L'Esprit de Provence

Staying in Villeneuve lès Avignon at the Hotel de L'Atelier we were reminded of what this unique land has to offer. The Papal occupancy of Avignon during the 14th century has left its mark on the entire area, leaving it with a rich architectural and cultural heritage. The village of Villeneuve lès Avignon for instance was used by the cardinals during this period, and as well as the grand properties left by them, it has the perfect Provençal square. This village is a great base for exploring the surrounding area, places such as L'Isle sur la Sorgue, famous for its antique shops, Arles, the Carmargue, the Alpilles, and Avignon where it is impossible to park inside the city walls.

The thing that really struck us though was the "Esprit de Provence", a beguiling mix of sound and smells that comes from the first southern landscape in Europe; it infuses itself in the relaxedness of the people, the lightness of the food, but first and foremost the light! Lauded by many, this unique light gives a clarity that is difficult to find anywhere else.