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South France Villas Blog

Tuesday 23 March 2010

GOLFING in Languedoc


A golfing holiday in the South of France is a great option, as the warm climate and gorgeous scenery can only add to the pleasure of the sport. Some of the world's best golf courses can be found in France - more than 25 of the top 100 courses in Europe are in France.





One of our favourite courses is in the Beziers region of the Languedoc - Golf Saint-Thomas. This 18-hole course is set in typically Mediterranean scenery. The still lakes and the quiet of the surrounding area makes the course perfect for a relaxing game of golf. The feeling of being surrounded by nature is enhanced by the abundance of wildlife wandering around - you will see ducks, partridges, hares and rabbits, confirming the impression of a place of natural interest.


Although the Course is suitable for those without much experience, it also contains alot of variety and enough challenges to keep even the experienced entertained. The 15th, 16th and 17th holes in particular are quite tricky, with those calm, peaceful lakes ready to mischieviously swallow your golf balls given the slightest opportunity.


There is also a restaurant at the clubhouse, which features an inventive menu of simple but tasty fare. A selection of local wines are also available to accompany your meal.


Where to stay?

We have two beautiful villas on the Golf Course.

HE038A Domaine du Golf is a luxurious country house which is right on the Golf course - exceptionally convenient for avid golfing fans! It is two minutes walk fro the clubhouse and restaurant. It houses up to 14 people and has 7 bedrooms. This beautiful vacation home has recently been refitted and furnished up to a very high standard. It includes Air conditioned bedrooms, a fantastic large roof terrace, and a swimming pool, plus flat screen TVs in all bedrooms, a well equipped children's play area, and some services like baby sitting are available on demand.



For more details, please click on the above links to the villas. We also have many more lovely villas in the vicinity - please visit our website for more information.


Contributions by Katarina Byrne

Saturday 13 March 2010

Gordes - The Heart of Provence: The Luberon - Hiking & Lavender

Peter Mayle's books about his life in the Luberon - a region in Provence - made the region famous amongst Anglophones. 

 His lively anecdotes caused many a day-dreaming armchair traveller not only to visit the Luberon - but in fact it inspired many to uproot their lives and move into their own beautiful French villa in the picturesque Luberon.




Peter Mayle was not the first person to discover the Luberon, however. Long before the 1990's, Provence intoxicated people with its natural beauty. In the 19th and 20th centuries, famous painters and writers flocked to the area in search of inspiration. The painters in particular were drawn by the special quality of the light. 

The light in Provence has an exceptional clarity, caused mostly by the famous 'Mistral' wind, which removes dust from the atmosphere and increases visibility. Van Gogh, Cezanne, Matisse, Renoir, Picasso, Monet and many others travelled to the area, fascinated by the effects of the light and the beauty of the landscape. This region of Southern France also enjoyed a particular vogue during the 20's and 30's with English writers.

And yet despite the ever-increasing interest in the Luberon, it has largely managed to remain the idyllic, wild and charming place which caused all this fuss in the first place. You will still see old men playing Petanque (Boules) on a lazy sunny afternoon, you will still find small isolated villages clinging precariously to wild rocky mountainside, and you will still feel the intoxicating energy which has inspired so many artists - whether you are artistically inclined or not.

The Luberon - places to go and things to see


The Luberon is arguably the true heart of Provence: a land of rugged limestone cliffs, wind-swept mountains, old stone huts and ruins, crumbling farmhouses, and beautifully-restored homes. And above all, sweeping views of the stunning landscapes. We would recommend that you make a top-quality vacation villa your home-base in the Luberon, and make day-trips to explore other areas in South France. That is, if you can pull yourself away.


One of our favourite spots is a little town called Gordes - officially one of the most beautiful towns in France. What makes it so special? The approach to the town is spectacular - white stone buildings grasping hold against the side of the sharp cliff of a mountain. Find yourself wandering its charming streets which form a labyrinth of winding cobblestone, perusing the weekly market, or throwing yourself into its vibrant art scene.



Hiking is very popular in the Luberon. It not only offers stunning landscapes, but there is also a surprising variety amongst these landscapes. There's little chance of becoming weary from repetitive views in this region of France. Not only is there scenic variety, but there are also trails which vary in their level of difficulty and length -- so regardless of your experience, there will be something to suit you. For more information in hiking in the Luberon, this page from Slow Travel France is very informative and useful.


When you think of Provence, one of the first images in your mind will probably be of fields of Lavender. In the Luberon, you can find an interesting museum on that very subject - the Lavender industry. The Lavender Museum collection includes photographs, artefacts, a video and a very good audio guide. There is also a gift shop where you can buy many quality Lavender products. The best time of year to visit the museum is from the first of July through tp the 25th of August (except on Saturdays!), when you can watch the harvesting and distillation of the Lavender in a copper still dating from around 1900. (During the rest of the year, there is a 10-minute video showing these processes.)

The Markets in the villages of the Luberon are a festive affair not to be missed. Some of the busier markets verge upon a carnival-like atmosphere, with many different things to see, sample and buy. The centre-piece of these markets is the fabulous fresh food. Pick up some fresh cheese, vegetables and fruit and head off into the countryside for a picnic. What could be better than that? You will also find clothing, jewellery, crafts, and many other things.


Finding a Villa


We have many beautiful villas in the Luberon to suit various holidays. Below is a selection of high quality villas from the Luberon region. Please don't hesitate to contact us - we would be more than happy to assist you.

The Cypresses - 15 people - Gordes
Maison Bijou - 8 people - Goult
Maison Sophie - 8 people - Goult
Maison Amandine - 8 people - Goult
Maison Cerise - 8 people - Goult




Contributions by Katarina Byrne