This year marked the return to our holiday rental in the South of France. A converted stable overlooking the vineyards in the Bay of St Tropez, and site of our happiest summer holidays.
In 2021, a devastating forest fire ravaged the Mediterranean marquis – a beautiful national park in which the house sits. The villa was thankfully spared, but it was left alone in what could best be described as a lunar landscape. Whilst the fire remains evident, new branches have, for the first time in three years, sprung from the charred tree trunks still standing: Nature is a truly extraordinary force.
We have stayed at the villa, on and off, for about 12 years and it is, for the children, the holiday that they will always associate with childhood summers. For that reason alone, the place is truly special.
We settled easily into our daily routine; croissants from the local bakery in Cogolin; sailing and sunbathing on Beauvallon beach; lunchtime feast of local bread, cheeses, pate and fruit; swimming in our stunning pool at the villa; indulgent pastries (sometimes) for tea;,pétanque; and dinner – either on the veranda or at our favourite haunts. We pretty much roll from meal to meal, enjoyed with the ubiquitous Cote de Provence rosé.
This year we were joined for the weekend by Steph and Plum, and shared familiar visits to the fabulous market in Ramatuelle and indulging in boat-porn in St Tropez harbour.
A leisurely journey through Troyes and Orange, and evening at slightly surreal light show at the Roman amphitheatre in Orange, marked the end to our summer trip, leaving us all looking forward to our return in 2025.
Hi, I’m Rachel 