GREAT ESCAPES ❘ PROVENCE


1 P


rovence never goes out of style. This many- splendoured patchwork of French countryside is hardly a secret, and its neat rows of plane trees, bustling markets, tiny perched hamlets, and lazy afternoons spent sipping rosé in a leafy village square are timeless pleasures to be savoured at


least once in your life.


One of the many enduring charms of this southern French paradise is its appeal in all seasons, especially spring, which arrives early here. By March, the almond and cherry trees are in blossom and in April and May, the air is balmy and scarlet poppies ripple in the breeze. In autumn, after the summer’s heat and crowds, the days are languid, the vineyards turn to gold and all the pleasures of summer are still yours for the taking. In winter, you can shake off the chill by a roaring fi re in a welcoming country bastide. At these fi ve new retreats, each with its own character and irresistible allure, you’ll savour all of these pleasures and more in authentic Provençal style.


90 ❘ FRANCE TODAY Oct/Nov 2023 1


MAS DE PRÊCHEURS As if under a spell, the fi rst thing we did after climbing the ancient stone stairs to our magazine-worthy room was fall fast asleep. For two people way too busy for naps this was a rare and unexpected luxury. Waking at apéro hour to a crisp glass of rosé on a rose-decked courtyard overlooking a dancing fountain and towering cypress, with a sheep meadow in the distance, we were ready to stay for ever. Loosely translated as ‘the preachers’ farmhouse’, this rambling 18th-century stone building was once the country dwelling of a farming order of Dominican monks. Now it’s a gracious lodging, where guests help themselves to a country-style dinner prepared by the on-site cook in a rustic-chic kitchen and dining area dominated by a giant walk-in stone hearth. Round, perfectly baked courgettes stuffed with tender vegetables and fresh herbs – all sourced from local farmers – were exactly what we craved. In the morning, a serve-yourself breakfast of fresh orange juice, croissants, homemade jams, fruit, cheeses, eggs and much more was appreciatively devoured. Relaxing by the pool before


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