Provence Properties

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.

Looking for a long term rental in Provence?

This jewel of a home is located in the village of Fayence. Fayence is a perched village located in the desirable Var region; nestled between Draguignan and Grasse, about 40 kilometers from Cannes. Fayence has a population of about 3,500, but in spite of its size, has maintained the charm of its medieval beginnings. This home, originally constructed in 1870, has been totally renovated and offers a wonderful combination of old and new. Inside you will find 2 bedrooms, one with a queen bed, and one with a king bed. Both offer ensuite bathrooms. There is also a fully stocked kitchen, comfortable living area, washer and dryer, and large terrace. Cafés, a bakery, restaurants and shopping are all within walking distance. This home can be appreciated year-round as the location is about as close to perfect as it gets. Just about 100 meters across the street is a wonderful park that offers a saline swimming pool, tennis courts, and other recreational activities. It’s about a 30 minute drive to the sea, 45 minutes to St. Tropez and about 1 ½ to major ski resorts. The owners of this home will be away for 6 months beginning September 1, 2007.  They are offering their home at a very attractive monthly price. Please contact me for more information and photos.

Lavender Drives in Provence

Lavender grows in abundance throughout the region of Provence.  I’ve seen some incredible fields in the Haute Vaucluse, the Luberon, and the Drome.  One of my favorite drives starts in Vaison la Romaine. Tuesday is market day in Vaison la Romaine. I recommend starting your day at this market, enjoy lunch at one of the many delicious restaurants in the village, then continue your drive on the D938 direction Nyons.(Watch for lavender fields dotting the mountainside and the valleys.) The road will turn into the D538 just before you reach Nyons. Nyons is known for their olives, so keep your eyes out for some beautiful olive groves.  The silver undersides of the olive leaves sparkle near sunset and are really nice. From Nyons, continue on the D538 direction Dieulefit or Bourdeaux. Both of these quaint villages are the perfect place for a café stop.

The lavender typically begins blooming the end of June.  It is often harvested within the first couple of weeks of July.  If you want to be sure to experience the breathtaking fragrance and color of Provence lavender, I suggest booking your trip for the first week in July.  Enjoy!!

Incredible Bargain in the Luberon

Ones' loss is anothers' gain they say, and oh my goodness, opportunities such as this don't happen everyday.  Due to a recent cancellation, a beautiful, luxurious, private retreat in the Luberon is currently available for the month of March. This gorgeous home has been featured in Veranda magazine in addition to other distinguished decorating publications. Perfect for 4 people in search of luxury and tranquility, La Ricolette is ideally located just 3 kilometers from the perched village of Roussillon. Inside you will find 2 bedrooms, each with ensuite bath. The master bedroom measures approximately 14 feet x 18 feet and has a very comfortable queen-sized bed. The second bedroom is also large and is furnished with 2 twin-sized beds. The centerpiece of the dining room is the fabulous table, able to seat 10 guests comfortably. The home is beautifully furnished with quality antiques and appliances throughout. Outside, enjoy dining on the large terrace, or taking a swim in the private pool. Panoramic views in every direction will take your breath away.  La Ricolette sits on 2 acres of private property and is also available during other times of the year as well, but for March 2007, it is available at a weekly price of only $3,000.  Please contact me for more details: lisa@provenceproperties.net

Find Passion in Provence

I received an email today from a gentleman looking for a house to rent this coming April in Provence.  He has been waiting 20 years to show this beautiful corner of the world to his wife and I could sense his excitement that things were falling into place and his dream would soon be a reality. 

He asked me to send him a description of a home he was interested in.  I did this and in his reply, he mentioned how poetic my description was and that the house sounded perfect.  This caught me a little off guard as I’ve never considered myself poetic.  Then I started thinking about how I feel when I visit Provence, the shivers that overcome me when I get off the plane in Marseille, the way I can feel my eyes dance when I wander the markets, the huge contentment I feel when sitting at an outdoor café.  It was then I realized that when one is truly passionate about something, anything is possible…even poetry.

Provence may not be everyone’s passion, but then again, you might be surprised.  When my dear friend, Beth, invited me to Provence in 1998, I didn’t even have a passport.  I accepted with the thought that it would be a grand adventure, end of story.  Well, the adventure was certainly grand, and then some.  I was completely mesmerized by the landscapes, the contrasts in color they offered, the textures, the aromas; all compliments of mother nature.  It was simply incredible.  We spent our days visiting the local markets, wandering the countryside and sitting in cafes.  Our evenings were spent over lingering dinners, visiting with friends and enjoying some of the most delicious food and wine that had ever passed through my lips.

Fall is quickly approaching. The summer tourists have gone home, the weather is perfect, the wine harvest commences, and airfares are lower; all setting the stage for a wonderful vacation Provence style!  I’m eagerly awaiting my visit in October.  I have several beautiful properties to preview, owners and clients to meet, and new wine to taste. I’ll also be helping Beth organize her fall lavender shipment, which is always a pleasure. 

If you’re considering a visit this fall, be sure to check out the website for some great reduced prices and some spectacular homes.  I’d be glad to help you arrange your accommodations, share some ideas of what and where to go, and release the poet in you.