La Bastide de L'Isle sur la Sorgue. - ISLS104OL

This is idyllic Provence at its best – a grand and beautiful 18th-century bastide with enchanting character, glorious gardens and only a leisurely walk or cycle ride to L’Isle sur la Sorgue with picturesque café terraces by the river's edge.

It’s no wonder this was the favoured holiday home of one of France’s greatest twentieth century authors and thinkers. It was originally built in the mid-18th Century as a country home for a famous duke. After a fascinating history the current owners fell in love with the bastide and renovated it into an exquisite home of an incredibly high standard whilst retaining its historical character.

In a secluded position, surrounded by over 5000m2 of gardens bordered by 300-year old plane trees, this is a quiet and natural environment where you can gather with family and friends to dine al-fresco in the shade of the ancient trees, play on the vast lawns or relax by the inviting heated swimming pool.

Inside, the main living-dining room is air-conditioned with light pouring in from the floor to ceiling windows overlooking the verdant grounds. Across the ground floor you’ll also discover two further lounges, a library and a chef’s kitchen ideal for preparing Provençal feasts during your stay.

Upstairs, 21st-century features such as six elegant bathrooms, sumptuous bed linen and towels and even Nespresso machines in some of the seven bedrooms complement terracotta floors, wood-beamed ceilings and many original window panes. Each of the bedrooms has been individually styled, including a romantic room with toile de jouy fabrics and 18th-century furnishings and a beautiful second floor bedroom with its own writing desk and mountain view with 1950s style furnishings reminiscent of the time the famous French writer used to reside in this house. Also, on the second floor is a great family suite with a connecting double and twin room. Indeed, many of the bedrooms can be made up as doubles or twins making it ideal for all ages.

It’s just a short cycle ride or leisurely walk into the delightful town of L’Isle sur La Sorgue, almost like a little Venice with canals and branches of the river Sorgue running through alongside ancient waterwheels. The Sunday morning market is not to be missed – an atmospheric event combining a food market and one of the largest brocante in Europe. Bric-à-brac lovers will also love discovering the many delightful antique traders across the town.

This is an enviable location in the south of France with some of Provence’s most beautiful cities, towns and villages so near. Take the train to Avignon or hire the bastide’s own vintage Citroen 2CV to explore archetypal Provençal villages such as Gordes, Bonnieux, Roussillon and Saint-Rémy. You can even reach the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape in just over half an hour or discover the many wonderful wineries closer to home.

Hire canoes along the river Sorgue, ride bikes along the nearby country lanes and even as far as Mont Ventoux and hike across the stunning landscapes of the Luberon region. Or simply spend time relaxing in a quiet, riverside terrace café in L’Isle sur La Sorgue, a unique and delightful place to stay.