Enjoying a beautiful setting in Provence, Villa Monin is located just outside the artistic town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence in the Bouches-du-Rhône department of southern France, around 22km from the small city of Avignon.
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (2.5km) is one of Provence’s most well-known towns and it is loved for its charming ambience and artistic vibe. Follow Van Gogh’s trail around the town, ending at Monastery Saint-Paul de Mausole where the Dutch artist spent the final years of his life, and visit the art galleries and studios dotted across the old quarter. The Wednesday morning Provençal market is one of the highlights of the week and attracts visitors from across the region.
As you explore Les Alpilles Regional Natural Park, pass countryside filled with olive groves, woodland, orchards, farmland and the impressive low-lying mountain range – it’s a paradise for walkers, hikers and keen cyclists and you will also find horse-riding, pony trekking and rock climbing across the region and beyond. Come across picture-perfect villages such as Eygalières, Maussane-les-Alpilles and Les Baux-de-Provence alongside gastronomic restaurants (some with Michelin stars), olive farms, vineyards and atmospheric markets.
To the north is the fine city of Avignon (22km), home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Palais des Papes and Pont d’Avignon, whilst to the south historic Arles (28km) awaits with its Van Gogh associations, art galleries and Roman amphitheatre, also the gateway to the Camargue.
The Luberon is another fantastic region to discover with its iconic perched villages (Ménerbes, Gordes and Bonnieux, for example), AOC wineries, cycling trails and incredible natural scenery. Gastronomes can experience local markets and good restaurants - look out for melons from Cavaillon, cherries from Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt (and the foothills of Mont Ventoux) and candied fruit from the handsome market town of Apt.
