Provence is a place of beautiful villages, picturesque hill top towns, gorgeous gardens and a stunning landscape. All who visit long to return after falling in love with the colourful southern French region.
We asked Emily Durand at Your Private Provence about some of her favourite Provence beauty spots…
Abbey Saint Andre one of the most beautiful places in Provence
“How could I ever choose the most beautiful spot in Provence? I’ve lived in Provence for 22 years and so many spots capture my soul. But, if I have to choose then one of the most beautiful places in Provence is in Villeneuve-sur-Avignon”.
Just across the Rhone River from Avignon with its stunning Palais des Papes, Villeneuve-sur-Avignon is where you’ll find a gorgeous garden with amazing views. The garden of the Abbey Saint André, perched on a hill, has a tranquil ambiance, protected from the winds and set in a sun-spotlight. “There” says Emily “you’ll find the perfect bench to sit and dream, an escape from the clutter of routine, a very special place”.
The garden is classed as a “Jardin Remarquable”. The abbey was registered in the list of National Heritage Sites in 1947. While the palace reflects its 17th and 18th century romantic facade into the water basin, the history goes much further back. This is the place where a 6th century hermit, Saint Casarie, chose the hilltop above the abbey for her place of prayer and meditation. It’s a place that most visitors never discover.
“It’s a place you feel you could sit in forever. The view is always different, depending on the light and reflections of the day, not to mention the flowers in bloom depending on the season”, says Emily.
You can even enhance your visit by ordering a picnic lunch from the boutique (from May to September). “There’s not much that beats a peaceful picnic in paradise with local spreads, terrines, fruit and vegetables and a glass of rosé” assures Emily.
Find out more of Provence’s secrets and beautiful places on Emily’s tours of Provence on her website: Your Private Provence
