What's YOUR favorite thing to do in Provence?

The terrace of Les Murets

“So what is your favorite thing about Provence?” we were asked the other day by a former guest and participant, as we all sat around, sipping champagne, reminiscing and planning for our next trip.

The daily activities calendar

Meg didn’t hesitate.  “Cassis!  I just love the little village, the port, the shops, the boat ride to the Calanques, and Le Grand Bleu is probably my favorite restaurant in Provence.  They’re so friendly, the service is wonderful, the location is ideal and the wine is to die for.  And then of course we get to dip our toes in the Mediterranean.  A perfect day!”

Meg and the models from Vogue in Cassis

Le Grand Bleu restaurant is our best kept secret on the port

Where the boat takes us  around the famous Calanques.

Fresh squid from the sea

Where we dip our toes in the Mediterranean

Not to be outdone by Meg’s enthusiasm, Ann jumped right in:  “The Gordes Reward.  I love getting up early, dressing for a little workout, and hiking in to Gordes knowing that although the scenery is pretty along the way, the real tada is when you round that final corner and hear the collective gasp from everyone on the trip, including those who have done it a million times before, and see the spectacular village of Gordes rising up from the valley.  There’s nothing like it!  And of course the real reward is the market and fabulous lunch that comes after.”

Ann's favorite thing to do is the Gordes Reward

The views leading up to the Ta Da moment and the minor distractions along the way (is that a FOR SALE sign on that house? OMD does anyone have a pen?!).

The Ta Da! moment

On top of the world!

Linda?  “Well I have to say it’s St. Remy.  Starting with the drive along the iconic plane covered road, followed by the best market of all, on Wednesdays, and then the gorgeous drive by Les Beaux, the obligatory photo op, and the divine three hour lunch at the Bistrot du Paradou .  OMD the eggplant! The lapin (we’ll keep that word in French)!  The cheese tray! The desserts!  The wine!  Oh, and yes, the waiters (collective chuckle) aren’t bad either (uh-huh!).”

Linda in heaven ...

Escargots at the Bistrot du Paradou

The subject of the collective chuckle

Linda just likes to savor the moment and smell the roses wherever she is

What about you Sarah,?  As the newest member of the team to go on a trip, Sarah is a little more reflective in her answer.  “I can’t really pick just one place or one thing,” she starts.  “For me, it’s all about the beauty around every corner, whether it’s a village in the distance, or the ancient architecture or the flowers in the fields or an unexpected sculpture on top of a mountain or the vines reflecting the sun in the vineyards.  It’s the beauty of the land and the way we celebrate the fruits of this beauty with every delicious meal and sip of fresh wine."  Oooh, well put, Sarah!

Sarah with Linda

A view around every corner

Breathtaking gardens

The gates of heaven!

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Edith Mezard's shrine to beauty and good taste

Celebrating the fruits of the land

“And what about you?”  we ask our sweet guest, forgetting that her suitcases weighed 3 tons on her return trip to the U.S.  “Well I loved everything you talked about but,” and here there's a little pause and a big chuckle, “my favorite thing to do is Show and Tell night.” (Oh yes, she is a big shopper! ) We do Show and Tell on the last night when everyone takes all their purchases out of their bags and displays them beautifully in their rooms and we parade around from room to room, oohing and aahing and admiring the gorgeous goodies that some of us somehow managed not to buy and wished we had.   “That’s right!  And you did such a great job merchandising, we offered you a job at the store!”

A display of scarves bought at the market

A beautifully merchandised selection of gorgeous monochromatic tones (that somehow match the bedroom decor!)

Huffington girls and their loot!

Yes, we all like that too.   Which leads us to another collective favorite:  Dinners at home in the evening.  That’s when we all get to relax and enjoy a long, leisurely meal, overlooking the sunset and washed down by fresh wine from the vineyard and sometimes followed by the most interesting diversions that have included splashes in the pool, dancing on the terrace, overzealous dishwashing, bursts of French fluency and many more things that will never get talked about because what happens at Les Murets stays at Les Murets!

Shhh ... we'll never tell!

I guess you’ll just have to come see for yourselves and then tell us what your favorite thing is about Provence!
Ta ta ...
HH

A Little Slice of Heaven

We have a little joke around here that the real reason I went into business with Ann is because she comes with a couple of wonderful assets: namely an insanely charming and rambling farmhouse in Provence (and now a jewelbox of an apartment in Paris…) Now, that’s not entirely true…in fact, we are excellent business partners, wonderful friends, adore what we do and always have a ball doing it.

But, truth be told, Ann’s Les Murets in Provence really is a little slice of heaven and when I was there recently with a group of eight women, we were all collectively praising and thanking Madame for her love of all things French, especially her real estate.

That indescribable early morning light over Les Murets

Through the gallery, we’ve offered these trips many times before (this was our sixth trip) and it never fails to amaze us how warm sunshine, soft light, lavender-scented breezes and plenty of good local rose can work its magic on one and all.

Choosing olives….

The formula is not complicated: we have a busy agenda that runs the gamut from shopping the dozens of local markets (that are part of the French culture and lifestyle) to visiting galleries, gardens and cultural attractions. We add some delectable and leisurely lunches and top it all off with some downtime by the pool and festive dinners on the terrace.

The cheesemonger’s truck – complete with marketgoers meandering past.

Everything is always mouth-wateringly appealing.

“How is this going to fit in my suitcase?”

One evening, we came to the 12th century Abbaye de Senaque and heard vespers. Heavenly.

One of the best treats that always occurs on these trips: we’re always bowled over by the simple and gracious ways our French friends treat us.

On Sunday, September 11th, we were enjoying a warm morning at one of our favorite markets…ooohing and aaahing over the huge array of just picked produce and fruit; tables groaning with organic honey and jams; neighborhood vintners pouring generous samples of their wine and all whole party atmosphere that goes hand in hand with French markets. Everyone was a little jet-lagged. One of our group stopped to buy something from a friendly vendor. “You are American?” he asked. “Yes, we are,” we answered. To which he replied “Today is a very sad day for your country. I want you to know that all of France is thinking of you.”

The September 11th tenth anniversary memorial in Paris, with the Eiffel Tower in the background.

There wasn’t a dry eye at the dinner table that night when we had a little sad moment of silence and thought about that terrible day and how, despite all the politics and posturing, nice people are just nice people everywhere.

For the rest of the week, we shopped, explored, ate, drank, hiked, laughed, ate and drank some more, and collapsed happy at the end of each day.

Overlooking Gordes after our lively hike there.

The picture perfect terrace where we lunched one day…

Every day was a huge treat, but Thursday may have been the highlight. Our adorable driver, Christophe showed up bright and early and drove us quickly down the autoroute to Marseilles where we happily sat in traffic and took in all the sights, smells and colors of Marseilles’s famous Vieux Port.

Then, it was on to Cassis for a little exploring and lunch. Here we discovered another universal truth: no matter where you are in the world sunshine, water, boats and clean sea-scented air will bring out the best in everyone. We strolled, shopped and ate heartily at a wonderful restaurant (where we inhaled la soupe de poisson – a heavenly concoction of sinful seafood broth served over a dollop of garlicky rouille and a crusty slice of baguette. Mmmmmm.)

Sunshine, boats, water, lunch…pure paradise in Cassis.

The beach at Cassis.

Anxiously waiting for our Soupe de Poisson…

The good news is that we’re already planning next year’s trips – and one of them even includes a stop in Paris before arriving in Provence. (click here for all the info.) So don’t worry: it’s never too late to experience the magic and friendship that Provence so effortlessly offers.

Ta ta.

M.

How We’re Really All Just Alike…

We just got back from another one of our little Paradise in Provence trips to that little slice of French heaven, Les Murets. These are wonderful trips that fully immerse one in the culture, food, wine and overall ambiance of the Luberon, along with a healthy dose of renewing friendships or creating new ones.

The inviting terrace at Les Murets where hundreds of friendships have been formed.

This last trip consisted of three lovely ladies from Chicago who found out about our trip from our website; and four lively and fun girls from Atlanta, who are personal friends and clients at the gallery.

As we planned the trip, Ann and I wondered just a little uneasily about the mix. It’s a little like going to camp: you know you’re going to have a wonderful time, but you’re not sure who your bunkmates will be. However, we reassured ourselves that everyone would be grown-up, beautifully mannered and if there were any oil/water situations, they would be resolved in a quiet and respectful way.

Well, of course we didn’t have to worry: Chicago met Atlanta and Atlanta met Chicago and it was love at first sight. It started that first night with general introductions over perfectly chilled rose and a delicious dinner on Les Muret’s magical terrace. And, as the week wore on, it was refreshing to watch new friendships being formed and lasting relationships being cemented through shared experiences: children, husbands, careers and passions.

The Chicago ladies (who mostly have younger children) were thrilled to have downtime with each other away from their constant demands and pressures. And, the Atlanta ladies re-kindled strong friendships that maybe had drifted over the years.

Here's Atlanta & Chicago meeting for the first time.

We’re not sure if it was the soft and reflective light that permeates Provence, or maybe the balmy, lavender-scented air (and unusually summer-like temps that greeted us on our arrival and blessedly stayed with us all week) that helped cement these newly found relationships; or, maybe it was the long and lingering dinners over olives, tapenade, freshly made vegetables tarts, aromatic cheeses and succulent fruits.

The famous cheese tray at Bistrot du Paradou – a perfect recipe for making new friends.

Perhaps it was the light and refreshing roses, reds and whites that were heartily consumed or the chance to chat leisurely over two-hour gastronomique feasts. Comparing market finds or quietly contemplating one’s life in a 16^th century abbey? Whatever the reason, for one happy week, our seven guests become fast and furious friends.

Shopping in the market

Thoughtful contemplation (and maybe a little catnap) after a delicious lunch.

Two days later we're all fast and furious friends...

Petit cafe for dejeuner

Our thoughts were confirmed twice on this trip: once while we were driving with our handsome and charming driver, Christophe, and discussing the merits of soccer. One saucy lady happened to mention that the players, while at the top of their game, are usually pretty attractive, too. “Oh you ladies are the same all over,” exclaimed Christophe with a perfectly French grin and shrug. We all agreed.

Christophe, our fearless driver

A few days later, we gathered after a postcard pretty little market (in Lourmarin) to compare purchases. One Atlantan pulled out a new purchase and fetchingly modeled it.

Donna models her new top – and receives an admiring remark from a nearby vendor.

A vendor, a typical Provencal kind of guy, started applauding and called out in French, “You women are always admiring your babies!” (meaning that we coddle and cuddle the things we love.)

Les Baux

What we all realized is that despite the myriad of differences we have, we are all basically the same. We have families, careers, responsibilities and passions and when a bond is formed through one of those, a friendship is sure to be made.

And if that can happen for one week in enchanting Provence, it’s all the better!

Tata!

M.

Huffingtons in France - Linda & Ann take on Provence

At the market preparing for our group – no such thing as too much basil!

I am in France right now with Linda on a gallery trip to Provence and it’s one of the most fun trips we’ve ever had. I know, that’s a dangerous thing to say since we never want to play favorites and of course we love all our children equally! But what makes this trip so special is the camaraderie of the ladies in this group whose deep bonds of friendship date back to college days. They know each other so well that the jabs are flying constantly while the laughter is contagious, and Linda and I are spending half our time doubled over in stitches. Perhaps there is a little wine flowing in the evenings, but all in all, it’s such good fun.

One of my favorite parts of this trip is that for at least one guest, it is her first trip to France. Seeing it all through her eyes is like reliving it and appreciating it for the first time.

We’ve got a great system of helpers on our trips, the main one being the ever adorable and so fashionably footed Christophe, our driver. Today, taking a little side trip to the train station with Christophe, I learned that his motivation for guiding people around France is the same as ours – which is the joy you get for playing a part in showing people the unexpected, whether it’s the first time they’ve seen it or not.

The Fashionable Feet of Christophe

Christophe was a pilot in a previous life who took clients on circuits over parts of the marvelously varied Provence countryside. He said that the holidays were a busy season for him with many people offering his plane trip to their friends or families as a very special Christmas present. His favorite clients were the skeptics, like the farmer who was born and raised on his land and thought that nobody could teach him anything new. He described the farmer arriving begrudgingly to the airport, reluctant to get on a plane because he’d seen it all and knew the land thoroughly from the ground. And then slowly, as Christophe guided the plane over all the familiar territory, the farmer became mesmerized and enchanted by the countryside below, seeing it for the first time from a completely different perspective. By the time he finished the trip, Christophe said that the farmer was enchanted and beguiled by the beauty and the experience. Christophe said he loved that kind of client, and was so excited to appreciate it all over again through someone else’s eyes.

The fabulous and fashionably footed Christophe

I could really relate to this. The ladies on the trip often say, “Don’t you get tired of doing the trips and taking people to the same places every day?” and my answer is a resounding no! With each new group I get to see it through their eyes and appreciate it all over again, reliving it for the first time. Like Christophe, I sometimes even get a skeptic, someone who expects all French people to be rude and a tad anti-American. I try not to say anything, and just let the week unfold. And then little by little I get to hear each night about some random act of kindness or some unusual quirk that happened during the day. As the week evolves, I usually find that they discover something new, not just about the French but about themselves as well.

Our ladies of the week

In some ways it reminds me of life the gallery, when clients come in and admit their fear of buying art or of appearing uneducated by asking the wrong question. If there is one thing we have strived for, it is to make that person feel comfortable in our gallery. We hope they come away from their visit knowing that there are no right or wrong answers, that art is subjective, and that they should buy what speaks to them personally for whatever reason. We love it when that person comes back to the gallery, having enjoyed the process -- and the paintings.

And so it goes with these trips. If we can succeed in showing you things you’d never experienced before and opening your eyes and all of your senses to appreciate something new and unexpected, not only have we done our “job” but you will have given us an equal amount of pleasure.

New friends, on top of the world!

And that’s the case with our trip this week, and what a pleasure it has been! All I can really say is thank you to this tremendous group of women, who have given us the opportunity to see the beauty through their eyes and have taught us all again about the power of friendship, laughter and the deep bonds that connect us all together. Merci mesdames, for the week and for the happy reflections.

Our beautiful Ralph Lauren model, and her reflections

Tata,

A.