FranceChevron Anthony Watson; Thierry Vivier; Nicolas MathéusSave this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links Vivier and Berry contemplate a set of Baccarat glasses at La Chose Antiquités they combed the flea markets of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and the collections at designer houses in pocket-size villages like Vallabrègues In addition to the stash of fantastic one-off finds there's the sense of community here you don't find in places like Paris But they kept the schedule loose in order to A beet and rhubarb salad with fresh cream at Jour de Fête put the no-stoplight town of Valennes on the map thanks to fresh local dishes served up by owner Raphaëlle Yvon-Araud and embroidered Pierre Frey curtains at Atelier Vime 19th-century plasters found at the home and museum of Emmanuelle and Grègoire Courtin (“He was so sweet and knowledgeable,” says Berry.) This shop in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue sells sculptures with a selection of large pots and ceramics Want to be the first to know? Sign up to our newsletters for travel inspiration and tips 45 Abandoned Places Around the World That You Can Visit The Cheapest Nicest Hotels in Paris The Women Who Travel Power List 2025 On Oregon's Central Coast, Vacationing Feels Timeless—Not Trendy up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse We understand that time is the greatest luxury which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world 2024Photo: Chloé FayollasSave this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors it was a little forward thinking that helped Jeni meet her future groom “I was living in Manhattan but was scheduled to move to Williamsburg (just four blocks away from François-Xavier) in February so I had already set my Hinge location to Williamsburg,” Jeni explains “We matched on Hinge on a Sunday and set up our first date for the next day at a bar right next to François-Xavier’s apartment.” the pair began working on designing Jeni’s engagement ring together—but François-Xavier decided to surprise her by moving up their timeline and organizing a special retreat while they were visiting his family in Provence “We planned to do a quick weekend trip just the two of us to Mallorca—a place FX has always loved and I had never been to,” says Jeni “When we got into the rental car and drove to La Residencia I knew something was up because FX would never book such a nice hotel for no reason.” François-Xavier realized Jeni had caught on and sped up the timeline even further we went to the pool bar for lunch,” she shares he immediately pulled the ring out of his pocket The property is beautiful and has such a unique mix of Provence charm and modern design.” To time the celebration when the region was in bloom with lavender “Venues and vendors were backed up with bookings from Covid so instead of compromising on time of year we selected our ideal weekend two years out,” the bride shares While Jeni admits planning an international wedding with a language barrier came with some stress, her planner Géraldine of luxury events agency Les Grands Moments helped smooth the process “I was searching for planners and stumbled into her profile,” says Jeni She loved her edgy aesthetic and slid into her DMs to recruit her to plan her grand outdoor celebration Both Jeni and François-Xavier put a lot of thought into choosing their attire for the big day The groom wore a custom three-piece suit with a tailcoat designed by David Hart and fully committed to making the right choices when it came to selecting every fabric and finish “Going to the fabric shops and old school New York tailors was such a unique experience,” remembers Jeni “We did feel a bit crazed because there were so many little details to decide We were agonizing over choosing between 50 shades of almost identical gray—constantly looking at swatches in direct sunlight I went back a few months later with a cooler head and picked a less embellished dress in a more streamlined silhouette that was much more my style I also added a cape by Lihi Hod for the ceremony for a bit more drama.” The Provençal village of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue has the largest concentration of vintage stores outside Paris and also hosts a giant open-air flea market The next is in August – so get ready for a bric-a-brac bargain These mini districts are reached by criss-crossing bridges that span the shallow which stocks mid-century classic furniture – and there are hushed musty shops full of antiques and presided over by elderly flea and antiques market rolled into one) provides more secondhand snaffling opportunities View image in fullscreenSoda siphons and glassware on display at the open-air marketTwice a year Sellers come from across France and throughout Europe wares spilling out: vintage children’s scooters wares but the sheer competition means there are plenty of bargains place to rummage is the shady Parc Gautier less-polished bric-a-brac is sold on rickety trestle tables: plates I bought a children’s educational poster for €10 an enamel sign saying Cabine Telephonique for €50 a yellow ceramic Orangina jug for €5 and a coffee tin for €4 View image in fullscreenOne of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue’s many antiques alleywaysWe had travelled from London by train to nearby Avignon so hadn’t had to worry about carrying extra luggage home with our smaller finds almost all sellers are happy to ship back to the UK (or around the world) for around €200 per piece for furniture L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue’s other attraction is an unusual collection of 15 historic moss-covered water wheels dotted along the river silk and paper factories in the 19th century The river Sorgue has its bubbling source at Fontaine-de-Vaucluse at the foot of a steep cliff – it’s the largest spring in France and also worth a trip The river divides just outside L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue; this “parting of the waters” is an attraction in itself dining on the terrace of a wonderful shady garden close to the antique stores by the station Our bistro lunch (€37pp) including mushroom tart with a bottle of rosé was delicious (and they welcomed my toddler daughter) but dinner (€45pp) featuring rare beef fillet treehouses and wood-and-fabric Japanese-style “pods” Just remember to pack an extra tent to store your vintage finds Accommodation and rail travel to Avignon were provided by Eurostar. The next antiques fair runs from 11-15 August, antiquesartandyou.com just a few steps away from the main canals of an idyllic Provençal village It’s one of two or three he’ll make this year decorated with posters of Georges Brassens There’s just enough space to circle the long table where the boat’s skeleton takes shape but not obligation: The pleasure of crafting in this workshop springs from the love of a river “This boat is our own method of freedom on the river It reminds us of our heritage and allows us access to nature in a respectful way,” says Pretôt In the late 1970s in the south of France Pretôt dreamed of gliding over the blue waters of the Sorgues on a traditional lightweight wooden fishing boat called a négo chin—Provençal for “drown the dog,” a reference to its inherently unstable low and flat-bottomed shape So began his quest to learn and revive the forgotten craft Pretôt has built more than 100 of the boats and played a significant role in reviving the fishing culture that founded the village of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue “The first settlers of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue were fishermen The embankments were shallow and wild,” said the late Sauveur Romano—the village’s amateur historian—in a 2020 interview “They needed boats they could easily manage in the tributaries that don’t cast a shadow which scares the fish and that could be maneuvered alone,” said Romano There is no other boat quite like the négo chin because there are few rivers like the Sorgues the spring-fed Sorgues is the only outflow of a massive underground basin and water filters through miles of rock before surfacing the river’s temperature hovers around 53-55 degrees Fahrenheit year-round The river and its narrow feeder streams are surrounded by marshes historical records first mention the village’s fishing guild the guild offered local fishermen a variety of assistance not unlike modern social security or worker’s compensation programs The fishermen of the Confrérie used négo chins and special fishing techniques the spider (a fisherman places a 40-foot net on the riverbed overnight and collects his catch in the morning) and the l’épervier the sparrowhawk (the fisherman throws a round net lined with weights in a circular motion trapping the fish as he pulls it in and the opening closes) and silk-spinning began utilizing the force of the Sorgue as well as villages growing along its banks reduced the fish and crustacean populations The economic value of fishing diminished and membership in the guild waned “A few old-timers had the boat I was looking for but not many in good condition,” says Pretôt after digging through archives and scouring the cabanons Pretôt and his father managed to recreate the ancient fishing boat they let it season in the water to become watertight (today Pretôt uses a thin layer of modern sealant to speed up the process) Pretôt had large swaths of the river to himself propelled by a long vertical oar similar to those used by gondoliers interest was growing in the fishing culture that had founded L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue led the movement to bring back the Confrérie di Pescaïre Lilen and revive some of the river’s lost traditions he sought out someone to teach him how the nets were made and how to throw them “The people fishing with nets who I learned from were essentially poachers attached to their tradition,” Borel says But their knowledge was crucial to rebuilding the Confrérie the reborn guild put on the first festival of Peche d’antan loosely translated as “fishing of bygone days,” in the center of the village The festival’s size and popularity has grown each year The event begins with a parade of négo chins Traditional fishing technique demonstrations follow It’s the only time of year that net-fishing is allowed on the Sorgues and even then the fish are thrown back into the water less-traditional festival activities include négo chin races up and down the canals: When they pass underneath low footbridges in the village boat navigators flatten themselves to the decks hoping not to take a tumble into the chilly river Borel sees a healthier river today than during his youth, despite development and increased tourism. “Today, we have a river that compares with some of the most pristine and sought-after rivers in Canada when it comes to trout fishing,” he says the river has a way of harnessing your attention The Sorgues has its own universe,” says the current Confrérie president who led the négo chin’s revival he knows that he won’t be building these boats forever the craft has been picked up by another so-called “water-carpenter” in the village We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the world’s hidden wonders Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders The Dalkeith/Jarnac Twinning Group travelled to Jarnac in July 2022 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the signing of our twinning charter between Dalkeith and Jarnac A hunt for new communities to twin with Midlothian towns is set to be launched in a bid to boost trade and tourism A report to go before councillors tomorrow says that while the county is twinned with two places in mainland Europe there are only four towns with a similar relationship And they will be asked to support plans to seek new connections abroad as the ‘friendship agreement’ involved is hailed for promoting peace and cultural exchanges In addition Bonnyrigg and Lasswade is linked to Saint-Cyr-l’École while Dalkeith and French town Jarnac are linked and Danderhall has a connection with Angres in France Penicuik is twinned with L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue A report to next week’s council meeting says the aim of twinning is to “encourage the coalition of towns It says: “Twinning links are legal or social agreements between two cities “A town twinning link is a friendship agreement involving co-operation between two communities in different countries The twinned communities organise projects and activities around a range of issues.” The report seeks councillor nominations to take positions on the county’s two twinning associations in Penicuik and Dalkeith But it also asks for the green light to seek out new liaisons for more communities It says: “Further to the established twinning links that Midlothian and its towns have it is deemed important to consider further twinning opportunities with different countries “Council is asked to instruct the executive director place to progress options for further twinning of Midlothian’s towns to promote trade Subscribe to the Midlothian View newsletter the romance of Provence—the irresistibly picturesque lavender-scented region in the South of France—is truly a west-side story and eat have opened in the quieter reaches of Avignon The launch of a new museum devoted to Vincent van Gogh and the inauguration of a spectacular arts complex are raising the profile of the city of Arles as an important cultural center historic village of Uzès is getting a stylish makeover from an influx of creative types who have fallen for its relaxed charm like the old mill town of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue in the fashionable Luberon district The area’s ancient Roman architecture and its magnificent landscapes dotted with vineyards "I love the light in Provence," says photographer Joel Meyerowitz published the book Provence: Lasting Impressions "We also love how committed the people there are to preserving the land," says Barrett "This connection provides nourishment beyond just the produce it yields—it nourishes the soul." which opened this spring in a 15th-century structure renovated with a new modern extension by the French firm Fluor Architecture will exhibit Van Gogh’s work alongside pieces by the artist’s peers and by present-day talents like Elizabeth Peyton and Thomas Hirschhorn a new 20-acre campus for her arts institute LUMA Foundation Architect Annabelle Selldorf is repurposing a series of former industrial buildings on the site and construction on an adjoining Frank Gehry–designed facility began in April; the whole project will be completed in 2018 Along with several other arts organizations the international photography festival held every summer (this year LUMA is transforming the town into a community of artists a winsome eight-room hotel on the edge of town featuring a top-notch restaurant and a remarkable collection of contemporary art Beghin and Hérault often dine at La Table 2 Julien(011-33-4-66-03-75-38) where chef Julien Lavandet and his partner serve a rotating menu of modern French dishes like pan-roasted yellow pollack with spinach and Objets de Hasard (011-33-4-90-38-54-58) An easy drive from Arles or Uzès is Irish businessman Patrick McKillen’s Château la Coste a 500-acre biodynamic vineyard 20 minutes north of Aix-en-Provence Since McKillen bought the property a decade ago he’s transformed it with striking architecture—the Jean Nouvel–designed winery and Tadao Ando’s visitor center—as well as sculptures by Alexander Calder the eye-catching sights are an impressive reminder that Provence maintains its role as the place where many meet their muse View a slide show of Provence's can't-miss hot spots and landmarks. Latest UpdatesCountries Why Join?IL MagazineFree Daily E-LetterVideoOur ExpertsTestimonialsFAQsTopics Your #1 resource for a global lifestyle since 1979 the travel media spill barrels of ink claiming this city or that hosts Europe’s best Christmas market And you know what: They’re all right…because it’s simply impossible to pick the best The redolence of grilled meats perfuming a cold night The regional desserts and holiday delicacies wooden cabins painted by Christmas lights selling local handmade tchotchkes and ornaments beneath the watch of a live Christmas tree stretching 30 feet or more into the sky Pretty much every city with a Christmas market does a great job each December of turning ancient central squares and medieval Old Towns into a place where you half-expect to find Santa’s elves looking for new design ideas instead of pointing you to a “best” that doesn’t exist we’re going to point you toward European Christmas markets that are unheralded gems It’s just that they tend to be popular more at a local in-the-know level since some of them are in secondary and tertiary cities while others are a couple hours’ drive or train ride from main cities these are fantastic Christmas markets that offer an equally festive You gobble up the same great local eats and treats And you shop the same great artisanal crafts You’re just doing so at a Christmas market that doesn’t get the same level of press as the major cities we’ve made our list (and we’ve checked it twice; you knew that pun was coming amid all the great Christmas markets in Europe Though much of Poland was destroyed in the Nazi blitz Krakow was the base from which the Nazis oversaw the conquered country from the earliest days of World War II they didn’t bomb the place…which means Krakow’s atmospheric Old Town still reflects 1,000 years of history The early-medieval central square, one of the largest in Europe, competes with Prague in terms of ambiance and its picturesque skyline is defined by the Gothic St Mary’s Basilica and the 15th century Cloth Hall Europe’s first covered market and the progenitor of every shopping mall in the world today Along with the typical Christmas décor—the wooden stalls the Christmas tree—Krakow’s central square is known for its carolers and a particularly Krakovian tradition: The Krakow Christmas Crib contest that begin in 19th century locals compete to build the most orate nativity crib which are then paraded through the streets and displayed in the square a particular style of Polish gingerbread… and there’s mulled wine that the Poles know as Grzaniec Galicyjski But perhaps the most unique Christmas libation is hot beer typically spiced with raspberry or ginger syrup This is quite possibly the single most picturesque Christmas market on the planet Santa lives here and you might just bump into him while he’s out fetching a mulled wine for Mrs Located about two hours south of Stuttgart in a mountainous gorge covered by a forest of evergreens And the icing atop is Christmas sugar cookie is that the gorge is traversed by a 130-foot-tall stone arched railway viaduct…which is up-lit at night for the holidays the entire scene looks like something from inside a snow globe With just 40 or so wooden huts snaking beneath the viaduct the Ravenna Gorge market isn’t a large as some of Europe’s major-city Christmas markets no major-city Christmas market has setting you find here you’ll find everything you need to enjoy a Christmas-market experience—the food artisanal treasure: Black Forest cuckoo clocks you can still hit larger Christmas markets in nearby Freiburg or Stuttgart (one of Germany’s most highly rated) Italy's largest (and most famous) Christmas markets are in the northern regions—Bolzano and Merano and are influenced by the nearby German-Austrian traditions I like the Castello di Limatola near Caserta (Campania region) where an evocative medieval-era mercato is held in a fairytale castle dating from the 1200s local food products like the traditional holiday sweet called torrone and it really sets itself apart from the “usual” Christmas fair The entire village is decked out with lovely lighting and the ancient castle and village evoke a magical Old World ambiance There is a bosco incantato (enchanted forest) for the kids and of course a visit with Babbo Natale (Santa Claus) The Castello di Limatola has an excellent restaurant if you really want to make it special Lisbon is no stranger to fabulous festivals of all kinds and Natalis (Natal is Christmas in Portuguese) is no exception all inside the grand pavilion at Parque das Nações by the Tejo River The market-festival features traditions from around the world to explore and taste for those who want to spare the turkey and still savor the flavors of wintertime foods prepared with Portuguese flair The Corredor das Experiências is another favorite with a cornucopia of workshops to improve your culinary and craft skills Why not take a cheese-making course or learn the intricacies of whipping up holiday libations Some of the best chefs in Lisbon will display their world-class talent with cooking shows to stimulate your appetite leave your diet resolutions until New Year’s and indulge in sweets galore at Praça dos Doces work off those calories at the Diverlandia complex With more than 30 pieces of equipment and set designs to expand your mind and challenge your body Diverlandia offers incomparable space for kids of all ages to engage in tactile One of the finest Christmas venues in the country, this year Natalis will be held December 4th through 8th. For more, see the website: https://natalis.fil.pt/visitar/ A visit to the beautiful French town of Colmar at Christmastime is the stuff fairytales are made of—for the young and young-at-heart. Voted the number one Christmas market in France in 2017 located in the north of France near the German border transforms itself into a Christmas wonderland you’ll find no less than six distinct Christmas markets which sprout up among the city’s cobblestoned streets and early-Renaissance timber buildings each market has its own set of artisans and its own holiday-focused theme The market on Place Jeanne d’Arc (Joan of Arc square) recreates the atmosphere of a traditional Alsatian village; offering regional favorites like pretzels At the indoor craft market in the historic Koifhus building about 20 local artists share their creative passions and jewelry makers demonstrating their crafts and selling their “works of art” The Gourmet Market on Place de la Cathédrale (cathedral square) is a 100% French affair Chefs and local restaurant give demonstrations and prepare local dishes for market-goers Pick up a plate of oysters and sip some Alsatian white wine as the city lights up for the evening and the magic of Christmas is felt all around town I witnessed Pere Noel’s arrival in L’Isle sur la Sorgue in a style uniquely French The classic car crossed the square in front of the imposing Collegial Notre Dame des Anges as Pere Noel tossed candy to children while standing in the open sunroof So began the holiday season in the town also referred to as the “Venice of Provence” the charm of L’Isle sur la Sorgue is full on during the Christmas holidays Elaborate lighting displays are suspended above the streets in the town center Festive music broadcast throughout the town serenades strollers as they take in the shop windows or stop for a coffee The park along the Sorgue River is converted into a Christmas village of “chalets.” These small wooden structures become the holiday season home for participating local shop owners and restaurateurs to open their doors Artisans from the region provide visitors shopping opportunities as well Groups of friends gather in the park around an open fire enjoying good company in a festive setting on crisp winter’s evenings The Christmas village along the Sorgue is another perk of life in a small town in France borders Germany at the base of the northern foothills of the Alps It is less than a two-hour train ride from Munich The Salzach River divides the city where 12 different bridges link the modern town and “Altstadt” or old town The Altstadt was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997 is designated as one of the best-preserved city centers Medieval and Baroque architecture populate Old Town and the Hohensalzburg Fortress (the biggest fully preserved castle in Central Europe) sits majestically above the center of Salzburg Climb all the way to the top or take the funicular to get a breathtaking view of the stunning city Salzburg has a proud heritage of art and culture including the honor of being the birthplace of both Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the famous Christmas carol one of the oldest markets in Austria (dating back to 15th century) kicks off Advent One hundred booths and nativity exhibits ring the Residenz Platz (square) and wind around the entrance to the Cathedral of Salzburg and spaetzle (a type of pasta made with fresh eggs) with cheese feed hungry visitors while warm glühwein and punch spiked with rum swirls the air with the spicy smell of cinnamon As you stroll through the historic market to browse the unusual glass ornaments you will hear festive carols sung in front of the cathedral What makes the Salzburg Christmas Market special is the 80 different musical programs that take place in front of the cathedral and on the festival stage Daily events include the reading of Christmas stories the market’s own embodiment of the Christ Child and traditional wind music or Turmblasen that is played every Thursday and Saturday from the towers around the Residenz Square The ringing church bells enhance the festive atmosphere and truly makes it feel like Christmas the second-largest city in the German state of Bavaria the Imperial Kaiserburg Castle that sits high above Old Town was one of the most famous palaces of the Holy Roman Empire It was the designated location for imperial assemblies and sat at the crossroads of several trade routes Hitler selected Nuremberg as the rally center for the National Socialist Party in the 1930s The allies bombed Nuremberg during World War II The medieval walls and buildings were reduced to rubble but painstakingly reconstructed after the war Located halfway between Munich and Frankfurt the city is easily accessible by train and the Christmas festival Christkindlemarkt is the most significant and best-known Christmas market and dates back to the 16th century held on three different squares within Old Town the central square in front of the Church of Our Lady The market is opened two days before the first Sunday of Advent by the Christkind (an angel with golden curls and a golden crown) who climbs to the top of the church to recite a decade's old poem you can browse through the 180 wooden stalls built from regional spruce and decorated with fresh greens and lights The stalls are filled with Lebkuchen (gingerbread that has been made the same way for 600 years) and holiday decorations made from wood or the traditional Rauschgoldengel (gold foil angels) Look for the prune men or Zwetschgenmannle traditional figurines made from dried prunes Visit the Market of the Sister Cities where you can purchase gifts from all over the world and the Children’s Christmas Market with an enchanting two-tiered carousel Taste the Nuremberg sausages that have been world-famous for 700 years three Nuremberg sausages on a crusty roll topped with spicy mustard Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland but is sometimes overlooked by travelers in favor of Edinburgh or the Highlands With its world class Kelvingrove Art museum and edgy street art covering a myriad of Victorian style buildings Glasgow is a modern city with Old World character The locals are friendly and always willing to help with directions or a have friendly chat And if you find yourself in Glasgow at Christmas time Enoch Square is a delight to the senses and is well worth a wander The market opens in early November and ends close to Christmas Day Although the opening time might feel a little early for some the festive atmosphere will soon win you over The market has a German feel with bars and food stalls offering a variety of beer The German style Christmas pyramid or Weihnachtspyramide is what really stands out it’s comprised of three floors depicting different scenes from the nativity At night it’s covered in lights and is the centerpiece of the market The market is nestled between two of Glasgow’s main shopping streets—Argyle and Buchanan—and provides a more local shopping experience compared to the high street stores in the area The smell of sausages sizzling on the grill combined with the sweet scent of cider helps fuel your wander through the market Vendors will beckon you to see their wares in a friendly manner without being overly pushy The atmosphere is bustling with crowds but family friendly The market is open late on weekends and you’ll discover the crowd includes locals along with those who have traveled farther distances to soak up the Christmas atmosphere Europe’s Top 5 Affordable Retirement Havens France Itinerary: A Journey Through Southern France Schengen Visa: What Countries Are in the Zone? the 11th stage of the Tour de France will go through the Vaucluse for the first time in the history of the Tour Here is our advice and musts to cover the stage at your own pace as if you were with them on the road and enjoy this cycle tourism escapade in your own way Une publication partagée par GF Mont Ventoux (@gfmontventoux) Une publication partagée par Isle sur la Sorgue Tourisme (@islesurlasorguetourisme) Une publication partagée par 🄵🄴🅃🄴 🄳🄴 🄻🄰 🄻🄰🅅🄰🄽🄳🄴 🅂🄰🅄🄻🅃 (@fetedelalavande) Une publication partagée par MarionLB (@marionlbphoto) As you follow the route of the 2021 Tour de France, on your way you will come to the charming village of Malaucène the village is a real cyclists’ haunt all year round Take a seat and have a cup of coffee on a terrace and try and count them Make the most of the pleasant alley in the shade of the plane trees the Wednesday morning market and the beautiful fortified church The unique architecture of the houses which were built partly due to the ramparts which go through the town will amaze you shady site which once fed as many as 17 mills The ideal place for a picnic with the family or friends Go up to the calvaire along a typical paved street and enjoy the exceptional panorama Une publication partagée par Tour de France™ (@letourdefrance) With your pretty checkered tablecloth and your wicker basket under your arm autumn brings out all the gentleness of Provence make the most of the exceptional light on a walk through autumn colours Comfortably installed under a tree with orangy leaves or reading a book on the grass There’s even a set of pétanque bowls in the boot Voir cette publication sur Instagram  Une publication partagée par Location 2cv Provence Luberon (@oh_my_deuche_location_2cv) On the former farming estate of the Ursulines de Beaucaire whose name refers to the nuns known as “Mourgues” in Provencal,” in Provencal enjoy a picnic in the open air under a pergola in the courtyard or surrounded by a mosaic of colours in the vineyards An experience worthy of the Vallée de la Gastronomie network of which the château is a member the Château Mourgues du Grès tells the story of the pebbles of the Costières de Nîmes which give all their character to the wines The terroir is revealed through the work of the wine grower and the culinary traditions which go with it Delicious products such as Brandade de Nîmes and even Bull terrine with olives grown on the estate so visit the vineyard and the cellar followed by a wine tasting Walk along beside the Lake of Mison on a 2-kilometre-loop and find yourself a peaceful spot for your picnic You’ll get some lovely views of the Alpine peaks with their snowy summits and interpretive panels which will help you get a better understanding of the surrounding nature In this spot which is listed as an Espace Naturel Sensible en Zone Humide From the migratory birds nesting in the reedbeds to the fish swimming peacefully in the lake colourful nature will give you a complete change of scene There are tables and benches to eat comfortably; and are those fishing pontoons beckoning you to come and catch a pike-perch or a pike in the afternoon Une publication partagée par Sisteron-Buëch Tourisme (@sisteronbuech) Une publication partagée par Notre belle France (@nos_belles_regions) L’île de la Barthelasse, the biggest river island in Europe, lies between the two arms of the River Rhône, Avignon and Villeneuve-lez-Avignon It’s the ideal place for relaxation and a peaceful picnic with birds Just a few minutes from Avignon’s historic centre these 700 hectares of autumn-tinted natural land give a heady feeling of serenity The young can let off steam in leisure areas such as the skate park or the football pitch the towpath has an exceptionally breathtaking view of the Pont d’Avignon the Rocher des Doms and the Palais des Papes You’ll have to walk 7 kilometres on the La Croix Saint-Marcel hike to get your reward: an autumn escapade on the heights of Saint-Marcel with an incredible view over Marseille nature and its warm colours invite you to make the moment last a little longer with a picnic not far from the Mediterranean city And why not continue with a tour of the Château de la Buzine which is now the Maison des Cinématographies de la Méditerranée purchased by Marcel Pagnol in 1867 Located right in the middle of the Parc des 7 collines this will show you another aspect of the city Une publication partagée par Mathieu Grapeloup (@matgrapeloup) Une publication partagée par La Verrière Vacation Rental (@laverriereprovence) In the heights of the Dentelles de Montmirail head for the medieval Domaine du Chêne Bleu nestled at the foot of the legendary Mont Ventoux Here the grapes are grown to produce organic and biodynamic wines The Vignobles et Découvertes-approved venue offers a visit of its cellar and a tasting of its wines before sharing a pleasant picnic in the vineyard which is about to enter its winter dormancy but is still lit up by its fiery colours If you’d rather picnic on your own in the Vaucluse here is a selection of spots you’ll just love Listed as an Espace Naturel Sensible et Protégé, Saint-Barthélemy has a lovely particularity. The valley sculpted by the old waters of a torrent near Salernes is well worth a visit and you’ll walk through the autumnal golds You’ll be impressed by the caves cut into the cliffs you’ll find the round Tholos de la Lauve a prehistoric grave dating back over four thousand years A large shady park with tables and benches under the plane trees looks just perfect head for the 16th-century chapel restored in the 19th century and dedicated to St-Barthélémy Nearby you’ll also be able to see the Maison de la Céramique Architecturale and the museum of the former terracotta floor tile factory Just open the doors of the ceramic artisans’ workshops in the village of Salernes Une publication partagée par La vie est belle (@passion_jardicrea) 2015Save this storySaveSave this storySaveThe sky is especially bright outside of the Marseille airport as evinced by the dozen or so travelers moored to the pavement beyond Arrivals blinking in the sun and unable to believe their luck They swat the in-flight croissant flakes from their trousers and move en masse to the car rental where they will jump in convertibles in a swell of joie de vivre The weather is so preternaturally good in Provence that locals and visitors alike conspire to live outside their no-nonsense Lycra an odd contrast to the rustic countryside pumping up hills and gliding through valleys But the most rewarding hours in the open air will be spent at the dining table spearing rabbit and prunes with the countryside swept out before you Provence is sensibly rich in garden bistros and hillside dining Le Jardin du Quai L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a quiet riverside town known primarily for its Sunday antiques market Near to the railway station is Le Jardin du Quai a garden restaurant hidden from sight until you step through the wrought-iron doorway lush greenery surrounds elegant outdoor tables Waiters carry the single copy of the day’s no-choice menu around on a chalkboard easing themselves between potted plants and garden sculptures You’ll order a bottle of wine before tucking into a few pre-luncheon bites placed on the table: fresh radishes with butter or olive tapenade smeared over chewy French bread delivers three comforting courses for a set price Spare ribs cooked in honey are tremulously tender and an apricot and pistachio tart is gratifying and not overly sweet The meal should take a few hours and as many bottles of Gigondas concluding with strong espresso and a lick on the hand from Scooby La Petite Maison de Cucuron The approach to the medieval village of Cucuron is on a winding road through the verdant and mountainous Luberon region and it would be wise to build in time for gaping La Petite Maison is run out of an inviting yellow house with blue shutters located in the center of town guests are seated on the ivy-covered terrace where there is a choice of two menus—€50 for three courses or €70 for five—and an excellent The food is luxurious and approachable; the restaurant holds a Michelin star A bowl of buttery chanterelles is served in parsley sauce with a gently poached egg topped with a small mountain of summer truffle shavings executed well with ingredients at their peak he might join you for coffee and a chat about the goings-on in the village Le Mas Tourteron Before setting out for this wonderful restaurant located a few miles past the hilltop town center of Gordes (one of the most-photographed communities in Provence prepare yourself for the final stretch of the journey when you will rumble down a country road and feel certain you missed a turn Drive two minutes past the point at which you are sure you’re lost and there you’ll find the arched entrance to Le Mas Tourteron stretched out in front of an 18th-century farmhouse obscured by vines There are spare sun hats hanging from a mulberry tree and fellow patrons dressed in graceful French country neutrals Elisabeth Bourgeois has been the chef-owner of Le Mas Tourteron since the late ’80s and maintains a formidable reputation throughout France When she walks out of the kitchen to check on the guests who are murmuring over zucchini flowers stuffed with guinea fowl manages the wine list and guides diners to bottles of local Grenache and loftier vintages of Bordeaux The intimacy and setting make for a meal of rare loveliness to include Le Bistro du Paradou on this open-air list because meals generally only begin and end on the sunny roadside terrace The middle three courses are served in a homey restaurant with chic tile floors and long wooden tables you will be seated outside with a dish of green olives and asked if you would like a glass of something though if you decide to move directly to wine—it is included in the €49 set price—a bottomless bottle of the house red or white will appear you’ll wander inside for a plate of ratatouille and then possibly roasted rabbit pierced with rosemary sprigs or Bresse chicken with homemade fettuccine and morels so phone ahead to hear the week’s offerings before making a reservation In preparation for the magnificent cheese course you’ll find your bread basket refreshed and your wineglass topped up and golden raisins soaked in Cognac (give these particular attention) will remain on the table until someone else calls for it it is the moment to return to the terrace for dessert (order whichever homemade tart is on offer) and espresso and perhaps another glass of Pastis to bookend the visit it will spoil you for most other restaurants Provence boasts many hotels with superb dining. One of the best is Hotel Crillon le Brave perched atop a steep hill and home to Restaurant Jérôme Blanchet dinner is served on a spectacular terrace with far-reaching views of the French countryside and dishes are refined but sumptuous—foie gras with black figs and lavender honey; scorpion fish over chanterelles and apricots The bedrooms are serene and luxurious; quite a few are blessed with the same view of the countryside that the restaurant affords and it is worth asking for one of these when booking a very good club sandwich on the room-service menu—for those evenings when you find yourself returning from lunch at 9 p.m Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Discover how Paris 2024 became the most media-covered Olympic Games in history See how the Olympic Games’ communications team supported by Wiztrust’s tailored PR platform overcame complex challenges-from synchronizing teams and managing thousands of journalists to ensuring top-level security Learn how innovative digital tools and expert support enabled Paris 2024 to achieve record-breaking visibility and flawless brand protection Download the full Paris 2024 Success Case now and get inspired by the strategies behind this record-breaking achievement For further information and other cases please visit Wiztrust.com protect your company and its directors from disinformation and adopt the “trust mark” of the market leaders plan campaigns targeting your audiences through all channels (e-mail social media) and organise your activities and events improve results by exploiting your data's true depth Discover the best way to manage your PR & Marketing efficiently: Wiztrust is THE integrated communication platform for corporate professionals Prioritise your activities thanks to a clearer view on your assets Manage your communication thanks to a collaborative platform for you and your team Certify your corporate communication thanks to our blockchain-backed technology Save your team and yourself some precious time Learn more about Wiztrust in our case study €25.00Add to cart When you think of Tuscany, the first thing that comes to mind is prestigious Florence with its Renaissance masterpieces and picturesque Siena with its medieval brick architecture. Tuscany, however, has yet another city which has nothing to envy either of them in terms of its charm and treasures. Nestled in the heart of greenery with its luxuriant vineyards and smiling valleys, Arezzo immerses you in the authenticity of its rich and welcoming land, just four hours away from Monaco. For lovers of antiques and curiosities, its antique market is certainly a must-see. Every first Sunday of the month, some 400 exhibitors from all over Italy take over the squares and alleys of its historic centre. Some of them get set up as early as Saturday. Bargain hunters have thousands of works of art, furniture, jewels, prints, scientific instruments, toys, books and other collectors’ items to explore. You have an entire weekend to enjoy its stalls surrounded by amazing palaces, churches and mansions. The setting is indeed enchanting, truly inviting us to travel in time. This is where Roberto Benigni filmed his “Life is Beautiful”. The city is full of hidden treasures. Its Piazza Grande is one of the most remarkable squares on the Italian peninsula. Held in a truly dream setting, the oldest antique fair in Italy is attracting an ever-growing number of collectors. A little Venetian air with its canals winding through its heart. L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a scenic Provençal town in the department of Vaucluse, enveloped by the arms of a river, has an indescribable charm. Over the last years it has also become a true paradise for bargain hunters. This former fishing village carefully preserves its past glory — mansions, churches, chapels and the waterwheels once powering the mills. These days, it is also an international reference in terms of antiques and bric-a-brac. Connoisseurs have every chance of unearthing here a rare object, an unbelievable curiosity, an unusual piece just missing from their collection. All kinds of paintings, sculptures, prints, furniture, porcelain, jewellery, books and silverware are here to choose from. But you may also come across a truly unsuspected trinket, an old toy, an original light, a tool from another age…  A large number of antique dealers exhibit their treasures right outside, in the middle of the street. See for yourself while strolling through the town’s alleys. On top of some 300 shops, twice a year on All Saints’ Day and during the Easter weekend, explore the famous “Antiques Art & you” fair. This unmissable L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue event is the second European antique market after the famous London fair. Nothing short of an open-air art fair.  Some 200 exhibitors from France and Europe are revealing their most beautiful objects in the Parc Gautier, on the Sorgue quays, in antique dealers village and town streets. Expert advice is available to professionals and bargain hunters as to the origins and authenticity of the objects sold. The last edition of this exceptional event invariably attracting over 100,000 visitors was scheduled from October 29 to November 1. my 13-year-old Welsh terrier (and co-pilot) Our plan is to spend four weeks driving through France Madame T has spent most of her life padding about the third floor of Vogue House but we’ve gone freelance and decided now is the time.. DAY 11: From L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue to LyonMILES TRAVELLED:  155HOURS SPENT IN THE CAR:  Three and a half hours Madame T feeling the heat in L'Isle-sur-la-SorgueTOP DOG:  Spending hours wandering around Antiques Art & You the newly whizzed-up (yet oldest) international antiques fair Held twice a year – in March and August – in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue this five-day fest sees hundreds of visiting exhibitors join the town’s nearly 300 permanent dealers this is ‘fleamarket meets car-boot sale meets Kensington Church Street’.GROWLINGLY BAD:  It had to happen A road trip with Madame T wouldn’t have been complete without a drama Having spent the morning grazing on grass like a cow What was surprising was the blade of grass that got caught in her windpipe she was struggling to breathe between sneezes I rushed her to an emergency vet who somehow deciphered my hysterical Franglais and took her off she was grass-free (but I was a total basket case) Post-procedure at the vet in LyonME TIME:  No time for me; it was all about Madame T.WALKIES:  From the hotel lobby of Cour des Loges to the taxi to the operating theatre and back; though to be honest Madame T was carried most of the way.WE WERE DOG TIRED IN.. four Italian Renaissance townhouses make up this very sexy The showstopper is the 14th-century courtyard that scales the entire building from lobby to roof Hotel Cour des LogesMADAME T'S VERDICT:  God bless Gérard Ravet the dapper and extremely efficient concierge at Cour des Loges who knows if I would be here to tell the story Book it: Double at Hotel Cour des Loges DAY 12:  From Lyon to ParisMILES TRAVELLED:  290HOURS SPENT IN CAR:  FiveTOP DOG:  Such was the hero’s welcome that Madame T received at the Mandarin Oriental Paris even the Queen’s corgis would have been jealous The staff addressed her as ‘Madame Tullah’ our suite had a special Madame T set-up and when we departed the doormen vied to be photographed with her the Mandarin Oriental in ParisGROWLINGLY BAD:  My Spotify singalong for most of the five-hour drive from Lyon to Paris Good thing Madame T is deaf as a stone.ME TIME:  Having lived in Paris a very long time ago I had such fun revisiting my old haunts with Madame T in tow Having a kip in the TuileriesWALKIES:  From Rue St Honoré through Cour Napoléon of the Palais du Louvre over the Pont des Arts and onto Rue de Seine where I lived all those lifetimes ago.WE WERE DOG TIRED IN… Suite 512 at the Mandarin Oriental Paris in August is so overrun with tourists (hardly a word of French was heard on the streets) that after a few hours we retreated back to the peace and quiet of the hotel’s enormous camellia-scented courtyard garden and ordered a glass of rosé.MADAME T'S VERDICT:  What better way to end our road trip than in five-star style Madame T at the Mandarin Oriental in ParisBook it: Double at the Mandarin Oriental DAY 13:  Paris to LondonMILES TRAVELLED:  First leg (Paris to Calais) 31.4 miles; third leg (Folkestone to Notting Hill) A royal send-off from the Mandarin Oriental ParisTOP DOG:  It’s the end of the road for us We clocked 3,000 miles over four weeks in France We spent 42 hours and 48 minutes in the car and came to the following conclusions: most cars on the road are white Germans drive the fastest and having a left-hand-drive car in a right-hand-drive country is an incredible pain in the ass Our final mileageMADAME T'S VERDICT:  So it’s over and out for the first series of ‘Travels with Madame T’ I’d like to say a huge thanks to Lily's Kitchen for providing me with delicious sustenance for the trip and The Paws for my Chillr PCM Cooling mat that kept me cool calm and collected in the ferocious heat of Lucifer I am dreaming of where to make Gerri take me for our next ‘Travels with Madame T’ Gerri and Madame T travelled to and from the continent on the Eurotunnel. To book, visit aferry.co.uk Follow Gerri and Madame T's travels on Instagram DAY EIGHT: From Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade to GrignanMILES TRAVELLED:  85HOURS SPENT IN CAR:  1 hour 30 minutes Château GrignanTOP DOG:  Leaving Villa La Coste was a wrench so off we went to the dreaded A7 and its many tolls VINCI Highways manages most of the motorways in France and since today was the official beginning of the summer holidays VINCI Highways goodie bagGROWLINGLY BAD:  The first and only sip of the Tourtel Twist: bière sans alcool au jus de citron from the goodie bag an exquisite 12th-century fortified village Château de Grignan dominates the landscape with its bright-white Renaissance splendour it’s really famous because Madame de Sévigné including many to her daughter (the wife of the Count of Grignan) From the russet-coloured tiled floors and the rose-clad trellis in the courtyard restaurant (with one-Michelin-starred chef Julien Allano at the helm) to the rustic Provençal fabrics totally French.MADAME T’S VERDICT: My favourite bit Lying on the small terrace outside our room while Gerri wrote this silly blog Madame T at Le Clair de la PlumeBook it: Double at Le Clair de la Plume DAY NINE: From Grignan to Tournon-sur-RhôneMILES TRAVELLED:  59HOURS SPENT IN CAR:  1 hour 10 minutesTOP DOG:  Though I didn’t love the town Hôtel de la Villeon is situated smack in the medieval part and finding it involved another misadventure courtesy of my nemesis Madame T and I are not travelling light: wherever we go her food (which requires a coolbox)… We parked only three blocks away but Waze cretin Kate took us on a 12-block goose chase How cross was I when I finally pushed open the Villeon’s massive antique walnut door this totally unexpected jewel box of a place – wooden floorboards gilded chandeliers and carefully curated antiques – perked me up no end.GROWLINGLY BAD:  The weather the heatwave that has scorched most of southern Europe being anywhere that isn’t a swimming pool or air-conditioned can be pretty miserable.WALKIES:  Up down and all around the 22,000 square feet of the terraced gardens built into the hill behind the hotel The terraced gardens behind Hôtel de la VilleonFabien MarinelloWE WERE DOG TIRED IN… Room 4 Hôtel de la Villeon.MADAME T’S VERDICT:  Much has been made of my ‘selective hearing’ because there was the most almighty thunderstorm that raged for two hours during the night Book it: Double at Hôtel de la Villeon who had said I should visit Saint-Montan (and Geraldene) to experience the true Ardèche Geraldene has lived in Saint-Montan since 1988 and has been instrumental in the revitalisation and restoration of this 13th-century village A better or more nimble tour guide I could not have asked for She bounded up and around the rues en calade (sloping paved streets) like a mountain goat Madame T with Geraldene Holt in Saint-MontanGROWLINGLY BAD:  The surplus of middle-aged men in Lycra cycling two abreast on the twisty hill roads from the Ardèche to the Drôme to Provence.WALKIES:  All around Saint-Montan Room with a view at Hôtel Crillon Le BraveWE WERE DOG TIRED IN… Room 4 Practically all of this tiny hilltop village is the hotel: a cluster of nine old stone buildings of suites and rooms restaurants and spectacular panoramic views of Provence Treat yourself to dinner in Restaurant Jérôme Blanchet (either on the terrace or under the 16th-century vaulted stone ceiling inside) His daurade royale (my favourite fish ever) marinated in lime and served with cucumber jelly and green shiso sorbet was unforgettable.MADAME T’S VERDICT:  I rather fancied the champagne cocktail before dinner Pre-dinner drinks at Crillon le BraveBook it: Double at Hotel Crillon Le Brave Stay tuned for next week's instalment and follow Gerri and Madame T's travels on Instagram DAYS FOUR TO SIX: From Abbaye de la Bussière (with a pitstop in Nîmes) then onto Hostellerie de l’Abbaye de la Celle MILES TRAVELLED:  520HOURS SPENT IN CAR:  6.5 hours Madame T at Tour Magne, NîmesTOP DOG: Nîmes! This is a city to make time for – it is small and enchanting, and ever-so-accessible when you have Richard and his golf cart whizzing you round the Roman ruins are locals and together we set off with our dogs: Madame T and the Tognas’ shih-tzus: Ninja (black) and Taiko (blonde) The highlight of the tour was visiting the 100ft-high Tour Magne – built around 15 BC – the largest of a chain of towers that once conveyed imperial power to the city’s four-mile-long Roman ramparts Gerri and Madame T in Nîmes with the Tognas and their shih-tzus Ninja and TaikoGROWLINGLY BAD: Not having had the foresight to book into Jardins Secrets the most indescribably romantic 17th-century villa hotel nestled in a private garden formerly of fashion and photography aristocracy have curated antiques and objets d’art over the years Their regulars say it all: Sting and Trudie Lolita Lempicka and Mika.ME TIME: Sitting in the bougainvillea-strewn gardens of the aforementioned hotel listening to the birds and sipping a glass of Château Puech Haut Tête de Bélier 2016 while Madame T pottered around the garden.WALKIES:  Madame T was shattered from co-piloting Richard’s golf cart and fending off the amorous advances of Ninja and Taiko General de Gaulle at Abbaye de la CelleWE WERE DOG TIRED IN… Hostellerie de l’Abbaye de la Celle This Alain Ducasse stronghold was originally built in the 12th century by Benedictine monks But it was the Benedictine nuns (who came later) that are best remembered for their very un-nun-like behaviour while in residence So scandalous were their comings and goings that in 1660 Cardinal Mazarin closed it down Four centuries and a few visits from General de Gaulle later (see photo) tranquil hostellerie that is renowned for its food (what a surprise) leaving Madame T in the Perpétue de la Celle suite – a good call as there was a pesky cat skulking around that would have been catnip for Madame T The result could have been upended tables and total carnage.MADAME T'S VERDICT: Damn Book it: Double at L’Hostellerie de l’Abbaye de la Celle On the lookout at La Bastide de MoustiersDAY SEVEN: Hostellerie de l’Abbaye de la Celle to La Bastide de MoustiersMILES TRAVELLED:  45HOURS SPENT IN CAR:  1 hour 22 minsTOP DOG: The drive from the first Ducasse property to the second Ducasse property through the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon with lakes the colour of the Caribbean.GROWLINGLY BAD: Le Mistral arrived – that cold dry wind made famous by Peter Mayle in A Year in Provence Madame T and I didn’t mind; it was a relief after the oppressive heat of the last few days (40 degrees) But it was a nightmare for the staff at La Bastide de Moustiers The winds were so strong dinner couldn’t be served on the terrace and swimming was off limits.ME TIME: Wandering through the kitchen gardens and gorgeous knot garden on the grounds Morning walk in Moustiers-Sainte-MarieWALKIES:  Early in the morning Madame T and I set off on foot for the hilltop village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (all this driving and eating isn’t doing anything for our waistlines) The village was built on platform terraces 300ft or so up the side of the limestone cliff a spring flowing out of it creating a waterfall We had a wander – the village is known for its faience (fine as well as the gold-painted star that hangs on a 700ft-long chain suspended between two cliffs when the Saracens held the knight Bozon de Blacas prisoner He vowed to hang a star over his village if he was able to return No one knows how the star was originally hung there one is still there.WE WERE DOG TIRED IN… La Bastide de Moustiers one-bedroom cottage called Coquelicot (translation: Poppy) just down the gravel path from the main house and perfect for Madame T as she could sniff around the fields of lavender outside.MADAME T'S VERDICT: I am a true Provençal dog now Book it: Double at La Bastide Moustiers Madame T at Villa La CosteDAY EIGHT: From La Bastide de Moustiers to Villa La CosteMILES TRAVELLED:  60-plus thanks to my Waze app (see below)HOURS SPENT IN CAR:  Almost 3 hours (ditto)TOP DOG:  Arriving safe and soundGROWLINGLY BAD: Waze our two satnavs – be it Google Maps or Waze – had served us well may have the most appalling French pronunciation she lost her mind and we lost our way BIG time a suspiciously dodgy-looking single-track lane that dwindled to dirt padlocked metal barrier with warnings that it was ONLY TO BE OPENED IN CASE OF FIRE BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT Turning back was impossible as there was no wiggle room My only option was to off-road and pray that I could squeeze the car past the barrier without falling into the ravine to the right but only just – after more tears and an almighty tumble taken when trying to assess the situation – I arrived at Villa La Coste bruised bloody and a tiny bit hysterical.ME TIME: Not today folks.WALKIES:  Wandering through the forest of green oaks and Aleppo pines at Villa La Coste installations and small-scale pavilions created by the rock stars of the art world: Tadao Ando After that first half bottle at Villa La Coste...WE WERE DOG TIRED IN… Alpilles at Villa La Coste Between the jaw-dropping views of Mont Ventoux the marble bathtub the size of a splash pool and the canopied bed swathed in gauze It’s everywhere… not only on the walk through the forest even in the stairwells: a Tracey Emin sketch here Leaving Villa La Coste in comfortMADAME T'S VERDICT: My particular favourite was the old-fashioned luggage cart-cum-wagon [note]Book it: Suite at Villa La Coste Madame T sleeping on the jobSo from the damp greenness of Oxfordshire we’re heading for the sun-scorched Côte d’Azur by way of Dijon but she’s a dream in the car – mostly sleeping but panting and yawning at me when she wants to make a pitstop Aire-sur-la-LysMILES TRAVELLED: 226HOURS SPENT IN CAR: FiveTOP DOG:  Our maiden voyage on the Eurotunnel and Madame T’s first foray out of the UK I’m an old hand on the Eurostar but a Eurotunnel newbie efficient and FAST.GROWLINGLY BAD:  The realisation that my right-hand-drive car means that at EVERY toll I have to jump out pay and dash back before drivers behind me wig out.ME TIME: No ‘me time’ I enlisted the help of a fellow motorist to assist with positioning the blooming headlamp converters Gerri and Madame T outside Château de Moulin le ComteWE WERE DOG TIRED IN… Château de Moulin le Comte an 1880s brick-and-stone building with a sweeping staircase This charming former flourmill was renovated in 2011 by Francis Van der Elst who runs it as a B&B with his son Cedric Both are dab hands in the kitchen – you won’t find more meticulously julienned vegetables in all of France They welcome all kinds of animals: dogs as big as ponies even a snake on the odd occasion.WALKIES:  The gardens here are big so Madame T wandered and sniffed while I enjoyed a glass of rosé and celebrated not being behind the wheel.MADAME T'S VERDICT:  Nine chihuahuas Madame T chilling in BeauneDAYS TWO & THREE: From Château de Moulin Le Comte to Abbaye de la Bussière plus a day in Beaune.MILES TRAVELLED:  378HOURS SPENT IN CAR:  Five hours and 20 minutes plus one and half hours to Beaune and backTOP DOG:  The spectacular scenery of the Côte d'Or between Dijon and La Bussière-sur-Ouche – bales of recently harvested wheat (fields of gold) and the albino whiteness of the Charolais cattle – and then on a day-trip to Beaune with its eye-catching pitched rooftop and stone turrets covered in multicoloured tiles.GROWLINGLY BAD:  The squat toilet on the A26 YUCK.ME TIME: Wanting to see something other than the A26 cobbled streets and colourful 16th-century half-timbered houses was just what I craved as was the lobster and crab salad at Le Valentino Madame T in her favourite pair of Jimmy ChoosWALKIES:  Madame T is NOT a fan of cobbled streets They hurt her feet (this from a dog who has been known to don a pair of Jimmy Choos though – two hours of exploring the parkland at L’Abbaye de la Bussière and the banks of the neighbouring River Ouche was just the ticket.WE WERE DOG TIRED IN… Abbaye de la Bussière a wowser of a place: formerly a 12th-century Cistercean abbey (lots of Gothic flourishes stained glass) set in 15 acres of private parkland where two teeny Shetland ponies graze Chef Guillaume Royer has gobbled up every award there is But don’t miss the chance to stay; British owners Tanith and Clive Cummings have got everything spot on Madame T having breakfast at Abbaye de la BussièreMADAME T'S VERDICT: This is heaven – more dogs than humans I have met three Bouvier des Flandres on their way to St Tropez They travel and sleep in a bespoke air-conditioned caravan while their owners stay in the hotel Note to self: must have a word with Gerri.. Book it: PetsPyjamas offers one night at Abbaye de la Bussière snails and coquilles Saint-Jacques – track down wonderful meals in the heart of the French countryside This is the archive of The Observer up until 21/04/2025. The Observer is now owned and operated by Tortoise Media. ProvenceChevron GordesChevron Anything to say about the service?Smooth, efficient, and impeccable, though at times, stiffly formal. Should you leap up for a second helping at the breakfast buffet, a waiter brandishing a fresh starched napkin will whisk it back into your lap upon your return. The concierge organizes a variety of excursions that range from chugging along the countryside roads in a vintage Citroën to visits to olive oil mills and vineyards. What sort of person comes here?Summertime Provence draws a coterie of chic international crowd—bronzed French industrialists with stubble beards, panama hats, and linen-shirts; Americans from Connecticut in their Calvin Klein khaki shorts and baseball caps; smartly dressed fit European couples who are die-hard cyclists and own holiday homes in the area. Anything you'd change?The walls could be less cluttered with antique portraits of departed anonymous ancestors; the perfectly manicured emerald lawn, not indigenous to the scorching sun of Provence, feels slightly out of place. Anything we missed?Wellness-friendly activities (see: the free mountain bikes) prevail. Describe the spa experience.Designed with the neighboring 12th-century Abbaye de Sénaque in mind, the monkish minimalism—polished dark wood, long, bone-white corridors—add to the unique quality of this attractive space. Surrendering to a relaxing massage with a pungent herbal oil—one treatment among many of Sisley’s top-notch line of Phyto-aromatic beauty products—was in perfect sync with the luxe countryside spirit. A final note: Is it worth it?This spacious hotel has just the right balance of superb terroir cuisine, atmosphere, comfort ,and service that sets it apart from the other smaller Provence hotels in the region. All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. A short drive from Avignon, the Sunday market in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is the largest outdoor market in the South of France, encompassing around 300 stalls where you can discover everything from fine antiques to local sunflowers. Known as the “Venice of Provence”, the town is stunning, too. The roads are shaded by plane trees, historic waterwheels line the river, and a wealth of cafés and restaurants make perfect spots for al fresco dining. Rebecca Hessel Cohen in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Most famous for its embroidered French linens, Edith Mezard’s wares are sold from Château de L’Ange, which has a lush private garden in the back. You will be tempted to fill basket after basket with monogrammed napkins and sheets. In the village of Vallabrègues, Benoit Rauzy and Anthony Watson, the owners of the 18-century hôtel particulier Atelier Vime, have personally devoted themselves to reviving the once-thriving local wicker industry. Their broad selection of vintage furniture is exquisite, with pieces by the likes of Janine Abraham and Tito Agnoli, along with perfect objects made in their own workshop. The brocante of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon takes place every Saturday morning within the old medieval city – consistently delivering an eclectic mix of pottery, glassware, furniture, and silver. Look out, too, for the wine- and barrel-making tools. Again, get there at dawn to get the best picks. Every Wednesday morning, Saint-Remy transforms into a bustling market. Go early to beat the crowds; this is one of the most popular markets in the region, and you will be jostling alongside locals for beautiful tablecloths, exquisite ceramics, market dresses, and more. The displays of food, meanwhile, are as photogenic as they are tempting; expect piles of olives, magnificent cheese wheels, mounds of saucisson, and more. Jean-Yves and Minna Benoit swapped life in France for the Canadian dining scene and then the convivial Le Mistral Bistro in Kitsilano But when the damp Vancouver climate worsened the effects of a bike accident that Jean-Yves suffered in 2007 In a nod to their former eatery, the Benoits opened Mistral Bistro Moderne in the town of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue in southeastern France. Even with just 32 seats, including the terrace, the restaurant has already gained good reviews, its clean lines and modernity a pleasant contrast to the acres of brocantes that draw visitors to the town which is France’s second largest antiques hub The approach to business is slower in France says Minna; she has not worn high heels in a year But this does not spare her from hard work—the Benoits have not hired staff they handle cooking and front-of-house duties between them “but getting good fish here is a problem,” says Minna The Mediterranean is not as rich in seafood as it once was and the Benoits miss that West Coast Pacific halibut the husband-and-wife team is thrilled with the local fresh vegetables “These are fridge-free vegetables,” Minna says all built around what Jean-Yves finds in his daily trawls of neighbouring markets—Provence pulsates with edible abundance The town of Cavaillon is only 10 clicks away and its outrageously tasty melons sometimes show up at Mistral Bistro alongside fresh-picked strawberries and homemade star anise ice cream is “so much cheese.” Jean-Yves showcases fresh local chèvre in a starter dish with baby vegetables in vinaigrette veal from the Limousin region and tiny potatoes Regional ingredients invariably call for regional wines “The number one seller is Château la Canorgue,” she says the château that featured in the 2006 Russell Crowe movie Dubbed the “little Venice of Provence,” the medieval town of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is ringed by water and punctuated by watermills and just as close to the finds that make this Provençal town a beacon for antiques hunters when visitors have had their fill of rustic furniture Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush) Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. France is a large region in the southeastern part of France Aside from being a dreamy Eurostar destination for those looking to travel to France by train it's also home to some pretty spectacular hotels including petite palaces and grand villas you're guaranteed to be surrounded by lush vegetation lavender fields or beaches on the Riviera – or perhaps all three No matter what your Provence adventure entails there's an amazing hotel in store for you – you just need to know where to look Check out our list of the top 10 hotels in Provence – and thank us later RECOMMENDED: 🏘Check out the prettiest villages in France🌴The best places to stay on the French Riviera⛱The best beaches in France Courtesy: Booking.comThis five-star hotel in Provence truly has it all From five hectares of vineyards and olive trees to its 18th-century building Les Lodges Sainte-Victoire is well worth a stay Rooms and suites at the hotel all come with private bathrooms – complete with a hairdryer and free toiletries – along with a minibar and an LCD TV A homemade buffet breakfast is served up every morning before your day spent around the pool basking in the South of France's balmy sun on the terrace Other facilities include a spa with a steam bath Top off a day of hiking the picturesque Sur le pas de Cezanne by relaxing in the steam bath.  Courtesy: Booking.comThis Provence hotel is a 19th-century mansion conversion in the Pierre Puget courtyard of Marseille The elegant yet contemporary style of the mansion is echoed throughout the original marble floors and columns as well as the bronze bannisters and bas-relief sculptures designer furniture and a well-sized private bathroom Take the hotel's very own chartered boat from Vieux Port and arrive in style Time Out tip: During the height of summer, Degaby Island is the best place to take a dip Head there via C2's chartered boat to hang out and experience blissful views while sunbathing on the terrace or take to the glistening waters with a paddleboard.  Courtesy: Booking.comNestled among the Provence pine trees the Golf Hôtel de Valescure and Spa is a four-star hotel in Saint-Raphaël From the outdoor pool and hot tub to the rooms that come with private terraces Rooms come air-conditioned – ideal in the late summer heat – with views over the forest the Les Pins Parasols restaurants offer authentic Provencal cuisine Time Out tip: Pop the cork and enjoy an exquisite dinner with a beautiful view out on the terrace during summer We hear the chef might even be willing to share a culinary secret or two.  Courtesy: Booking.comAn easy five-minute drive from the centre of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue the Les Carmes hotel offers guests pet-friendly accommodation in a historic building Enjoy unique perks such as an in-house hairdresser before a quick sit in the hot tub or sauna while some have views of the garden (so it's worth asking for it) you can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant or venture further afield to the local town The hotel has 'special' anti-mosquito equipment so you can rest easy knowing you won't be covered in bites come morning.  Time Out tip: Sundays are for roaming along the canals browsing the market stalls for antiques and finding a good spot for a flat white and people-watching Courtesy: Booking.comCassis is certainly known as the younger cousin to Marseille but it's easily just as stunning  – and definitely more laid back it's known as a fishing village where street markets are held each week Most visitors come here for the Calanques de Port-Miou – think rocky shores and stunning walks along the harbour The hotel itself has endless views to offer an infinity pool and an incredible restaurant on a terrace. Need any more convincing Time Out tip: Take to the sky and experience St Tropez's sunny shores for the day via helicopter Courtesy: Booking.comThe Hotel du Soleil et Spa is a secluded retreat near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence Only accessible via a no-through road the hotel is an easy 300 metres from the village centre – while offering a little respite from the world if needed All rooms come air-conditioned with a private bathroom and a dreamy walk-in shower A buffet breakfast is served every morning – and if it's a sunny day steam room and experience shower offering multi-temperature water sequences Courtesy: Booking.comIf you're visiting Provence St Tropez has to be on your list – even if it's just for a night or two Known for being extra on all fronts and wildly expensive it is also a truly wonderful place to visit for shopping 'til you drop with the ocean as a backdrop it's everything you could want from a five-star hotel in the South of France high-end cuisine and private terraces from the rooms If you're looking for the perfect St Tropez escape Time Out tip: Nabbing a room with a balcony is the perfect way to elevate your trip with outdoor dining and soaking in those gorgeous rays.  the La Mirande hotel is located in the city centre of Avignon Offering 18th-century style rooms to its guest with views overlooking the Palais des Papes you'll feel like you've stepped right into history here the marble-finished rooms all come sound-proofed and air-conditioned breakfast is a choice of continental or American – request room service if you don't fancy dining in the restaurant – but come dinner time you can experience the 'Table Haute' chef's table Just be sure to reserve a table in advance – it's in high demand Time Out tip: La Marande hosted regular chamber music concerts and crafts markets so make sure you swing by during your stay.  Courtesy: Booking.comLocated in the heart of Arles this luxury five-star hotel offers guests an 18th-century residence – complete with an outdoor swimming pool and spa The spacious rooms at L'Hôtel Particulier are beautifully styled with antique furnishings and on occasion a fireplace – not that you'll need it in the summer heat Spend your days relaxing in the floral garden on a sun lounge by the pool and enjoying a variety of salads and soups offered up in the bar visit the nearby city for a night of rich history and delicious cuisine Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! About us Contact us France.Photo: Getty ImagesSave this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors The best places to visit in France shouldn’t only be consigned to Paris and the French Riviera there’s nothing quite like watching the Eiffel Tower twinkle at night or reveling in the glamour of summer on the Côte d’Azur but there’s much more to France than the traditional tourist path From 10 major wine regions sweeping the country to its variety of diverse coastlines stretching from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean to a vast mountain range that shares its borders with Switzerland and Italy there’s plenty to explore in France year-round there are tons of day trips from Paris reachable by train if you want a change of scenery without venturing too far Then how about visiting the gastronomic capital of France (Spoiler alert: it isn’t Paris.) And if the French Riviera is out of your price range come high summer consider exploring the country’s alternative coastlines—of which there are many we’ve rounded up some of the best places to visit in France with regal interiors inspired by Marie Antoinette’s Versailles estate guests can live out their own royal fantasies while benefiting from exclusive access and tailor-made experiences on the property While Mont-Saint Michel follows Versailles as the third most visited monument in France (the first being the Eiffel Tower) there are plenty of other places to visit in Normandy as a day trip A 50-minute train from Paris will land you in Giverny the small village where Claude Monet famously lived and produced his illustrious water lily series Travelers can visit his former home and gardens which are open from late March to early November if you’re looking for a seaside escape from Paris you don’t have to travel all the way to the south of France is a popular resort destination among Parisians—particularly Deauville and Trouville which are a two-hour train ride from Paris a bucolic stay situated in an 18th-century chateau is located a mere 30 minutes from Claude Monet’s home Photo: Getty ImagesLyon is known as the undisputed gastronomic capital of France it was women who earned this title for the capital city of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region they left their homes after the French Revolution in search of work landing themselves in the homes of Lyon’s bourgeois families inexpensive ingredients to prepare simple and delicious meals; many believe it to be their impact that helped define and shape French cuisine as we know it today When they were released from their jobs during the economic crisis of 1929 many of these women decided to open their own restaurants casual eateries serving affordable and hearty fare Lyon is still littered with its historic bouchons—in fact there are more restaurants per head than in any other in France Try traditional Lyonnaise dishes like the quenelles at Cafe Comptoir Abel chef Joseph Viola’s award-winning pâté en croûte at Daniel et Denise Créqui a stone’s throw away from the best restaurants in the city take a dip in the rooftop pool featuring panoramic views of the city recently acquired by the hotel group behind Mallorca’s Cap Rocat and Christian Louboutin’s hotel in Melides is a romantic alpine retreat with just 18 rooms and three adjoining chalets and home to La Chocolaterie where visitors are made to feel like they’re a part of the family with tastings held in the estate’s dining room Uber will also be introducing a new travel product in the champagne region the Loire Valley provides the most variety With the Loire Valley’s vast wine regions spanning the Muscadet region on the western coast all the way to the Sancerre region in the central north to its lush ethereal gardens—the grounds of the Château de Villandry are among the most famous—to fairytale castles Loire Valley maintains the perfect balance for a well-rounded holiday in wine country or explore the German and Swiss-bordered Alsace region with visits to both its capital city of Strasbourg and the charming old town of Colmar which has been run by women of the same family since 1580 Among the many reasons to visit the Médoc wine region is due spend a few days on the sandy beaches of Soulac-sur-Mer a timeless seaside village whose simplicity and belle époque nostalgia lend it a feeling of laid-back glamour and its Michelin-starred restaurant is among the most popular in the region visit the Palais des Papes and the Jardin des Domes or meander through the city’s labyrinth of cafés and shops before following the Van Gogh route from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence to Arles For a truly enchanting conclusion to your road trip head 20 minutes south of Arles for a journey into the wilds: the Camargue and salt marshes—a place where wild horses roam free and a colony of pink flamingos comes to nest in the warmer months it’s not the rosé-tinted glasses you’re wearing—this place is real boasting panoramic views of the Dune du Pilat from its lively restaurant bar which has also experienced an advent of new hotels and restaurants as of late making it an ideal base for your Basque holiday Another charming and lesser-known town nearby is Guethary a tiny village with a surplus of great local restaurants and sceney sunset bars for post-surf fun Among the best surf beaches in Guethary include the reef break of Parlementia Intermediate surfers can also head to the neighboring town of Saint Jean de Luz to ride out one of the French Basque’s rare point breaks at Lafitenia beach Photo: Getty ImagesWith its close proximity to Italy located just 10 nautical miles from beautiful Sardinia international travelers often overlook Corsica altogether when considering their options for a summer holiday in France Their oversight leaves the island spared from crowds—save for the French families who return each summer to bask in their unspoiled paradise on the Med From natural pools to secret coves to white sand beaches Corsica is known for its pristine turquoise coastline Tourists tend to flock to the southern part of the island like Palombaggia (the first tobacco-free beach on Corsica) As southern Corsica is more built up with tourist stays the northern beaches remain slightly more wild and untouched; among the best beaches in northern Corsica include Ostriconi But Corsica’s pristine swimming spots aren’t consigned to the island’s dazzling coastline—many of the island’s best swims can be found inland in the natural pools concealed among the island’s many hiking trails and cultural sites from les Piscines naturelles de Cavu to the Vallée du Fango and Ponte Vecchiu and those fed by waterfalls like Polischellu and Aïtone a waterfront property overlooking the bay of Sant’ Amanza The Danish Home Lighting Trend That Can Improve Your Mental Health In America’s Cities, Saunas Are Becoming the Hottest Social Spot Millie Bobby Brown Shares Her Favorite Paella Recipe—and Details About Her Wedding to Jake Bongiovi A Day-by-Day Guide to Hiking the Legendary Nakasendo Trail in Japan Never miss a Vogue moment and get unlimited digital access for just $2 $1 per month First impression: A chic antique-filled space with eye-catching views; elegance sans stuffiness.Staff: Costumed hovering – but ultra-friendly.Food & drink: French country food dressed up with top-quality produce; local vintages galore.Bed & bath: Heavily-themed 18th century meets marbled modern bath.The crowd: Savvy international BCBG couples with children in tow.In a nutshell A glamorous village perch for super-smart Provence worshippers What’s the story?Ever since 1948, when the artist Victor Vasarely put Gordes on the map, the town has welcomed political bigwigs, French presidents, artists and musicians. When the hotel changed hands in 2014 interior designer Christophe Tollemer stepped in redecorating in the palest shades of straw yellow and olive green He also refurbed the dramatic staircases and reinvented the corridors – bone-white hues and wood – in the spirit of the nearby Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque but the seamless blend of old and fake-old really works What can we expect from our room?The 34 rooms and six suites are a subdued medley of antique chairs terracotta-tiled floors and deeply comfortable beds skirted with muted Provençal fabrics The overabundance of 18th-century portraits – stern-faced matrons bewhiskered men – staring at you may be unnerving at times Well-thought-out details include old-fashioned porcelain light switches and a TV hidden behind a large gilded mirror with the tall windows opening out onto reverie-inspiring views of the valley How about the food and drink?A surefire crowd-pleaser, the latest addition to the restaurant choices is Clover a variation on the mini-Parisian empire of healthy Modern French establishments run by celebrity chef Jean-François Piège Highlights include the amuse-bouche of whipped aubergine with pine nuts; perfectly cooked John Dory with spicy fig sauce; and the chef’s signature spin on churros – light as a feather and topped with chocolate and vanilla ice cream Families may opt for the simpler regional specialities at L’Orangerie but serious foodies can while away the hours on the dining terrace at the more formally gastronomic La Citadelle or take a break from the 18th century for an evening at the snazzy contemporary Asian restaurant TIGrr with standouts such as baked apples stuffed with dried fruit homemade gingerbread and thick wedges of French toast Should you leap up for a second helping at the breakfast buffet a waiter brandishing a fresh starched napkin will whisk it back into your lap upon your return The concierge organises a variety of excursions that range from chugging along the countryside roads in a vintage 2CV to visits to olive oil mills and vineyards What sort of person comes here?Provence attracts a chic international crowd in the summer – bronzed French industrialists with stubble beards Panama hats and linen shirts; Americans from Connecticut in Calvin Klein khaki shorts and baseball caps; smartly dressed European couples who are diehard cyclists and own holiday homes in the area What’s the neighbourhood scene like?The village boutiques scattered along the sloping cobblestone alleys are just a five-minute stroll away and offer the standard unremarkable Provence souvenirs – traditional fabrics If you’re looking for high-end local products La Bastide de Gordes’s own shop features exclusive olive oils (like the pricy liquid gold from Chateau d’Estoublon) as well as delicious jams from the Airelles Collection Anything you'd change?The walls could be less cluttered with antique portraits of anonymous departed ancestors; the perfectly manicured emerald lawn – not something you’d expect under the scorching sun of Provence – feels slightly out of place Anything we missed?Wellness-friendly activities prevail from free mountain bikes to the non-fattening recipes in Jean-François Piège’s cookbook Zérø Gras A final note: Is it worth it?This spacious hotel has a wonderful balance of superb terroir cuisine comfort and service that sets it apart from the region’s other smaller hotels Describe the spa experienceDesigned with the neighbouring 12th-century Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénaque in mind the monkish minimalism – polished dark wood long bone-white corridors – add to the unique quality of this attractive space Surrendering to a relaxing massage with a pungent herbal oil – one treatment among many of Sisley’s top-notch line of phyto-aromatic beauty products – was in perfect sync with the luxe countryside spirit The best hotels in Europe The best hotels in Europe: The Gold List 2022 and 2021Gallery13 SlidesBy Condé Nast Traveller and Divia ThaniView SlideshowThe best city breaks in Europe 51 of the best city breaks in Europe for 2025Gallery51 SlidesBy Connor Sturges and Toyo OdetundeView SlideshowThe best new hotels in the world Obama family is are currently vacationing with George and Amal Clooney in Lake Como Italy — where the local government is enforcing a 300-foot perimeter to protect the famous residents' privacy The Obamas' visit to Italy prompted a media frenzy with photographers camped outside the villa Extra police from the interior ministry have also been deployed patrol the surrounding streets.  introduced a €500 ($570) fine for any person that gets within 300 feet of Clooney's lakeside Villa Oleandra The rule was posted on notices around Laglio Pozzi told the Italian press on Tuesday that security has also been provided by the central Italian government Read more: The incredible life of international human rights lawyer Amal Clooney "The interior ministry is in charge of the operation and naturally details are not going to be divulged," he told Il Giornale. Pozzi also told The Daily Telegraph newspaper: "For our little village it is a wonderful occasion to become better known "I imagine how many people in America will now go and look at a map to find out where Laglio is." are hosting the former US president and first lady Michelle with their two children Sasha Part of the Obama's visit to the Clooneys included attending a dinner put on by the Clooney Foundation for Justice on Saturday Clooney bought the Lake Como villa in 2002, and was made an honorary citizen of the nearby town of Como markets and pre-2008 house prices await in the south of France Homes & Property | Where to live renting and decorating in London from our award-winning experts I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice Think of Provence and it is the famous names in the Luberon and Alpilles that first come to mind: St Remy a little flatter and perhaps less perfectly pastoral but where homes come with far less punchy price tags “Buyers in Provence generally want a detached house and they can find far better value if they focus around L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Vaison-la-Romaine,” says Laetitia Hodson of Knight Frank “They are a little further from the coast but on average prices are 30 per cent below those in prime Provence.” A lively market town 45 minutes from Marseille airport and 30 from Avignon L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue’s 20,000 population ensures year-round life with restaurants bars and shops while the legendary Sunday antiques market brings dealers and eager furniture shoppers “The British dream is a stone house with pool and views within easy reach of a boulangerie,” says Hodson “Increasingly buyers want a property that will rent so it has the potential to earn some income I currently have buyers looking to run yoga retreats or B&Bs.” A potential B&B in Le Thor with eight bedrooms and over an acre of grounds has been reduced from £1.1 million to £874,000 rural village 10 minutes from L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue towards Avignon encircled by fields of maize and apple trees a stone farmhouse 20 minutes’ walk from the nearest shops has been partially renovated by a Swiss family into a comfortable four-bedroom family home “It’s a buyer’s market,” confirms Franck de Mondesir from Janssens Estate Agency in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue “Property prices are still 10 to 15 per cent below the 2008 highs and sellers are now more realistic on prices.” There’s even better value to the north around Vaison-la-Romaine small thriving villages and the distinctive cycling hotspot of Mont Ventoux It’s also where the Mistral blows through on occasion and the best houses face south Homes currently for sale include a beautiful three-bedroom 18th-century stone house with generous living space 15 minutes’ walk from the village of Tulette The current owners have painstakingly restored the house from a ruin adding a densely planted Provençal garden and swimming pool The £1.1 million price tag would be closer to £1.7 million if it were in St Remy in the Alpilles, says Knight Franks’s Laetitia Hodson she says a newly built four-bedroom house in mint condition in Vacqueyras — east of Orange and north of Carpentras — with delightful gardens would be at least £1.4 million in prime Provence Further north in Séguret, officially designated one of France’s most beautiful villages a four-bedroom townhouse on three floors with a garden and pool is £611,000 The house is built into the stone hillside at the top of the village well protected from winds and with lovely views are five minutes’ walk down a cobbled path Musician and writer Axelle and Ian de Caumil live in Caromb Today the couple live there with their daughter Jun renting out two flats to short-term guests and are Airbnb Superhosts for the good and experienced service they offer “We really appreciate the relaxed Provençal pace,” says Axelle “The simple things like children playing outside the joy of swimming in the lake and taking lazy afternoon walks There is art and culture everywhere and if we need a city fix Avignon is 30 minutes away while Paris and London are direct via the superfast TGV and Eurostar.” Their work is increasingly international so after seven years the couple are selling their home for £786,000 The house has terraces filled with fig and almond trees and a fourth apartment still to be renovated “It’s time for someone else to fall in love with the house and Provence,” says Ian Prince Louis steals the show at VE Day parade as he keeps dad William looking sharp and mimics brother George Prince Louis steals show with sweet antics at VE parade VE Day 2025 fashion: best looks from the day VE Day 2025 fashion: Princess of Wales to Lady Victoria Starmer Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in major blow for Putin ahead of Victory Day celebrations Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in blow for Putin David Beckham’s 50th birthday bash in London 'shut down' by council over noise complaints David Beckham’s 50th birthday bash 'shut down' over noise complaints Stacey Solomon 'regrets doing reality show with Joe Swash' for tough reason Stacey Solomon 'regrets reality show with Joe Swash' for tough reason thousands descend on the city of Lille for Europe’s largest annual flea market Popular among antique dealers and amateur enthusiasts who are keen to snap up a bargain the stalls are full of vintage and retro homeware From decorative gilded frames to ornate armchairs the market attracts plenty of French dealers – as well as sellers from all over Europe – so whatever your taste It’s worth noting The Grande Braderie de Lille is traditionally held on the first Saturday and Sunday in September but in 2024 it will move by two weeks due to the Paris Olympic Games The dates for the 2024 event will be Saturday 14th September to Sunday There’s plenty to tempt you into visiting L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue any day of the year this quaint Provençal town really comes alive Every shady side road and alleyway is filled with stalls piled high with furniture the town welcomes a further 200 international sellers Every weekend on the northern edge of Paris Offering the largest concentration of dealers in one place in the world there are 12 markets showcasing 1,700 vendors Whether you’re keen to explore Asian art and furniture expand your vinyl selection or build up your Art Deco glassware collection Marché Biron and Marché Paul Bert Serpette are the key areas to aim for – also Cormano market is a flea market that specialises in pottery this northern Lombardy market starts early every Saturday morning (stalls start trading at 6am) so get there at dawn and enjoy a stroll with a takeaway espresso It’s the silk collections that attract visitors here Located in the neighbourhood of Calle de la Ribera de Curtidores El Rastro (‘The Trail’) has its centre in Plaza de Cascorro and covers a large almost triangular block delineated by the streets Calle de Toledo Calle de Embajadores and Ronda de Toledo. Depending on which section you venture into you’ll find various items ranging from artisanal crafts and homeware vintage clothing and accessories to kitchenware Feira da Ladra is one of Lisbon’s oldest markets held twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays at Campo de Santa Clara in Aflama Local traders sell textiles such a blankets and throws paintings and the artisan azulejos (Portuguese tiles) and you can expect to find good deals here The market dates back to 1272 and was held in various parts of the city before settling permanently in this spot  – there’s plenty to do once you’ve finished including a visit to the Panteão Nacional and the church of São Vicente de Fora The only flea market in the world that’s open 365 days a year Dealers lay out blankets offering everything from antique china to vintage clothes and artwork Look out for rare books and collector’s vinyl and while there is some junk to sift through Saturday and Sundays tend to have the more specific or collectible items this local bric-a-brac market sells everything from costume jewellery to secondhand books and vintage clothing silver-plated items and memorabilia from the 60s and 70s the market is in the charming Grünerløkka neighbourhood several streets in Copenhagen’s Norrebro district come together to host a memorable flea market – these are Ravnsborggade where both residents and dealers set up stalls up to 250 vendors manage to create a vibrant open-air market brimming with antique and modern pieces from Royal Danish porcelain to beautiful silver and glassware Nearby streets and alleyways are packed with galleries and cafés so build in some time to explore the area afterwards is so successful that the organisers have recently expanded into Sandown Park Racecourse as well Offering a huge range of antique goods as well as vintage fashion architectural salvage and ‘shabby chic’ furniture both venues offer free admission and free parking London’s most famous market is an iconic part of British popular culture – and even had a starring role in Notting Hill Saturday is the main day – the crowds come there are hundreds of antique and specialist stalls along with a few street performers to pique your interest as you browse Although there are stalls in the area every day it’s worth noting that on Thursdays Portobello and Golborne markets are half-day DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at info@sheerluxe.com (You will be redirected to the right platform once logged in) Forgotten login? Request a new password the château has cast a romantic spell well beyond the borders of France seducing many to buy into the fantasy of running their own turreted kingdom ownership can come at a great financial cost — never more so than now an agency that specialises in selling châteaux but has evolved to offer a wider range of belles demeures “We increasingly include other historic buildings such as manoirs “With the cost of heating going up by the day and the repairs required for large châteaux many people now look for something smaller It’s France’s poster region for l’art de vivre - but where do you start Here’s our insider pick of the best places to stay eat and visit in its cities and picturesque towns and villages• Have we missed your favourite or do you have a tip you’d like to share Join in the discussion in the comments below eat and visit in its cities and picturesque towns and villages Have we missed your favourite or do you have a tip you’d like to share Treehouse for two from €400 (£330) for two nights (21 March from €1,000 for four nights (July and August) B&B four-person suites from €119 and single (cabin) rooms from €78 Don't missLes Calanques de Cassis are perfect for swimming (along the coves) or walking across the cliff tops Happy with his charming cottage which also doubles up as his restaurant in L'isle sur la Sorgue—a quaint little town in Provence France—we caught up with the master chef at the French Food Festival at The Oberoi How did your stint in Lima influence your life It was my first international trip and I was there for two years I married the nuances of Peruvian food with my French heritage What has been your favourite dining experience so far a Peruvian dish consisting of raw scallops marinated in lemon juice and spiced with chilli peppers It’s especially good on the streets of Lima What are some of your favourite travel destinations I love travelling and meeting people from all over the world. However, I don’t have a favourite destination; I find it difficult to single out just one. My dream destination, however, is Japan Their food is simple but immensely flavourful My restaurant has a big garden with a lush three hundred year-old oak tree I set up tables around the tree and my guests spend many hours over their meal I don’t mind because I live to serve good food and seeing people enjoy the food I cook makes me happy The garden can accommodate up to two hundred people I have a four-course set menu which changes daily Yes, this is my first time here. I love India so far. Next week we will be going to New Delhi as well I am a friendly person and Indians in general are very warm which is a great way to see any city if you’re pressed for time What should one try at the French Food Festival at The Oberoi I recommend the Asparagus gratin with truffle and spiced ham and the Puff pastry pie with creamy potatoes and truffles Fresh trout with tabouleh crackers and provençal vegetables and the Lobster with mint-flavoured new potatoes and chanterelles sweetened with dried apricotsare all highly recommended Top off your meal with a few truffle shavings Do you have any travel tips for those visiting Provence It is one of the best places to buy antiques in all of Europe many well-heeled tourists from across the world come here on holiday There are lots of beautiful little restaurants in Provence Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service (updated April 1 2021) and Policy and Cookie Statement (updated April 1 The material on this site may not be reproduced except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast with its cornucopia of landscapes and lifestyles open to property buyers the New York Times described Gascony as the ‘most delicious corner of France’ The largely agricultural region of the south-west has escaped the blights of mass tourism according to Knight Frank’s long-standing associate Ian Purslow locals are fiercely proud of their local cuisine with recipes rooted in tradition more than in trendy fusion Restaurateurs are obsessed with sourcing produce locally and the Cittaslow—the Slow Food movement—is catching on,’ he explains Duck plays a leading role and the confit is delicious This five-bedroom manoir sits on the edge of a small hamlet It boasts ceiling heights of 11ft on the main floor a fantastic library and a covered outdoor dining terrace According to Roddy Aris of Knight Frank’s Alps desk there are two types of buyers in his patch: the ‘powder junkies’ and those who want to use their Alpine property all year round ‘Those who care only for skiing must go high with Val d’Isère and Courchevel both being the destination of choice for the majority if someone is looking for a chalet to use in winter and summer then there is really only Chamonix.’ Chalet Arpont is a newly designed contemporary interpretation of the traditional Savoyard vernacular it will have five bedrooms with accommodation set over four levels Long regarded as the summer bolthole for well-heeled Parisians—with its sand dunes and pine forests it’s often likened to the Hamptons—the little Atlantic-coast island is growing in popularity with British buyers Families like it for its cycle paths and endless beaches It’s much more informal than the Riviera too—no superyacht marina and no one discusses the merits of Michelin-starred restaurants This house in Sainte-Marie de Ré offers the best of both worlds: proximity to both the beach and the town centre It comes with two bedrooms (one in a separate studio) Isle sur la Sorgue has more antiques shops than any other place in France There’s a market twice weekly (Thursdays and Saturdays) but the town also hosts major events such as the Foire Internationale à la Brocante et à l’Antiquité as are the ones in Bonnieux and St Saturnin-les-Apt ‘L’Isle sur la Sorgue is also well located for the route from London St Pancras with a direct train to Avignon TGV,’ adds Jack Harris of Knight Frank Located just on the edge of L’Isle sur la Sorgue this 19th-century house would be perfect for entertaining a large swimming pool and a beautifully landscaped garden of about five acres For the price of a family apartment in Paris you can buy a château or mansion in the Dordogne with nearby markets brimming with delicious has been a particular favourite with the Americans and British; the region is home to the highest number of expatriates in France outside Paris One of the reasons is its accessibility: there are four airports serving the area so it’s not challenging to find a property less than an hour from the nearest flight back to the UK This maison de maître is just over six miles from Bergerac airport two of which are in a converted wine store Outside is a heated swimming pool with a Jacuzzi and hammam Now that Président Macron has taken up residence in the Élysée Palace there are high hopes that he’ll keep France on a steady economic course Paris will always be Paris—and there will always be a demand ‘Whatever may be happening on the international stage in the national elections or in the local economy events very rarely have an effect on the property market here,’ says Susie Hollands of Vingt Paris stock is low and we have more buyers than available property; the market here is über-resilient.’ A few steps from the Hôtel des Invalides and down a secluded dead-end street is this five-bedroom house which overlooks a Japanese-inspired patio garden Annecy is an ideal second home for people who love winter and summer sports there is cycling in beautiful scenery and at different levels of difficulty in the mountains or in the valley.’ The lake is a big draw too; not only does it provide one of the most famous cycling routes in Europe world-class ski resorts La Clusaz and Le Grand Bornand are only a 20-minute drive away this six-bedroom villa boasts panoramic views from the main living rooms and bedrooms Bordeaux’s star is in the ascendancy—first it was voted best European destination in 2016 ‘The combination of outstanding food and wine the beach and a gorgeous climate is being discovered and it’s easier than ever to get here,’ says Michael Baynes of Maxwell-Storrie-Baynes ‘Bordeaux vineyard prices started to recover from their lows a couple of years ago but they have a long way to go to equal the highs of 17 years ago,’ adds Michael whose office was responsible for 10 of the 28 château-vineyard sales in 2016 four to Americans and the rest to Europeans There are about 150 acres under vines at this magnificent 17th-century Bordeaux château It was formerly owned by a member of Napoleon’s personal guard and enjoys a private rural position in one of the most attractive parts of the wine region Maxwell-Storrie-Baynes/Christies International Real Estate (00 33 5 57 84 08 82) When it comes to postcard-perfect Provence you can’t do much better than the Lubéron Probably the most photographed lavender fields in the whole of France are in front of the abbey at Sénanque but each and every hillside village along the valley offers dramatic and far-reaching views that are punctuated by beautifully managed vineyards and stone farmhouses ‘Some of the special houses in the Lubéron villages have little gardens or outside spaces so here you can have the best of both worlds—in the action but with private outdoor space,’ says Jelena Cvjetkovic of Savills International This four-bedroom house is in the heart of Bonnieux a popular village that was once home to John Malkovich The south-west facing property offers uninterrupted views onto the Lubéron the village of Lacoste and the valley below The area around the marina and port of Old Antibes has some spectacular beaches from La Garoupe in Cap d’Antibes to the long pebble beach between Antibes and Villeneuve-Loubet One of the best for sandy toes and glamour gazing is at Juan-les-Pins Once known as a slightly seedy second cousin to Cap d’Antibes and boasts an annual international jazz festival It’s perfectly placed for access to Cannes which is five miles away and it’s 16 miles from Nice and its international airport Parc du Cap is perfect for those looking for a fully equipped home within stumbling distance of the beach Just 650ft from the Pinède and Juan-les-Pins concierge and parking—a rare beast on this stretch of coastline ** Search more glorious international properties for sale it boasts an incredible market where James shops for ingredients for a dish of sole Veronique James Martin's French AdventureSSubtitlesDocumentaries & Lifestyle1h19 Versailles - James arrives at the palace of Versailles - as well as beautiful grounds Last Updated on 3rd March 2023 by Sophie Nadeau The delightful market town of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue lies alongside the river Sorgue in rural Provence and is a must-see for antique lovers for those who wish to experience an authentic Provence market or even just those who love quaint destinations in Southern France Here’s your guide to the best things to do in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue while L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is the official name of the town people often just say L’Isle-sur-Sorgue for short and the names are used interchangeably The Provençal town is located in the Vaucluse department of the region of Provence and boasts a population of around 26,0000 inhabitants The destination is close to Fontaine de Vaucluse and is particularly famous for its Sunday market as well as being one of the top spots in France to go searching for vintage treasures and antiques There are so many amazing finds to be discovered that the town is often touted as the ‘European antiques capital’ The many canals and waterways snaking their way through town have led to the nickname ‘Venice of the Comtat’ L’Isle-sur-Sorgue is also where the poet René Char was born The town began life as a little fishing village and gained its name due to the fact that the town is quite literally on its own little island in the middle of the River Sorgue If there’s one thing that visitors to the area shouldn’t miss it’s the sprawling Sunday market that takes place on a weekly basis Over 300 vendors sell everything from local Provençal ceramics and pottery to local fruits and vegetable to bread and every other Provence food stuff you can think of As well as the antiques market and regular market there are a number of permanent shops where you can go shopping for unique souvenirs to bring home from your Provence trip Some of the best things to purchase include woven baskets As well as pop-up brocantes up and down the streets in the areas which aren’t hosting the traditional market stalls there are countless shops and back alleys filled with antique shops and vintage stores The antique district of the Provence town is split into five distinctive shopping villages the International Antiques Fair which takes place twice a year If you do choose to visit, be sure to head to the market with cash as not all sellers accept card payments- and be sure to barter for a better price! For more information about antique fairs in France, check out our French brocantes guide The Notre-Dame-des-Anges Collegiate Church (Our Lady of Angels Church) stands at pride of place in the very heart of the old town and is a particularly unique blend of Baroque meets Southern Gothic though wasn’t consecrated until 1222 Free to visit (though donations are always welcome) the interior boasts painted frescoes and grand vaulted ceilings The ecclesiastical building has been listed as a historic monument since 1911 Yet another breathtaking monument worth a closer look is the Tour d’Argent which is translated into English as the ‘Silver Tower’ The name refers to not only to a tower dating back to the 12th-century but also to an islet of the same name which showcases several medieval buildings Like many destinations in more rural areas of France one of the primary ways to soak up the ambiance of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is to stroll around the town and allow it to reveal itself to you Little canals meander alongside cobbled streets to create a town that appears to have been plucked straight out of a postcard The force of the Sorgue was useful in industry in a time before electricity Water wheels were used to power spinning mills and mill grain There were once as many as 66 wheels in Isle sur la Sorgue A smattering of water wheels which were once used to mill grain spin wool from sheep from the Vaucluse mountains and make paper can still be seen across the town today the Café de France is one of the most historic and presitigious eateries in town and not just because it lies in the shadow of the Collegiate Church The history of the oldest brasserie and bistro of the Isle is long and fascinating and was truly immortalised by the Parisian photographer Willy Ronis in the 1970s The town boasts no fewer that five museums each with their own unique exhibits attracting varying crowds Museums include La Filaventure (museum of the Brun de Viantiran textile factory) and La Fondation Villa Datris (a collection dedicated to contemporary art) Though there are few green spaces to be found around town (the surrounding Provençal countryside more than makes up for this fact) the one quaint green space is located on the fringes of Isle sur la Sorgue and can be easily strolled through if you’re looking to get a little break from the crowds As one of the biggest towns in the Vaucluse area L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue has no shortage of restaurants to suit plenty of different diets and price ranges From fine dining to picking up a snack on the go there’s something for everyone to enjoy For those looking for a lite bite to eat (think quiches you need to look no further than the L’instant Appy Complete with its own little terraced courtyard at the back it’s the perfect place to stop for a little drink or snack While certainly not the best food we tried in Provence the meal at Restaurant Bella Vita was perfectly acceptable and catered well for our group which included several vegetarians and vegans A cute little café offering dining options right by the river in the heart of the antiques section of town the establishment serves up traditional French dishes overlooking the water If you’re planning to visit Provence, then I highly recommend renting a car for ease of access and because local transportation can often be labelled as patchy at best. This will also allow you to visit more off the beaten path places. Check here for the car rental comparison prices. When it comes to parking in Isle sur la Sorgue this can often present as a little bit of a challenge particularly on market days when the town is teeming with tourists and locals alike You can expect to have to queue to find a space There are two paid car parks in the centre of town (address of the one we parked at: 145-183 Chem The town itself is not accessible by car and so you’ll have to walk around to visit most of the top attractions Wear comfortable footwear as there are lots of cobblestones There is also a little tourist train that we didn’t have time to take but does loops of the town during high season Known locally as ‘Le Petit Train’ (the little train) commentary is available in English or French and a loop takes 35 to 40 minutes Enjoyed reading about the best of L’Isle sur Sorgue Sophie Nadeau is a full time travel writer and photographer focused on cultural experiences in Europe and beyond When she's not chasing after the sunset (or cute dogs she sees on her travels) she can be found reading and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. I started this site back in 2015 with one mission in mind: I wanted to create useful travel guides with a historical and cultural focus Today it has blossomed into my full time job and together with a small team of writers (including my husband and sister) we craft articles to help you travel better throughout Europe © 2015- 2025 Sophie Nadeau. Nadeau Pasquier LTD. All Rights Reserved. solosophie participates in various affiliate marketing programs. solosophie is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Privacy Policy