5 wonderful guesthouses in Vaucluse

This house has many unique features, the oldest parts having been built before the French Revolution. It was first renovated in 1972 by its owner, a retired Captain who collected marine objects, and was featured in an article in the French magazine Art & Décoration in 1975. Portholes, a love of rounded lines, a front door in walnut inserted into a glazed panel… these details were kept in the recent renovation, just like the pink marble in a bathroom.

The Pierre Amadieu family, winemakers in Gigondas who own the place, worked with an architects’ firm to create a contemporary guest house firmly anchored in its history. The accommodation opened this summer, with 5 double or family rooms, a coworking space, pool, sauna, and large terrace, all just a 5-minute walk from the village centre.

In 1969, the Flemish painter Pol Mara and his wife Maria had the house and studio of their dreams built at Gordes, with architecture that has a modern design using traditional materials, a structure in dry stone that is unexpected in the garrigue landscapes of southern France. After the painter’s death in 1998, the place where he painted remained uninhabited for more than 10 years, until Natalie and Michel decided to bring back its spirit: the Mille.s Roches was established. The property, with dry-wall stone terraces planted with olive trees, vines and fruit trees, is made up of three houses featuring guest rooms with a gîte in the painter’s former studio. The long vertical windows, 70s-style decor, monochrome white walls, local stone on the floor, private terraces to enjoy the setting sun… all invite you to recharge your batteries.

Take a moment to imagine a Pop-Up house built in wood by guild craftsmen, that fits perfectly into its natural decor, with each of the rooms giving a striking view of the hills of the Luberon. This is the guesthouse Sarah had in mind when she changed her life, with strong commitment to ecology and what makes sense. There are three comfortable rooms with a private terrace, a swimming pool overhanging surrounding nature, breakfasts and evening meal platters made using local products, a warm welcome… All for a perfect stay!

Brian the Irishman has renovated this centuries-old farmhouse hidden from sight behind the high plane trees and cedars around the estate on the Ile de la Barthelasse river island, a stroke or two from the centre of Avignon. Old stone, antiques, works of art… here you can see the expert eye of someone who loves art and old stone. The rooms are fitted out with a cottage feel: they have big stones and open beams, thick curtains with cords, check bed linen, blue and celadon green shades, deep colourful sofas, antiqued lamps and objects… it’s full of warmth, just like the fire crackling in the chimney when autumn arrives. But as for any accommodation, it would be nothing without Brian’s smiling, generous welcome. Cooking classes with Séverine Sagnet, former chef of the table d’hôtes of La Mirande.

This is the place to completely immerse yourself in nature! Provence is everywhere you look, through its vines, olive trees, lavender and the Luberon hills. This where Eve has breathed new life into her childhood home, an imposing 17th-century building restored with a Boho vibe near the village of Cucuron. The thick stone walls and contemporary decoration of the four rooms and two gites surround you for a peaceful night’s sleep or rest. There is a swimming pool, delicious home-cooked meals, chairs in the shade in the garden… Eve has taken great care and given the house a simple, warm feel.