Bastide de Blanche

Locale

This superb little village in the Luberon is considered one of the finest in France. Built on a hill, it is surrounded by magnificent countryside. When visiting Ménerbes you will notice that its rich historic past has been well-preserved. The Dolmen de la Pichouno (unique to the Vaucluse) shows that Ménerbes has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Archeological excavations have uncovered the remains of villas and an ancient cemetery dating back to Roman times. Across from the Luberon Mountain chain lies an ancient convent of the Carmelite Order which has its beginning around 1250. Built on an existing religious site, Saint Hillaire is rich on architectural styles, from Roman to classical Gothic. During the Middle Ages, access to the town was through the two doors, St Sauveur et Notre Dame. At the time of the religious wars in the 16th century, Ménerbes was the capital of the Protestant movement and you can admire the imposing citadel built between the 12th and 16th century. This dramatic past comes to life when you see the magnificent old houses, now lovingly restored and the power taken by the aristocracy at the time. The houses certainly lend character to the old Ménerbes ! Nicolas de Staël and Picasso both owned houses in Ménerbes and they have been joined by other famous artists, musicians, comedians and writers, all of whom own one of the farmhouses scattered around the village. Do not leave Ménerbes without making a tour of the picturesque "corkscrew museum" where more than 1,000 different varieties of this magic tool are on display. The corkscrew was invented in the 12th century... by a Frenchman of course !!! What to see: St Hilaire abbey. 14th century church. 18th century chapel Ste Blaise. Medieval and renaissance houses. Corkscrew museum.

Getting Here

The easiest way to get to Inland Provence from the US is to fly to Marseille International Airport (MRS). If you would like to see Paris, fly to Charles de Gaulle Airport then connect directly to the TGV (high speed train) from CDG TGV2 to Avignon TGV (3 hours direct) and rent a car. You would plan to see Paris on the way back, taking the TGV from Avignon TGV to Paris Gare de Lyon, getting a cab to your hotel in the city.

Engage Local Chefs and Arrange Private Tours

Only Provence partners with LG Service, a locally run and bilingual business that can arrange a wide range of tours and activities and match you with the best chef for your meals. See tour details and chef menus at provence-chefs-experience.com

For more information on arranging chefs and tours during your stay, email: louise.lgservices@gmail.com

Terms and Conditions Overview

Arrival:
Typical changeover day is Saturday, unless stated in the property overview – please inquire for an alternative arrival day.

Minimum Stay:
Most properties require a 1-week minimum stay - please inquire about shorter or flexible stays outside the summer months.

Services Included:
Final cleaning and any additional maid service listed on the web page.

Making your reservation:
These properties are reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, before you reserve, you are required to review and sign a rental agreement for the villa (the“Rental Agreement”) within 48 hours of booking. We will send you the Rental Agreement via Docusign. The Rental Agreement explains in detail all of terms and conditions regarding the rental and use of the property in detail. We shall have no obligation to accept any reservations, unless the Rental Agreement is fully executed.

Payment:
After you have signed the Rental Agreement and filled out the appropriate information, as approved by us, a nonrefundable payment of 30%* of the Rental Fee (which price is defined in your Rental Agreement) must be received by us within five (5) days to confirm the reservation. The remaining 70% of the Rental Fee is due 60 days before the arrival date, and is also non-refundable. If reservations are made less than 60 days prior to the arrival date, then 100% of the Rental Fee must be paid upon the signing of the Rental Agreement. Please know that a failure to pay any portion of the Rental Fee as set forth above and in Rental Agreement can result in loss of the reservation of the villa and a termination of the Rental Agreement. We will confirm receipt of each payment and note any outstanding balance and due date(s).

Cancellation:
Only Provence has a no refund cancellation policy, unless specifically agreed with the owner. Should the Renter wish to postpone their stay, every effort will be made to offer them the possibility to reschedule at an alternative date, pending permission from the property owner. Failure to pay the final balance (which is due 60 days before arrival) or provide required information for the security deposit may be deemed a cancellation with no refund due. Clients are advised to consider Trip Cancellation Insurance with the carrier of their choice at the time of confirmation.