famous Pont, which has an intriguing history dating back to the Middle Ages, whilst Les Baux de Provence is dramatically perched atop the limestone Alpilles Mountains and boasts a fortified tenth century castle as well as quintessential Provençal charm.

Read more about Avignon

Stay in and around the region of Avignon to discover picturesque villages, historic towns, Côtes du Rhône vineyards and beautiful landscapes of summer sunflowers, olive groves and rural countryside. This is a fantastic base for exploring much of Provence and beyond.

With its historic, gastronomic and cultural riches, the small city of Avignon stands proudly by the banks of the Rhône, home to vibrant markets, restaurants, wine-bars and impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites.

One of the most visited monuments of France, Le Palais des Papes is in the heart of the old city, next to the 12th century cathedral and leafy Jardin des Doms where you can admire gorgeous views of the river and Provençal countryside beyond. Soak up the rich history of Le Pont d’Avignon on a guided tour before heading over the river to capture photogenic shots of the city from île de la Barthelasse, France’s largest river island. Avignon’s little tourist road train is a great way to explore the historic city with young children.

Stock up on seasonal fruit, vegetables and regional delights at the beautiful covered market at Les Halles d’Avignon or wait for the main Saturday morning Provençal market near the 14th century Basilique Saint-Pierre. Embrace the city’s food scene across its many cafes and restaurants from the tourist haunts of Place de l’Horloge to hidden gems found on the charming side streets and shady squares of the old quarter. Avignon is also known for its Côtes du Rhône wineries and bars waiting to be discovered.

In July the 3-week long Festival d’Avignon takes over the city, a world-renowned event with contemporary performing arts, films and exhibitions taking place across theatres, cinemas and outdoor venues.

Beyond the city centre, hire bikes to cycle along part of the via Rhôna route or enjoy the landscapes of île de la Barthelasse passing farmland, orchards and vistas across the river towards Avignon’s city centre. Meanwhile, antique lovers won’t want to miss the Saturday morning brocante in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, one of Provence’s most famous flea markets, or venture further afield to the wonderful Sunday morning brocante in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.

Embrace the Provençal ambience across villages of the Vaucluse – one of our favourites is charming Pernes-les-Fontaines, loved for its many fountains and delightful market every Saturday morning and Wednesday evening in July and August. Velleron is famed for its early evening farmers’ market open throughout the year (six evenings a week from April to September) whilst Saint-Didier and Venasque are two other picture-perfect Provençal villages to discover.

Driving south instead, visit the art galleries and Wednesday morning market of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a bustling town on the edge of Les Alpilles where Vincent Van Gogh lived towards the end of his life. Enjoy lunch on a pavement terrace in the idyllic hilltop village of Eygalières (you may even spot a discreet A-list celebrity or two) or head south-west of Avignon to embrace the historic ambience of Tarascon and Beaucaire with their impressive castles overlooking the Rhône river.