Le Voyageur

Le Voyageur is the perfect base for getting to know an authentic side of Provence. With pretty villages which are off the usual tourist trails plus vast natural parks with mountain paths for cycling or long walks, this is a lovely place to stay for a relaxed break with family or friends.

As the home is located on the outskirts of a little village, you are in walking distance of tennis courts, a bar, bakery and a few great restaurants. Having these amenities so close is really handy for when you wish to have a lazy day by the pool followed by an easy meal out without taking the car and looking for parking.

There is also another village nearby called Oppède le Vieux. History lovers will be fascinated by the rich history of the village, which was settled for over 1000 years before the majority of its population left it behind in the 17th century to move down to flatter more hospitable land. For over 300 years the village lay empty and it is only in the past century that an artistic community has formed here and brought a new lease of life to the village. The medieval and Renaissance homes and shops have been restored and a number of little cafes now line the atmospheric square and offer unbelievable views over the plains of the Vaucluse below. Today visitors can wander the cobbled streets and visit the attractions which include old wash houses, a 12th century church, the ruins of the castle and the defensive ramparts.

Aside from hilltop villages and wide-open spaces, Provence also has a number of bustling towns and cities which you could visit. One of these is called Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and is 31km away. This is a gorgeous town with a wide range of shops, markets and restaurants and is also known as a hub for artists.

After getting to know the layout of the town, spend some time at some of the key attractions such as the 11th-century Saint-Paul-de-Mausole monastery, which is an impressive building but is also known for being the home of artist Vincent van Gogh. During a difficult year spent living he produced over 100 paintings. As you wander around this lovely town you will spot lots of buildings or sights which feature in many of his works.

If you wish to spend a full day here then a great way to get your bearings is to take a guided tour around town where a local guide can shop you the key sights as well as some hidden gems. There are lots of tours available to book based on your interests, including history, art or food tours. You can also book on to wine or lavender tours which take you outside of town to family run farms and vineyards. 

If you would like to see some of Provence’s sweeping coastline then why not drive down to Plage de Saint Croix, which will take you around an hour and twenty minutes (100km)? This is just one of the countless beaches along this coast that you could visit and has clear water and white sand making it perfect for a day of relaxing in the sun. Nearby there are lots of places to have dinner after spending the day at the beach before you drive back, so you can enjoy a full day here comfortably.

Read more about Luberon

With some of the most enchanting landscapes of Provence, the Luberon awaits with its idyllic perched villages, swathes of lavender, cherry trees, vineyards and dense forest.

Become captivated by the scenery as you potter around artistic Gordes with its atmospheric Tuesday morning market before heading to hilltop Ménerbes, the village that inspired Peter Mayle’s ‘A Year in Provence’. Romantic Bonnieux enjoys the most glorious vistas, surrounded by a sea of vines and orchards, whilst red-hued Roussillon will take your breath away with its ochre landscapes and pine forests. They are all officially classified as ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ in France.

Yet there are so many hidden gems to explore as well. Discover the historic doorways, windmills and summer cherries of Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt, then head to Goult to embrace its Provençal charm with little shops and pavement cafes. Surrounded by fields of lavender, Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt is another historic jewel of the Luberon, often overshadowed by the handsome and historic town of Apt.

To the south of the Luberon, follow Albert Camus’ footsteps in Lourmarin, sip coffee by the picturesque bassin lined with plane trees in Cucuron and soak up the history of Ansouis – all three villages have a fine reputation for their high-end dining with a choice of Michelin starred restaurants.

Indeed, across the region look out for restaurant terraces serving Provençal cuisine with superb vistas alongside characterful markets showcasing seasonal delights from the Luberon and beyond (olives, melons, strawberries, cherries, truffles, chestnuts, lavender products and more). Most villages host a lovely weekly market whilst the largest in the Luberon is held on a Saturday morning in Apt. Just on the edge of the Luberon, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is famed for its antique stores and Sunday morning brocante. Meanwhile, wine lovers should visit the vineyards and wineries of the region producing Luberon and Ventoux AOC wines.

The walking, hiking and cycling opportunities in the Luberon seem endless and you will also find horse-riding, rock-climbing and tree-top adventures as well as canoeing and kayaking along the Sorgue near Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. Come across hiking trails for all abilities passing vineyards and forest or venture through the hills and mountain gorges for spectacular scenery. Cycling is also extremely popular – as well as more challenging routes, we especially love the family-friendly Véloroute du Calavon, a paved voie verte following a former railway line near the Calavon river passing poppies, lavender and orchards so typical of the Luberon.