Hotels and Spas

Nestled in the middle of the Luberon Natural Park, between the villages of Apt and Manosque, the Hameau Pichovet is an ideal haven to take a break. Combining old stones with a sober décor, it’s all the charm of Provence in action…

By Caroline Taret – Photos Le Hameau de Pichovet – September 13, 2011

A hameau, or hamlet, is a collection of a few houses, often centered around a farm – not quite a village, given its small size and lack of a religious building. Linked to surrounding villages, hamlets offer quaint surroundings and authentic architecture which make for a quiet and unassuming little paradise. This is the case for the Hameau de Pichovet, which, next to the village of Vachères, offers charming homes and apartments, as well as a “table d’hôtes” which introduces guests to the local cuisine. It’s a place with all the flavor of Provence.

What stands out at the Hameau de Pichovet is its sobriety: its old stone buildings, so typical of the region, have been restored in order to preserve the hamlet’s authenticity. The shutters are painted in an understated pearl gray, and the surrounding landscaping gets down to basics, which is to say, the beauty of rose bushes. Everything is done so that the environment around the hamlet keeps pride of place: visitors can unwind in this beautiful spot and enjoy the surrounding nature, including the endless fields of lavender taken in during a walk through

Haute Provence. 

One hour from Aix-en-Provence, Vachères guarantees a plunge in to an authentic Provence, whose power leaves no one unmoved. And the nearby Lavender Roads will delight fans of the little fragrant purple spikes. But the Hameau de Pichovet also charms with its interior design: between guesthouse and chic apartment, Michèle Auran’s establishment instantly evokes relaxation. Giving priority to natural materials and light colors, from whites to beige through soft terracotta, the rooms have a monastic atmosphere, enhanced by dark wood furniture and soft, colorful textiles. The bathrooms, decorated with similar contrasts of dark and light, offer all the contemporary comforts. Each window opens up to an exceptional

panorama, and every balcony and little terrace is an excuse to pull out table and chairs just to fully appreciate the view…

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Le Hameau

de Pichovet
Campagne Pichovet
04110 VACHERES
www.hameau-de-pichovet.com