Eager to satiate our curiosity for the small villages of Provence, my husband, two younger kids and I depart from Barcelona excited for our first household street journey by the South of France. Our journey takes us to Domaine de Manville, Domaine du Mas de Pierre close to the village of Saint-Paul de Vence and, lastly, Terre Blanche, passing by loads of pastoral settings alongside the best way.
A WEEK IN PASTORAL PROVENCE BEGINS
Three hours into our drive, we cross by Nimes and the surroundings shortly modifications to inexperienced fields and tiny villages that look to have not more than 50 residents every. Passing by farms and olive groves actually set the scene for our journey in Provence.
Our first cease: Domaine de Manville, an unlimited property surrounded by nature and a phenomenal golf course. The place has a wealthy connection to the Saut household from Baux de Provence, and it’s fascinating to see its evolution from a farm to a phenomenal resort with a permanent connection to the land.
On arrival, the tranquillity of the place is immediately felt. We’re given a golf cart with our names on it for getting round, which thrills the youngsters. Our villa is spectacular—there’s three bedrooms, a big lounge, and an out of doors space with a barbeque. The kitchen is absolutely outfitted with the whole lot we may presumably want.
Our first dinner is at Le Bistro, which focuses on native and seasonal produce. The meals is unbelievable. The olive oil is in contrast to any I’d ever tasted earlier than and the freshly baked bread, parfait.
The subsequent day, we first take the youngsters to the indoor pool, then discover the attractive village of Les Baux de Provence. The resort prompt we go to the Carriere de Lumieres, an exhibit showcasing well-known artists inside a cave-like house, so we do and it’s in contrast to something we’d by no means seen earlier than. Upon returning to the resort, the youngsters get pleasure from a film within the personal cinema room—sure, that they had their very personal cinema.
Our dinner at L’Aupiho is one other spotlight. It’s a Michelin-starred restaurant on the resort, and the dishes, made with recent components from the backyard, delight our tastebuds. The unforgettable meal makes our keep much more particular. We even obtained an opportunity to go to the kitchen and meet Chef Lieven van Aken in particular person.
Domaine de Manville set a excessive normal—it’s an encompassing expertise that reveals the wonder and richness of Provence. It’s a reminder that touring is about extra than simply seeing new locations, it’s about connecting with the tales and the individuals of the locations we go to.
HAPPILY LOST IN WONDERLAND
The street journey continues with a detour by the gorgeous lavender fields of the Valensole Plateau, famend for its breathtaking views of purple blooms that stretch so far as the attention can see. This area, vibrant in the summertime months, gives a surprising pure show that completely captures the essence of the French countryside.
Driving towards Good, we cease simply 20 minutes from the airport at Domaine du Mas de Pierre. The detailed care taken on this resort’s gardens is straight away obvious. After checking in, we spend a calming night by the fireside taking part in chess with the youngsters, an ideal technique to unwind.
Our room at Domaine du Mas de Pierre is right for households, with its stunning outdoors space and separate areas for us and the youngsters. The resort options an out of doors pool, an Alice in Wonderland-themed youngsters membership and superbly maintained gardens with an orchid farm.
Steps from the spa, a phenomenal breakfast is served, with outstanding consideration to element—you possibly can even make your individual nut unfold. The indoor pool is one other spotlight, with its completely tempered water and accompanying backyard space the place you possibly can chill out outside or get pleasure from a jacuzzi. The spa additionally gives a sauna and steam room, offering the whole lot wanted for a rejuvenating expertise.
The situation of Le Mas de Pierre makes it straightforward to discover close by points of interest. We go for a brief journey to Antibes, simply quarter-hour away, and likewise to St-Paul de Vence, only some minutes from the resort. Each cities are jewels of the Riviera, providing wealthy historical past, gorgeous artwork and charming streets.
A GRAND FINALE INDEED
Earlier than heading again to Barcelona, we make a final cease at Terre Blanche Lodge Spa Golf Resort, recognized for its huge measurement and opulent choices. Regardless of its massive scale—your entire domaine is larger than the nation of Monaco—the resort has a comfortable really feel with solely 115 suites and villas, making certain every visitor receives personalised consideration.
On arrival, we’re warmly greeted by the employees who shortly escort us to our villa through golf cart. Already within the room are thoughtfully ready welcome facilities and items for the youngsters, which make us immediately really feel at residence. Whereas tempted to lounge across the heated outside pool, we go for the serene spa’s indoor pool. After a couple of stress-free hours on the spa, we head again to the resort for dinner at La Gaudina.
The subsequent day, we discover a number of the close by villages—Fayence and Tourrettes. The resort can also be only a 45-minute drive from Cannes and Antibes, providing easy accessibility to the seaside and high-end procuring.
The historic depths of Provence at Domaine de Manville, the tranquil gardens of Domaine du Mas de Pierre, the expansive luxurious of Terre Blanche—every property on our journey uniquely captures the essence of its area. All three additionally present unparalleled service, beautiful eating and considerate facilities. This journey is a vivid reminder of the wealthy selection and top quality of hospitality France gives. Returning to Barcelona, we carry again not simply souvenirs, but additionally cherished reminiscences that proceed to encourage our future travels.
