Vive la Provence: why Marie and her husband have been spending their vacations in the Mediterranean region for 23 years and the places they return to again and again.

La Bastide

The historic property beds its guests in modern comforts. © La Bastide/Airelles

Historic property with infinity pool: the picturesque village of Gordes is located on a rocky promontory from which you can enjoy magnificent views over the Luberon valley. In the heart of the maze of small streets lies the stately and elegant estate La Bastide; carefully renovated, it still has the spirit of the 18th century. Wooden panels, oil paintings, antiques and sometimes pompous wallpaper would have satisfied even Marie Antoinette's demands. Advocates of modern amenities relax in the infinity pool overlooking the countryside, in the newly renovated Spa Sisley or indulge in Provençal and Mediterranean delicacies on the terrace of the Michelin restaurant. 

La Bastide
61 Rue de la Combe, 84220 Gordes, France
Web: airelles.com
Tel: +33 (0) 4 90 72 12 12
Price: double room including breakfast from € 467,- per night

Le Mas de Chabran 

Luxury in the olive grove: in 1738, Pierre Chabran built an oil mill in the small town of Saint-Rémy in an olive grove covered with 300 trees. Almost three centuries later, there is still much here to remind us of the history of the place. At the same time, Le Mas de Chabran is a luxurious villa with many modern elements, such as a pool and eight rooms in contemporary design. However, an awareness of the surrounding land and its high-quality products characterizes the colour palette. Earth, sand and wood tones predominate, as do natural materials. Guests are invited to help themselves to the vegetable garden at any time; breakfast eggs are provided by the hotel's own (and very happy) chickens. 

Le Mas de Chabran
13520 Maussane-les-Alpilles, 13210 Saint-Rémy, France
Web: masdechabran.com
Tel: +33 (0) 6 51 52 09 99
Price: Villa from € 24.000,- per week, incl. breakfast

Coquillade Provence Resort & Spa

The Coquillade used to be a village in its own right, but today it's a resort that invites you to stay in Provence with a lot of flair. © Coquillade Provence Resort & Spa

A Provençal dream: about 50 kilometers east of Avignon, the "Coquillade Provence Resort & Spa" on a hill surrounded by vineyards, lavender fields and olive groves. Before it became the luxurious estate Aureto including its own winery, the "Coquillade" was a small village. The rooms and suites, the spa, the gym and the excellent restaurants are therefore also housed in picturesque country houses, so-called bastides. Two pools invite you to unwind before setting out on a bike ride, enjoying a drink in the "Lalique" bar or fine dining in the "Avelan" restaurant. 

Coquillade Provence Resort & Spa
Hameau Le Perrotet, 84400 Gargas, France
Web: coquillade.fr
Tel: +33 4 90 74 71 71
Price: double room including breakfast from approx. € 225,- per person

What to bring: Best of Souvenirs 

1) Rosé with glam factor

Ten years ago, in 2012, the first vintage of rosé wine from Miraval, the winery of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, conquered the palates of wine critics. From € 18. miraval.com

© Miraval

2) Scented since 1926

The floral notes of the perfume classic Emilie form a sunny bouquet that exudes the essence of Provence regardless of location. From € 32. fragonard.com

© Fragonard

3) Fine olive oil

Provence in drops - this is what the exceptional olive oils of Château d'Estoublon promise since 1489. From € 32,-. chateau-estoublon.com

© Château d'Estoublon

4) Lavender in soap form

Produced in the heart of Provence from purely plant-based ingredients, the soap is considered a regional treasure. Ingredients such as olive oil, lavender and honey are used. From € 3,-. savon-de-marseille.eu

© Savon de Marseille