Explore Provence
This part of Provence, the Luberon/Vaucluse, offers visitors amazing scenery and a history that goes back to Roman times. There is the sunlight so famously revered by artists and a very special way of life that is romantic, relaxing and full of delight. Visual treats range from vistas of nodding sunflowers and the serried lines of aromatic lavender fields to stunning hilltop Medieval towns, sleepy villages and colourful rolling vineyards. There are mountains to hike or cycle; rivers to swim or kayak; gorgeous shops for clothes, homewares or antiques; outstanding food both in the markets and the restaurants and delightful little cafés where you can sit and watch the world go by.
L’Isle sur la Sorgue
L’Isle sur la Sorgue, ‘The Venice of France’, is just 3 km from Mas Saint Damien. L’Isle, built on a web of canals, is a mecca for antiques enthusiasts and, after Paris, is the most respected antiques centre in France. With more than 350 antiques and bric-a-brac dealers open all year, this town is antiques heaven and when the big antique fairs take place, several times a year, the atmosphere is particularly vibrant. There are some wonderful shops in L’Isle sur la Sorgue as well as a plethora of excellent restaurants, bars and cafes. The renowned Sunday morning market is not to be missed.
Places to visit
Luberon
All these villages and towns are near enough to visit by car for a morning exploration or evening drink and all can be easily reached by road bike from Mas Saint Damien:
Slightly Further Afield
Other special places that can be reached by car in under an hour’s drive from Mas Saint Damien include:
Nearby Wineries
There are scores of vineyards and wineries in the region to visit. Enjoy a tasting at a small family run vineyard like Chateau de Mille which produces excellent wines in a stunning location or visit the estates of famous big names like Ridley Scott’s Mas des Infermieres which is littered with memorabilia from his iconic films.
Three that we particularly enjoy taking guests to are:
Getting there
Marseille airport is less than an hour’s drive from Mas Saint Damien and car hire from there is very straightforward.
Avignon is 24 kms away (TGV Avignon is a 30 minute drive, Avignon airport is even less).
Trains run from both Marseille airport and Avignon to the local station, L’Isle sur la Sorgue – Fontaine de Vaucluse.
If you are driving from Northern France, the journey from Calais to Mas Saint Damien is about 9 to 10 hours (900kms).
The house is 3 kms out of Isle sur la Sorgue, 1 km off the D900 towards Coustellet and Apt.
