45 chemin de Saint Eyries, 84200, Gordes, France
2 BED & BREAKFAST ROOMS & 1 HOLIDAY COTTAGE FOR 6 PERSONS TO RENT "Gordes is legendary. Perched on the slopes of the Vaucluse mountains, it commands the plain like an elusive sentinel. It was at its feet that, in 1969, Flemish painter Pol Mara and his wife Maria chose to build their home. They created an unusual architecture — modern yet respectful of the region's traditions, including its dry-stone walls. It is within these sleeping stones and lush vegetation that Natalie Millies-Lacroix and Michel Rochereau decided to revive its spirit: Les Mille(s) Roches was born. Sheltered from the mistral, the property — composed of terraced restanques planted with olive trees, vines and fruit trees — offers visitors an unrivalled view over the Luberon massif and the 'most beautiful villages': Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux, Lacoste… Three renovated houses, spread across a 1.5-hectare estate, welcome you into the heart of Provençal poetry. In guest rooms Mara 1 and 2, the Luberon reveals itself through vertical windows shaped like wide-open arrow slits. Several features preserved during the restoration bear witness to the artist's avant-garde spirit: sliding wooden shutters, glass doors… Breakfast is served beside the pool, a large rustic basin that beckons you for an early morning dip. Depending on the season, breakfast is served under the thatched shelter behind its cane screens, on the terrace, or inside the Pol Mara house. It is colourful and varied, featuring seasonal fruits, the cake of the day, and other surprises as inspiration strikes. The gîte, arranged within the Painter's studio, was renovated to honour Pol Mara's vision of open-plan living: generous volumes, vertical openings, minimal partitions… A private terrace and pool (4×2m) are the natural extension of the Studio. Set in the middle of the 1.5-hectare estate, at a distance from the other dwellings, it is surrounded by olive trees to the west and vines to the east, with no overlooking neighbours to the south. Natalie and Michel will be delighted to share the estate and their secret corners of Provence with you. You can explore them by car, motorbike or bicycle, and venture all the way to the legendary Mont Ventoux." Photos: Claire Bourrassé