Le Petit Bijou, our holiday rental home in Saint Rémy de Provence, has been up and running for a little over a year now.
I would have to say that of all the projects I have been involved in over the years this little jewel has given me the greatest pleasure.
It’s the sweetest little house in a part of the world that I love and it has been filled with the most generous and wonderful guests since the opening.
When we bought Le Petit Bijou a few years ago, my husband David promised that he would arrange all the reservations and the organisation required… all I had to do was restore and furnish the house in readiness for the guests. Mmm… wasn’t sure I believed that one at the time.
The funny thing is … between you and I he has kept his word.
I thought that he would ultimately pass the job on… he is a very busy guy, travels constantly and does more in a day than I could cover in a week.
No way… Le Petit Bijou and all the comings and goings are his domain. I would never interfere.
I’m smiling as I tell you this because I adore to see him so invloved in the bookings, the arrivals and the departures… checking in on our guests and worrying if everything is as it should be.
Christiane, the wife of our farm manager, makes it all happen seamlessly but those two are in constant contact.
Sounds like nothing out of the ordinary? If you can imagine a Provencal woman with limited English and an Australian man too timide to speak much French… the conversations are hillarious.
I think anyone who knows David and his other “serious”life will appreciate why I find this side of him so endearing.
Do you remember in October of last year we had a giveaway to celebrate five years of French Essence?
The winner, Carolyn and her husband David, enjoyed a week together at Le Petit Bijou recently.
When I spoke with Carolyn I was so touched by what she had to say… I was thrilled that they both had such a marvellous time in Saint Rémy de Provence.
There is no better feeling in the world than being able to make someone happy… to be able to give is a true priviledge.
Her joyous feelings about their holiday will stay with me forever.
I received a much greater gift from Carolyn than I ever gave.
I thought you might like to read what she had to say about Le Petit Bijou, the village and their time in France,
“My love affair with France and Provence in particular, started when I read Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence in 1998 or so. From then on it was a dream to travel there and ultimately spend extended time in Provence. Fast forward to 2006 when I found the most beautiful book which reflected in many ways my love of the area (and I hadn’t even visited it yet) – My French Life by Vicki Archer. I poured over the pages and sighed over Carla’s photographs – strengthening my desire to travel to France.
Since that time, I have travelled to Paris 3 times, Provence twice and seen many other beautiful regions in France.
I think I was one of Vicki’s first followers of her blog, and shared many posts with friends. Over the years, I have responded to posts and even emailed Vicki when a particular post resonated deeply with me, especially those relating to family (I am the mother of 3 GBs (gorgeous boys). In fact I have a complete file on my computer dedicated to French Essence posts (slightly “stalkerish?”) that I have particularly loved.
I followed with interest the purchase and renovation of Le Petit Bijou, never for one moment thinking I would be lucky enough to stay there. Of course, like many of Vicki’s loyal French Essence followers, I was beyond excited when her competition to win a weeks accommodation in her little jewel in St Remy was announced. So….”share, like, share, like, share, like” each post I did on my FB page, and talked about it with girlfriends as we all discussed what we would do if we won.
Forget the commotion (screaming) that occurred when I won..1 day later I had leave from work approved and dates confirmed by Vicki – Le Petit Bijou here we come!
Fast forward to September 2014 and on a beautiful sunny day in St Remy we arrived to a warm Provençal greeting from Christiane who showed us around our home for the next week. I was jumping up and down on the inside, but more restrained – smiling and clapping my hands on the outside. It was everything and more that we had expected – in fact I think the reality is even more beautiful – Vicki’s attention to detail is everywhere. Each room or nook had the most beautiful lighting, furniture and comfortable feeling. Everything we could want or need was supplied, even including the most divine caramel toffees that became our daily guilty pleasures (note the plural term…)!
Prior to arrival, Vicki and David (hers, not mine…) had provided us with lots of information and handy hints of things to do and places to see so we had some idea of what we would do whilst we were there. If you have the opportunity to visit Le Petit Bijou, use that information because you will not be sorry.
As we had previously visited St Remy there were places we had already seen but some we wanted to revisit and spend more time in. We spent a full day walking around the beautiful village of St Remy, enjoying the warmth of the sun and cloudless blue skies, and of course there may have been a little bit of shopping.
We also drove out of St Remy most days to investigate the surrounding areas – the quaint little village of Maussane, revisited Avignon and walked around the Palace of Popes, the original home of Peter Mayle’s book – Menerbes and Bonnieux, and following a wonderful chat with Vicki who recommended we go, the beautiful town (and little Paris) Aix-en-Provence. We also drove to Isle-sur-la-Sourge and wandered around the markets on a warm sunny day eating delicious cold gelato from one of the local shops.
We ate at local restaurants recommended by Vicki and David – La Cantina (Italian), Les Varities (Provençal), and on our last night to celebrate our most wonderful holiday – La Maison Jaune (amazing 1 Michelin star restaurant). All were perfect and we would recommend to anyone. One of Vicki’s favourites La Chassagnette was closed on the day we planned to go, but never mind – just another reason to return.
It was with a heavy heart we left, promising each other that we would return. “
I mentioned on the weekend that there is a brand new me coming to your screen shortly.
Later in the year when I am up and running, I want to celebrate your loyal following … the gift of a week’s stay at Le Petit Bijou in 2015.
Stay with me… it won’t be long… xv
Le Petit Bijou, Saint Rémy de Provence
part 1 // part 2 // part 3 // part 4 // part 5 // part 6
all the details
images colin poole
