On a gentle hill surrounded by pines and oak woodland, embrace the most wonderful Provençal vistas at this 200-year-old French farmhouse in the heart of the Luberon and its National Park.
Le Mas Du Parc, which was marked on the early 19th-century Napoleonic land registry, has remained in the same family for nearly sixty years, re-constructed from ruins by previous generations in the 1960s. It’s a fine family home with six spacious bedrooms over three floors, furnished gracefully including century-old antiques yet with modern touches such as the well-equipped kitchen, TV lounge and air-conditioning in the four top-floor bedrooms. Le Mas Du Parc allows you to truly experience the authenticity of this enchanting part of Provence whilst staying in great comfort.
The Luberon vistas are incredible, reaching as far as the perched villages of Gordes, Lacoste and Roussillon. Admire the panoramic views from the terraces and swimming pool, dine al-fresco by the barbecue and drink Ventoux wine from the neighbouring sustainable vineyard, which once belonged to the farmhouse, as stars fill the clear skies above you.
The owners have marked a hiking trail through the home’s 40-hectare forest of untouched chestnuts, oaks and pines, or venture further afield for glorious walks through the undulating scenery of this region passing vineyards, cherry orchards and woodland. Just 3km away, a little village awaits with a pretty square, traditional boulangerie and auberge – keen hikers note that the GR9 passes through the village.
The Saturday morning market in Apt is the largest in the Luberon or you could seek out delicious local produce at the town’s Tuesday evening Farmer’s market and discover why Apt, only 6km away, is classified as a “site remarquable du gout”.
Other ancient hilltop villages waiting to charm you include Bonnieux and Ménerbes, whilst the iconic lavender fields of Sault, in the foothills of Mont Ventoux, can be reached in around half an hour. On a Sunday morning, look for treasures at L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue’s famous brocante whilst Fontaine-de-Vaucluse offers opportunities to canoe or kayak along the Sorgue River.
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Avignon, around an hour away, or venture south to romantic Aix-en-Provence, one of southern France’s most captivating towns that was adored by Cézanne. At the end of the day, return to the landscapes of the Luberon which have also inspired artists, writers and musicians over the many years with their natural beauty and Provençal charm.
What Oliver loves...
- Set on a hill with pines, chestnut and oak trees, embrace the stunning views of the Luberon landscapes from the swimming pool and terraces
- In such quiet surroundings, this is authentic and peaceful Provence at its best
- Drink sustainable wine from the neighbouring vineyard beneath the clear night skies filled with stars
- Visit the Saturday morning market in Apt, the largest in the region and only 6km by car
- Head to many of Provence’s finest attractions from the perched villages of Gordes and Ménerbes to the lavender fields of Sault
