There’s something about Provence that never leaves you.

I know you could say that about most places that we travel to but still...

Provence captured enough of my heart to have visited twice and planning yet another trip back.

I first went with my husband, then again with friends and now with my husbands passing, I find myself planning a return trip, possibly solo, or maybe with a girlfriend. 

I’m writing this blog because I’ve realized how perfect this place is for a solo journey. 

Imagine waking up a room made of 15th century stone with the morning light streaming through your windows. 

Yep, that was me, up before anyone else I would get up and wander down a quiet little lane into the walled village of Noves to find the local Pâtisserie to pick up fresh croissants

You can’t help relax and just “BE” when you’re sipping a fresh cup of coffee and have warm croissant flakes flying everywhere on a stone terrace und wisteria.

This truly is traveling and creating unforgettable experiences and memories.

So my not so secret, secret that I am going to share is gem of a place to stay… Moulin da Le Roque.

🏡 A Hidden Gem In The Heart Of Provence

Moulin de La Roque is like staying on your very own French estate, nestled in a peaceful corner of Provence, just 20 minutes from the Avignon TGV station. 

As a side note I love trains so the high speed train from Paris to Avignon is a breeze and you can pick up a rental car right at the station.

I highly recommend having a rental car to get around. There are so many little places to tootle to in the area and there is plenty of parking at Moulin de La Roque.

So back to Moulin de La Rouque itself…

https://www.moulindelaroque.com/la-roque-villa-cigales-en.htm

It was originally a textile mill dating back to 1454.

Our first stay was in the gatekeepers cottage - just too dang cute for words. 

Today, it’s owned by Guy and Gaby, who live on the estate and treat their guests more like old friends than visitors. 

They have lovingly restored the buildings including the mill itself and Guy will happily provide you a tour.

The property is set on 13 acres and borders a 600 acre park with trails and a fabulous view from the top.

And one of my must haves is the pool great for doing real laps in although be warned if you are going later in the season it is not heated.

Guy and Gaby are amazing hosts they live on the property and treat you like old friends. 

I remember on our first visit they were anxiously waiting outside for us to arrive…

And yes we had managed to get lost finding the entrance so do follow the instructions they give you rather that google maps!

There is a minimum 7 day stay but I wouldn’t want anything less. 

You can stay in the Mill or in one of the cottages. 

I find the rates are very reasonable for both the quality of the accommodation but the whole uniqueness of the grounds.

You can choose to either have slow relaxing days by the pool, reading a book on your terrace looking out over the expansive lawns or taking a walk up through the park or…

You can use it as a great base for day trips which there are too many to share in this blog but I will share some of my favourites.

🚗 Unwind And Let The Days Unfold

So not in any order but thanks to Gabby’s recommendations a day trip to is L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, often called the "Venice of Provence” is definitely a must especially if you go on market day.

Let’s be honest, doesn’t every country have its own little Venice?

But canals aside, this town is a cute little town…

On market day you’ll find plenty of local produce, antiques, small independent shops.

When you want to stop and rest there are plenty of places around the market square or definitely plan on having lunch at one of the restaurants on the canal

If you are going on market day its worth the effort to get up early to both get a parking space but also markets are always best in the morning with the hustle and bustle.

My one regret is that we didn’t get to go to Les Baux-de-Provence until our second visit. 

This village is village perched dramatically atop a rocky outcrop.

https://www.lesbauxdeprovence.com/

 It’s one of those places you might overlook, but please don’t...

You’ll get your steps in (and then some), and depending on the day, you’ll either melt in the sun or definitely feel the wind blowing up the alleyways.

Yes, it is a bit touristy but the real gem is at the bottom of the hill…

It was Carrières des Lumières. 

https://www.carrieres-lumieres.com/fr

This is an old quarry that has been transformed into an immersive art show, where masterpieces are projected on the walls, ceilings, and floors, set to beautifully curated music.

I still remember sitting on the floor in the dark, surrounded by Bruegel’s work, feeling every note echo through the cavern. It’s impossible to describe fully and absolutely unforgettable.

And don’t rush your experience...

There is a cafe set in amongst the rock so take a break and a coffee and then go back in. Once is definitely not enough for this experience.

I would even seriously consider adding on a night to stay here in addition to a stay at Moulin da Le Roque.

Then there’s Saint-Rémy-de-Provence…

A short 15-minute drive down typical french country lanes with what feels like a thousand roundabouts.

Saint-Rémy is popular (translate, can be busy with tourists), so I recommend visiting early in the week and early in the day.

This town holds a special place in my heart. 

My husband, who took up art later in life, was deeply inspired by Vincent van Gogh. 

One of our most moving visits was to the Saint-Paul de Mausole asylum, where Van Gogh spent time. 

Standing among the olive trees he painted, sitting quietly in the gardens he wandered, you can’t help feel so connected to not only this place and its haunting past but also a peace in the grounds and the beauty.

It’s as though you can see through van Gogh’s eyes…

You can’t escape the emotion emotion, sorrow, beauty and peace.

Just a note there are still active programs treating patients with art therapy. 

https://www.avignon-et-provence.com/en/monuments/saint-paul-de-mausole-monastery

Just wandering the back streets of Saint-Rémy is fun peering in the gardens and houses and seeing the children in school.

Saint-Rémy was also well known for those of you that follow any royal families.

Princess Caroline of Monaco spent many years living here raising her family. 

There are plenty of cafes and restaurants to eat so you can definitely plan a day here.

Just a 45-minute drive from Moulin de La Roque is the super pretty village of Lourmarin, nestled in the Luberon region. 

It’s a picturesque village and perfect for the solo woman traveler. 

It’s Compact, easy to wander, and incredibly picturesque.

Lourmarin is set against a hillside with cobbled streets lined with cafés and charming boutiques. 

The views of the surrounding hills complete the picture it’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and take it all in.

I call it one of my “pinch me moments”... I’m actually here in the heart of Provence.

I recommend planning a half-day to full-day visit here.

Be sure to explore the Château de Lourmarin. 

Not only is it steeped in history, but the grounds and views offer countless little nooks to sit, reflect, and simply enjoy being right here in Provence. 

And, as with so many places in this region, time your visit for market day if you can — it adds another layer to Provence experience.

Cassis is little port town, charming but can be busy depending on the time of year, so it’s worth repeating, even if you are not a morning person it is worth getting up to make the trip down there before the crowds. 

And…

The great part is at the end of a full and busy day you get to go back to Moulin da Le Roque and chill out in that peace and serenity.

Ok back to Cassis…

The highlight here? A boat trip to the iconic Calanques, stunning sea cliffs and turquoise inlets that you simply have to see to believe. 

Every image you have had of the South of France an the coastline can be experienced with a boat tour. 

And if you’re ready or craving to talk to others this is an ideal way and you won’t feel out of place at all as a solo traveler in fact, it’s an easy way to feel part of something.

Now, a little side note, ladies, let’s talk bio breaks…

We’ve all come home from a trip with at least one unforgettable bathroom story, right? 

Well, Cassis gave me one for the books. 

Desperate before boarding the boat and short on time, I opted for one of those universal public toilets. I won’t scar you with the details  let’s just say I’m still in therapy over that one! 

Moral of the story?

Build in time for a café or restaurant stop where the facilities are a bit more… civilized.

There are restaurant/cafes dotted around the harbour wall where you will get the sun a great view and a better bathroom experience 🙂

And grab an ice cream and wander out to the lighthouse point at the end of the pier and just sit and soak in the views of the ocean and the port.

Just when you think you’ve seen it all, there’s another village waiting to be discovered, like Eygalières.

https://www.onlyprovence.com/eygalieres/

I know what you’re thinking: Raewyn, don’t all these villages all start to look the same? 

And honestly, you’d be absolutely wrong. 

What amazes me is how each village offers a completely different experience.

Eygalières is just a 20-minute drive away and absolutely worth the trip. It’s petite, picture-perfect, and has a quiet charm that’s hard to put into words. 

I wandered its streets on market day and it felt like every doorway was straight out of a postcard. 

There’s a reason people love this place including a few celebrities like Michel Drucker, Charles Aznavour, and it’s rumored, even Hugh Grant. 

Sadly, no celebrity sightings on my visit, but the beauty of the village more than made up for it.

You can see how quickly a week can fill up exploring this beautiful region. 

But don’t forget to plan for downtime, too lingering by the pool, reading in the garden, taking a trail walk in the park or simply being still at Moulin de La Roque…

And yes, you’re in striking distance of Cannes, Saint Tropez and Nice.

We did do a day trip to Cannes but I would recommend adding that on to your trip and staying down on the coast…

It would make a really long day doing it solo.

Provence is so much more than postcards and picture-perfect lavender fields…

It’s a place that holds wonderful memories for me, it invites this wonderful combination of reflection, exploring and peace. 

And for me, the icing on the cake is making Moulin de La Roque a wonderful temporary home base.

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