Wanting to fulfill our curiosity for the small villages of Provence, my husband, two younger youngsters and I go away Barcelona excited for our first household journey to the south of France. Our journey takes us to Domaine de Manville, Domaine du Mas de Pierre close to the village of Saint-Paul de Vence and, lastly, Terre Blanche, passing by a large number of pastoral settings alongside the way in which.
A WEEK STARTS IN PASTORAL PROVENCE
After a 3 hour drive, we go by Nimes and the panorama rapidly modifications to inexperienced fields and tiny villages that appear to be they’ve not more than 50 inhabitants every. Passing farms and olive groves actually set the scene for our journey in Provence.
Our first cease: Domaine de Manville, an enormous property surrounded by nature and a good looking golf course. The place is richly related with the Saut household of Baux de Provence and it’s fascinating to see its evolution from a farm to a good looking resort with a everlasting connection to the land.
Upon arrival, you instantly really feel the peace of the place. We obtained a golf cart with our names on it to go round, which is a delight for the youngsters. Our villa is spectacular – it has three bedrooms, a big front room and an outside space with a barbecue. The kitchen is absolutely geared up with all the things we may need.
Our first dinner is at Le Bistro, which focuses on native and seasonal produce. The meals is superb. The olive oil is not like any I’ve ever tasted and the freshly baked bread, parfaits.
The following day we first take the youngsters to the indoor pool after which discover the gorgeous village of Les Baux de Provence. The resort urged we go to the Carriere de Lumieres, an exhibition that includes well-known artists inside a cave-like house, which we did, and it was not like something we might ever seen earlier than. After returning to the resort, the youngsters take pleasure in a film within the personal movie show – sure, they’d their very own movie show.
Our dinner at L’Aupih is one other spotlight. It’s a resort restaurant with a Michelin star, and dishes ready from recent components from the backyard delight our style buds. An unforgettable meal makes our keep much more particular. We even had the chance to go to the kitchen and meet chef Lieven van Aken in individual.
Domaine de Manville has set excessive requirements – it is a complete expertise that reveals the sweetness and richness of Provence. It is a reminder that touring is extra than simply seeing new locations, it is about connecting with the tales and other people of the locations we go to.
HAPPILY LOST IN WONDERLAND
The journey continues with a tour by the gorgeous lavender fields of the Valensole Plateau, identified for its breathtaking views of purple flowers stretching so far as the attention can see. This area, vibrant in the summertime months, provides a shocking pure show that completely captures the essence of the French countryside.
Driving in the direction of Good, we cease simply 20 minutes from the airport at Domaine du Mas de Pierre. The detailed care of this resort’s gardens is instantly obvious. After check-in, we spend a soothing night by the hearth taking part in chess with the youngsters, an ideal solution to chill out.
Our room at Domaine du Mas de Pierre is good for households, with its lovely out of doors house and separate areas for us and the kids. The resort has an outside pool, Alice in Wonderland-thematic youngsters’s membership and superbly maintained gardens with an orchid farm.
Steps from the spa, an exquisite breakfast is served, with distinctive consideration to element—you may even make your individual nut unfold. The indoor pool is one other spotlight, with its completely tempered water and adjoining backyard the place you may chill out open air or benefit from the jacuzzi. The spa additionally provides a sauna and a steam bathtub, offering all the things you want for rejuvenation.
Le Mas de Pierre’s location makes it straightforward to discover close by points of interest. We opted for a brief journey to Antibes, solely quarter-hour away, in addition to St-Paul de Vence, just some minutes from the resort. Each cities are jewels of the Riviera, providing a wealthy historical past, gorgeous artwork and charming streets.
A REALLY BIG FINALE
Earlier than we return to Barcelona, we are going to make our final cease on the Terre Blanche Resort Spa Golf Resort, identified for its huge dimension and luxurious providing. Regardless of its grand scale – your complete space is bigger than the state of Monaco – the resort has a comfy really feel with simply 115 suites and villas, guaranteeing every visitor receives personalised consideration.
Upon arrival, we’re warmly welcomed by the employees who rapidly escort us to our villa in a golf cart. Already within the room there are thoughtfully ready welcome facilities and items for kids, which make us really feel at residence straight away. Whereas we’re tempted to lounge across the heated out of doors pool, we go for the spa’s tranquil indoor pool. After a number of stress-free hours within the spa, we return to the resort for dinner at La Gaudina.
The following day we discover a number of the close by villages—Fayence and Tourrettes. The resort can also be solely a 45-minute drive from Cannes and Antibes, providing quick access to the seafront and high-end procuring.
The historic depths of Provence at Domaine de Manville, the tranquil gardens of Domaine du Mas de Pierre, the expansive luxurious of Terre Blanche—every property on our journey uniquely captures the essence of its area. All three additionally provide unparalleled service, glorious eating places and considerate facilities. This journey is a vivid reminder of the wealthy selection and top quality of hospitality that France provides. Returning to Barcelona, we deliver not solely souvenirs, however fond recollections that proceed to encourage our future travels.