LA MAISON DE LÉONIE, PROVENCE
This is the third feature of a series of Provençal boutique hotels carefully selected by Italian interior designer Martina, from @evasiondecharme.
To read more about Provençe and discover more charming stays and experiences, click the button below
The provençal villages are animated by traditional weekly markets, there are long roads that run along the coasts and cliffs, towards golden and sunny beaches and among fragrant lavender fields. You will love the constant scent of freshly baked butter baguettes, the sunsets that will take your breath away and the colours of the houses that blend in with the surrounding nature. Just thinking about it makes me want to pack and go back again.
Room: Chambre de Marie
Accommodation & Rooms facilities:
- Pool: Yes
- Private Parking: Yes
- Breakfast: Included
- Dine-in: Yes, reservation needed
- Bathtub: Yes
- Wi-fi: Yes
- Air conditioning: Yes
La Maison de Leonie is certainly an oasis of tranquillity and peace, it is located in Collias, a small village very close to Avignon, Uzès and Nimes. It has five personalized rooms located on the first floor of the house that are called with names of the ladies who once lived in this place rich in history; we have chosen the “Chambre de Marie”, a room with en suite bathroom with a bathtub, separate toilet, very well-finished and infinitely spacious. This Maison de Charme was undoubtedly a discovery, both for the welcome and the staff but above all for the area and the location (and also for the price!). The structure has a large swimming pool and a Jacuzzi and the common areas are very beautiful, romantic, well-kept. You can enjoy the afternoon in the green of the garden on one of the very comfortable sofas in the company of many cute kittens. The breakfast is super, the best of our vacation! A huge choice of traditional, sweet and savoury food, and a large variety of drinks too. The house is well kept and I must say the cleanliness was excellent. The owners were very kind and helpful and gave us many tips on restaurants and what to visit; You can also dine in at the Maison, but you need to reserve in advance. This is a location I would like to return to, and that I recommend a lot!
WHAT TO DO
Visit Collias.
Halfway between the Alzon and the Gardon, Collias is a charming village with typical alleys and its historic centre is plenty of craftsmen and local shops. A really small town that allows you to perfectly savour the real French life. You can also enjoy the beaches along the rivers, the hikes in the gorges and horse-riding in the fields nearby.
Recommended restaurant in the area: Le Bajana, Collias.
This restaurant was our favourite of the whole holiday; as it is for all Italians travelling abroad, food is always a sore point. This place impressed us so much that we had been for dinner more than once! It’s located in a very small and romantic street in Collias; you can try both fish and meat-based dishes. The owners were of a unique kindness and the bill was fantastic.
Visit Uzès.
About 20 minutes by car we head towards Uzès, an elegant medieval city of Gard that holds the title of First Duchy of France. This is a city of art and history that you can enjoy by walking through the streets and squares overlooked by private buildings and monuments.
Things not to miss in Uzès:
- Place aux Herbes: its beautiful houses with arcades are absolutely not to be missed. This square is very lively and we find lots of cafes and restaurants with outdoor tables; every Wednesday and Saturday it hosts a Provençal market overflowing with colours and flavours.
- Le Duché d'Uzès: one of the best-preserved buildings in the town centre dating back to the Feudal period. This building dates from the 11th century to the 15th century; It has three architectural orders: Doric on the ground floor, Ionic on the first and Corinthian on the second, decorated with various motifs.
- La Tour Fenestrelle: This 12th century Romanesque Cathedral Bell-tower is the only circular bell tower in France. Unfortunately, it’s not open to the public.
- La Cathedrale Saint Théodorit: It was destroyed and rebuilt during the war period three times. The present Cathedral dates from 1652 and the Neo-Romanesque façade was added to the other building in 1873.
Tips: You should stop at “Les Savonneries du Soleil” to buy some handmade soap bars!
Recommended restaurant in the area: La Cusine du Brucher, Uzès.
Suggestion for you about having dinner in Uzès: book ahead and dine early as all restaurants close at around 10 pm.
We came across this very cosy restaurant by walking on the street. The price is quite affordable and the menù offers different local types of meat.
Don’t miss visiting the small village of Sainte-Anastasie (20 mins by car).
