L’Elégance is in an ideal position: set down winding country lanes in tranquil seclusion, yet less than five minutes by car to Saint Rémy de Provence (two kilometres) where the nearest pharmacies, banks, shops and restaurants can be found.
Saint Rémy is a bustling, lively place with narrow, winding streets as well as colourful café-lined squares. Known for its arts heritage, most notably former home of Van Gogh, today this region retains a thriving arts community. Local artists display work in the galleries of Saint Rémy, and along the Route des Artistes on selected Sundays. The Mausole Saint Paul offers tranquil cloistered gardens worth a visit (as well as being the psychiatric centre which treated Van Gogh after he cut off his ear.)
Those keen on walking, climbing, cycling or riding will be well looked after; this region is rich with charming Provençal market towns as well as intriguing natural beauty. Saint Rémy is in the heart of the Alpilles. Set between the Carmargue and Luberon in Western Provence, lies this spectacular natural park, known for its intriguing breadth of plant varieties and bird species, as well as its craggy beauty encompassing limestone ranges, marshlands and olive groves.
At the heart of the Alpilles range, visitors will be able to explore traditional, pretty villages such as Eygalières and Paradou, many of which have earned the status of “plus beaux villages.” History buffs will enjoy archaeological sites such as Glanum, which features Roman settlement remains that prospered from the sixth century BC to the third century AD.
Wildlife-lovers will be particularly spoilt in the Alpilles with its rare bird life, whilst those keen on hiking, riding or cycling will have an array of trails to wind their way leisurely through this delightful part of Provence.
Arles (18 km) much beloved by Van Gogh, boasts UNESCO listed Roman monuments, as well as museums, Roman theatres, and winding medieval streets. The photography event takes place every summer drawing an International crowd. There are plenty of Van Gogh tours for arts enthusiasts during the summer season.
Avignon is about half an hour away (22 km), known for its famous Pont, which has an intriguing history dating back to the Middle Ages, whilst Les Baux de Provence is dramatically perched atop the limestone Alpilles Mountains and boasts a fortified tenth century castle as well as quintessential Provençal charm.
