The sky is deep blue, sun is shining, the cicadas are humming, and it smells like holidays in the Provence with the beautiful blue blossoms of fragrant lavender fields. Every year in early summer, lavender inspires travelers who look for discovering the very typical South of France scenery. This way, the Benvengudo Hotel makes you seeing the world through « purple-tinted glasses ». The culture of lavander has a long-standing tradition. Cultivated during the Roman Empire to delicately perfume the baths and linens, lavender becomes well-known for its medicinal and keen sense of smell properties during the Middle Ages. The subtle scent of the flower and its very special aroma soften the heart predisposed for love. It was common practice to insert few blades inside love letter to inspire dreams of their loved ones. Afterwards, in the XIXth century, the culture of lavender became popular and Grasse perfumery used its fine essential oil to elaborate their elixirs. From bloom to harvest, starting late may till early august, the Haute-Provence dresses a pleasant smell purple robe. It is the best time of the year to admire outstanding landscape, but also meet a different culture : the lavender one, a great Provencal story. Around the Benvengudo Hotel, the large and splendid lavender fields spread out such as blown by the wind of Provence, the Mistral. You will be able to ride along the lavender roads and go local by visiting distilleries, buying artisanal products, participating to lavender events and even go hiking. To discover the Provencal spirit, The Benvengudo Hotel offers a DIY workshop around the lavender theme. Elsa Lenthal will teach how to weave a lavender wand, a traditional and ancestral activity, at our hotel on the 29th of June 2019. The afternoon will be punctuated by a cocktail tasting session, with soft delicate notes of lavender blossoms, following with a special diner elaborated by our very talented chef. Booking at reservations@benvengudo.com or +33 4 90 54 32 54

In future articles, we will introduce you to the Alpilles wine route in several stages. Here is stage 1. Provence is rich with exceptional gastronomic lands. To discover it, hotel Benvengudo takes you on a journey through the Alpilles to meet passionate winegrowers. From the Mas de la Dame to the Mas de Gourgonnier, come and taste the wines of 5 vineyards in the heart of the mountains. Let’s hit the road! Mas de la Dame Start your Alpilles wine route journey with a stop at Mas de la Dame. This family domain has been producing olive oil and wine for 4 generations. You will discover 57 hectares of vines that are used for over 10 wine types, classified AOC “Les Baux-de-Provence”. Today, the great granddaughters of the founder manage the vineyard. They will tell you the story of this remarkable house and make you taste its best wines. Château Romanin A few kilometers to the North East, make a stop at Château Romanin. Former shrine of the goddess of war Artemis, it has kept all its history and authenticity. Nowadays, in addition to red wines made of exceptional grape varieties, this vineyard offers white and rosé wines as well. These delicious biodynamic wines are worth coming in the heart of the Provençal scrubland! Domaine de Valdition Continuing your Alpilles wine route eastwards, between the villages of Orgon and Eygalières, take a break at the Domaine de Valdition. The 90 hectares of vines and the 30 hectares of olive groves are cultivated with care and in compliance with the rules of organic farming. The Domaine de Valdition is born out of a fascinating history: in the Renaissance, François I, King of France, donated this land to his daughter Caroline du Prévôt. Later on, she married Sir Dacla Chateaubert whose family has been keeping the domain during 4 centuries. Vallon des Glauges Now let’s head to the South and stop at Domaine du Vallon des Glauges. At the foot of the Mount Menu, the peak of the Alpilles Mountains, 45 of the 72 hectares are dedicated to vines. There is a wide range of white, red, rosé IGP “Alpilles” and AOC “Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence” wines to discover! Mas de Gourgonnier Finish your Provençal wine route by stopping at Mas de Gourgonnier, starting its history from a long family tradition. The farmhouse was built in the middle of the 18th century and initially used as a farm at the abbey of Pierredon. The first vines were planted by the Cartier family in 1950. Since then, they have been offering great wines with strong personality: AOC “Les Baux-de-Provence” red and rosé wines as well as white wines. Once back from this enriching trip, relax next to our swimming pool – we will take care of the rest!   © Château Romanin

The regional natural park of Alpilles covers 16 municipalities including that of Baux-de-Provence. It is the ideal place for discovering the richness of the local flowers and wildlife, which counts 19 bat species, 40 bird species and over 960 different plant species. What about a hike to discover all the secrets of the region? Stroll with Boucabelle and its flock of Rove goats Natascha raises her goats in the Alpilles. Go on a hike with her to guide the goats in the hills of the Desert District in Les Baux-de-Provence. This is a unique opportunity to discover the stunning Provençal landscapes and meet a breeder of the region. You will even have the chance to discover  Natascha’s goat farm and her goats’ kids! These hikes take place on Wednesdays April 18th & 25th and May 2nd at 2pm (6€ per person, reservation required.) Country Path Come and discover the orchards of Bruno, an organic farmer. His lands are located at the foot of the village of Baux-de-Provence, the ideal place to see the village from a new angle! Bruno will lead you through his crops and show you local flowers. The next edition will take place on Monday April 23rd at 11am (6€ per person, reservation required.) Tasting tour: colors and flavors of the olive tree It is well known that Provence, and more particularly the valley of Baux, makes one of the best olive oils. During this hike, you will have the opportunity to discover the olive groves and taste the different varieties of oils. Participate in one of the next walks, Mondays April 30th, May 7 th and May 21st at 10am (12€ per person, reservation required.) Les Baux-Saint Rémy by the ridges Here is a hiking trail accessible at any time, whenever you want! This is the hike linking Les Baux-de-Provence to the village of Saint Rémy de Provence via the ridges of the regional natural park of Alpilles. Leave the village of Les Baux following the D27 road towards Maillane (north) and pass the Carrières de Lumières. After your ascent, turn right towards the “orientation table”. By following this path for about 200 meters, you will reach a magnificent point of view that allows to enjoy the valley of Les Baux all around you. From there, follow the GR6 Les Baux – Saint Remy hiking trail by the ridges. Enjoy! We thank the Tourist Office of the Baux-de-Provence. For more information and reservations, visit their website. Photo : © Eric Spiller Photographies de Provence et d’ailleurs

Hotel Benvengudo has opened its doors on March, 9 for a new season full of events and surprises. This year, we have prepared a rich program that includes literary and cultural and gastronomic discoveries! April: “The taste of books” Keith Van Sickle is an American who fell in love with Europe during a 5-year extended stay in Switzerland. Since then, he has split his time between the Silicon Valley and Provence.  Van Sickle will present his book about Provence, One Sip at a time. Come and meet him during a special Tea Time prepared by our pastry chef on Saturday April 14th at 4:00pm. Tea Time includes a hot drink with sweet desserts (available at 20€ per person) May: “Good wine rejoices the soul” For the holiday of Ascension, Hotel Benvengudo is inviting Mathieu Presson to tell you the story of Château Romanin Vineyard, a biodynamic vineyard surrounded by shrubs, olive groves and almond trees. Come taste the wines of this beautiful House on Friday, May 11th at 7 pm. “Oh Romanin, oh old chateau of Temple of Truth, Temple of Beauty, if you only live in memory, you remain the symbol of a splendid Provence. On your rock formations is an old castle, always taunting the heat and frost, never weary of singing, with poets coming in swarms.” Ludovic Souvestre June: “Tasting music … the enchanted notes of the harp” Harp is a very gentle and particular instrument. We are very pleased to welcome Manon Pierrehumbert, a harp soloist, who will entertain the night of Saturday June 16th at 7:00pm at the poolside bar and all throughout dinner. Other events will sweeten summer, the ideal season to discover Provence.   For further information and reservations, don’t hesitate to contact us at reservations@benvengudo.com or by telephone at +33 4 90 54 32 54.  

Today, the Carrières de Lumières is one of the most popular attractions in les Baux-de-Provence. But before becoming a reference location for immersive art, it went though the ups and downs of the history. From the Carrière des Grands Fonds to the Carrières de Lumières The Carrière des Grands Fonds first opened in the XIXth century. At that time, and thanks to the industrial development, the Baux stone – a white limestone rock typical from the Baux-de-Provence – became essential to built new premises. However, as the industry kept growing, new affordable construction materials, such as concrete and steel, took over from the Baux stone. As a consequence, the Carrière des Grands Fonds had to close in 1935. Later in 1959, Jean Cocteau, a famous French filmmaker and writer, decided to shoot here “Testament of Orpheus”. The place is the perfect set to travel through time and space! In 1977 the quarry took a radical change in direction when the scenographer Joseph Svoboda potted an incredible artistic potential: the large stone walls could be the ideal set for a light and sound show! This is when the first audio-visual shows of the Carrière des Grands Fonds began. The Carrières de Lumières and major artists In 2012, the Carrière des Grands Fonds was renamed as Carrières de Lumières. Since that time, the visitors may discover every year a brand new exhibition that litteraly plunges them into works of art. After Gauguin, Van Gogh, Monet, Klimt, Leonard de Vinci, Chagall, and even Bosch, it is time to put works of Picasso in the spotlight. The exhibition ,,Picasso et les maîtres espagnol” (Picasso and the Spanish masters) recounts almost a century of Spanish painting. From Goya to Picasso and Rusiñol, we explore the Spanish masterpieces of the XXth century. Discover the exhibition ,,Picasso et les maîtres espagnols” (Picasso and the Spanish masters) at the Carrières de Lumières from March 2, 2018 to January 6, 2019. Carrière de Lumières, Route de Maillane 13520 Les Baux-de-Provence, France.

On April 1st evening and April 2nd noon, 2018, we offer the traditional Easter menu. Book your table now.   MENU ORGANIC EGG In a herb crust Local green asparagus, cooked and raw Cream of morel sauce FILLET OF SEA BREAM Fennel in all its forms Thyme jus SLOW COOKED SHOULDER OF LAMB Creamy and crispy aubergines with fresh goats’ cheese and black olives Garlic jus Cheeses from Josiane Deal, MOF 2004, Lou Canestéou CHOCOLATE SPHERE Madagascan vanilla Strawberries and Breton shortbread with garden thymeMenu of 1st of April 2018 evening and 2nd of April 2018 noon, 69 euros per person   To book please go to our restaurant page or call +33 4 90 54 32 54 or send an email to reservations@benvengudo.com

Nested in the heart of the Alpilles mountain range, Benvengudo hotel is a preferred location for the organisation of your events. Inside its natural park of 4 hectares, it hides a conference room called the Orangerie. Once upon a time there was the Orangerie… Formerly used to protect fruit trees and plants from winter frost, the Orangerie has kept all its historic charms. Large windows let the sunshine in and its fireplace warms up the atmosphere. The Orangerie offers a splendid view on our Mediterranean garden. An idyllic place for your events The Orangerie can host up to 50 people. If you want, you can entirely privatise it: accommodation, swimming pool, tennis court, Orangerie room, and gourmet restaurant with customized meal cooked for you by our chef Thomas Voisin. For further information, have a look at our website! Whether it is for corporate event or family reunion, you will fully enjoy the incredible Provençal atmosphere and spend a unique moment. Beyond the Provençal landscapes, lavender fields and olive groves, warm welcoming and enthusiasm of our entire team will make this instant even more magical. You can contact us by phone at +33 4 90 54 32 54 or by email at reservations@benvengudo.com, we will be very pleased to answer your questions!