During my fabulous trip around Provence (France) I spent a few peaceful days at L’Eléphant de Vaugines, a lovely villa on top of a hill that overlooks the famous lavender region.
This property is family managed, perfect if you are looking for a serene and simple place away from chaos and tourists. The location has really a phenomenal view, a nice pool and a relaxing outdoor area, perfect to chill while reading a book. You will never forget the cicadas and crickets singing all day long, so magical!
Vaugines is a very small town in the Luberon area – a famous and spectacular countryside of vineyards and orchards, full of hill-top villages like Vaugines indeed!
THE PROPERTY
As mentioned, the villa is family managed. The previous owner was collecting elephants from all over the world, so the couple decided to keep this unique characteristic. It provides indeed a very exotic charm to the visitors! 🙂
The villa has a small park next to it, near the entrance, where you can find a few chairs and tables and a hammock.
In front of the main door, there is a pond full of waterlilies and a funny frog!
This villa has an elegant swimming pool, where you can really feel the peaceful atmosphere of this place. The sun is shining all day long: perfectly located! And the cicadas and crickets are singing all day long as well, what an incredible combination! So Mediterranean!
In order to know everything about the accommodations, click here
I spent a few nights there, and I slept very well due to the really peaceful atmosphere. The rooms are very simple, as well as all the amenities. Nothing branded, everything basic but comfortable and clean. My highlights of this villa are surely the stunning view, the elegant swimming-pool and the fabulous brunch in the morning!
THE BRUNCH
Surely ‘the signature’ of this place is the delicious brunch in the morning, served from 8am till 12pm! The owners are indeed very proud of selecting the best food for their guests, everything strictly organic a bio! I loved it! 🙂 Truly great products, ranging from fresh fruits and cakes, to the best salmon and cheeses.
Every morning, you will find fresh French cakes and croissants made at the ‘boulagerie’ of the village!
My favorite part was surely the salmon and cheeses one! They tasted so good, the quality was impeccable!
Also the fresh bread, cereals and juices were on point!
I appreciated the outdoor kitchen where a lady was cooking fresh eggs (any style) for the guests. Tea, milk, and American coffee available (NO Espresso coffee). Local jams and honey are a must try!
And of course the setting of the brunch allows the guests to enjoy it even more! The view is absolutely stunning and the location breathtaking!
There are several tables, some more romantic for couples and other for groups of people.
I personally really liked the big outdoor sofa under the trees, it was so relaxing and serene there!!
WHERE TO EAT FOR DINNER
As the property offers only the brunch (and sometimes on request a private chef for dinner), I explored the dining scene of the area. Here my suggestions:
In Ansouis:
- Le Grain de Sel
- La Closerie
In Lourmarin:
- Café de L’Ormeau
- La Louche à Beurre
- Le Moulin de Lourmarin
Hope this article will help you during your stay!
And you… Are you lusting for the sublime?
Always,
Carlotta