Each year, Provence is the holiday destination chosen by millions of tourists… and rightfully so. Close to the Mediterranean Sea, Provence is an exceptional region loved for the beauty of its landscapes and its way of life.
The azure skies, natural landscapes and the rich historical heritage, without forgetting the cicadas’ songs and the fragrance of the lavender, are all parts of the region’s assets. The sunny climate during most of the year, as well as the great variety of leisure activities to share with family members and friends, make this region the ideal location to spend your holidays.
The Mas des Pampres is ideally located between the Alpilles and the Luberon, just a few minutes from Avignon and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. This unique position allows you to discover every facet of Provence without having to choose a single area — you can visit Gordes and the Luberon in the morning, stroll through the markets of the Alpilles in the afternoon, and come home in the evening to admire the sunset from the swimming pool.
The owner of the Mas des Pampres knows her region well. She will personally advise you to enrich your experience during your stay, and upon arrival will share with you her personal address book — restaurants, winemakers, artisans, secret walks — gathered over more than ten years of welcoming travellers from all over the world.
Numerous cultural and entertaining activities are available within a half-hour of the Mas des Pampres… let’s have a look!
The map above shows the main destinations to visit from the Mas des Pampres. Click on each marker to see the travel time by car.
An overview of the wonderful hues of Provence
The Mas des Pampres welcomes you in the heart of Provence. You can watch below this short video that will induce an irresistible urge to discover this region of a thousand colours, from lavender blue to ochre red and olive tree green…
Provence also means wonders of the cultural and architectural heritage with its perched villages and its festivals known around the world…
Let yourself be carried away…
The Luberon: Gordes, Sénanque, Roussillon and the perched villages
Just half an hour from the Mas, the Luberon is undoubtedly the most iconic area of Provence. Golden stones and red ochres, villages clinging to their hillsides, terraced vineyards, fields of lavender as far as the eye can see in season: it is the Provence of the postcards, and each of its villages is worth a detour.
Gordes — one of the most beautiful villages in France (30 min)
Gordes is classified among the most beautiful villages of France and one of the most photographed in our region. Its honey-coloured houses cascade down a rocky promontory, dominated by the Renaissance castle and the church. You will discover the vaulted cellars beneath the village, the Pol Mara museum, and a lively Provençal market every Tuesday morning. To fully enjoy the magic of the place, we recommend visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the slanted light brings out the warmth of the stone.
Sénanque Abbey — the lavender season (40 min)
A few minutes from Gordes, the Cistercian Abbey of Sénanque offers one of the most iconic images of Provence: a 12th-century monastery framed by fields of purple lavender, still inhabited and cultivated by the monks today. The bloom takes place from mid-June to mid-July depending on the year — this is when the site reveals all its magic. The interior of the abbey can be visited in French, by reservation, outside monastic services.
Roussillon and the Ochre Trail (35 min)
Roussillon is unique in its kind: the only village in the Vaucluse built entirely in red ochre. Vibrant façades, colourful alleys, spectacular panoramic views over the Apt countryside. Just nearby, the Ochre Trail takes you through a former open-pit quarry, a magnificent landscape with shades of orange and red. Allow about an hour for the walk, and combine it with a visit to the Conservatory of Ochres and Colour to understand the fascinating history of this local resource.
Bonnieux, Ménerbes, Lacoste — the loop of the perched villages (35-45 min)
For those who wish to discover a more secret Luberon, the Bonnieux-Ménerbes-Lacoste loop is a must. Three villages within ten kilometres of each other, to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace over a day.
Bonnieux offers an exceptional 180° panorama from the esplanade of its high church. Ménerbes, classified among the most beautiful villages of France, is home to the House of Truffle and Luberon Wine — the perfect opportunity to discover the great white wines of the region. Lacoste, more modest, owes its fame to the ruined castle of the Marquis de Sade, bought some twenty years ago by Pierre Cardin and turned into a centre for the performing arts.
When to visit the Luberon
The Luberon can be discovered all year round, but each season offers very different colours and atmospheres. If you dream of lavender fields in bloom, it is mid-June to mid-July. For the beauty of the vineyards at harvest and incomparable golden light, choose September-October. For lovers of absolute peace and mineral landscapes, November and the beginning of winter will offer you deserted villages and a unique atmosphere.
The Alpilles: Saint-Rémy, Glanum, Les Baux
To the west, the Alpilles offer a completely different face of Provence. This small limestone massif, white and luminous, rising from the heart of the olive groves, inspired Van Gogh, Daudet, Mistral and many others. More accessible than the Luberon, just 15-25 minutes from the Mas.
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (15 min)
Saint Rémy de Provence, less than 15 minutes away from the Mas des Pampres, invites you to visit the archaeological site of Glanum, the house where Nostradamus was born, the Cloister Saint-Paul-de-Mausole where Van Gogh stayed and painted some of his most famous works, or just to stroll in the market on Wednesday mornings.
Saint-Rémy is also a high place for decoration, art galleries and beautiful boutiques. You will spend very pleasant moments strolling through its shaded alleyways and enjoying the terraces of its many restaurants.
Les Baux-de-Provence and the Carrières des Lumières (20 min)
Les Baux-de-Provence, located in the Alpilles mountain range, is one of the most beautiful villages of France. You will be charmed by its historical monuments, marks of the past, and by the many museums and art galleries that make the wealth of this unique site.
Not to be missed either, the Carrières des Lumières, former bauxite quarries converted into a vast immersive exhibition space. Every year, a new exhibition projects the masterpieces of the greatest painters onto the mineral walls in a stunning sound and light spectacle. An experience to be lived absolutely.
The Provençal markets of the Alpilles
For all lovers of authenticity, the region offers a Provençal market every day of the week:
Monday: Cavaillon (the famous melons and sun-soaked fruits)
Tuesday: Gordes and Vaison-la-Romaine
Wednesday: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (one of the most iconic of Provence)
Thursday: Maussane-les-Alpilles
Friday: Eyragues, Châteaurenard
Saturday: Arles (the great market of the boulevard des Lices) and Cabannes (just next to the Mas)
Sunday: L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (the floating market and the antique dealers)
A unique heritage close at hand: Avignon, Arles, Nîmes
A short video would not suffice to show the wealth of the astounding city of Avignon: an exceptional heritage, a legendary bridge and the famous Papal Palace (classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site), preserved ramparts and private mansions in the historical part of town, gardens, churches and museums of incredible richness. Avignon will surprise you with the beauty and the diversity of its heritage! Culture, architecture, markets of shimmering colours and exhilarating scents… You can whet your appetite by discovering the atmosphere awaiting you…
In July, the Avignon Festival transforms the city into the largest open stage in France: three weeks of theatre, circus and dance in the courtyard of honour of the Palace and in sixty other venues. A unique experience to live at least once in a lifetime.
Arles, the ancient and contemporary city (30 min)
The ancient city of Arles is located 30 minutes away, and continues its artistic rise with the Rencontres de la Photographie d’Arles and notably with the welcoming of the Picasso museum and the arrival of the Luma Tower and the Parc des Ateliers. Famous also for its arenas and amphitheatre, a city classified as a town of art and history, Arles contains remarkable remains from the Roman era that are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. Its Saturday morning market is one of the most emblematic of the region.
Nîmes and the Pont du Gard (35-40 min)
You can also discover Nîmes with its arenas (the best-preserved Roman amphitheatre in the world), the Maison Carrée (recently classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023), the Fountain gardens, and the famous Pont du Gard (UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985) — a Roman aqueduct 49 metres high that you can admire from the banks of the Gardon, or even cross on foot along its upper level.
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, the antique capital (25 min)
A detour to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a must — nicknamed the “Venice of the Comtat” for its canals and water wheels. If you enjoy antiques, flea markets and decoration, this town occupies the third place in Europe for the trade of antiques, behind Saint-Ouen and London. More than three hundred dealers permanently settled, and a floating market every Sunday morning that brings the whole town to life. A must-visit, especially during the great antique fairs at Easter and 15 August.
Aix-en-Provence, the Camargue and Marseille
Aix-en-Provence (40 min)
Other charming places are well worth an extended trip, like Aix-en-Provence, 40 minutes away, to visit the Cézanne Studio, the Granet Museum, or the magnificent Sainte-Victoire Mountain. The city also offers beautiful markets and the liveliness of its plane-tree-lined boulevards.
The Camargue and the Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer (1 hr)
An hour away, you will find Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, the capital of the Camargue, a welcoming land and pilgrimage destination with a rich tradition, built between the sky and the sea, where the Rhône flows into the Mediterranean Sea, offering you a real change of scenery. You will discover the white horses, the black bulls, the pink flamingos, and all the richness of a completely preserved territory. Not to be missed either, Aigues-Mortes and its medieval ramparts, along with the Salins du Midi with their pink water and mountains of white salt.
Marseille, the Phocaean city (1 hr)
You must not forget to visit the beautiful Marseille, town of art and culture which, with its 26 centuries of existence, has more than one wonder to share. Marseille was the European Capital of Culture in 2013. Its calanques, as well as its effervescent activity, will delight you!
Restaurants: Provençal gastronomy at its finest
All your senses will be in a flutter! The Mediterranean cuisine is rich in scents and colours, always sprinkled with a dash of sunny-scented olive oil. The plates are real masterpieces, which highlight rich and varied products, exalted by the chef restaurateurs of the region.
The region is home to several tables d’exception, including these emblematic institutions we are happy to recommend (reservation essential, often months in advance during summer):
L’Oustau de Baumanière in Les Baux-de-Provence (20 min) — Legendary Relais & Châteaux, gastronomic restaurant set in a spectacular mineral landscape at the foot of the Alpilles. A reference since 1945.
La Bastide de Gordes in Gordes (35 min) — Hotel-restaurant with exceptional views over the village. Michelin-starred cuisine in a remarkable setting.
La Mirande in Avignon (20 min) — 14th-century mansion behind the Papal Palace. Table d’hôtes in the historic kitchen and gastronomic restaurant — ideal for lunch after visiting the Palace.
Capelongue in Bonnieux (45 min) — Maison Beaumier, Provençal signature around the produce of the kitchen garden and the Luberon hills.
La Coquillade Provence in Gargas (45 min) — A magnificent wine estate and high-end resort with several tables on site, including a Michelin-starred one.
Auberge La Fenière in Cadenet (50 min) — Historic house founded by Reine Sammut, taken over by her daughter Nadia. Michelin-starred cuisine and Michelin Green Star for its commitment to local and gluten-free gastronomy.
And of course, upon your arrival, we will share with you our personal address book — lesser-known restaurants, exceptional winemakers, artisans you won’t find in any guidebook. A notebook enriched over the years of welcoming guests, which we prefer to share directly with you during your stay.
When to come to the Mas des Pampres? Provence through the seasons
Provence can be discovered all year round, and each season offers very different colours, atmospheres and activities. Here are our recommendations to help you choose the best moment for you.
April to June — Provence awakening
This is undoubtedly our favourite season, and the one many of our regular guests prefer. Soft light, clear skies, gardens in bloom, markets coming back to life. Temperatures are perfect for hiking, cycling, or simply strolling. The Mas pool opens and is heated from 1 April. The lavender fields at Sénanque start showing their colours from mid-June. An ideal time to discover Provence in all its freshness, far from the summer crowds.
July-August — Festivals and high summer
The high season runs at full pace: Avignon Festival in July, Rencontres d’Arles, Chorégies d’Orange, lively markets, full terraces, lavender at its peak. The light is intense, the sky an incomparable blue. The most festive and most sought-after season — we recommend booking well in advance for this period.
September-October — The connoisseur’s season
For many, the most beautiful season in Provence. The heat softens, the light turns golden, the terraces are still pleasant at lunch. It is the time of grape harvest in the Luberon and the Côtes-du-Rhône — visiting estates, tastings, a convivial atmosphere. Restaurants take reservations again, the villages slow down, and the hiking trails quiet. A rare season at a more accessible rate: from €3,990 per week in October.
November-December — Christmas and Provençal markets
Provençal winter has its own particular charm: fireplaces burning, soft lights, pistou soups and slow-cooked dishes. The villages empty out, the white paths are yours. It is also the season of the Christmas markets in Avignon, Saint-Rémy, Arles, and of the centuries-old traditions that make the soul of the South.
Christmas in Provence, a unique atmosphere — Read more
The Christmas markets in Provence are renowned for their special atmosphere. The santons, the Provençal nativity scene, the 13 desserts… so many traditions that are pleasant to discover, with their traditional songs or even their living nativity scenes organised by the local municipalities. Discover Christmas and New Year’s Eve at the Mas des Pampres →
Christmas and New Year rate: €5,900 per week. A special discount applies for long stays.
Sport and Leisure activities
Do you want to discover a sumptuous and luminous nature?
Whatever your taste and style are, there are a thousand and one trails in Provence for a hike on foot or by bike. You will enjoy the vast array of Provençal natural landscapes.
Will you let yourself be tempted by a bike ramble across the countryside, enjoying the Alpilles relief, breathing in the scents of Provence during highly colourful trails? The Luberon Bike Tour (236 km of marked routes) is one of the great cycling itineraries of France, accessible to everyone with an electric bike rental.
Galloping in the great natural spaces of the Camargue, visiting charming perched villages, delighting in the lavender and almond fields, is another way to discover Provence. Several riding centres are located right next to the Mas.
Discover the land by the way of a golf course in the midst of verdant hills with breathtaking views… you will be spoilt for choice with the magnificent nature of Provence: Golf des Servanes in Mouriès, Golf de Pont Royal in Mallemort, Golf de la Vallée des Baux in Maussane, Golf de Châteaublanc in Sorgues.
For lovers of rarer sensations, the Aero-club of Saint Rémy de Provence offers a first flight in a glider over the Alpilles — half an hour of silent flight above one of the most beautiful landscapes of Provence.
To see one, two times and more!
If you do not know yet this magnificent heritage, do not hesitate to come and discover it. If you already know these remarkable places, you know better than anyone that the mildness and uniqueness of this environment are well worth the trip!
The Mas des Pampres welcomes you year-round to allow you to discover this unique region in splendid conditions. You can check right now the availability of the Mas des Pampres on this page!
