The picturesque city of Arles is located 20 km away from Benvengudo hotel. The city has a rich history and culture and boasts a number of events for holidaymakers to enjoy during your stay at Benvengudo. The Fete des Gardians a Arles (Arles Gardian Day) is one of those events. A gardian is a mounted cattle herdsman in the Camargue delta in Provence, southern France. The work is akin to that of the charro or cowboy. Taking place on May 1st, this event celebrates the history and heritage of Arles and marks the anniversary of the founding of the ancient brotherhood of the herdsmen of St. George in 1512, the oldest fraternity still active and celebrates the life of the cattle herders of the Camargue. During this festival, a Queen of Arles will be chosen. The Camargue The Camargue is a natural region located south of Arles, France, between the Mediterranean Sea and the two arms of the Rhône River delta. The eastern arm is called the Grand Rhône; the western one is the Petit Rhône. The city has hosted the festival for over 500 years and the men and women of Arles dress in the Arles costume of the 17th century and are accompanied by the Gardians on their white horses. They parade through the streets of Arles to the Notre Dame de la Mayor church for a blessing in the ancient language of Provence. The Parade The parade through Arles features women in silk and lace dresses reminiscent of an early impressionist painting and are accompanied by the men of Arles in their costumes and by the flute and drum players who perform traditional music. The festival then moves to the 12,000 seat, Roman Coliseum built in 90 AD, where the Camargue horsemen and women put on a display of traditional horsemanship skills. The games include riding skills where the men circle the ring at a gallop and try to grab oranges balanced on a tray by young women. Another game involves three men on horseback who have a friendly fight over the possession of a bouquet of flowers offered by a young woman. Female riders lead their horses through dance steps to the traditional music of the festival. On their white Camargue horses the men and women of Camargue demonstrate the traditions of the Feria, the bull herding horsemanship techniques used in the Camargue to round up the bulls and to prepare them for the non-lethal bullfights of Provence. Benvengudo Hotel is a 4 star luxury boutique hotel located in Les Baux-de-Provence. Set in an authentic Provencal country house, its idyllic location offers a perfect base from which to explore this remarkable region in the South of France. Thanks for reading

Are you staying at Benvengudo Hotel in May? If so, you may want to devote a day to visit one of the most famous events in the world; the 68th Annual Cannes Film Festival. Benvengudo Hotel is less than 140 miles away from Cannes. You can rent a car or buy a bus or train ticket and travel to the 68th Annual Cannes Film Festival and back in the same day. It’s only a two-and-a-quarter hour trip by car! What is the Cannes Film Festival? Cannes is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. It was founded in 1946 and takes place each year at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in the city of Cannes in the French Riviera. The Festival previews upcoming films from around the world. It also awards the prestigious Palme d’Or (Golden Palm) award to the director of the best film of the year. Famous past winners of the coveted prize include Roman Polanski for The Pianist, Martin Scorsese for Taxi Driver and Michael Moore for Fahrenheit 9/11. The 68th Annual Cannes Film Festival The 68th Annual Cannes Film Festival will take place from the 13th to the 24th May 2015. The event will feature a range of productions across cinematic genres and will open with a screening of French drama film La Tête haute, which was directed by Emmanuelle Bercot. This is only the second time the Festival has been opened with a film directed by a woman. Meanwhile the films that are due to compete for 2015’s Palme d’Or prize were announced at a press conference on the 16th April. They include Macbeth directed by Justin Kurzel, The Sea of Trees directed by Gus Van Sant, Chronic directed by Michael Franco and The Lobster directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. Travel to Cannes from Benvengudo Hotel The 68th Annual Cannes Film Festival will be a spectacular event which features some of the most round-breaking productions in cinematic history. How can you be a part of it? Cannes is restricted to invitation only, however the festival takes over the city and if you head to Cannes between the 13th and 15th May, you’ll find plenty of ways to take part. You may even get a chance to glimpse an international A-lister as they make their way down the red carpet into the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. Benvengudo Hotel Benvengudo Hotel is a 4 star luxury boutique hotel located in Les Baux-de-Provence. Set in an authentic Provencal country house, its idyllic location offers a perfect base from which to explore this remarkable region in the South of France. Thanks for reading  

If you’re looking for things to do in Provence during your stay at Benvengudo Hotel, make sure you devote some time in your itinerary to Marie-Hélène Sola’s ‘Fragmentism’ studio-gallery. This fascinating showcase displays a collection of pictorial art that will expand your perception of the world around you beyond the canvas. Who is Marie-Hélène Sola? Marie-Hélène Sola is an artist whose innovative take on form and colour has reimagined the world of French art. Born in the Southern French commune of Millau in 1955, Sola graduated with a degree in Fine Arts from Nîmes before establishing herself as a post-modern artist. Today, Sola’s work is exhibited throughout France and across the world. What is Fragmentism? From the earliest stages of her career, Sola found herself drawn to Cubism. This is the modernist style of art championed famously by iconic 20th Century painter Pablo Picasso which abandons the ‘single viewpoint’ and uses geometric shapes, interlocking planes and collages to create striking images. Sola took Cubism one step further. Starting in the 1990’s, the French creative established an art movement known as ‘Fragmentism’ This school of art strives to bring together the worlds of abstract and figurative art to craft a dialogue between form and colour. Sola’s work uses her own vision of the world in order to displace the observer’s centre of interest and provide them with a better understanding of composition and its key features. She focuses on the ‘movement of space’ which allows the observer to see how the composition expands art beyond the confines of the canvas. Visit Marie-Hélène Sola’s Fragmentism Exhibition When you stay at Benvengudo Hotel, you have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Fragmentism for yourself. Marie-Hélène Sola’s studio-gallery is in the village of Les Baux-de-Provence, only a stone’s throw away from your hotel. During your visit to Sola’s studio-gallery you will explore a school of art that fragments your pre-conceived notions of art to alter your perception of the world around you. For more information please contact: Tel +33 (0)4 90 54 38 25 ​sola.fragmentisme@gmail.com Benvengudo Hotel is a 4 star luxury boutique hotel located in Les Baux-de-Provence. Set in an authentic Provencal country house, its idyllic location offers a perfect base from which to explore this remarkable region in the South of France. Thanks for reading

The Benjamin Vautier Exhibition is currently housed within the Yves Brayer Museum, in the heart of Les Baux-de-Provence. Vautier is considered one of the 20th Century’s leading French artists and is currently living and working in Nice. His works can be identified by his iconic first name signature – BEN for which he is more commonly known. Vautier’s work is characterised by a simple word or sentence blazoned across a black background. His works stem from a desire to educate and provoke dialogue between artist and observer, rather than commercial gain. The simplicity of Vautier’s work reflects his involvement with the Fluxus movement between 1962 and 1970. The Fluxus Movement The Fluxus movement, was considered one of the most radical and experimental art movement of the 1960s. Fluxus artists intentionally positioned themselves outside mainstream art and art institutions, encouraged a “do-it-yourself” aesthetic, and valued simplicity over complexity. Fluxus artists created their own venues for performances, exhibitions, and for the sale of their work. Vautier’s role in the early evolution of the Fluxus movement was crucial and he was one of its most active international participants. This led him to be described as 100% ‘Fluxman’ by George Maciunas, self-appointed founder of the Fluxus movement. Since 1958, Vautier’s has contributed to more than one hundred ex­hibitions and a large number of publications. His work on show in the Yves Brayer Museum provides an opportunity to re-discover the theoretician and artist. Benjamin Vautier Exhibition Opening Times April to September – Open every day: 10.00 am to 12.30 pm & 2.00 pm to 6.30 pm October to March – Except Tuesday: 11.00 am to 12.30 pm & 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm Annual closure January and February Benvengudo Hotel is a 4 star luxury boutique hotel located in Les Baux-de-Provence. Set in an authentic Provencal country house, its idyllic location offers a perfect base from which to explore this remarkable region in the South of France. Thanks for visiting the Benvengudo blog.

Benvengudo Hotel is in the process of renovating their Cote Jardin rooms and suites, which are due for completion on May 15th. As part of the renovation, Benvengudo will be rebranding their decorations and have selected the contemporary lamp and lighting designers Villa Alys to light their luxurious suites. The Villa Alys Lamps The passion of the craftspeople at Villa Alys can be seen in their enthusiasm and adoration for their work  – Villa Alys provides real French-style art de vivre with hand-crafted creations made in the great tradition of foundry masters. A Villa Alys lamp means the magic of light brought forth by a sculpture, timelessly and seamlessly, in the spirit of the times, and drawing its roots from the very heart of the history of the decorative arts, while reinventing the codes of luxury. On the Villa Alys website, their founder commented on the mantra behind their designs:  “We closely studied the relationship, the links that exist between the world of plants, animals and us, to celebrate the beauty and the forces of nature, what is essential and pure. “My desire is to create objects that I would love to have in my own home. In Villa Alys we believe that we have a fresh way of combining classic and contemporary design to create a timeless and fluid style embracing all generations…Our lamps spontaneously adapt themselves everywhere to all styles, gardens or palaces.” The Renovation As well as rebranding their decorations, Benvengudo will also be making their rooms more spacious and comfortable. For the ground floor rooms, there will be a private terrace and garden area and a private balcony over the gardens for rooms on the first floor. Each room will be equipped with a modern Ruckus Wi-Fi, covering 100% of the rooms and common areas, as well as HVAC air conditioning. The suites will be kitted out with Nespresso machines and minibars and safes for all rooms. For entertainment purposes, there will be Loewe flat-screen LCD TV’s with top quality SAT TV. Along with the Villa Alys lamps, there will also be lamps from Casadisagne. These lamps will be complimented with a combination of furnishings from Grange, Flamant and Provence antique furniture along with Grohe fittings and Pierre Frey and Casal textiles for the curtains and furniture. Finally, all rooms will be finished with luxury wooden oak flooring. Benvengudo Hotel is a 4 star luxury boutique hotel located in Les Baux-de-Provence. Set in an authentic Provencal country house, its idyllic location offers a perfect base from which to explore this remarkable region in the South of France. Thanks for visiting the Benvengudo blog.  

The Benvengudo Hotel has announced a special new restaurant menu in time for Easter. This custom menu is set to provide guests with a range of mouth-watering dishes for the upcoming Easter weekend. New head chef creates Easter menu Benvengudo Hotel Restaurant has a reputation for excellence. We source the freshest ingredients in Provence to create a variety of delightful dishes. Mathieu Groshenry has recently joined us as Head Chef and he will be launching a unique new menu in time for Easter. Mathieu is an artist in the kitchen and has worked in several Michelin star restaurants including the Palace Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat, the restaurant La Rotonde and the Hotel Europe. The menu will be available at Benvengudo Hotel Restaurant from Noon on Sunday 5th April and Monday 6th April; Easter Sunday and Monday.  Benvengudo Hotel Restaurant’s Easter menu Guests are in for the ultimate gastronomic experience. The menu is a set price of €62.00 per head. diners will be able to enjoy a light yet refreshing Sault spelled risotto with farm egg and Parmesan to start. This is followed by a choice of two expertly-crafted mains; succulent Trout steak Bio Ardèche with rich Soubise sweet onions with a salad of weeds. Or our Saddle of lamb expertly flavoured with the freshest basil in Provence with a side of beautifully seasoned fondant potatoes with olive condiments straight from the charming village of Le Baux-de-Provence. For dessert we have a 70% Carupano chocolate cake for the sweet lovers. This gourmet chocolate is sourced straight from the Pure Plantations deep in the heart of Venezuela and is served with a creamy Tonka bean and black currant. We also have a range of cheeses specially selected by Mr Vergne himself, the noted master cheese refiner of Nimes. Also, for children up to 10 years, we have a special menu available for just €21.   For more information, please contact us directly by phone or by email. [button url=”https://www.benvengudo.com/book-your-table/”]Book your table[/button]   Benvengudo Hotel Benvengudo Hotel Restaurant’s menu offers some of the best food in Provence at a reasonable price. Benvengudo Hotel is a 4 star luxury boutique hotel located in Les Baux-de-Provence. Set in an authentic Provencal country house, its idyllic location offers a perfect base from which to explore this remarkable region in the South of France. Thanks for reading

If you’re looking for something to do in Provence you should visit The Yves Brayer Museum. Located in the idyllic village of Les Baux-de-Provence, near Benvengudo Hotel, the Museum is dedicated to showcasing the work of one of the most talented French artists of the 20th Century. Who was Yves Brayer? Yves Brayer was born during the splendour of pre-World War One Versailles in 1907. After spending his childhood in Bourges, the future artisan moved to Paris in 1924, where he attended a number of artistic academies, before setting off for Spain, Morroco and Italy in the later 1920’s and 30’s, eventually settling in Paris. Brayer quickly established himself as a talented artist in inter-war France. Like many of his contemporaries, Brayer devoted a plethora of his work in this period to chronicling the trials and tribulations of everyday life. The countryside of Provence changes Yves Brayer’s life Brayer initially took up a position as costume-and-set designer for a ballet at the Opera de Paris, where he devoted his time to illustrating the occupied and eventually liberated city until the end of the war in 1945. This is the year Brayer’s life changed. On a visit to Provence, Brayer was inspired by the architectural nature of the regions countryside. He was particularly inspired by the fact that no human hand had played a part in creating the regions architectural splendour. The French painter became particularly fascinated by the huge expanse of Camargue filled with white horses and black bulls, as well as the diverse forms and limestone folds of the Alpilles. Brayer went on to spend several months every year in Provence, drawing on the power of its natural beauty to create some truly stunning pieces of art. What can you expect at Yves Brayer Museum? The Yves Brayer Museum, located in Les Baux-de-Provence, is only a short walk away from Benvengudo Hotel. Since its opening in 1991, the Yves Brayer Museum has dedicated itself to showcasing the work one of the 20th Century’s most talented creatives. Visit the Museum and you will have the chance to view more than a hundred of Brayers canvas paintings, watercolours and drawings. Opening times and admittance fees at Yves Brayer Museum You’ll have plenty of opportunity to visit the Museum whilst on holiday in Provence:Open daily from 10am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 6.30pm. From November to March it opens daily 11am to 12pm and 2pm to 5.30pm except Tuesdays, when it’s closed. The museum is closed annually from January to February.A visit to the museum is extremely good value:The price for adults is €5.00 per person. The museum provides a special discount if you book as part of a group. It costs €3.00 per person to visit the Yves Brayer Museum as part of a group. Entrance to the museum is free for those under the age of 18.Visit the Yves Brayer Museum Yves Brayer (1907 – 1990) was a skilled artist who left a legacy of paintings which depict ordinary life in inter-war and post-war France. Visit the Yves Brayer Museum when you’re in Provence and experienced this unique showcase of work by one of the country’s most inspiring painters. Benvengudo Hotel is a 4 star luxury boutique hotel located in Les Baux-de-Provence. Set in an authentic Provencal country house, its idyllic location offers a perfect base from which to explore this remarkable region in the South of France. Thanks for reading