Provençal Adventures
PROVENCE, FRANCE
Fun and friendly hiking and cultural retreats in magnificent countryside
Perched 600 metres above sea level and surrounded by rolling hills stretching down to the sea on the Cote d’Azur, a tucked-away villa is the base for these life-affirming breaks. Hiking is at the heart of each retreat – you’ll trek off the beaten track through high-altitude forests and across lavender meadows. Visit a vineyard and sample its produce, soak up the atmosphere at a local market, walk barefoot along the beach and explore local villages and restaurants. Back at the villa, there’s a treat for foodies - menus are wholesome, healthy and delicious. You’ll leave with a renewed joie de vivre.
our Reviewer CHRISTINE FIELDHOUSE says:
‘After six days, I’m exhilarated from walking, energised by quality food, recharged from the Provençal way of life and rested, thanks to Remi’s unwavering care and hard work’
Queen of Retreats says:
‘Your host Remi Dubois spent his youth in Provence and loves the region with a passion that permeates everything he does, whether he’s guiding a walk or planning a feast. Walks can be adapted for your abilities so talk to Remi before you book and lay all fears out on the table! Remember to pack hiking poles, water bottles or a camel pack, and a waterproof’
Experiences
The five-night hiking and cultural retreat is a peaceful break away from busy lives and over four days you’ll hike through the mountainous Alpine Region in the Var and Alpes Maritimes, and through the Vineyard region, known for its red rock formations and pretty vineyards. Walks can be adapted for each group and can range from local ambles to mountain climbs lasting six hours, reaching 1700m.
The schedule also includes a day out wandering through the streets of Mons, where it feels time stands still, and Seillans, officially one of France’s most beautiful villages, with cobbled streets, a vibrant art and craft community. You’ll also drop in on the bustling market at Fayence. Grab yourself some quality linens, jewellery and crafts before relaxing with coffee in the market square, where the only sound is the church bells chiming. You’ll also visit the beach at Fréjus.
Provence is famous for her wine, especially the rosé - you’ll have a fascinating tour of Val d’Iris, a biodynamic vineyard, and hear about the wine-making process, before tasting the wines.
Spaces
The five-bedroomed home-from-home villa is at the end of a bumpy road and set among fruit and olive trees. At the back is wild forest, home to wild boar, deer and owls; to the front you have rolling hills. As well as a well-equipped kitchen, where you’ll dine on a long table on colder days, there’s a comfy sitting room, with a large, squashy sofa and books to browse through.
Bedrooms are filled with natural light and comprise of three doubles and one twin (and one double will convert to a large twin). Expect crisp linen bedding, a kettle with tea and coffee, and a rail for clothes. Some rooms have an open plan bathroom or en-suite, while two rooms share a large bathroom. All rooms have electric heaters – it can get chilly at night in the mountains.
The outside areas all have comfortable seating and tables, and the 12-metre pool has a wave machine for resistance swimming – this can also be used for hydromassage. The pool isn’t heated but the views across the valley down to the French Riviera will warm your heart!
Sustenance
Dine in the large kitchen at a long table, where a wood burner will keep you warm on colder nights, or outside on the balcony overlooking the valley. Breakfast consists of croissants, granola and porridge, eggs, breads and conserves, along with tea or coffee – there’s a coffee machine for top-ups.
Lunch is often a picnic during your walk – expect hearty baguettes with goat’s cheese, ham and salad, or a bowl of tuna pasta, all followed by healthy energy bars and fruit. In Mons you’ll have lunch at L’Auberge Provençale, where the plat du jour might be a delicious chicken salad.
Evenings bring you the full gastronomic experience, starting with aperitifs and canapes on the patio, followed by hearty three-course dinners, which include blanquette de veau, bouillabaisse (a classic fish stew) and the region’s favourite – ratatouille. Desserts include lemon tart, chocolate mousse and strawberry tart with crème patisserie. There’s also plenty of cheese. Enjoy the perfect wine with every dish. One evening you’ll dine at Le France, where you can expect dishes such as braised lamb shoulder in a coconut curry sauce and pan-seared beef fillet.
