From The Nomad Architect ( http://thenomadarchitect.blogspot.com/ ) Doing absolutely nothing. It is pretty much a lost art in the new millennium. Back Door Travel Guru Rick Steves admonishes all travelers to insert "down days" into any travel itinerary. In this age of travel at the speed of sound, we are accustomed to doing things fast. And that tends to spill... More

When we first arrived they actually were sun-drying tomatoes on an old stone table. Since the sun was nearly setting, they were setting out their customary wine, cheese and saucisson platter so that we could sit by the pool, drink, eat and nap before eating again. It is what the Provence of the movies aspires to be. All stone and... More

We stayed here in Sept. 2011 for 4 nights and LOVED it! The hotel was everything I wanted for our stay...lots of stone walls everywhere (the spa looked like a cave); full of antiques but not dark and gloomy- very airy; you had breakfast out on the breakfast patio; wine and appetizers on another patio every night; and dinner in... More

We stayed at the Bastide de Marie as part of a group tour, and I was bowled over by the entire property. Our room was called "Beige" and as I'm strictly a neutrals girl, it seemed tailor made for me (although it involved a walk, so perhaps not such fun in rainy weather), with gorgeous fabrics and effortless chic. We... More

Every where we walked and saw picturesque views. The manstion house is surrounded by herbal gardens, various fruit trees , pool and a vineyard. The nature was both beautiful and peaceful. The foods were good tasty with rich natural material. It felt like my own home. We can stay a tranquil life the country. More

La Bastide de Marie is an exceptional experience. If you enjoy great food, and appreciate the time and attention that has been expended on maintaining the beautiful property, and delivering a staff that is extraordinarliy welcoming, then you will find it well worth the time and price. When we were visiting in May the guests were mainly couples of all... More

The long week-end that my wife and I had at Bastide de Marie in early October 2010 was our third stay. Leaving in Shanghai and seldom coming back to Europe, we are very attentive that everyday "back home" be perfect and the experience "be right". We found in Bastide de Marie a place of refinement and relaxation. Arriving there is... More

We chose the beautiful Bastide de Marie for our wedding in June 2010 and we honestly would not change a single thing. The venue is idyllic, truly magical: nestled amongst the Provencal vines and a stone's throw from some of the most beautiful little towns and villages in the area. The staff are absolutely fantastic: Mireille and her wonderful team... More

We stayed two nights at La Bastide de Marie and I wish we could have stayed longer. The food was fantastic (we ate breakfasts and dinners there) and the staff was super attentive and responsive. The hotel is a converted group of farmhouses from the 17th century I would guess, and inside they are VERY comfortable and charming. There are... More