Le Prieuré Baumanière ★★★★★

I was definitely no stranger to the south of France, the Côte d’Azur being one of my all-time favourite destinations. I have also always been attracted to the countryside, even if I’ve seen most of it from train windows. When planning my latest trip to France, I took a bit of a leap of faith to forego the beach and opt for a more country-style holiday, and I must say that I’m thrilled to have done so. There’s nothing quite as charming as rural France, and the hotel I found just outside of Avignon, Le Prieuré (which means “priory” in English), met all of my expectations. The utmost in chic style in a charming medieval setting with flowering wisteria and a warm southerly breeze provided a surprisingly sophisticated sense of holiday calm. This was just the spot of rest and relaxation I needed, without any pressure at all to get to the beach!

A little history on the hotel is definitely in order. Located in the medieval city of Villeneuve-Lès-Avignon, just three kilometres from Avignon, the hotel used to be a convent. Its palace-like structure was built in 1322 and throughout the centuries it has been used as a place of prayer. Enter its peaceful surroundings and you’ll understand why. The route leading to the hotel features peaceful vineyards, while the area around the hotel flowers with wisteria and wild flora for a sense of total serenity. Its ambience has an artistic touch about it, as you feel like you’re in the middle of a Monet painting. This is a feeling I definitely eased into while staying at le Prieuré, and one I had trouble leaving!

Its majestic external setting aside, the hotel itself is built in grey stone reminiscent of a classic castle. Inside, it’s designed with a warm and welcoming provincial feel that’s both chic and contemporary. My suite included a private patio and living room, and as far as comfort goes, it definitely deserves its five-star rating. Elegant and spacious with carefully coordinated colours pleasing to the senses, I felt more at home that I could remember. There would be no longing for something more exciting, this was my ideal quiet time. Besides, if I wanted to get my juices flowing, there was always tennis and the exquisite hotel pool!

Now feeling completely relaxed, I was ready for a meal in the hotel’s award-winning restaurant and some exploring. Here, French cuisine has never tasted better thanks to the combination of Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon dishes on offer which use ingredients bought fresh from the local Villeneuve market. I learned that the master chef changes the menu several times per week to cater to seasonal and market specialties. I made my way out of the hotel for a walk after dinner, and was charmed by the cobblestone streets, but most importantly the sense of isolation I felt, as I roamed around. Being a foreigner sometimes has its advantages, and being in a place like this makes it all the better. True to its name, le Prieuré provided this rushed city dweller a tranquil and rustic style retreat that was just what the doctor ordered.