Mas Vaucluse

The Neighborhood

Just 40km north-east of Avignon, Mas Vaucluse is set in a hilltop village overlooking the incredible Mont Ventoux in the Vaucluse region of Provence. This stone village, which is over 350m above sea level, dates back to the 16th century and is a charming place to stay. Step out of your holiday home (from the top floor) and within a few steps you will find a restaurant serving Provençal cuisine five evenings a week on a terrace just above the house. The village is also home to three other restaurants, a bakery and a high-end hotel. It’s a joy to explore with its pretty lanes, little squares and historic buildings from the 17th and 18th century – this really is a fine setting for guests looking to be in the heart of an authentic and beautiful village with stunning views. The delightful village of Bédoin is just a 10-minute drive away, a gorgeous place with medieval lanes, ancient stone fountains and picturesque café terraces and shops. Walk up to the top of the village for stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Reward yourself with a glass of wine from local vineyards close to Bédoin or along the lower slopes of Mont Ventoux (Côtes du Ventoux). Of course, this region is perfect for cyclists with Mont Ventoux so close, one of the most iconic stages of the Tour de France - cycling fans will love all bicycle shops in Bédoin. It's also a paradise for hikers with many trails through the acres of forests, ravines and gorges. There are also plenty of gentler walks, for example around the beautiful lavender fields near Sault (38km). There are many more hilltop villages and towns scattered across the Vaucluse region of Provence, such as historic Vaison-la-Romaine (25km), Le Barroux (10km) with its imposing chateau and Sarrians (20km) with its excellent wines.  Pernes-les-Fontaines (18km) is another delightful place to explore with its many fountains and a wonderful Provençal market selling an abundance of fruit and vegetables grown in farmland surrounding the village. Market lovers should also head to the charming town of Carpentras (13km) on a Friday morning, one of the best and most atmospheric of the region (and truffle markets in the winter). Other activities include canoeing or kayaking along the Sorgue river from Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (30km), perusing the antique shops and Sunday morning brocante in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (33km) or following Van Gogh’s footsteps by visiting Gordes, around a 45-minute drive away in the mesmerising Luberon region. Avignon (40km) and its UNESCO World Heritage sites can also be visited for a fantastic day out or head further south to the enchanting villages and towns of Les Alpilles such as Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Eygalières and Les Baux-de-Provence, all around an hour away.