Guest Book
Every property on the Provence holidays website has been carefully hand- picked. We offer a varied selection of seasonal rentals that stand out from the ordinary and that genuinely inspire us. Where exceptional living spaces and breath-taking settings combine. Feedback from our customers is very important to us which is why we always ask for a post holiday review from our customers.
Simon Richards & the Provence Holidays team.
Chilling-out in style…
There are many objectives for a vacation; including - to varying degrees - unwinding, exploring an area, and enjoying times with friends. In our case, after a prolonged period of intensive work our primary focus was to unwind. However, we've decided this beautiful home is ideal for all three purposes. The perfect early September weather meant spending much of our time outside on the gorgeous terrace. It is a fabulous area where you feel both secluded and on top of the world. Beautiful elevated views across the vineyards towards the surrounding hills, attractive landscaping and comfortable furniture make it an absolute delight to just chill, gaze, and soak it all in. Before arriving we were a little curious about the dipping pool, and concerned it would be too warm to be refreshing. In fact it’s a perfect temperature for cooling down and taking in the views; especially at the end of a long hot day. Inside, the house is exquisitely furnished including some great artwork, and really well-equipped. Nothing is wanting at all - and the bed is super-comfortable too! Everything you need to eat and drink well is close by. We loved the market shopping at nearby Coustellet; buying Cavaillon melons (purported to be the best!), tapenade, cheeses, olive oil, wonderful fruit & vegetables and trying a few wines. We also went to several local restaurants; including Ménerbe’s own ‘Le 5’ - a real treat! Plus of course the nearby salon du thé ‘Chez Auzet’ complete with its sweet delicacies, where over your morning coffee and treat you can partake in some people watching: both tourists and locals! Like us, you'll inevitably need to do lots of walking to try and off-set some of the indulgences! We could very easily have spent all week just in Ménerbes; chilling out on the terrace with wineglass in hand and an occasional ‘sortie’ to explore the immediate environs - preferably on foot! However, Provence is a new domain for us, so we did venture out to explore the region. And there are such interesting choices in every direction. If you’re fond of the arts, there are numerous galleries to choose from. And a visit to the extraordinary ‘son et lumière’ at the Carrières Lumières nearby St Remy de Provence is a must. This season, Picasso is featured like you have never seen him before. Followed by a fabulous lunch at a St Remy restaurant (details in the house ‘guest book’). There is a range of local musical offerings as well: one magical evening in the chapel of the nearby Abbaye de St Hilaire we enjoyed a delightful concert featuring (amongst other items) the 3rd part of Handel’s Mass. And if wine-tasting is your personal vice - then as well as numerous local Provençale vineyards supported by limitless tasting options at Ménerbes ‘Maison de la Truffe et du Vin’ just 200m away - then less than an hour’s drive away you’re amongst southern Rhone treasures such as Chateauneuf du Pape, Beaumes de Venise, Gigondas… Other places to visit include the 2000 year old Pont du Gard near Avignon, the famous Calanques at Cassis, Gordes...the visit list is almost endless! During our stay we talked about how much fun it would be to return and share this home with friends. It is perfectly set up for two or three couples, with great convivial social spaces - but also secluded spots for a quiet retreat. In fact I'm drafting this review sitting in a comfy chair by an open French door, enjoying a gentle breeze and, yes - that view! What more can we say? The only downside of being here: our stay is near its end and tomorrow we must leave!
Perfect
We returned from Cabrières enchanted by our stay in this beautiful home, and in this beautiful and well preserved region. We and our children fell in love with it. The preparation of the house and the running of it made everything so easy, from first contact to handing back the keys at the moment of departure.
Great!
Sandy has a gorgeous house located in a wonderful region
Thank You
We had a lovely time at this home in Lourmarin! A fantastic place, cosy, relaxed and well equipped with everything! Nice paintings! We really enjoyed very much! It was such a warm wellcome, Adam hosted us very well all the time (top recommendation, any kind of problems he took care) - such a great person! We thank you for the bottle of wine and do enjoy it tonight at Lake Annecy... thinking of that perfect time- in down town Lourmarin- our favorite village! We will come backl
A true piece of paradise for family
I spent two weeks at this beautiful property with my family just 10 days after I first visited it with my wife. Both of us were amazed with this little paradise so we decided to bring all our family. The house is beautifully decorated, clean and has everything a family needs for a perfect holiday, big rooms with comfortable beds, a functional kitchen with all appliances, a stunning outdoor area with a big swimming pool, a bar and plenty of room for privacy. Every corner of this property has a breathtaking views on surrounding nature, in the heart of the Luberon, and the sunsets and sunrise are the best I have ever experienced in my life! A perfect place for a family holiday, highly recommended!!
Un séjour en famille réussi dans le Lubéron, une propriété magnifique et tout confort
Magnifique propriété tout confort avec belle piscine et grand terrain, située dans une magnifique région. Organisation et accueil au top. Nous avons passé un formidable séjour en famille, avec des enfants de 5 à 17 ans. Beaucoup de choses à faire: piscine, barbecues, jolis villages, marchés, vignobles, randos, ... Avignon, Aix et Marseille à max 1h de route. Encore merci aux propriétaires pour cette superbe location.
Lovely Paradise in Provence
If you want the quick summary, this is a lovely home in which to base yourself in this most beautiful area of France. Its a very comfortable, well equipped, value for money, quiet, picturesque residence on the outskirts of Menerbes, one of the most beautiful of the beautiful villages in this part of Provence. We have been to the property on 2 separate occasions in the last 5 years the last being a 2 week stay, we'd come more often but live in Sydney. Neither have disappointed. We were travelling with 2 young adults who wanted (and got) their own space and wifi, parents that wanted peace (and got it) and a grandmother who enjoyed the tranquility the house so easily offers. The residence includes a pool which is very much separate from the house, and has a pool house in which one of the boys took up residence. Its basic but comfortable. The house has good bedrooms that remained cool and were very comfortable, a lovely outdoor area and a very function kitchen. Whilst the overall location is very quiet, its is well placed, either to Menerbes itself, the house sitting at the green base of this beautiful elevated village, or to many of the villages in the surrounding areas. There is a very large supermarket not 10 minutes by car and easy road access to the surrounding regions. The lease is simple and Denis the owner responsive to communications. Once leased, you are met at the property but all was self explanatory. When we had one small issue with an appliance assistance was quick and resolved it very competently. That was our only issue over 2 stays. Both stays have only left us wanting more (we will return in 2020) such is the effect of this residence and its location. We hope you get the opportunity to enjoy it.
Peaceful
We've spent 3 weeks in that beautiful and peaceful place. The house is very well managed and with a great team to welcome you. The environment is calm with a great view the Luberon hill and oaks all around the house. Our kids loved the heated swimming pool. I'd strongly recommend the suite papillon that is incredible. I'll come back again next year.
Great for Families
This has been our second stay and won't be the last. The house and grounds are spacious and ideal for large families with children of any age. The standard of accommodation is very good and the grounds well maintained. The grandparents loved sittng out on the various terraces and the views to the different villages are fantastic. Great for landscape painting! The children enjoyed the freedom of the grounds and the pool is heated and alarmed - so really family-friendly. We have enjoyed exploring the region and the coast is not far, some of the local vineyards are definitely worth a visit! The countryside is very beautiful in the early summer and late September when we have visited, and we found a good choice of local restaurants and shopping.
Wonderful place to stay with your family...
We rented Le Mas de Menerbes for our extended family of six, including two children ages 7 and 9. The owner was very easy to coordinate with and answered all of our questions promptly. Upon arrival in Provence, the local caretakers were helpful with directing us to a great, local grocery store to stock up on supplies, and then were waiting for us upon our arrival to help us get settled in. The house was beautiful and full of charm, and the grounds were lush and very private. The olive grove and vineyards right outside the door were beautiful and fun to explore. Our children especially loved the pool. Every day we went off on an adventure in the Luberon, visiting farmers markets and villages. Then we returned to the house to enjoy the pool and to cook all the amazing fresh food we had collected during our outings. Our favorite part was having coffee on the terrace in the mornings, while listening and watching bees and butterflies visit the scores of lavender bushes on the property. We hope to be back soon! Thank you Provence Holidays!
A Fabulous Base in Provence
I traveled here with a group of 18, mostly couples, and we really enjoyed our stay. Sarah went above and beyond with all of our requests and that was so appreciated. She's a gem! Lovely home, easy walk to Gordes, accessible to many wonderful sights in Provence. And the views are gorgeous! Thank you Simon for all your help
Vacances à Ménerbes
La résidence est tout simplement exceptionnelle! nous sommes restés en famille et nous avons passé un excellent moment. La villa est au calme tout en étant proche des commodités. Elle est excessivement bien entretenue (il n'y a aucun défaut), il y a énormément d'accessoires (notamment dans la cuisine) qui rendent le séjour "facile". La maison, la piscine, le jardin étaient propres et trés bien entretenus. Le service de gestion de la maison (syndic) est à disposition pour rendre le sejour agréable, ils ont été trés gentils et trés agréable. Aucun problème avec le WiFi. Cette résidence est trés bien gérée et on sent que le propriétaire veille à la qualité et à l'entretien de sa résidence. Je recommande la location (mais pas trop car je souhaite pouvoir y revenir! :))
An amazing setting and a great house
Easily one of the most beautiful settings I have ever stayed at. The upscale house is structured to answer your every whim. Swim in a heated pool, enjoy a quiet read outside on comfy patio furniture, great kitchen to try your hand at French provincial recipes, and formal and informal dinning rooms to enjoy your meals. There is plenty of room to spread out. The best of modern conveniences in architecture that is decidedly French. Just a 15 minute walk into one of the quaintest towns with the nicest people who are proud of their history .
Location! Location! Location!
This property really ticked all the boxes and I'd go back in a heartbeat. Far enough (5 mins drive) from Bonnieux to feel like you have your own little oasis, but close enough to think nothing of popping out to the fantastic bakery each morning for fresh baguettes and croissants...and back again for cocktails or a wonderful dinner. Tasteful bedrooms and furnishings teamed with a well equipped kitchen, plenty of room to spread out and enjoy your time - what more could you ask for? Two external options for dining, each sitting 10 and one with a simply stunning view out across the valley. Huge table to seat 10 inside too.The pool was a lovely addition and well used during our stay. The fitter of us loved the tennis courts - great to have good sports equipment on the premises too. Lots of lovely nooks to grab some quiet time, with more comfortable seating areas other than the main living space inside meant that we never felt crowded. There were lots of things to keep children amused too, had any of us thought to bring any! :-) less selfish next time perhaps. It's a great base from which to explore, but so welcoming to come home too - on the practical side, well lit at night, not many steps and plenty of space to park multiple vehicles. My biggest worry when hiring somewhere is often what the beds will be like - need not have worried as they were perfect too. Lovely house that really feels like home.
Amazinglt beautiful property!
A group of ladies traveled to Provence and rented Mas Le Thor for a week. We have taken many trips to Europe and this house, by far, was the most incredible. From the beautiful grounds to the magnificent home, everything was perfect. The pictures of the house are exactly how it looks. We didn't want to stay in a place that looked American - we wanted to feel like we were in France. Needless to say, we couldn't have picked a better place. The kitchen has everything you need to cook meals. The bedrooms are beautiful and the beds are also very comfortable! We rented a car to take day trips and all towns are easily accessible from the house. We brought a GPS with us that was loaded with France maps. I highly recommend this if you plan on driving through Provence. It made day trips very enjoyable. There is also a supermarket close by which is great because we cooked every night. The caretakers of the home are helpful and kind. All of my friends share my enthusiasm for this incredible home and we would highly recommend it to others who want to experience a beautiful holiday in Provence! Thank you Simon for your patience and great advice.
Living the dream
A wonderful week spent in this magical place. A house decorated with taste and thought for relaxation, and for admiring the landscape. Terraces and rest areas to enjoy nature, find shade or sun, be together or separate. Evenings around the barbecue, grilling ribs of beef or lobster while watching Bonnieux and Lacoste light up at sunset, the last rays on Bonnieux, then the moon rising. The first cicadas in the morning in the delicious freshness that fades slowly. Admire the landscape in the large leather armchair in front of the bay window. The dream !
Highly recommended, beautiful house,super location
Exceptional property, situated beside two picturesque villages. Excellent facilities for all age groups, spacious for extended family members. Perfect location for nature lovers, several forest walks close by. Highly recommend, will definitely be back.
Very Happy...
The wife of the house is very friendly. She speaks fluently English, born in England as a child, so that made it much easier.You can't get anything better if you are looking for a Provencal romantic living. If I ever go back to Baux de Provence it with this couple holiday home I will stay if possible. There is absolutely nothing to dislike.
Fantastic Property
We were fortunate enough to spend three weeks in Bonnieux. We pleasantly found the home to be far more equipped, clean, and spacious than noted on the website. There is a beautiful stone "cave' with a flat screen television off the kitchen that was a delightful surprise! The whole feel of the property is unique: excellent artwork hung throughout, warm and traditional French kitchen, impeccable gardens and elaborate stone walls and pathways, and a daily view of the Provence from the deck, offering incredible sunsets. The pool offers complete privacy and enough shade for the hot summer days. Staying for a longer period of time, we were very happy to the caretakers responded immediately to any questions regarding use of washing machine, pool maintenance, etc. The house is 100% ready, and has everything you need from a salad spinner to a food processor to sharp knives, towels and beautiful soaps. The location of the house in the village is perfect, a touch off of the beaten path so you feel as if you're in the country, but one minute walk to everything! The village is charming and interesting, yet not overrun with tourism like several of the nearby villages, all worth a visit. We will definitely return and recommend it 100%!
WOW!
We had a fabulous week in this gorgeous provincial home. Lovely decor, clean and spacious. It accommodated all our needs and was in a very convenient location with only a short walk to Restaurants and shops. A terrace with amazing views and a delightful garden to enjoy and relax in. On arrival we were met by the friendly caretaker who was on call during our stay if we needed any assistance. We would love to return to Bonnieux and would certainly recommend this house for a very comfortable stay.