La Bastide des Amouriers

Breakfast is a treat here, with Sophie’s homemade preserves, local fruit and juice, pastries, and sometimes cooked dishes. Uri and Sophie are wonderfully friendly and helpful. Uri has advice on places to see and eat, plus plenty of stories from their years in hospitality. Lola is a lovely dog and very well behaved, so guests who aren’t comfortable around dogs needn’t worry. The grounds are spacious and beautifully landscaped, with quiet spots on the terrace or among the gardens and room for a picnic. There’s also a large, carefully designed pool with a broad deck and changing room. Inside, the restored stone farmhouse has just a handful of rooms, plus two self-catering suites outside. The rooms are roomy and comfortable, with big beds, good air conditioning and heating, and Wi-Fi. Guests can use a lounge and small kitchen with a fridge and microwave, and there are local wines. It’s near Caumont, which has lovely walks, and makes a handy base for the Luberon, northern Vaucluse, Avignon, or Aix. We’ve visited in both summer and the off-season and loved it every time. There’s ample parking, too. SUPERLATIVE!

When I visited years ago, La Bastide des Amouriers was fantastic. The four plane trees used to give the place its charm, but it looks like the new owners have mutilated them. It’s a shame people there don’t respect trees. That fairy-tale atmosphere has disappeared.

The decor is clean and stylish, and the place itself is absolutely beautiful. The hosts were so friendly and kind, with lots of useful tips about the surrounding area. I couldn’t have asked for more.

A relaxing little piece of heaven in the South of France. The Wi-Fi cuts in and out, but with nature all around, who needs technology?