Provence Properties

Join the Lavender Ladies in Provence this summer !

 We still have a few spaces left for our 2009 Experience Provence Photo Tour  

You're invited to spend 10 days with us in spectacular Provence.  Imagine walking through the fragrant lavender fields, sitting at a cafe, visiting perched villages and shopping the local markets. 

We have been traveling to Provence for over 10 years and would love the opportunity to share this with our guests. Our group is small and our pace is relaxed. 

With your own private villa as a base, we will venture out on daily excursions to scenic destinations.  In addition, you will have plenty of time to explore on your own.  We will dine on our private terrace and invite french friends to join us, giving everyone an opportunity for cultural exchange.

Airfare has been dropping, so it's a great time to go!  Please contact me with any questions.

Price for the tour is $2,400 per person double occupancy and $2,950 per person single occupancy.  Price includes:  all airport transfers and transportation to excursions, 10 days lodging in a private villa, daily breakfast, 3 dinners (plus wine), wine tasting, experienced guides and translators.

Rent a Chateau in Provence

Chateau de la Baude is a 12th Century Knights Templar fort that’s been recently renovated and rests within 12 acres of beautiful countryside. This historical home sits amongst vineyards and olive groves and offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the hills of Northern Provence. This countryside location offers the best of both worlds; tranquility and privacy in its country setting, but also a grocery store, café, and restaurant just a short 5 minute walk away in the quaint Provencal village of Villedieu. Inside Chateau de la Baude you’ll find 8 large bedrooms, each with ensuite bathrooms that will comfortably accommodate 16 people. There are several living areas,; a fully-equipped, spacious gourment kitchen, library, laundry room with washer and dryer, and a gymnasium and home theater. The decor is exquisite. Outside enjoy the large covered terrace for relaxing or outside dining. There is also a 15 x 8 meter swimming pool and tennis court. For those wishing more activity, the house is surrounded by hundreds of miles of cycling routes. The Ardeche Gorge is 45 minutes away and offers kayaking and exploring, and an equestrian center is a short 10 minutes away. Price includes electricity, gas, wifi internet connection, daily chambermaid 2 hours a day, linens, towels, regular pool and garden maintenance. Services available for an additional charge include on-site chef, grocery service, guided wine tours, ayurvedic massages, babysitting. There is also a separate accommodation, 'la Bergerie' on the property. La Bergerie has 4 bedrooms each with ensuite bath, kitchen, living and dining area and is designed to accommodate 8 people. La Bergerie is available at a separate price, but only in conjunction with the Chateau, in the event more space is needed. Maximum occupants of both le Chateau and la Bergerie is 24.

I visited the chateau and the Bergerie this past summer.  The views are breathtaking and for a place this large, there is a very comfortable feeling about it.  The interior renovations speak the true meaning of luxury.  This would be the ideal home for large family gatherings, weddings, corporate gatherings or business retreats.

This exceptional home is available year round at a weekly price of $15,500 in June, July and August; $14,000- 29 August - 30 Oct; $12,500 October 30 -January 1 and $11,000 January - May. La Bergerie pricing ~ $4,800 weekly. Prices are subject to change. Please contact me for additional photos and information.

To find out more about this property contact lisa@provenceproperties.net.

La Petite Maison - St. Remy de Provence-Bouches du Rhone

Perfect for Two!  This completely restored stone village home is just steps away from restaurants, shops and the market, yet the home is tucked away on a quiet village street. It is ideal for 2 people, but can manage four with use of the pull-out couch in the reading nook. This home has three levels: The ground floor offers a brigh living/dining area with fireplace, a fully stocked modern kitchen and the bathroom/laundry room. Up on the next level is a bedroom with double bed and a reading nook with a sofa bed and wet bar. The Mezzanine level offers a single bed and dressing area. Additional features of this home include: Electric heating, Air conditioning, Flat screen TV, granite countertops, Covection oven, Microwave, Gas stove top, refrigerator, dishwasher, and washer/dryer. Also, all local calls are free of charge and all linens are included. This charming village home bursts with character and is available year round. Low Season - November - April $1,250 weekly High Season - May-October and Easter/Christmas/New Years - $1,650 weekly a discounted rate is available for 4 weeks or more. Contact me for more info and photos.  Now that the dollar is going back up, it's the ideal time to plan a visit to Provence.

Provence Photography Tour 2008

This past June I had the thrill of leading a tour group throughout Provence for ten days.  My friend Beth, and I organized the trip and it was very fulfilling to find that after months of sweat and planning, it was a huge success.  We had led groups of college students the past couple of years, but with adults come adult expectations and we didn't want anyone to be disappointed. Our group was made up of 6 ladies coming from both coastlines and here in the heartland.  The trip was carefully timed around the lavender harvest.  We wanted our guests to experience wading through the fields of this fragrant herb....and experience it, they did.  We returned to the lavender fields several times so everyone could be sure to get their 'fix'. The small size of the group, the private villa we stayed in, touring in cars instead of busses, and having dinners and wine tastings with local friends all added to this trip's success.  Many in our group said it was the best trip they'd ever taken...I know I'll never forget it. 

Everyone in the group shared a few of their photos and Amanda, one of our group members, used her talents to create a short video, complete with music!  click on this youtube link to see the video and enjoy some of the moments captured on this memorable adventure.

Experience Provence Video

The dates for the 2009 tour have already been set:  June 27 - July 7.  We're taking reservations and are looking forward to another wonderful visit!  Don't hesitate to contact me for more info!

a bientot!

Rent a Villa in the Heart of Provence

There is no better way to experience life in a Provencal village than staying in a Provencal village.  Maison de Maitre St. Cecile is the ideal home for large families or groups wanting to experience village life.  The seven spacious bedrooms and seven bathrooms allow comfort and space for all of its guests.  There is a large den area with pool table, foosball, pingpong and room to spare!  The large outdoor terrace is ideal for dining al fresco.  This villa is located in the charming village of St. Cecile les Vignes, surrounded by vineyards, lavender fields and orchards.  Walk to the bakery and cafe in the morning or enjoy the bustling market on Saturday.  With its central location you are minutes from several other desirable destinations. 

This summer, Beth and I will be hosting a group tour. We'll be staying in this beautiful villa.  We'll take day trips to the markets, the lavender fields, the Mediterranean Sea, wineries, and much more.  There's still some space available if you or someone you know would like to join us!  Please contact me for more information and details.  We have over 10 years experience in the region and look forward to sharing our secret places and introducing you to some wonderful people.

Rent a village house in Provence; long or short term

It’s always a pleasure to offer a wonderful house with a great location and this home is no exception. Located within the ancient walls of Pernes-les-Fontaines, this luxury home offers tranquility behind its doors, and access to vibrant village life beyond. Pernes-les-Fontaines is a medium sized village with several restaurants, cafes, bakeries, art galleries and shopping. There is an outdoor market every Saturday morning which fills the air with the colors and intoxicating aromas of the region. The house has been meticulously restored and this is evident throughout. 4 bedrooms, offer either a king sized bed, or two twin-sized beds. 2 of the 4 bedrooms include ensuite tiled baths. Each bedroom is spacious and furnished with high-quality beds and beautiful, classical décor. This home is designed to luxuriously accommodate no more than 8 guests. The dining nook on the mezzanine level includes an electric skylight that fills the home with ambiance and the lights of the village at night. This is the perfect place to savor a glass of wine, reflect on the day, or wake-up in the morning. The main level includes a large living area with fireplace and a fully-stocked, tiled eat-in kitchen with a French door that opens onto a charming,private terrace for outside dining.Guests of Maison de Ville may also enjoy access to a private, heated swimming pool. There is also a ½ bath on this level. Beneath the home is a wine cellar, washer and dryer, and storage space. This is the ideal house for those wanting a luxurious home with a warm, comfortable feeling. Available year round at a weekly price of $2,800 October - May; $3,500 June and September; and $3,700 July and August. Prices subject to change. This home is also available for long term rentals. Contact Lisa@provenceproperties.net  for more details.

Experience Provence in 2008

From the charming perched villages, lavender and sunflower fields to the beaches of the Riviera, Provence is rich with history and color.  Known as one of the most picturesque regions of the world, Provence is the ideal setting for photography groups to gather.

Beth and Lisa have been planning and guiding photography tours to Provence for the last two years with University students and are now excited to plan a tour for adults.

There will be daily excursions with time to shoot and explore on your own, and then a chance to share your images in the evening.  We will leave the excursions and sharing optional, but will provide these opportunities.  If you have a friend or spouse that isn't into photography, there will be plenty for them to do and see as well.

Dates: June 28 - July 8, 2008

Price: $1,800 per person double occupancy or $2,400 per person private room

Price includes:

• 10 days lodging in a beautiful private 7 bed/ 7 bath villa with swimming pool, located in the  village of St. Cecile les Vignes
• daily breakfasts
• five dinners with wine
• wine tastings
• all airport transfers
• all transportation to and from excursion sights, such as the breathtaking lavender fields, the Mediterranean Sea, perched villages, Provencal markets, and much more
• experienced guides and translators

Space will be limited.  Please contact me for more details

Fabulous French Folies ~ Provence in the Fall

I recently returned from 10 glorious days in Provence.  I met Beth there to help organize her lavender shipment and shop the daily markets and flea markets for 'can'tlivewithout' cool french products.  We stayed in one of Provence Properties houses at the top of the perched village of Bedoin. 

We arrived  late on a Sunday night, tired from the day's travel and craving sleep. Unfortunately, Josiane had forgotten to leave us the key to the house.  We gave her a call and within 30 minutes, she and her boyfriend were there, ready with the key, and also ready to share a welcome glass of wine with us. It's funny how I can always find the energy, and the time, to share a nice glass of wine with friends. :-) 

It was the perfect start to the trip.  The weather remained ideal with the exception of one rainy, gray day.  I've repeatedly stated to clients and friends that September is the primo month to visit and I remain firm in that statement.  We enjoyed many dinners with friends.  I especially enjoyed our night at Rudy and Marie's.  Rudy is the owner of the vineyard, Chateau du Montfacon, click here for information:  more about Rudy's wine   We played 'guess the wine game'  a fun and educational exploration of wine in the region.  Rudy had carefully selected a wine to compliment each course and our mission was to identify the country of origin, the grape, and the vintage.  This was very challenging for me even though I would consider myself an 'experienced'?  wine drinker. Ok, so maybe 'frequent' is a better word. The food, drink, and company was wonderful...the evening, priceless.

The rest of our visit was equally fun. Beth is one of my dearest friends, and the owner of Essence de Provence.  We travel well together and know each other enough to respect each other's differences and even more so, embrace the many quirkie similarities.

I invite you to scroll down and click on my photo album from this past trip "September 2007" There you will find several personal photos from this past journey.   Enjoy!  Feel free to contact me if you are considering a visit to this beautiful place.  I'd be happy to assist with organizing your lodging, itinerary, and other services such as wine tours, bike rentals and cooking classes.

Visiting Lavender Fields in Provence

Ok, so they’re not listed as one of the 7 wonders of the world, but I think visiting the lavender fields in Provence are one of the most wonderful experiences on the planet.  Imagine walking out into this sea of bliss; beautiful lavender, rich in color and overflowing with fragrance.  It is certain to intoxicate the senses.

The lavender blooms for only a short time every summer.  For the past 2 years, Beth and I have assisted in a Provence photo tour for University Students.  The students were as mesmerized with the fields as the adults.  This year we are organizing an adult group.  If you're interested in seeing and photographing lavender fields, you are invited to join us!  The dates for the tour will be June 28th - July 8th, 2008.  We'll be staying in a beautiful and spacious 7 bedroom/ 7 bath villa in the medieval village of St. Cecile les Vignes. There will be daily excursions with time to shoot photos and explore on your own, then a chance to share your images in the evening.  We will leave the excursions and sharing optional, but will provide these opportunities.  If you have a friend or spouse that isn't interested in photography, there will be plenty for them to do as well.  Included in the tour is transportation, lodging, daily breakfasts, and some additional meals.  We also plan to do some wine tasting :-) 

Space is limited! We have been travelling to Provence for several years and know which lavender fields are the most spectacular.  If visiting a lavender field in Provence is on your life list, I invite you to seize this opportunity.  Please contact me for more details.

Leonard Blair and Gig Street New Release

Leonard Blair and Gig Street's latest CD, 'Nice and Streetly' has finally and recently been released.  I, like many others have been patiently awaiting their latest collection of music.  Don't worry Gig Street fans, you won't be disappointed!  In my opinion, this is their best compilation of Jazz cover tunes and original work since the first Gig Street release.  Songs include: 'Jambalaya' , 'Bye Bye Blackbird' , 'Via Con Me' , 'Makin' Whoopee' , ' Cry Me A River' , and ' Blue Monday' among others.  This talented sax musician is quickly being discovered by the general population, and is no longer one of the best kept secrets in Provence.  There are a very limited number these CD's available in the US.  Contact me for details if you are interested in acquiring a copy for yourself.