In a town centre location, Bastide d’Iris is around a 5-minute stroll from the historic heart of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, one of Provence’s must-see destinations in the Bouches-du-Rhône department of southern France.
There are restaurants as well as Saint-Rémy’s tennis club within a very short stroll whilst the nearest large supermarket can be reached in just over 10 minutes on foot. The town itself is a joy to potter around as you come across café terraces, charming bistros, art galleries and delightful little shops. Following the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh, Saint-Rémy is an art lovers dream – look out for artistic markets as well as exhibitions taking place at Musée Estrine (500m).
Gastronomes will love the Wednesday morning market, where stallholders fill the narrow lanes of the old quarter with regional delights—olives, cheeses, charcuterie, homeware, clothes, lavender products, and an abundance of seasonal produce. Arrive early to soak up the atmosphere over coffee and pastries before the crowds descend.
Wine-lovers will find vineyards close to Saint-Rémy, while the renowned wineries of the Luberon and Rhône Valley are within reach - Châteauneuf-du-Pape, for instance, is just over 40 minutes away.
Meanwhile, active guests can hire bikes to explore Les Alpilles’ scenic roads, winding through farmland, olive groves and pine forests. A towpath for walking along the Canal des Alpines crosses the south of town, with further cycling, horse-riding and walking opportunities nearby.
Les Baux-de-Provence (11km), one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, is a must-see, perhaps paired with lunch in nearby Maussane-les-Alpilles, known for its olive oil. Eygalières (12km) is another idyllic village with a Friday morning market, while further east lie the iconic hilltop villages of Gordes (37km), Ménerbes (35km) and Roussillon (45km), surrounded by the romantic landscapes of the Luberon.
History lovers may enjoy Tarascon (16km) by the Rhône and the small city of Avignon (19km), home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites—Le Pont d’Avignon and the Palais des Papes.