May 2025 in Provence; That’s a Wrap!
As we close the shutters on our May 2025 tours here in beautiful Mazan, I find myself reaching for the words to describe what has been the most joy-filled, friendship-forging, laughter-laced few weeks imaginable. And still, I fall short – because how do you truly capture the glow of lavender-scented evenings, the clink of rosé glasses under golden Provencal sunsets, and the bond of new friendships that feel as if they’ve always been?
We welcomed the loveliest guests into our 830-year-old home this May – each one bringing their own spark to our shared experience. There’s something special that happens when you gather a small group of like minded people, throw in a dash of Provençal magic, and slow the pace right down. No rushing. No herding. Just gentle days exploring, indulging, learning and delighting in every sensory-rich moment.
Wonderful evening’s dinner in Mazan
We wandered the cobbled streets of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, soaking up its antique treasures and riverside charm, and danced (yes, some of us, myself included), actually danced across the historic bridge in Avignon.
At Châteauneuf-du-Pape, we swirled and sipped some of the region’s most iconic wines, and in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, we followed the emerald green waters back to their mystical source.
Of course, there were long lunches in sun-drenched village squares and rivers, with rosé flowing and a different local produced dish everyday. We visited the market in Gordes and enjoyed the views across the Luberon. Then on to Roussillon, walked its ochre cliffs and took in all the magical colours of the buildings, shutters and surrounds and of course poppies!.
Blooming Poppies!
Another magic day, a picnic in Sault—blankets laid, bread torn, cheeses passed around, laughter echoing as bees hummed around us. We even visited the lavender distillerie nearby, where the scent was enough to make us all consider bottling up Provence and taking it home.
Evenings were relaxed and deeply local – think dinners tucked into charming little restaurants in Mazan, where the owners greet you like long-lost friends and the wine is always just right. Our guests returned to their spacious suites each night full-bellied, full-hearted, and happily weary.
Perfect Day in Fontaine du Vaucluse
And after our tours wrapped, we slipped seamlessly back into village life, catching up with dear friends who’ve become part of our rhythm here. One particularly memorable night: a dinner party in our Salon for twelve of us, candlelit and coursed, with stories and laughter flowed as easily as the champagne.
Essentially French Dinner Party at Home in Mazan
May 2025, you’ve given us memories to last a lifetime – and the most beautiful new friendships to carry forward.
We’re already dreaming of September and October, when we’ll do it all again (and yes, the lavender might be gone, but the figs and the light and the colours of autumn will be waiting to enchant us).
Until then, à bientôt from our little corner of Provence.
Susan et Brendan
