We arrived at La Buissonade to find the most magical villa and in a setting you could only deam of. La Buissonade is in the heart of Provence; rural, lavender growing, goat's cheese, old stone villages Provence.
The nearest village Simiane-la-Rontonde is about 2km away, perched on the side of a hill.
The villa is on the second floor at the end of a long building that incorporates the host's home, shop, commercial kitchen and sundry storage areas.
The stairs divide at the top; on the the right the front door and to the left the main bedroom.
The villa has thick stone walls, exposed beam roof timbers and ceramic tiled floors.
Separate, huge bedroom...
A wonderful newly renovated bathroom...
The views outside are spectacular. In the early morning the view across the valley to Simiane-la-Rontonde takes your breath away.
Even the view through the tiny bathroom window is worth a photo..
The hosts, a young couple, have thought of everything. Inside there is a library of about 100 books and about 50 videos. For the first time in France we have a TV (no English channels). We did watch a French documentary on Australia. It was touristy but it is interesting to see what the French find interesting about Oz.
Outside there are sun lounges, a grape vine draped pergola, and even two mountain bikes for the adventurous.
The host's main business is gourmet food they prepare from products they grow themselves and what they can source locally. They have a commercial kitchen on the ground floor of the main building in which they prepare and package jams, mustards, tapenades, vinegars etc. This area 's main products are lavender, olives, goat's cheese and honey. They then travel to major markets in France and Italy to sell their wares.
La Buissonade must be the quietest place we have been. At night there is not a sound. Total silence.
After a good night's sleeps we are ready to start exploring the villages of Provence.
