Villa Spacieuse at Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

The Neighborhood

Situated just north of Les Alpilles National Park, you are perfectly positioned between the idyllic villages of the south and Avignon to the north. The closest village is 3km away, a rural jem surrounded by vast orchards and countryside. There’s a market on a Sunday morning where you can pick up some liqueur de Frigolet (herbal liquor), a local speciality. This is the real Provence which is relatively peaceful yet full of charm and character. You may be lucky enough to stay during one of the village’s many festivities. The small and lively city of Avignon (12km) is just a short drive away. Explore the winding medieval streets, experience the excellent dining opportunities and visit two UNESCO world heritage sites, the Pope’s Palace and Saint Benezet Bridge. The covered market offers all sorts of delights or head to the weekend farmers, flower and flea markets for wonderful local produce and a bargain or two. The bohemian quarter of the city, just next to the Sorgue river, has more of a village atmosphere with its artists, musicians, cafes and wine-bars. The region is in the heart of this formidable area of vineyards, idyllic hilltop villages, world-renowned towns, and summer landscapes of sunflowers. Gordes (38km) is just one of the beautiful villages worth visiting with stunning architecture, set in the outstanding Luberon region, surrounded by lavender fields in the summer months. You may also head south to the heart of the Parc Naturel Regional des Alpilles. and the charming town of Saint-Rémy -de-Provence (13km) where you can soak up the true Provencal way of life, especially on markets days. Wine lovers mustn’t miss out on a visit to Châteauneuf-du-Pape (28km) whilst Van Gogh’s precious Arles (36km) and Baux-de-Provence (20km), one of France’s acclaimed ‘plus beaux villages’ are also within easy reach. Those looking for activity have so much on their doorstep. There is both horse-riding and golf within a short drive and both the immediate and wider area are a walkers and cyclists paradise with stunning countryside and landscapes. Older children will love kayaking along the Rhône or Sorgue and there are plenty of other family friendly activities throughout the region from model railways and open castles to trekking across the tree tops and visiting a zoo. History lovers should also visit the city of Nîmes (44km) with its fine collection of Roman remains including Maison Carree, one of the best preserved Roman temples in the country. Just north of the city is the stunning Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard, now a UNESCO World Heritage site.