Harriet is the German content editor at Provence Holidays, responsible for translating and proofreading the entire German-language website.
“I also read Latin,” she adds, “though I have sadly not been able to use that skill for Provence Holidays… at least not yet.”
But her work is far more than linguistic - it is shaped by a deep appreciation of architecture, design, and history. Harriet originally trained as a historian, specialising in the European Middle Ages. Bilingual in English and German, she brings both academic rigour and creative flair to her work. In order to accurately reflect Provence’s places and properties, she often researches in French, then rewrites for a German-speaking audience - offering them a rich, thoughtful introduction to the region.
Recommended experience | The Domaine du Rayol
“The gardens are extraordinary,” she says. “They showcase Mediterranean plants from around the world, and the sea views are breathtaking.”
Harriet’s top recommendation for guests looking to experience a different side of Provence is the Domaine du Rayol, a coastal estate in Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer. Covering over fifty acres, the estate invites visitors to explore ecological gardening principles, attend guided tours and exhibitions, and relax in a setting designed to foster both learning and tranquillity. With a restaurant, bookshop, and nursery on-site, it is a complete experience that combines nature, sustainability, and discovery.
Harriet's favourite property | Château des Templiers
“It’s a unique retreat,” Harriet notes. “Somewhere you can truly unwind, while still being surrounded by the past.”
Located in Villedieu, Château des Templiers is one of the most historically significant properties in the Provence Holidays collection. Its origins trace back to the thirteenth century, when the Knights Templar used the site to manage lands and store supplies for expeditions to the Holy Land. “Stepping into this house feels like travelling back in time,” Harriet says.
The château retains many of its original features, from thick stone walls to vaulted ceilings, yet offers modern comforts including ensuite bathrooms, a large swimming pool, and expansive gardens with views over the Vaucluse. There is even a peaceful pond nestled in the grounds, making it just as suited to those seeking calm and quiet as it is to history enthusiasts.
Medieval magic | Le Vallon Secret
“I would spend my days here enjoying the peace and quiet,” Harriet says. “The lush colours, the scent of wildflowers, the sound of a gently trickling stream - it is the perfect place to reconnect with nature.”
For those seeking total privacy and immersion in nature, Harriet recommends Le Vallon Secret, a restored farmhouse tucked deep in The Luberon countryside. With no neighbours and nothing but woodland, meadows, and birdsong for company, this property offers a quiet, meditative escape. The home itself blends rustic charm with authentic Provençal architecture - exposed stone, wooden beams, and a shaded courtyard for dining outdoors. Whether you are a writer seeking solitude or simply want to slow down for a while, Le Vallon Secret is ideal for guests who value tranquillity and space.
Favourite village | L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
“You will always find something unique from centuries past,” she says. “It is the kind of place where you can lose track of time just browsing.”
Harriet has a soft spot for L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a town shaped as much by its medieval past as by the gentle flow of the Sorgue River that winds through it. Once a fortified village known as Insula, it was surrounded by water and marshland, giving it a strategic advantage and a distinct island character that survives today in its many canals and waterways.
In the Middle Ages, the town’s location and access to water made it a centre for wool production and milling, a legacy that lives on in the preserved water wheels dotted along the river. These wheels once powered the town’s textile workshops and grain mills - remnants of a thriving economy driven by craftsmanship and trade. Today, the old stone buildings and narrow streets still echo this industrious past. L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is best known for its antiques markets, drawing collectors and visitors from across Europe. But there is more to discover beneath the surface - from the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame-des-Anges with its richly decorated Baroque interior, to the town’s role as a monastic hub in earlier centuries.
Beyond its historic charm, the village makes a great base for exploration. Within a short drive you can visit the lavender fields of Sénanque Abbey, walk the ochre trails of the Sentier des Ocres, or hike into the Vaucluse mountains. It is a town that offers both cultural depth and natural beauty - something Harriet always appreciates.
From medieval history to Mediterranean gardens, Harriet’s perspective brings a thoughtful and deeply informed voice to the Provence Holidays team. Through her translations, German-speaking guests can explore Provence with confidence - guided by someone who understands the region’s layers, stories, and quiet beauty.
À bientôt,
Harriet
