Surroundings
Nestled between the quaint yet vibrant medieval villages of Villecroze and Salernes, La Pichouline is ideally located in the lush mountains of Provence.
This rich and historic landscape offers a host of outdoor pursuits, from quiet hiking trails to horse-riding, local pottery workshops, wine-tasting, to dipping your toe into historic Roman baths - there is an activity and adventure to satisfy every taste and fancy!
Activities
Provence is famous for its rolling vineyards. Explore them for yourself and sample some of the local wine at a host of nearby vineyards, including the award-winning La Valcolombe, a five minute walk along our leafy chemin.
Reconnect with your creative and spiritual side by taking part in the many pottery workshops and yoga classes on offer in the surrounding villages.
For those looking to truly immerse themselves in La vie en rose, French classes are offered by some wonderful teachers in the area.
A lively collection of restaurants, markets, wineries and bars, all withing walking distance, means you can make dining out an activity unto itself!
Heritage Sites
The St Barthélémy valley has long been known for its restorative properties, predating Lourdes as a place of healing.
A chapel in the poplar woods, St Barthélémy continues to hold a space of calm and tranquility for walkers and picnickers, as well as some beautiful views of the poplar forests and clear spring surrounding it.
Thoronet Abbey - a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture - is one of three abbeys found in Provence.
Founded in 1146 by the Cistercian monks of Tourtour, the abbey is located in the heart of an oak forest where its simple beauty is highlighted by the shafts of natural light filtering through the leaves.
Salernes
A friendly town only 2kms from home, Salernes is a hive of activity with bustling Sunday markets and a range of bars and boutiques scattered amongst its streets. The proud home of terracotta tiles, the creative spirit of Salernes is palpable in its many pottery shops - as well as in the bright mosaics, painted shutters and flower baskets that adorn its houses.
Roman Baths
Dip into a natural swimming pool powered by the clear water of the river Bresque at La Muie. Just outside Salernes, this popular bathing spot dating back to Roman times offers an oasis of rejuvenation and refreshment during the hot summer months.
Villecroze
Villecroze lies tucked in the hollow of a limestone hill, in the first foothills of the Alps of Provence and a mere 2km walk from La Pichouline. Against this resplendent backdrop, Villecroze boasts many attractions.
Wander through the spindly streets of the medieval 'vieux village', grab a bite and enjoy the local boules-playing in the picturesque village square, or visit the village caves, "Les Grottes", tucked into the mountainside. Originally shaped by water, these caves were built in the 16th century and overlook a magnificent park stretching over 2 hectares that contains many rare species of Mediterranean origin.
Tourtour
Known as "Le village dans le ciel" - "the village in the sky", Tourtour dates back to the 12th century and is considered one of France's most beautiful villages.
Gorges du Verdon
Europe's largest canyon and what many consider to be France's answer to the awesome majesty of the Grand Canyon, the spectacular Gorges du Verdon is only 40 minutes drive away. Sublime panoramas, expansive wilderness and a host of outdoor pursuits at your fingertips, the Gorges du Verdon proffers a plethora of possibilities for every adventurer, from hiking trails, white-water rafting, paragliding, canoeing and more. Discover all this breathtaking landmark has to offer here.
Nice, Cannes, Monaco, Saint Tropez...
Although the sweeping landscapes of La Pichouline make it feel like a world unto itself, the property is ideally located to sample all of the scenic delights the South of France is renowned for. Indulge in the picturesque beauty of Nice, Cannes and Marseille, cruise easily to Monaco, or pop over to Italy for a spot of lunch and a browse through the famed Italian markets. All of these are easily accessible by car or train. The TGV train station at Les Arcs Draguignan is only 20 minutes drive from the property.
Overlooking the Provençal mountains, this hilltop spot boasts stunning architecture, quaint restaurants, galleries and the best views of Provence's verdant and vibrant landscape. An 8km hike from La Pichouline through olive groves and wooded mountainside takes you to this magical village, where rich heritage meets a lively and infectious atmosphere.