A Whisper of Provence: The Enchanting Retreat of Bastide de L’Amour

There are places that feel less like destinations and more like dreams you once had—half-forgotten, scented with lavender and warmed by the Provençal sun. Bastide de L’Amour is one such dream. Nestled in the heart of Provence, this 500-year-old bastide weaves romance, history and nature into a tapestry of timeless elegance and tranquil indulgence.

Arriving at Bastide de L’Amour feels like stepping into a living painting. Set amid a vast private estate, the property immediately seduces with its manicured lawns, ancient trees, secret fountains, and the gentle murmur of freshwater springs. The main house, a lovingly restored mas, hums with heritage. Its honey-hued stone walls, vine-draped terraces, and shuttered windows evoke a sense of noble rusticity, while inside, modern comforts blend effortlessly with old-world charm.

At Bastide de L’Amour, food is not just nourishment-it’s part of the experience. Mornings begin with a generous continental breakfast, set under the shade of fig trees or in the sun-drenched conservatory. The estate is a gardener’s paradise: pear and plum trees sway in the breeze, while strawberries glisten among rows of basil and wild rocket. Guests are encouraged to pick whatever is ripe, and the hens - true Provençal ladies - offer golden-yolked eggs each morning.

For those seeking an elevated culinary experience, a private chef and butler are just a request away, crafting meals that celebrate the land and season in every bite.

Inside, there is an exceptional sense of space and serenity. The ground floor opens with an elegant entrance hall, flowing into cosy, yet stately living rooms and a charming country kitchen that practically insists you uncork a bottle of local rosé. A king-size suite with its own conservatory lets you step directly into the garden - morning light and birdsong included.

Upstairs, the master suite has a double shower, soaking tub, and views that stretch over the rolling countryside. The eight bedrooms each offer en-suite comforts, antique flourishes, and that uniquely French ability to be both understated and breathtaking. A large terrace off the upper suite is ideal for sunlit siestas or late-night stargazing with a glass of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

While it would be easy to lose days wandering the grounds or lounging beneath the apricot trees, Bastide de L’Amour is ideally placed for exploration. Avignon, with its papal palace and medieval bridges, is a short drive away. The shimmering Alpilles and the fairytale villages of the Luberon -Gordes, Roussillon, Ménerbes - are close enough for leisurely day trips and long, wine-soaked lunches. A driver can whisk you from the TGV station or airport directly to this Provençal paradise, where time slows down and beauty deepens.

Bastide de L’Amour is more than a holiday destination- it’s an immersion. In nature, in history, and in the gentle art of Provençal living. Whether you come for a family gathering, a romantic escape, or simply to breathe again, the bastide welcomes you not as a guest, but as a beloved part of its ongoing story.

When you book your stay with us, no request is too extravagant. Bastide-de-Lamour exemplifies our commitment to delivering the same lavish lifestyle service in all our destinations. Contact by email or +44 207 692 4092.

Imagine that it is June, the summer vacations have just started, and the sun is shining with its most stunning tints. The temptation to plan a weekend far from the city is becoming more and more intense due to the lengthy days and the increasing heat. Many of you are unaware that now is the ideal time to travel to the Provence Alpe Côte d'Azur region. This region, which is in the southern part of the French territory, has a wonderful temperature and is convenient to both the sea and the mountains, making it a great place for anybody who enjoys both.

Long walks in the highlands, historic medieval villages located on vast swaths of hilly terrain, and hidden coves all make up this beautiful region. From the end of June to the end of August, there is something even more unique and fascinating to see: the vast fields of lavender that are in bloom and fill the air with their sweet fragrance. There are several varieties, but lavender and lavandino are the two that are most common. The second, which has a noticeably bigger look and is more prevalent in the plains, is the one that is most common in this region and is the one from which fragrances and cosmetics items are made with. The first, which is little, is easier to locate in the mountains.

Several itineraries have been previously established and to which many visitors refer, but just one of them has been chosen for this article, focused on a stay of luxury and complete relaxation.

A great Relais & Chateaux that offers a wonderful stay to detach from the frantic daily life and get back in touch with nature can be found in the town of Mane, an hour from Aix en Provence and an hour and a half from Saint-Rémy de Provence (a vital region for lavender cultivation). You might explore the area and take in its beauty and wonder, such as the tiny stone-built town from the eleventh century, thanks to its proximity to the historic center. Just outside the center, you can admire two architectural pearls of inestimable value such as the priory of Salagon and the castle of Sauvan.

Due to the creation of the garden at the French Embassy, the latter in reality most recently received the designation in 2022 as a "Living Historical Monument" (still nearing completion). For historical reasons, they have really been abandoned and destroyed for years, and it is only now that the current owners seem to have noticed the previous magnificence. Even though it is a private residence (you may request it to organize private events), its depositaries welcome visitors and share these incredibly lovely places with them.

Even the hotel, which also is located on a hill close to the town of Mane, is an older building. It was a convent in 1600, but it has since received a thorough modernization while preserving its original medieval structure. There are tennis and golf courts, a swimming pool where you may cool down during the sweltering summer days, and a spa where "le Occitane" products are used.

In order to aid and support the local activity of farmers who cultivate it, this brand was established in 1976 in this region surrounded by lavender plantations (the primary scent of the brand that analyzes all the components according to aromatherapy). In order to guarantee the use of quality natural ingredients and a sustainable supply, they pay special attention to how their goods are made.

According to a statement from one of their partners, Jean Boenle, "Our firm specializes in the creation of premium lavender PDO" (Protected Designation of Origin - AOC). We purchase seeds that have been approved by the French Institute of Aromatic, Medicinal, and Aromatic Plants in order to produce this variety of lavender from seeds. In contrast to hybrid and clonal lavender which are developed from cuttings, we cultivate our plants. In order to transfer seedlings into our fields, we sow in greenhouses. We are quite sure about the source of our lavender.

Therefore, choosing to stay at the Relais would allow you to fully appreciate this product because not only would you be close and be able to see the source of the raw material with your own eyes, but you would also be testing it out on yourself to have a 360-degree experience.

By Giulia Garello
International University of Monaco
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