Did Peter Mayle’s ‘A Year in Provence’ make you dream of sultry days in the south of France, with the scent of lavender in the air and the hum of cicadas in the background? You can make this fantasy a reality with a stay at the Bastide Saint-Didier, a blissful 7-bedroom B&B set in a converted 18th-century farmhouse that will quickly become your home away from home. You're expertly hosted by the warm and welcoming Richard (baker and chef) and Jasmine (gardener extraordinaire), who created this little piece of paradise and are brimming with local knowledge - they can make restaurant recommendations and conjure up itineraries to order.
Give yourself a whole week here, if you can swing it, as there’s much to do in the region, best enjoyed by embracing its relaxed spirit. Begin each morning with a glorious breakfast on the terrace in the dappled shade of grape vines, and leisurely plan activities between mouthfuls of crisp baguette and locally-grown seasonal fruit. Allow plenty of time at the property to swim in the saltwater pool, read books in the scented garden and maybe dabble in a game of boules. Then venture out on day trips: see the medieval village of Venasque, pick up some antiques in L’Isle sur la Sorgue, explore Avignon, go kayaking on the Sorgue river, or take in a round of golf. The Bastide is only a few kilometres away from the Abbaye of Senanque and Gordes, the famous Luberon villages of Luberon and the lavender fields of Sault. The Alpilles and the wine areas are just half-an-hour away too.
Highs
- The generous breakfast is way more special than your average hotel continental
- The rose- and lavender-filled garden is a highlight, especially in springtime
- Wonderful and generous hosts, Richard and Jasmine, who will elevate your stay to the truly memorable
- The sizeable and romantic rooms come with high ceilings, original beams, comfy beds, even air-conditioning and mosquito nets
- Charming Saint-Didier village is 10 minutes' walk from the property and boasts restaurants, bakeries and bars, and is within easy reach of the region's greatest hits
Lows
- No twin beds
- The child-free policy makes this B&B a no-go for families, and no pets allowed; this is a tranquil grown-up place – but note that there is a cat on the property
- Only one room on the ground floor, making options limited for those with mobility issues
- The pool area feels a bit dated and the deck chairs are close together, limiting privacy
- No TVs in the rooms, which adds to the peaceful atmosphere
Best time to go
Aim for springtime when the garden is at its blushing, fragrant best. Or time your visit to coincide with one of the many local festivals, such as the Easter weekend international antiques fair in L’Isle sur la Sorgue, the lavender season in late June/early July or the medieval festival in Chateauneuf du Pape in August. The B&B closes during winter (late October - late March).
Our top tips
My favourite feature is the open-air guest kitchen, located just off the central courtyard. It’s equipped simply, more for assembling (rather than cooking) an easy meal. But it’s perfect for putting together a homemade salad and slice of quiche for an effortless summer dinner to be enjoyed under the olive trees, with a glass of rose, of course. Ideal for those nights when restaurant fatigue kicks in.
- Boutique B&B
- 7 rooms
- Breakfast only, walk to restaurants
- Adults only
- Closed: mid-October - end March
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
Rooms
The five Garden View rooms with en suite shower bathrooms are all surprisingly spacious and beautifully furnished in a chic-farmhouse style. Crisp linens and fluttering curtains all add to the romance of the rooms, and the thick queensized mattresses and abundance of pillows guarantee a good night’s sleep. One is on the ground floor for easy access to the garden.
There is also a spacious Suite (with a queen bed), which has bucolic views from the windows on each side of the room. The sweet little Duplex has a kitchenette and living space on the ground floor, with stairs up to the bedroom (with queen bed) and bathroom above – this may not work so well for older guests.
Note that no rooms can take an extra bed or be set up as twins.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Central heating
- Coffee / tea making
- Hairdryer
- Toiletries
- WiFi
Eating
The vast breakfast spread offered by friendly hosts Richard and Jasmine is abundant and absolutely delicious – and set us up for the day – perfect for either lazing by the pool or heading out for an adventure. You get homemade jams and cakes, seasonal fruit, eggs cooked to order and honey from the property.
Local restaurant options are plentiful, with nearby Saint-Didier village boasting a couple of pizzerias (takeaways are possible), plus several bistros and even a buzzy little Japanese restaurant.
There is also the option of visiting one of the two local grocery stores and preparing light meals in the outdoor guest kitchen, which features two refrigerators, a microwave, crockery, cutlery and basic condiments (like olive oil and salt).
Features include:
- Breakfast
- Restaurants nearby
Activities
- There’s endless sightseeing to be done in this region, from big-hitters like Avignon and the Pont du Gard through to gorgeous little Luberon villages including Gordes and Ménerbes
- Head to the vineyards (only 30 mins away) including Chateauneuf du Pape for world-class wine-tasting and lunch at the hilltop Les Verger des Papes
- The famous Abbaye of Senanque is a few kilometres distant; as are the Sault lavender fields
- Hire a bike in Saint-Didier and go on a cycling adventure to the picturesque villages of Venasque and Methamis
- Hiking, rock climbing, horse-riding and zip lining near Mont Ventoux are good options for active travellers, or head in the other direction for the Alpilles Natural Regional Park
- If you’re feeling brave, head on an underground adventure through nearby caves and underground rivers with local company Camina Terra
- If you want to take it a little slower, drive over to L’Isle sur la Sorgue (the antiques capital of France) to pick up some treasures
- Assemble your dream Provencal picnic with treats foraged from one of the local farmers markets
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Caves
- Cycling
- Golf
- Historical sites
- Horse riding
- Shopping / markets
- Swimming
- Wine tasting
- Zip-wiring
Location
Bastide Saint-Didier is located on the edge of Saint-Didier village, in the heart of Provence, well positioned for the region's best attractions – between Avignon and the Regional Natural Park of Mont Ventoux, between the Luberon and the Alpilles.
By Air:
It’s an 80-minute drive from Marseille Provence Airport, or a 2.5-hour drive from Nice Cote d’Azur Airport.
By Car:
A car is essential when visiting this part of the world; most will hire a car to explore the area.
By Train:
It’s a 50-minute drive from Avignon TGV station, which has fast trains going to Paris.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Aéroport Marseille Provence 80.0 km MRS
- Nice Cote d'Azur 0.0 km
Other:
- Beach 75.0 km
- Shops 1.0 km
- Restaurant 1.0 km
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