Villa Ancienne Ferme

Located in the foothills of Mont Ventoux, within close proximity of a delightful village and just a short drive from L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Carpentras, Villa Ancienne Ferme enjoys a prime position in the Vaucluse region of Provence.

The closest village is just 3.5km away and its pretty streets are dotted with cafés, shops and restaurants. A Farmers market is usually held on Saturdays and if you’re there in August, be sure to experience its folk festival, which features musical and theatrical street performances.

Lush countryside stretches for miles around, offering striking scenery and unspoilt natural beauty. Walkers will love the trekking through the valleys, ravines and forests of the Parc Naturel Regional des Alpilles and wandering through the lavender fields of Sault. 

The nearby Luberon range also has plenty to offer cycling enthusiasts, including the challenging ascent up Mont Ventoux, which is known for its inclusion in the Tour De France. Canoeing or kayaking along the Sorgue River is another brilliant means of admiring more of the region’s diverse landscape. 

Just 10km away is Carpentras, a charming medieval town with one of the liveliest markets in the area. Go on a Friday morning and discover the 350 or so stalls snaking their way along the ancient streets. You’ll find everything from cheese to shoes or, if you’re visiting in the winter months, stalls stocked with black truffles, a local speciality. 

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue’s antique markets are equally as popular. 11km from the villa, the town is built on a network of canals, and is simply a must-see during any trip to Provence. Take a boat ride along the canals to admire the water wheels and little bridges connecting the walkways.

Other picturesque towns within an hour’s drive include Gordes, Roussillon and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where Vincent Can Gogh once lived and was inspired to produce some of his famous paintings.

Historic Avignon can be reached in 40 minutes and is a wonderful place to spend the day. A visit to the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Saint Benezet Bridge and the Pope’s Palace, as well as the Cathedral Notre Dame des Doms, provides a fascinating insight into the city’s papal past. Soak up the vibrant atmosphere the city is so loved for by meandering its winding streets and dining in the trendy bohemian quarter before ending your trip with a drink in the central Place de l’Horloge. 

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.