Holidaying in France: 5 Wellbeing Break ideas in Provence

Yoga classes in Beaucaire

In the soothing atmosphere of Domaine des Clos

If you’re hankering after a zen break in the South of France, this charming old Provencal country house promises a delightful home-from-home welcome, plus regular yoga classes. You can also opt for a choice of wellbeing day programmes throughout summer. Ranging from introductions to essential oils to Ayurvedic cooking and massages, they are perfect for recharging your batteries. And after a healthy lunch, prolong the pleasure at the poolside lined with soothing olive trees, or pore over a book in the library…

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A stroll in the garden of Château Val Joanis in Pertuis

The magic of plants

Nestling at the heart of a vineyard, this magnificent garden inspired by 17th-century designs was created in 1978 with the collaboration of landscape artist Tobbie Loup de Viane. Awarded the “Remarkable Garden” label in 2005 and elected Garden of the Year in 2008, the terraced site is adorned with an old-fashioned vegetable garden, a perennials collection, roses galore and a plethora of Mediterranean plant varieties. An idyllic escape during your wellbeing break in Provence. Get a new angle on the plant world in Marseille, with the “tisane marseillaise” herbal tea – an exclusive creation concocted by the Tourist Office in partnership with the Herboristerie du Père Blaize, a genuine local institution. Excellent for the digestion, this magical tea is instilled with subtle aromas of fennel, rosemary thyme and liquorice. You can buy 100g sachets at the Marseille Tourist Office boutique or directly from the Herboristerie du Père Blaize.

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A hike in Vaucluse

The secrets of dry stone

You’re sure to come across them during your holiday in Provence: dry stone is everywhere here, standing witness to the ancient history of our land and mankind’s hand in forging its landscapes. Over the years, the inhabitants of Provence built many dry stone walls designed to “break the slope” and channel water. They also built stone enclosures locally referred to as “bories“, used as barns and stables. If you’re keen to get back on top of the world in the countryside, you’ll find a great choice of hiking trails in Vaucluse, winding their way through the Mounts of Vaucluse between pine and oak forests, near Saumane. Breathe in the pure air redolent with perfumes of thyme and broom. The “Sentier de la Pierre Sèche“(dry stone walk) in Mazan consists of two loops measuring 6.5 and 2.5 km crossing dry stone huts built using the corbelling technique, tucked away between Mazan and Blauvac.