Great little hotels

Le Hameau: “hôtel du charmé“

A little bit of heaven awaits you, perched high above the speed and madness of Nice.

Nestled on a lush, winding road that carries you through Provencal beauty we all dream about, Le Hameau ,Vence, France is a little piece of paradise – a visual feast unmatched in its beauty and charm. If you love gardens and flowers, and luxuriating in the warmth of French Country decor and flavors – this is for you!

Whether for several days or just an overnight, it is unforgettable.

As night begins to fall and the moon rises above the glowing Medieval towers of nearby St. Paul de Vence, the Mediterranean lights up below you, like a jeweled crown, as you sip wine in the garden or on your personal balcony. Then,… the birds sing you to sleep.

With weather almost always permitting in the South of France, a luscious continental breakfast awaits you in the garden.

French lavender permeates the air and its memory lingers long after your departure. This is a place dear to our hearts and to which we return, with great anticipation, knowing we are always so cared for during our stay.

(And, we should mention that it was a favorite of Marc Chagall!)

We have provided you with a link to Le Hameau, a “hôtel du charmé“.

 Hotel La Colonnina

Our hearts are always being tugged by cherished memories of wandering through the streets and meandering along the trails of the Cinque Terre. Being emersed in the culture of a place you love is one of life’s simplest pleasures.

In the old section of Monterosso, past a lovely piazza and through an old worn archway lies the entrance to our favorite place to stay. As you wind up the tiny street, the vine covered little entrance beckons you. Hotel La Colonnina far surpasses any fantasy you may have about a charming, off the beaten path place to stay.

From the roof top terrace your night begins with the sounds of the day: church bells and the passing of trains and the song of neighbors calling out to each other. The Italy we all love to love!

The moon rises on the Ligurian Sea, just a short stroll away.

And “la prima colazione” at La Colonnina is simply a visual feast: rose petals and fresh flowers trim white linen covered tables piled high with an endless array of Italian luciousness!

You are welcomed and cared for with a generous helping of Italian hospitality! We have provided a link to Hotel La Colonnina for your pleasure.

La Maison Bakea

“If you hear a different drummer — dreamer, take a chance..the road you choose to travel

means the difference in the dance.” 

It had been a long day, originating in Lucca, Italy with a night over in Carcassonne, France.

The last part of our four weeks immersed in Italy and France.

But, this drive that now seemed endless, continually reminded us of why we have this love affair with everything French: such visual splendor with each winding bend along our journey!

Backyards rested close to our little road, lingering patches of summer’s sunflowers, faded heads bowed. The simple artistry of French village life, lovingly “tended-to” gardens, with moments set aside each day, to enjoy this life. The timeless charm of shuttered cottages, with sun-washed window boxes spilling over with furls of flowers and vines.

The flattened countryside of our approach to Cordes-sur-Ciel, a “village perche“, was different from what we were accustomed to. But, like many of these villages that adorn the French countryside, this 13th century bastide has become a popular destination.

Its name reflects the little town’s site on a hill, above wispy clouds that lift and float over the river valley below. We did know it would soon appear, high atop the horizon, as its name belies.

And then, all at once we saw it appear in the distance. It did not disappoint.

Our excitement grew as our car began to wind up the precarious cobbled streets towards La Mason Bakea, the 13th century hotel we had chosen for our stay in Cordes. How little we knew of what awaited us…

We had arrived a few hours early, but found we couldn’t contain our excitement and after finding a place to park, knocked on the beautiful old vine covered door, solid with age and enriched with leaded glass windows.

This led us into a medieval world that would become our home for the next five days.

Bending under the 13th century stone arch in the entrance, we were greeted by lovely Marie, the owner. She graciously welcomed us, asking that we return later, as we were early.

Honoring her request, we were at once captivated by the peacefulness, the solitude of this place: the music of cellos and monks chanting was all we heard. We had stepped back into time.

And would stay in that place, until the morning we left…

Upon our return later that afternoon, Marie led us up the stairs to our room, shadowed by 13th century stone walls.

A small window in our room opened onto the timbered courtyard below: it was home to a little flock of swallows. When Marie told me the swallows lived in the house, the look on her face told me she loved it, the way I did…only, she was living this fantasy!

The music of the cellos, followed by the chanting, was all you heard…other than the swallows in the courtyard. We were always hoping one would fly into our room!

Our private entrance led us into a centuries old alley-way

past a few inhabited homes, inquisitive kittens peering through

old vines wrapped around stone walls and abandoned cottages.

The tiny cobblestone pathway that was “still old”, led us into the village at night.

And the nights were enchanted.

Our lovely room was embellished with sumptuous linens and antiques.

The bed looked out onto the French countryside that was nestled under the gift of a star-filled sky, every night.

But, we awoke to what was the most lasting memory of our stay: a quintessential French breakfast.

Our little table for two was adorned with white linens and white serving pieces, each piece thoughtfully selected and placed. An old silver pitcher held red roses for us. French croissants, French butter and great coffee greeted us!

Marie shined. Her graciousness simply added to the ambiance. And when we discovered our mutual love for period French antiques, our conversation grew into a bond, formed out of love of all that is French and old! It so enriched our stay. And adding to the joy of each morning was the presence of her husband Giles and their wonderful old dog.

A perfectly French place, hosted by a perfectly French couple, with a perfectly French breakfast!

We spent our days exploring the little village of Cordes-sur-Ciel

and taking small drives.

But, being able to simply walk to the next village, discovering a little ‘marche aux puce’ and rummaging through it with a warm baguette tucked in our basket just completed the adventure!

If you long to take a step back into time,

surrounded by gracious hosts and sumptuous comfort,

then plan for a stay at the 13th century La Maison Bakea

in Cordes-sur-Ciel, France!