A Clock Rewind - Falling in Love with Provence & a Frenchman

My love affair with France began 25 years ago, during my very first trip to Provence. It was supposed to be just a one-week holiday with my then-partner. That week turned into a life-changing experience as we spontaneously fell in love with the region and a house that was for sale. On nothing more than a mere whim and with absolutely zero plans to buy a house on the other side of the world, that’s exactly what we did!

I remember the drive from Marseille airport to our rental accommodation on that very first day, and a feeling washed over me. I found myself saying….”It’s weird, but I feel like I was born here!” I’m not one to follow woo-woo past-life theories, but the butterflies in my stomach and that sense of belonging has never left me.

Life Takes Its Turns

Six years later, and 6 truly amazing years of dividing our time between Australia and France my life took an unexpected turn when my 26-year relationship ended. The beautiful house we had so spontaneously bought was sold, and with it, many cherished memories and treasures we had gathered from the local markets.

So, at 55 I found myself back in Australia, reflecting on life, love, and what really mattered.

Three years later, I returned to Provence for a holiday, never imagining that this trip would have a serendipitous new beginning. Over lunch with an old friend (and a bit too much rosé), he hinted I might find a little ‘summer romance’ with a friend of his. Romance certainly wasn’t on my radar at the time, but before I knew it, love with a Frenchman was in the air. Et Voila!

My New Life In Provence

So, for the past 14 years, my French partner, Jean François and I have split our time between his adorable home in Provence and Australia, where my family live. Our beautiful 16th-century home, once inhabited by monks, is nestled in a hamlet near Gordes, the perfect base for exploring nearby villages like Menerbes, Roussillon, Goult, and of course, Gordes itself.

Gordes, gracefully balancing on a cliff face, is proudly ranked as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in the World" by Travel + Leisure. Just 15 minutes away, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, known as the "Venice of Provence," offers canals, old waterwheels, a Sunday brocante, and France's largest antique centre outside Paris. Aix-en-Provence and Saint-Rémy, both an hour away, are larger towns, with vibrant personality and often music in the streets… great for shopping, museums, dining and people-watching from a side-walk cafè.

Each nearby village has its own character, with a market every day of the week. I love to spend a couple of hours simply browsing the markets, meeting a friend and taking a coffee (and a flaky croissant!). I soak in the essence of it all - farmers with their calloused hands selling their produce, locals exchanging recipes, and tourists—often in heels too high for the cobblestones—all set to a chorus of different languages as people mingle from all over the world.

The air is full of rich aromas, fresh breads, cheeses, olives, colourful spices, and local wines, stylish clothes, leather goods, jewellery, and artwork from local artists. Provence’s beauty shifts with the seasons—from poppy fields in May to sunflowers in June, lavender in July, and the grape harvest in September and October. Every village is a photographer’s dream, with houses in warm ochres, blue shutters, cobblestone streets, and jasmine-covered walls. The atmosphere hums with chatter as vendors enthusiastically share their products often to the sound of accordion music creating an energy that is both relaxed and joyful.

I am inviting you to be a part of our lives for one week in our 16th century home so that you can get a peek into my new life and why I fell in love!

You’ll be welcome to join us for Friday afternoon drinks in a village square, where there's often live music and dancing. One of the delights is to be able to go to the market, find fresh produce you love and bring it home to prepare in our kitchen.

Jean François’ house is a collection of curiosities and treasures he’s gathered over 38 years, and we’re both passionate about creating spaces that are both stylish and inviting. Whether it’s the salon lined with books, a courtyard garden, or taking quiet time by the pool, we’d love to host you and share this magical part of the world.

We would be delighted to have you and a friend come and live with us for a week, immerse yourself in this captivating region and let Provence enchant you, just as it did me.