In the spring and late summer of 2012, we invite you and a small group of friends to spend a magical week in Provence, atLes Murets,an enchanting property surrounded by olive trees and lavender fields on the outskirts of Gordes, one of the most beautiful villages of France.The house was completely gutted and renovated a few years ago and is beautifully decorated in soothing tones.The property sits on seven acres with sweeping views of the Luberon Mountains, smells like lavender, rosemary and thyme and features a swimming pool, pool house and private tennis court.
Your host for the week will be one of our gallery gals, Ann Huff, Meg Harrington or Linda Mohan. We have planned a wonderful six-day and six night trip to give you a private tour of some of the best markets, restaurants, antique stores, art galleries, wineries and private warehouses. The trip is well suited for people who love great food, some moderate exercise and are interested in art, antiques, interior design and fine food and delicious wine.
Our 2011 trips are full...but we'll be posting 2012 dates soon. Stay tuned and if you're interested, let us know.
If you design your own trip, you may select your own dates, as long as there is availbility.
Drinks on the Terrace of Les Murets
Saturday: You will arrive at the Avignon TGV train station in the afternoon and will be picked up and driven to Les Murets. After settling in and washing up, you'll be invited to sit on the terrace and have a refreshing drink before dinner. Your dinner will be served on the early side to give you plenty of time to rest up before the busy morning activities.
Isle sur la Sorgue
Sunday: After a light breakfast at Les Murets, we'll offer an optional trip to the charming Coustellet market for fresh organic fruits, vegetables, bread and cheese, followed by a visit to the renowned antiques mecca, Isle sur la Sorgue. After a visit to the market for perusing through scarves, purses, antique silver, linens, soaps, lots of other goodies, lunch will be at a lovely restaurant in the village, followed by a leisurely stroll through the hundreds of antique shops and stalls. A drive through Fontaine de Vaucluse on the way home for dinner, on the terrace at Les Murets.
Calanque in Cassis
Monday: We will get up early and head to the Mediterranean capital of Marseille, and then take the dramatic road to the seaport village of Cassis, where we will dine on the port overlooking the colorful boats and sea. After a quick visit to the village, we will go out on a brief boat ride to see some of the gorgeous "Calanques" that make up this dramatic coast. On the way home, if time permits, we will stop off in the bustling town of Aix en Provence, for a stroll up the Cours Mirabeau and a drink at Les Deux Garcons. Dinner at Les Murets.
Gordes
Tuesday: Optional one hour hike into Gordes.Visit to the Gordes market which is one of the most scenic and enjoyable in the spectacular village of Gordes.Lunch in a lovely restaurant outside of Gordes followed by a visit to Menerbes, home of Picasso's mistress Dora Maar, and a drive through the remarkable town of Roussillon. We'll top off the day with a visit to the 11th Century Abbaye de Senanque, one of the most photographed and iconic scenes in all of Provence. Dinner at Les Murets.
The Alpilles
Wednesday: Early rise for a trip to St. Remy and its most colorful and varied market. We'll dine at a wonderful restaurant near St. Remy and then drive along the spectacular route that crosses the Alpilles Mountains, stopping off at Les Baux for scenery and photo op. We'll head back to St. Remy to visit the beautiful hospital where Van Gogh lived, visiting his room and taking in the countryside that he painted. On the way home, we''ll stop off at a vineyard for a wine tasting and drive through the charming village of Eygalieres. Dinner will be light and simple on the terrace that evening!
Lourmarin
Thursday: We'll sleep in just a little and then drive to the charming villages of Bonnieux and Lourmarin, stopping for lunch at a famous restaurant near Lourmarin. We'll visit a local vineyard on our way back and will drive home via Lacoste, to see the imposing Chateau of the Marquis de Sade, newly renovated by Pierre Cardin who now lives there. We'll end with a visit to the studio and shop of Edith Mezard, one of the leading “tastemakers” in France.Our final festive dinner will include a show and tell at home on the terrace.
Friday: Departure early from Les Murets to train station in Avignon, where you will catch the train to Paris from which you can either stay in Paris, or fly back to the US directly.
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Costs: Costs are $3,400 for double occupancy. There is a $500 surcharge for a single room. Costs include accommodation, pick up and drop off at the Avignon train station and all transportation within Provence, all entry fees to museums and showrooms, gourmet meals including all breakfasts and dinners and four elegant restaurant lunches plus all wine, aperitifs and gratuities.
Not included: Airfare and train to Avignon. To book the trip: A $1,000 non-refundable deposit is due per person at registration. No reservation will be confirmed until the deposit is received.
To inquire about availability, please complete the form below or call 404.257.0511. Click here for testimonials from previous trip attendees.
For additional information about Les Murets, please visit the website. And for the story about how all the trips got started, visit our blog entry, "A Trip to Remember."
