Metafort

Rooms

There are 5 double rooms, each decorated very simply in whites and greys with a large emphasis on Zen pared-back calm. All bar Lilly have a small seating area, but we suspect you won't spend much time in your room: the views from the windows are ridiculously enticing.

Sous les Étoiles is the standout room. Tucked into the eaves of the third-floor attic, it has a spacious terrace with soaring views. Its bed can be rolled outside so you can sleep under the stars - pure romance! The Jacuzzi tub is in a separate room, under a skylight. Lilly is the smallest room, but still has plenty of space - 25 sq.m and a kingsize bed. Opaline and Cocoon have a little more room and sweeping vistas from their second floor position. Even ground-floor Diamantina has good views from 7 windows in its cosy bedroom, plus a separate bathroom and small lounge with space for an extra bed.

For a bit more privacy, The Flat has a separate entrance, a small kitchen-diner, and its own terrace, while L'Annesque is a contemporary and utterly charming cabin in the garden, with a secluded sit-out and breathtaking views of the gorge from its huge windows. All rooms have A/C, good WiFi and a TV (L'Annesque has binoculars instead - a charming touch).

Every room has a jacuzzi bathtub, most with coloured lights for a bit of fun, plus a handheld shower. Many of these are within the bedroom, sometimes separated by a curtain or wall - all part of the romantic vibe.

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• Central heating
• Coffee / tea making
• Cots available
• DVD player
• Hairdryer
• Pool towels
• Toiletries
• TV
• WiFi

Eating

A lovely homemade French breakfast is laid out in the shared kitchen-diner. Slice some baguette and sample homemade jams, cheeses, fruit and fresh-from-the-oven muffins. Elsa and Arnaud can rustle up eggs or French toast at your request.

There's no restaurant but Saturday evening meals are available for a minimum of 8 people; plans are typically confirmed at the beginning of the week. Served in the garden, weather permitting, they showcase traditional Provençal dishes using local and organic vegetables. You can watch the cooking and learn a few secrets too.

A great dinner option for your first evening is their bountiful cheese, meat and salad platter, accompanied by snacks and fruit tartlets, all sourced from within 15 miles. Grab a table by the pool or gorge, and a beer or wine from the honesty fridges, and tuck in as the stars come out. Parfait.

Other options include a simple but fun summer eatery in the village (open June-August); and a highly acclaimed restaurant, La Calade, in Blauvac (8 mins' drive; book ahead).

There is space in the fridge reserved for each room, so you can store your market purchases and use the large professional kitchen to cook your own meals if you're feeling adventurous. Coffee and tea are available all day, and Arnaud sometimes bakes a cake for guests to graze on.

Features include:

• Breakfast
• Dinner by arrangement
• Honesty bar
• Meal delivery service
• Organic produce
• Restaurants nearby
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• Make the most of the serenity. Read a book by the infinity pool that looks like it flows right into the canyon
  
• Take a tour of local vineyards. Metafort is in the heart of the Ventoux wine region and mountain bikes can be delivered directly to the house
  
• Cyclists are warmly welcomed: Arnaud, an ex-pro cyclist and partner of Acceuil Velo, can arrange high-spec road or e-bikes; top routes include the ascent of Ventoux and the Nesque Gorge circuit
  
• Visit pretty neighbouring villages, including Bédoin, Mormoiron, Venasque, Gordes, Crillon le Brave and Le Barroux, which are all under an hour away by car
  
• Get some culture in Avignon. The Pont d'Avignon and the impressive Palais des Papes are the 2 must-sees
  
• Visit L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue on a Sunday. This town has a wonderful brocante market snaking through it, as well as pretty shops and lovely riverfront restaurants. You can go kayaking here, too
  
• Enjoy Provence away from the crowds: go for a drink at the authentic Provençal bar in Méthamis, hike to the spectacular rock church in the Nesque canyon; raft the stunning Gorges du Verdon; pop into sleepy local wineries for a dégustation
  
• Pamper yourself. Metafort has a small room on the second floor for massages

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Cycling
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Hot tub
• Kayaking
• Mountain biking
• Museums / galleries
• Shopping / markets
• Spa treatments
• Swimming
• Wine tasting

Kids

This is really an adult retreat, though babes in arms (under 1 year old) and teens aged 14+ are allowed. This is due to the steep drops around the hotel. Diamantina has space for an extra bed.

Family friendly accommodation:

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Metafort is in the pretty hilltop town of Methamis, around 40km east of Avignon in the Vaucluse area of Provence, southern France.

By Air:
There are several airports within driving distance, the best option being Marseille (a 1 hour 30 min drive from Metafort). Those coming from further afield can connect to here via Paris. Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving these airports.

From the Airport
We'd recommend hiring a car. It's not 100% essential, but it's a good idea if you want to spend more than a weekend here, getting out to explore neighbouring towns, the countryside and the joys of Provence itself. See our car rental recommendations. If you don't want to drive, you can take a taxi from the airport. Elsa & Arnaud will recommend a trusted taxi service.

By Train:
If you don't want to drive, France's reliable TGV system runs to Avignon. From there you can hop in a taxi or pick up a local train to the closest stop, Carpentras (20km from the B&B), then take a shorter taxi.

By Bus:
There are several small bus networks in the Vaucluse; intercity coaches also cover the area, running to Avignon and Marseille, and Provence in general is well connected with bus routes.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.

More on getting to France and getting around