If you’re looking beyond the village of Les Baux during your stay at Benvengudo, there are a number of beautiful villages dotted around the picturesque landscape of Provence which you may want to visit. Several of these villages are ranked by Les Plus Beaux Villages de France or “The most beautiful villages of France, an independent association which aims to promote small and picturesque French villages. Gordes Located in the Luberon Regional Natural Park – 48km from Benvengudo Hotel.Perched on the side of the Vaucluse Mountains across from the Luberon mountain range, Gordes is considered one of “The most beautiful villages of France”. As a hilltop village, Gordes can be recognised by its iconic Renaissance castle, narrow cobblestone streets that wind through the town, small square with a fountain and lovely city mansions. Roussillon Located in the Luberon Regional Park – 56km from Benvengudo HotelRoussillon is the second most visited village in the Luberon, behind Gordes, and is also considered among “The most beautiful villages of France”. Roussillon is characterised by its stairs and streets in the old village, the vaulted passageways and picturesque homes from the 17th and 18th centuries. The cliff on which Roussillon is build provides views of the clock tower and its campanile, the vestiges of the ramparts, partially rebuilt in modern times, the remains of the 10th century castle, re-used in other constructions. Venasque Located in Vaucluse near the Nesque river canyons – 71km from Benvengudo HotelRanked among the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”, Venasque is an ancient medieval city. When you visit Venasque you will discover its steep narrow streets, stone homes, and the magnificent church Notre-Dame with its pre-Romanesque Baptistry; the oldest shrine in Vaucluse. Venasque overlooks vineyards, garrigue and cherry orchards. Menerbes Located near the Luberon – 50km from Benvengudo HotelMenerbes also ranks as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Its great appeal includes its outstanding views of the Luberon and the Monts de Vaucluse, the narrow streets are lined with city mansions from the 18th century and is characterised by its old village atmosphere. Brantes On the border of Vaucluse and Drome county – 108km from Benvengudo HotelAs a fortified village, Brantes is perched on the side of the mountain and is characterised by old stone homes, cobblestone streets, vaulted passages. Brantes is home to many artists and craftspeople, with a pottery workshop, café-gallery, seamstress shop, santons and ceramics, wrought iron and stone carving. It is a beautiful and serene village overlooking Mont Ventoux. 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

On Sunday May 31st, 2015, a day dedicated to them, a moment to celebrate and share with family. In this day of celebration, the hotel restaurant Benvengudo Provence invites you to discover a special menu with carpaccio od Mediterranean sea bass, zucchini flowers … and much more. In a unique and enchanting setting, our family country house is the ideal place to relax, and spend unique and memorable moments.   Mother’s Day Menu at Restaurant Benvengudo : 57 € . Carpaccio de loup de Méditerranée aux condiments d’agrumes, eau de concombre à la verveine et coques ___   Fleur de courgette aux écrevisses de Camargue ___    Suprême de volaille fermière d’Ardèche laquée à la betterave, barrette de millet à l’olive verte et truffe d’été ___   Petit jardin de fraise et fleur comestible, crème glacée à la pistache     The menu will be served for lunch on Sunday 31st of May, by reservation only. A special menu for children up to 12 years will be served at the price of 20 €   Book your stay now and your table at the Benvengudo gourmet restaurant in Les Baux de Provence. Quartier de l’Arcoule (D78F) 13520 Les Baux de Provence Téléphone. +33 (0)4 90 54 32 54 Courriel : reservations@benvengudo.com   [button url=”http://www.benvengudo.com/book-your-table/”]Book your table[/button]

On today’s blog we take you to picturesque Avignon on the River Rhône in south-eastern France. Avignon is located just 36 km from Benvengudo Hotel, approximately 31 minutes by car, and is an ideal location for holiday makers interested in the history of southern France. Palais des Papes The Palais des Papes is one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. Once a fortress and palace, the Palais was the seat of Western Christianity during the 14th century. Six papal conclaves were held in the Palais, leading to the elections of Benedict XII in 1334, Clement VI in 1342, Innocent VI in 1352, Urban V in 1362, Gregory XI in 1370 and Antipope Benedict XIII in 1394. Pont Saint-Bénézet The Pont Saint-Bénézet, also known as the Pont d’Avignon, is a famous medieval bridge. The bridge has its origins between 1177 and 1185, where the original bridge spanned the Rhone between Villeneuve-lès-Avignon and Avignon. This was destroyed forty years later during the Albigensian Crusade when Louis VIII of France laid siege to Avignon. The bridge was rebuilt with 22 stone arches. It was very costly to maintain as the arches tended to collapse when the Rhone flooded. Eventually in the middle of the 17th century the bridge was abandoned. The four surviving arches on the bank of the Rhone are all that remains of the bridge and are believed to have been built in around 1345 by Pope Clement VI during the Avignon Papacy. Musée du Petit Palais The Musée du Petit Palais is a museum and art gallery in Avignon. It opened in 1976 and has an exceptional collection of Renaissance paintings of the Avignon school as well as from Italy, including “primitives” from the collection of Giampietro Campana. It is housed in a 14th-century building at the north side of the square overlooked by the Palais des Papes. Avignon Cathedral Avignon Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral located next to the Palais des Papes and is the seat of the Archbishop. The cathedral is a Romanesque building, built primarily in the second half of the 12th century. The bell tower collapsed in 1405 and was rebuilt in 1425. In 1670-1672 the apse was rebuilt and extended. The building was abandoned and allowed to deteriorate during the Revolution, but it was reconsecrated in 1822 and restored by the archbishop Célestin Dupont between 1835 and 1842. 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.  

When you stay at Benvengudo Hotel you have a fantastic opportunity to explore Provence, one of the most fascinating regions in France. Where should you start? Provence is a treasure trove of attractions Benvengudo Hotel is located in the charming village of Les Baux-de-Provence in the idyllic region of Provence in the South East of France. Provence is one of France’s premier tourist locations. Nestled on the shore of the Mediterranean, this historic region boasts a treasure trove of ancient, culture and natural attractions that you can visit whilst you’re staying at Benvengudo Hotel. However with so much to do, where you start? We’d suggest you check out the following five sites whilst you’re in Provence. The Lavender Fields of Luberon Ride out to the Luberon by car or bike and take a trip through the iconic Lavender fields  you’ll get the plants that stretch out over the rolling countryside as far as the eye can see. Sénanque Abbey Whilst you’re touring the lavender fields of The Luberon you might want to stop by Sénanque Abbey near the village of Gordes. Founded in 1148, this ancient example of Cistercian architecture is still home to monks of the Cistercian order to this day. This fascinating building will provide you with a glimpse of the culture and tradition that has characterised monastic life around the Catholic world for centuries. Palais de Papes The Palais de Papes in Avignon is a palace that was the home of the papacy for nearly a century in the medieval era. The former Papal seat is one of the most visited attractions in France with its ancient chapels, 14th Century frescos, famous exhibitions and glorious examples of gothic architecture. L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue All antiques fans should make time to visit the nearby village of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, also in Avignon. Here you’ll find 300 outlets that devote themselves to selling antique artefacts; including paintings, glass, china and furniture. There is also a huge international antiques fair twice a year in spring and autumn. Lacoste  Lacoste is a Provençal medieval village that’s famous for its winding cobbled walkways and crooked houses. If you’re interested in the story of the Marquis de Sade you should take some time to visit as the castle he once called home lies near its borders. The castle now a crumbling ruin, stands as a testament to the tyranny of the French Revolution, when it was ransacked and partially destroyed. 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 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