Join a week-long antiquing and lifestyle tour of Provence with the experts at La Source – French flair and inspiration guaranteed.
The glorious south of France is a land of lavender fields, vineyards and olive trees topped off with a rich blue sky and golden sunshine. It’s also famous for its unique style and fabulous arts and crafts, artisans and antiques markets. Delve into the world of French décor. Guided by experts meet local specialists, enjoy fine food and wine and immerse yourself in the culture of Provence.
Whether you’re an interior design professional, a keen hobbyist or a discerning enthusiast, Susie McLaren and Aline Bachelier invite you to join them for the kind of deluxe trip that dreams are made of, exploring the landscapes and flavours of southern France as well as the riches of antique furniture and textiles, guided by two experts in interior design and antiques.
Discover the Provence lifestyle
The rich colours and stunning landscapes of Provence have inspired artists from Van Gogh to Picasso, boosted by the sunshine, delicious local produce and superb wine. It’s an historic region with a wealth of ancient culture, winding streets and medieval hilltop villages, a land where locals understand the meaning of living well. No wonder it continues to inspire artisans and creatives to this day.
Within this enchanting setting, modern-day artisans work quietly in hidden ateliers, cultural gems are tucked away in respected museums, and a whole host of antique treasures await on the stalls of bustling brocantes, flea markets and antiques fairs.
A unique antiquing adventure in Provence
This week-long adventure is organised by La Source tours run by two friends whose industry expertise is matched only by their infectious enthusiasm. Susie is an English interior designer with an enviable background working on exclusive, high-end projects in Britain and France, while French-born Aline grew up learning about antiques, spent 3 years in New York working with antiques dealers and art galleries before returning to Paris to build a career as an antiques consultant. Between them they have some 60 years of experience, and they’ve worked with a diverse range of discerning clients including Ralph Lauren, Liberty of London, boutique hotels and palaces.
During your week in the south of France, Susie and Aline will introduce you to skilled artisans, specialist collectors, and traditional textile printers, sharing their industry expertise and their familiarity with this stunning part of France. They will guide you around the local markets to discover handmade crafts, pottery and fabrics, and visit an exclusive designer creating modern edition pieces featuring basketry, rattan and cord. They’ll introduce you to a master furniture maker in his workshop, and a former fashion designer who now creates original pieces using antique and vintage textiles. You’ll have exclusive access to meet a range of passionately creative people willing to share their insights with you during your stay.
You’ll visit L’Isle sur la Sorgue, a town of picturesque canals, waterwheels and countless antiques stores where you’re sure to unearth an unexpected delight. You’ll also visit the oldest vineyard in the Lubéron, explore photogenic hilltop villages and even be treated to a private cookery class with a local chef who will use fresh local ingredients to prepare a classic Provençal dish.
It’s a one-week tour that’s a feast for all the senses, and one that will bring you countless opportunities to learn more about French taste and authentic French style.
Where you’ll be staying
Your home from home will be a breath-taking hotel in the heart of Provence, nestled amongst vineyards and lavender fields with views to the Luberon mountains. Located at the foot of the medieval village of Oppède le Vieux, the hotel is built around a 17th-century mill, and the décor is a harmonious blend of authentic French charm and modern comfort.
You can’t help unwinding and relaxing here thanks to the tranquil atmosphere, the swimming pool, tennis court, sauna, hot tub and even massage pods should you wish to indulge. All rooms reserved for this adventure are Deluxe and Grand Deluxe doubles with en-suite bathrooms. You could have a hard time leaving the cocoon of the hotel so it’s just as well that each day’s itinerary is irresistible!
Authentic Provence
As well as the daily outings to picturesque towns, brocantes, local artisans and designers, Susie and Aline have organised guest speakers to share their stories and insights with you. Each one has made the choice to relocate to Provence in search of a better way of life and continues to make a positive impact globally, whether through their artistic talents or philanthropic effort, and their stories cannot help but inspire you.
While this week-long adventure has a focus on antiques and interior design, there’s absolutely no obligation to buy any pieces at all – you can simply enjoy the experience. However, if you get carried away at the markets, brocantes or workshops and accumulate a lot of purchases, Susie and Aline can help you to organise shipping so that every purchase finds its way safely back to your home.
Antiquing and lifestyle tour of provence
If you’re already thinking about what to pack for this incredible south of France adventure, visit La Source website to learn more about this truly unique antiquing and lifestyle tour of Provence, (and also to Paris), download the tour brochures, and register your interest for the next available trip.
