Stylish Comfort Nestled in the Luberon Valley - Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

The South of France is a diverse part of this wonderful country, each of the regions that comprise it bring different experiences, cultures and their own unique way of life. One of my favourite regions of the south is the Vaucluse, an area of expansive greenery, grapevines and lavender, epitomising images of the French countryside that never fails to disappoint.

Lavender fields in the Vaucluse

Situated around an hours drive north of Marseille is the Luberon Valley, home of hilltop towns and villages from bygone years and a haven for nature lovers and foodies alike. Winding roads and footpaths, cobbled streets in hidden country villages, the Luberon is an outdoor paradise, all in the shadow of the impressively imposing Mont Ventoux.

Nestled 30km east of the medieval city of Avignon, the largest in the region, you will stumble across Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, a hidden gem and one of the most picturesque villages within the Luberon. It is home to the source of the River Sorgue where, in the valley above the town, water erupts from the hillside and forms into a fully fledged river. The source is said to originate on the Plateau de Vaucluse and travels around 20-30km underground before collecting in an expansive pool in the village.

The pool of the River Sorgue in Fontaine de Vaucluse

The village itself is very small with a population of just under 600 people. It's postcard perfect village square, the Place de la Colonne, features the Petrarch Column, erected in 1804 in memory of the Italian poet of the same name who lived in the village for around 15 years from the age of 9. On balmy Summer evenings, elderly locals can be found in the square exchanging stories and playing petanque, evoking memories of old world Provence. The pace of life and sentiment in this sleepy village really hasn't changed.

Meandering through the streets, on Rue de Bourgades, you will come across the Hotel du Poete. It is a charming, 3 star hotel which provides the perfect base to explore the village and the wider area of the Luberon.

Hotel du Poete features immaculate rooms, beautifully decored in calming creams, shabby-chic furniture and some baroque pieces, fitting perfectly into the surroundings. The public areas in the hotel offer bright, airy spaces to relax and although there is no restaurant for dinner, a full drinks service is available throughout the day and night. The staff are exceptionally attentive.

Junior suite in the Hotel du Poete (photo courtesy of hotel website)

The hotel really flourishes in the outdoor spaces. Leading out from the residents lounge, there is a terrace set within the gardens, overlooking the River Sorgue which continues it's journey through the grounds of the hotel. In addition to the outdoor seating, there is also a fabulous pool and covered jacuzzi, an ideal diversion from countryside exploring, offering the opportunity to relax and unwind.

Hotel grounds

If you are visiting Provence and the South of France, the Vaucluse should be a must on your itinerary. The Luberon Valley is simply a stunning area of natural beauty and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse and the Hotel du Poete can provide you with the perfect base to dicsover it from.