Ma belle Provence
Hameau de Saint Jaume
Situated in some of the prettiest and most typically Provencal countryside, this little hamlet house is perfect for all the attractions of this region. The Hamlet of Saint Jaume is tiny with just a couple of quaint streets, dotted with potted Oleander, Olive trees and other flowering plants.
Sit on the roof terrace for breakfast, listening to the birds singing. The house is far enough away from the road to not be bothered by the sound of the odd passing car but close enough to the beautiful historic town of Lorgues, a five minute drive away. Here you will find the local bakeries for your fresh baguettes and croissants for breakfast.
L'Argens
The hamlet is surrounded by wild countryside, lush green vineyards and the local Argens river is only ten minutes drive away or twenty minutes if you decide to go by bike. You can immerse yourself in the sunshine and scents of the vines and the countryside.
Follow some of the marked walking trails through the nature, discover the beautiful and natural Argens river, winding its way through the wild wooded valley with some stunning waterfalls and crystal clear pools good enough to swim in. Try your skills at canoeing, rent one nearby and enjoy a day on the river and its wild beauty, stopping occasionally for a Pique-nique on one of its pebbly shores.Take a bike to explore the wild countryside in a more natural way and beautiful places that, perhaps, you'd miss by car.
Tourtour - Le village dans le ciel
Or take the car and discover beautiful villages like medieval Tourtour, the so called village in the sky, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Fall in love with its bustling square, cafés, little shops and galleries, its tiny pretty narrow streets and its awe inspiring viewpoint, 900 meters above sea level.
La Lavande de Valensole
Drive further and experience the stunning lavender fields, with their scent filling the air and their multiple lilac hues forming a patchwork across the countryside. On the way, stop at Le Lac de St. Croix or on the road high above it, a stunning inland lake with its turquoise waters and picturesque waterside villages dotted around its shores like a land-locked Amalfi coast.
Saint Tropez
Or alternatively head south towards the sea. A 45 minute drive through countryside, villages and stunning mountainous views will bring you to St. Maxime and on to St. Tropez. Explore the typically Mediterranean seaside town of St. Maxime, with its marina and many narrow streets filled with shops, boutiques and restaurants. Don't miss the green water taxi that will take you from the calm marina across the choppy bay, meandering through numerous luxurious yachts, enjoying spectacular views of the waterfront of this iconic Côte d'Azur town of St. Tropez. This trip is not only very special but it avoids the traffic and parking situation associated with such a famous town.
Explore the many boutiques and galleries, spoil yourself with the many restaurants, or walk in the shade of the Platanes in the square watching groups of local old men playing their favourite passtime, Péttanque or Boules.
Further along this coastline you'll find numerous beaches, some busy and some secluded and more private feeling. Whatever your choice, the drive commands some absolutely spectacular views, from high above the sea, and in the evening, some incredible romantic sunsets.
Lorgues
And of course, after day turns to evening there is the local historic town of Lorgues.
Five minutes drive from home, this hilltop market town, with its imposing church dating back to medieval times, is an amazing place to be and enjoy dinner in one of the many lovely restaurants.
With its main street lined with traditional pastel coloured Provencal buildings, its town hall and even an old French cinema, relax and chat to the friendly restaurant staff, whilst listening to the bustle of the town and the occasional musician or singer.
Afterwards just stroll in the warm mediterranean evening, breathing in the typically Provencal scents of lavender, grapevines and local herbs. You may even hear the last few insomniac cigales chirping in the trees, before you retire for the evening, or maybe have one last glass of the local rosé sitting on the terrasse tropézienne back a home.
