Maison Cosmopolite

Maison Cosmopolite is ideally placed for exploring all the delights Provence is so celebrated for, including ancient hilltop villages, lilac lavender fields and vineyard after vineyard. Walking and cycling through the olive groves and cypress trees is one of the best ways to soak up the scenery and the heavenly scents. 

Conveniently located on the road between Carpentras and L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, there are a handful of local restaurants within a short drive and a supermarket 2km away. The charming town of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is just a 10-minute drive from the house and is definitely a must-see when staying in the region. Built on the Sorgue River, several branches of the river flow through the pretty town which also features picturesque mills and waterside cafes. It's well-known for its collection of antique shops plus its Sunday market which is very popular with tourists and locals alike.

Also nearby is the medieval town of Carpentras, a former Papal enclave. Visit the market to stock up on some of the area’s fêted black truffles and admire the ancient architecture including the town’s fortified gate.

Gordes can be reached by car in 25 minutes and is often hailed as one of France’s most beautiful villages. Perched on the foothills of Mont Vaucluse, it’s worth climbing the narrow streets in order to enjoy the breathtaking views of the rolling Luberon countryside from the highest point of the village.

St-Rémy-de-Provence is within easy driving distance and is a delightful town rich in artistic heritage. Indeed, Vincent Van Gogh lived here at one point and, inspired by the beauty of his surroundings he produced numerous works here. Old churches, characterful houses and inviting cafes line the streets while the squares are adorned with fountains and flowers. 

A little more than an hour’s drive away is the historic city of Arles. The beloved home of Van Gogh for a year, a day trip here will feel just like stepping into one of the many works of art he painted here.  

No stay in Provence would be complete without visiting Avignon. It’s only 30 minutes away and is a fantastic place to spend the day. The city is packed with restaurants serving high-quality cuisine, atmospheric cafes and bustling market stalls. The best live music, street artists and wine bars can be found in the bohemian quarter next to the river. The city’s two UNESCO World Heritage sites are also not to be missed. Marvel at the gothic architecture of the Pope’s Palace and be sure to see the Saint Benezet Bridge. 

Read more about Avignon

Stay in and around the region of Avignon to discover picturesque villages, historic towns, Côtes du Rhône vineyards and beautiful landscapes of summer sunflowers, olive groves and rural countryside. This is a fantastic base for exploring much of Provence and beyond.

With its historic, gastronomic and cultural riches, the small city of Avignon stands proudly by the banks of the Rhône, home to vibrant markets, restaurants, wine-bars and impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites.

One of the most visited monuments of France, Le Palais des Papes is in the heart of the old city, next to the 12th century cathedral and leafy Jardin des Doms where you can admire gorgeous views of the river and Provençal countryside beyond. Soak up the rich history of Le Pont d’Avignon on a guided tour before heading over the river to capture photogenic shots of the city from île de la Barthelasse, France’s largest river island. Avignon’s little tourist road train is a great way to explore the historic city with young children.

Stock up on seasonal fruit, vegetables and regional delights at the beautiful covered market at Les Halles d’Avignon or wait for the main Saturday morning Provençal market near the 14th century Basilique Saint-Pierre. Embrace the city’s food scene across its many cafes and restaurants from the tourist haunts of Place de l’Horloge to hidden gems found on the charming side streets and shady squares of the old quarter. Avignon is also known for its Côtes du Rhône wineries and bars waiting to be discovered.

In July the 3-week long Festival d’Avignon takes over the city, a world-renowned event with contemporary performing arts, films and exhibitions taking place across theatres, cinemas and outdoor venues.

Beyond the city centre, hire bikes to cycle along part of the via Rhôna route or enjoy the landscapes of île de la Barthelasse passing farmland, orchards and vistas across the river towards Avignon’s city centre. Meanwhile, antique lovers won’t want to miss the Saturday morning brocante in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, one of Provence’s most famous flea markets, or venture further afield to the wonderful Sunday morning brocante in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.

Embrace the Provençal ambience across villages of the Vaucluse – one of our favourites is charming Pernes-les-Fontaines, loved for its many fountains and delightful market every Saturday morning and Wednesday evening in July and August. Velleron is famed for its early evening farmers’ market open throughout the year (six evenings a week from April to September) whilst Saint-Didier and Venasque are two other picture-perfect Provençal villages to discover.

Driving south instead, visit the art galleries and Wednesday morning market of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a bustling town on the edge of Les Alpilles where Vincent Van Gogh lived towards the end of his life. Enjoy lunch on a pavement terrace in the idyllic hilltop village of Eygalières (you may even spot a discreet A-list celebrity or two) or head south-west of Avignon to embrace the historic ambience of Tarascon and Beaucaire with their impressive castles overlooking the Rhône river.