We decided we'd like to explore a little more of the region beyond the Luberon and spend a few days on the Côte d'Azur. We were in search of a quiet, boutique hotel, one that offered good food where we could relax for a few days by a pool and feel a little indulged. With lots of places to chose from you're never completely sure if you've made a good selection until you arrive. Nestled on the cliffs above the sparkling Mediterranean, Hôtel La Villa La Duce, proved to be a gem!

About a three hour drive from Lourmarin we chose to drive across country instead of taking the autoroute. It was a scenic journey, through vast areas of sweeping vineyards into the beautiful countryside of the Var.

We stopped for lunch by the Mediterranean at the pretty beach town of Le Lavandou, just 13km west of our destination at Rayol-Canadol-sur-Mer and 30km west of the beaches of the Saint Tropez Peninsular.

Le Lavandou bustles with restaurants, shops and cafés, cheerily strung along the quay.

We wandered by the water until we found somewhere that seemed impossible to resist. Doubtless tempted by a display of one of our favourite rosés, Léoube, from nearby Bormes-Les-Mimosas. (There's a story to Léoube which I'll share next time.)

After lunch we wound our way a little further along the oleander fringed corniche. Mediterranean villas, smothered with bright purple and fushia bougainvillea clung to the hillside either side of us, painting a profusion of color along our pathway

Then we arrived at Hôtel La Villa La Duce, perched amongst the clay tiled roof tops with dazzling views from the terrace, of our beautifully appointed room, of the Mediterranean and Côte d'Azur.

Champagne and rosé were some of the offerings at cocktail hour, carefully positioned to show case the view.

As was the hotel's restaurant, Le Café l’Envol.....

The cuisine was a delicious work of art without being pretentious and it was reasonably priced.

View the menu here.

Breakfast was served on the upper terrace at Le Club Papillon with sweeping views across the glistening, blue water.

The breakfast buffet was a sumptuous feast, we certainly didn't need lunch!

After 2 days of  indulgence we decided to explore a little further and visited Gassin one of Les plus beau villages de France, a medieval village high above the beautiful Saint-Tropez Peninsular.

Jean-Luc Ducreux' incredible bronze and steel sculpture dangled by the village entrance.

Where 'Don Quixote' seemed to be guarding the secrets of this picturesque little spot.

And it was really very pretty.

A visit to one of Les beau villages never disappoints.

We stopped on the short drive back at the beach near Croix-Valmer.

Where we were enticed to stay for dinner with the sand between our toes.

Gambas et frites..... très délicieux!

We only had a few days in this little haven,

and it was hard to tear ourselves away.

Only open a few years, we've already booked to go back. If you'd like to visit Hôtel La Villa La Duce click here, it's cheaper to book direct!

Where do you like to stay on the Côte d'Azur?

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Most visitors to Provence and indeed much of the Mediterranean, are usually entranced by the charming features of the local architecture, especially in the countryside. It interesting to learn that much of the construction in Provence, actually, has very little to do with the much admired aesthetics, and much more to do with the practical requirements of needing to withstand the fierce gusts of the Mistral wind and the relentless summer heat.

We can certainly testify to the strength and biting cold of the Mistral in Provence. It is a wind like no other and quite understandable that buildings over the centuries have been designed to try to cope with its brutal force. The Mistral usually develops as a cold front moving from the north, down through France. Air piles up in the Alps before spilling over the mountain tops and rushing as a freezing blast, down the Rhone Valley between the Alps and Cevennes. The Mistral can blow continuously for several days and reach speeds of over 100km, (62 miles) it's power, is really quite unbelievable. Although strongest and most frequent in winter it can still cause much misery well into spring! It is however usually accompanied by clear, fresh weather and it plays a very significant role in creating Provence’s otherwise sublime, climate. The name 'mistral' is aptly derived in part from the Languedoc dialect meaning ‘masterly’.
So how has the Mistral impacted construction in Provence? Farmhouses, or 'mas', have traditionally been built from locally available materials. The golden stone walls, sometimes cemented together or else rendered smooth with plaster. They are designed to be strong and compact, retaining warmth in the winter and keep buildings cool in the summer.


The distinctive clay tiled roofs are made of thick, red curved,terracotta.


They are often laid in a double or triple layer, set in mortar and protrude out beyond the wall to cover the main living areas and annexes.  Their interlocking design forms canals to allow rainwater to run down and drain off the roof. The decorative frieze seen under the eaves dates back to the Roman's (Genoise).
Roofs normally have gentle slopes to prevent tiles sliding or blowing off in the Mistral. Protruding stone chimneys are built low and squat to also prevent being damaged by the winds.

When you look at the local buildings, they are nearly always purposefully, southeast facing to minimize the Mistral's impact. For the same reason, windows are rarely added on the north walls to avoid the Mistral’s icy chill. Windows are deliberately small to prevent the wind coming in but large enough to allow in sufficient light. The distinctive shutters also originate from the need to shut out both the wind in winter and the heat in summer.

In the numerous medieval towns and perched villages, a huddle of cobbled streets, steps, alleys and archways, it is very striking how narrow the tiny streets are. This too was deliberate, to make them easier to protect and confuse attacking soldiers. Today they remain as peaceful and quaint, reminders perhaps of more turbulent times.

The overall effect of all these architectural features helps Provence to remain an idyllic spot, set within its dramatic landscape, mountains falling down into the sea, communities still clinging to desolate hill tops, and an abundant countryside, overflowing with vineyards, fruit trees, olive groves, lavender and sunflowers, it is totally captivating!

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Travel France Online's latest addition to their portfolio is a visit I made to the charming, coastal village of Bandol in the department of Var, Provence. Nestled within the embrace of a sweeping Mediterranean bay, Bandol is renowned for its clear waters and sandy beaches. The surrounding vineyards are some of the oldest in France, its first vines were planted by the Romans over 2,500 years ago! Bandol's close proximity to the port of Marseille meant its wine was exported globally from very early times, Bandol wine bottles could be found in India or Brazil 2 centuries ago! Stroll its charming quay side, admire the neat moorings of cheery, brightly painted boats and stop for a while to sip the regions truly delicious wines, you won't be disappointed!!

Click here to read Travel France Online's article and and remember Travel France Online's site  should you be planning a trip to Diane's beautiful country, it is an invaluable resource for your travels to France!

You can remind yourself of Shutters and Sunflowers original article here.

Click here for the location of Bandol

The post The charming town and sumptuous vineyards of Bandol, Provence appeared first on Shutters & Sunflowers.

Shutters and Sunflowers' article about Cassis has just been published by 'Travel France Online' the excellent, free, online travel resource founded by Diane de la Guillermie which in her words, aims '........to help you discover and enjoy French history and culture'. I have visited Cassis many times and enjoyed its unspoiled charm and the incredible Calanques de Cassis, the incredible finger like forges which penetrate its surrounding cliffs.

Watching the World go by in Cassis.

Cassis, a small, picturesque Mediterranean town and long time favourite destination of the French, lies about 40km south of Aix-en-Provence.

Unlike some of its more grander neighbours along the Côte d’Azur, Cassis has maintained a certain gentle authenticity, with its gaily coloured boats and tall, shuttered buildings, a sparkling water front and gently sloping sandy beach.

Click here to read the Cassis article from Travel France Online from Shutters and Sunflowers and remember Travel France Online's site  should you be planning a trip to Diane's beautiful country, it is an invaluable resource for your travels to France!

You can remind yourself of the original article here.

CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE PDF GUIDE ABOUT NEARBY  LOURMARIN & THE LUBERON VALLEY 

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The quaint fishing town of Bandol, nestled within the embrace of a sweeping Mediterranean bay, a mere 80 minutes drive from Lourmarin and yet a world away for my sleepy little spot in the Luberon. Bustling on a market day morning, a street fayre which stretched all along the sea front. Market shoppers spilling out onto the streets sipping their cappucinos, some even clutching an early, vin rosé . Perhaps that could be forgiven, despite the slightly mid morning hour as we were in one of Provence's most famous and delicious wine growing areas - les vignobles de Bandol.

The vineyards of Bandol, in the hills between La Ciotat and Toulon are some of the oldest in France. It is believed that the first vines were planted in Bandol by the Romans over 2,500 years ago. Bandol's close proximity to the port of Marseille meant that this full body red wine, was a popular export. Bandol wine bottles could be found in India or Brazil 2 centuries ago!

The atmosphere was definitely reminiscent of careless summer days. We strolled the quay side admiring the neat moorings of cheery, brightly painted boats. Jackets and scarves happily left in the car, rolled up sleeves and sunglasses made us feel we had almost skipped a season and arrived in summer!

Palm trees and shuttered buildings above bustling little stores sporting this years display of T-shirts, swim suits, sun hats and all the typical wares of a seaside destination.

Brightly coloured awnings, some already pulled out to provide some shade, provided bright splashes of colour.

The town's carousel all spruced up in readiness for all the excited little people who would soon be laughingly enjoying its roundabout thrill -  little sticky fingers, ice cream smeared smiles, grinning broadly for the camera clicks of their proud onlooking parents, joyfully capturing happy memories.

and beautiful mimosa everywhere, surely one of Provence's most defining blooms.......

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Genoa is very close to the border with Provence! Within a moment you have sped along the AutoRoute and it becomes the Autostrade and voilà France is behind you and you are in Italy! No passport control, no douane, no barricades, no police, just a dark blue square signpost with the familiar circle of gold stars and the words ‘France’ replaced by ‘Italy’. You are now in a different country! The roads are the same, the trees and plants but quick glimpses of the architecture reminds you that you are somewhere else.

Taller buildings, more compact, with longer, somewhat tattier looking shutters, the provencal ochre, blues and lavenders replaced with duller, more austere shades. The Autostrade hugs the coastline and twines its way along the Italian Riviera, close to the sparkling, beguiling Mediterranean. Small beach towns and fishing villages are frequently signposted, visited along twisting, winding switchbacks, bathed in sunlight beckoning you to sample their espressos, gelatos and pizzas closer to the water. You feel you should be in a convertible car with large sunglasses and a Hermes scarf neatly tied under your chin containing your beautifully coiffured locks, à la Grace Kelly!!

Within 90 minutes you are pulling up outside a smart Italian hotel in the city of Genoa, a bell boy anxiously rushing to relieve you of your luggage as you mutter ‘merci’, stammer and replace it with a ‘grazie’, one of the only 5 words of Italian you know, maybe your French isn’t so feeble after all!!!!

Genoa, sprawling strades, with a tempting indoor food hall, parmesan,

fresh pasta, luscious fruits and vegetables!
Bustling cafes and  stylish people hurrying across magnificent piazzas and Vespas everywhere!

An impressive harbor, complete with a authentic replica of Neptune's  Galleon, appropriate for the city where one of the world's most famous explorers was born - Christopher Columbus!

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