PROVENCE HIDDEN GEM
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.
This is the second feature of a series of Provençal boutique hotels carefully selected by Italian interior designer Martina, from @evasiondecharme.
To read more about Provençe stays and discover the first feature
Room: La Mercedes
Accommodation & Rooms facilities:
- Pool: Yes
- Private Parking: Yes
- Breakfast: Included
- Dine-in: No
- Bathtub: Yes
- Wi-fi: Yes
- Air conditioning: Yes
Villa Mercedes is a family-run bed and breakfast with a strategic position near many seaside spots I wanted to visit.
It has only four rooms and for our stay, we chose Chambre "La Mercedes" which is located on the second floor of the house. It enjoys the view of the swimming pool and has a very large terrace, shared with another room. The owners, who were very kind, live in the same Villa, but in any case, privacy is always guaranteed and the common areas are very large and livable. Our room was very comfortable, spacious, with a very large bathroom, an adjoining vanity area and equipped with both a bathtub and a shower.
Breakfast is served at the table in the garden or on the terrace and there is no possibility of having lunch or dinner in the Villa, so you should look for restaurants in the surrounding area.
WHAT TO DO/SEE
Beach life.
White beaches with crystal clear water, uncrowded and perfect for couples.
- Plage de Cabasson, Bormes-les-Mimosas.
About 25 minutes away from our accommodation and with dedicated parking, this beach is equipped with bathing establishments and free beach, bar and restaurant. It is known as one of the busiest beaches in the area, but we were lucky as there weren’t so many people.
EAT at Restaurant: "La Cabasse"
- Plage de Brégançon, Bormes-les-Mimosas.
It can be reached on foot from Plage de Cabasson and is a pristine beach, with no bathing establishments nor bars. Perfect for those who love privacy and prefer not to have many people around. From the shore, you can admire the "Fort de Brégançon" in the distance, a French State’s Residence that is now also open to the public at various times of the year.
- Plage de la Fossette, Le Lavandou.
It is located about 30 minutes away from the B&B and can be reached by the beautiful panoramic road on the coast. The beach has both an equipped area with bars and restaurants and several free beach zones.
EAT at Restaurant: "Le C beach”
A day in Isle de Porquerolles.
To reach Isle de Porquerolles is possible to take the ferry from the “Port Miramar” which is only five minutes from our accommodation. The duration of the ferry ride lasts about 30 minutes and costs almost 30 euros per person, which includes both the outward and return journeys.
The island of Porquerolles is part of the Parc National de Port-Cros as it is an unspoiled place, rich in Mediterranean vegetation, full of white beaches with spectacular water and a small town that is very traditional and in my opinion wonderful and absolutely to visit.
Once you get off the Bateaux, you will arrive directly in the centre of the small village, characterized by a typical architecture and with an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere. There are various restaurants and bars where you can have lunch and dinner and you also have the opportunity to consume street food or buy products in traditional markets.
After a quick lunch made of baguettes and fresh fruit, head to plage de Notre-Dame by bicycles. You can choose between different rental shops all located at the entrance and near the port. The price of renting a bike for a full day is around 20 euros each.
Plage de Notre-Dame was the one that most captured our attention because of the colour of its crystal clear waters; it is about 3.5 kilometres from the city centre and the port. In about 20 minutes by bike, you arrive at your destination; you have the possibility to leave the bicycles in provided spaces and then take a walking path that leads you directly to the beach. Obviously, there are no bathing establishments, bars, restaurants or toilets. You have the opportunity to enjoy nature in its full splendour and I assure you it will be an unforgettable day.
Tips: bring an umbrella and beach towels with you, lots of water and snacks for the day. Sneakers are recommended instead of flip flops.
We ended up our wonderful day enjoying the sunset onboard the ferry to the way back home. For sure this place is “A must visit” !!
Curiosity: Motorcycles, cars, or any type of motorized vehicle are not allowed on the island.
Nearby cities: Hyerès and Le Lavandou.
Hyerès:
Often overlooked by travellers in favour of more glamorous locations, Hyerès is a very characteristic French town. We spent the evening taking a stroll through the alleys of the centre lined with rows of palm trees. Definitely, a stop not to be missed.
Curiosity:
- for Casinos lovers, here you’ll find one.
- Must visit Vielle Ville during the day.
Le Lavandou:
This village reminds a bit of Saint Tropez, with the typical charm of the French Riviera; a very touristic place that can be visited on foot, walking through the characteristic little streets.
Curiosity: For some years now a Ferris wheel has been installed on the seafront which allows you to see the whole surrounding landscape.
Recommended restaurant in the area: L’Auberge Provençale, Le Lavandeau
Located in the historic centre of Le Lavandou this restaurant offers typical French cuisine with Menù a la Carte and proposals of the day. A very romantic atmosphere and the opportunity to eat outside, on tables overlooking a small typical alley.
