If you follow my blog, you know I live for a good girls’ trip. After being stuck at home for a few years due to COVID, my friends and I were more than ready to get back on the travel trail. We settled on Provence as our destination, and I began the search for the perfect villa on VRBO to accommodate our group of 12. When I came across this farmhouse in L’Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue, I knew it was the ideal place for us.
The Farmhouse
Our tour started in the backyard, and I was instantly overjoyed! The lavender was in bloom, filling the air with its lovely fragrance. The yard was enormous, dotted with little tables under olive trees. There was a beautiful swimming pool at the back, small stables off to the side, as well as a seating area with a barbecue, and two large tables for al fresco dining. It was the PERFECT outdoor space, just so French and so lovely. It would turn out that we would end up spending hours in this beautiful garden, lounging by the pool and gathering most evenings for dinner in the alfresco dining area.
They even had a small stable with this big guy……
The farmhouse had six bedrooms, six bathrooms, two large kitchen/living areas, and one small kitchenette space. The house’s layout was unique, divided into three sections that required going outside to move between them. The first section had a giant living room, kitchen, bathroom, and loft. The middle section was a stairway leading to two bedrooms, each with an attached bathroom. The third section had another living room and kitchen, three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a small sitting area with a kitchenette. This setup worked well for us, providing quiet spaces for work and better sleep since we weren’t all clustered together.
The kitchen was enormous, and we took full advantage of it. One evening, a chef came in to teach us how to make croissants.
Another evening, we had a breakfast-for-dinner night, complete with a chef cooking for us while we sipped mimosas in our pajamas.
The Area
I flew into Marseilles, while several of the other ladies arrived via train from Paris. There are several ways to get to L’Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue, but I do recommend a car once you’re there. I would mention that we had difficulty in finding group transportation for the vineyard day tour. It seems as though there were many tours/transportation, but most came from elsewhere (Nice mostly).
Getting There:
- 30 minutes by train from Avignon
- Just over an hour by car from Marseille
- 4 hours by train from Paris
Day Trip Ideas
#1 Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Les Baux-de-Provence
- Saint-Rémy is a very charming town about a 40-minute drive from the villa. The town, where Van Gogh painted many of his famous pieces, is filled with great little boutiques and art galleries. If you’re feeling ambitious, rent electric bikes and ride from Saint-Rémy to Les Baux. The ride there is fairly challenging, but the ride back is mostly downhill, and it’s a little over an hour away by bike. Les Baux ended up being my favorite village, set in the hills with stunning views, a well-preserved medieval fortress, several restaurants offering outdoor seating, and a plethora of great little shops.
#2 Aix-en-Provence
- About an hour’s drive, Aix-en-Provence has picturesque tree-lined streets, fountains, and lively markets. Be sure to visit Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde and consider taking a French cooking class.
#3 Châteauneuf-du-Pape
- About 40 minutes away, this area is ideal for wine enthusiasts, offering numerous vineyards and wine-tasting opportunities. Some favorites are Château de Beaucastel, known for its full-bodied reds, or opt for a private tasting in a 13th century grotto at Les Caves Saint Charles.
#4 Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
- Only 10 minutes from the farmhouse, this charming village has a large spring connecting to the Sorgue River. The ladies had a fabulous day kayaking here. Afterwards, head back to the farmhouse for some pool time and pre-arranged, in-villa massages.pi
#5 Roussillon and Gordes
- Approximately 40 minutes away, Roussillon is known for its vibrant colored cliffs and quarries. Not far from Roussillon, is the picturesque hilltop village of Gordes, located in the Vaucluse Mountains. Take some time to explore its cobbled streets and visit Château de Gordes. Don’t miss the nearby Sénanque Abbey surrounded by lavender fields.
#6 Bonnieux and Menerbes
- Approximately 30-minutes away you’ll find towns perfect for nature lovers, Bonnieux and Menerbes, with their scenic landscapes, hiking trails, and charm. There are many vineyards around Menerbes, so bring along a picnic and find a scenic spot to have lunch and enjoy the landscape.
#7 Vaison-la-Romaine and Orange
- VLR is an idyllic village about an hour away from the farmhouse. The town has extensive Roman ruins, a castle, and great local markets. 30-minutes from here, you’ll find the quaint village of Orange, also known for its Roman heritage, including a well-preserved theater and triumphal arch.
#8 Calanques of Marseille
- Cruise the water surrounded by massive cliffs that jut out of the sea. The Calanques themselves are these narrow, fjord-like inlets with hidden little beaches. We found secluded spots where we could swim and soak up the sun (but don’t be a dummy like me and forget the Dramamine).
Bittersweet Farewell
Sadly, I missed out on the last of the trip, as I had to rush home early to be with my precious little Mojo before he passed.
Home Away from Home
If you’re considering a trip to Provence with friends or family, I highly recommend L’isle-Sur-La-Sorgue with its charm and ideal location, as well as this lovely farmhouse. There’s nothing better in life than spending time with those that make you smile. This girlfriends’ trip created memories that will last a lifetime. When it was time to leave, we were all melancholy, wishing we could stay for an additional week. I loved it so much that I’ve already booked a four-week stay for next year!
Feel free to leave questions in the comments and I’ll get back to you promptly.
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