La Villa Baulieu, a palace in Provence to love. Romantic, chic and genuinely enchanting, a place to fall in love. Very classy.
Villa Baulieu
13840 Rognes
T. +33 (0)4 42 60 39 40
F. +33 (0)4 42 50 19 24
E. [email protected]
GPS
Latitude: 43.6567227
Longitude: 5.34162549
Helipad
Latitude : N 43°38’26.5986″
Longitude : E 5°23’4.6356″
I remember the television series A Year in Provence and my sister used to talk about Manon des Sources but for me the film “A Good Year” with Russell Crowe, Albert Finney and Marion Cotillard is me to a T. In fact, I would go so far as to say it’s one of my favourite films and at its core is the depiction of beauty, peace and passion, adjectives I would completely concur with having visited now myself.
Funnily enough, though I have flown from Marseille I had never been to Provence. It’s certainly somewhere I would very much like to return to, maybe to write my book!!
My suggestion would be to take the train from London to Aix en Provence rail station and then it’s a short drive to La Villa Baulieu, so from my London flat to their front door its 8 hours which though a little longer than scheduled flight it’s a far more civilised way to travel. The property does have a helipad and after speaking with Atlas Helicopters it would be about a 3-hour helicopter flight from London.
I am indeed a real romantic, which is probably why I started Gentlemans Butler. Its why falling in love is not a science, but within a very short time I was in love.
To start with the peace, fresh air and style of La Villa Baulieu is just enchanting, a good word to use as enchante is such an elegant greeting I feel.
A cup of tea in the drawing room, and then up to my room with my favourite colours. It could not have been more me.
Augustin Pyrame de Candolle – Junior Suite
This apartment is on the 1st floor of the Villa Baulieu. In the midst of the elegant décor, the atmosphere and the Louis XVI bedroom furnishings that belonged to the Countess of Candolle, you will discover the world of a botanist from the family of the Domaine’s owners. It has a superb view over the park and the nymphaeum.
The wonderful mix which is the upper class of French society, chic style, elegance and a healthy dose of decadence is just intoxicating and from my perspective gets an A+
It’s perfect for one, but with my poets head on I would say go as a couple, a place where you can discover each other or maybe rediscover, from having a massage under the trees to a late afternoon snooze, to enjoying tea in the courtyard.
Alternatively hire the whole place out for a family jamboree.
Either way visit and enjoy the simple things in life, eat, drink, sleep, perchance to dream, and come away with your soul rejuvenated.
Whilst meeting a publishing mogul some years ago, I was discussing my love for exploring and wandering. Afterwards he gave me a book called “Le Flaneur” which in my opinion would be a good book to take.
…….The chauffeur will pick you up, and upon my arrival at La Villa Baulieu which is a home, adding to why this is such a unique trip I received perfect, big and warm smiles, charming…
La Villa Baulieu is without question stunning and as a lover of romance and interiors, I was in my element.
Sipping tea outside in the courtyard reminds me of the film Gladiator, too long to explain but suffice to say, it shows how much visual emotion is on show.
The tour of the house was lovely, genuinely and my room mmmmm bellissima …
There is staff to look after you and help you, though this is not a hotel so apart from bed and breakfast we suggest you discuss as much as is possible prior to your visit, however suffice to say there is not much that cannot be organised.
I would definitely encourage you to sample the food as its French gastronomy at its best, full of flavours, fresh and created with care and the presentation is beautiful.
The wines as you would expect were spot on, crisp whites, fruity rose and reds. For me I think I liked the Rose the best, though in general I drink red. And the thin, crisp glasses really do add a lot.
In relation to my bedding, the best pillows ever, whom I also fell in love together with the fresh crisp white bedding. Perfect.
Everywhere was very clean and the maids were both friendly but impeccably turned out which gives one a reassuring feel.
I loved my visit to Aix-en-Provence.
I did not know what to expect but it was lovely to wander and sit in the coffee shop watching people, especially the charming bit where the waitress asked me to repeat myself as she loved my English accent speaking French, so I was told!!
The tuna I had for lunch on the veranda I think was my favourite, stunning food, lovely company, beautiful setting…. parfait
Do go on the wine safari as you will get to find out a lot more and take in some beautiful views.
Having tea in the courtyard with freshly baked apple tart in the late afternoon sun really touched me. As a film producer, it could have been in a movie as all the supporting cast and props were in the right positions …. so I had that feeling of being able to relax and unwind….. The time of day, the setting, just beautiful.
I had a massage arranged, prior to a pre-dinner nap has to to be the height of civilisation, with the windows ajar and the sound of the trees blowing in a gentle breeze all just adds to the splendour.
For me the biggest thing on offer is the peace and a nurturing of the soul. It’s very difficult to talk about everything but I think in today’s busy world these two things are of increasing value. I was told some people had visited to just get away and have good sleep, something I can completely understand.
For me I would visit to switch off, eat some good food, sleep and recharge my batteries.
I also feel it could possibly attract a girls visit to do yoga, beauty and detox.
There is so much on offer with Cannes in close proximity and everything from canoeing, trips to the beach and sailing all in easy reach.
So if you a lover, value the power of one’s senses, and want to experience a boutique experience on Provence I would highly recommend La Villa Baulieu
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Totally agree, its a beautiful place. Perfect high class luxury for Gentlemans Butler. Best Wishes