vaucluse

Abbaye de Prebayon

Abbaye de Prebayon

Back when La Verrière was a priory in Medieval times, it was a dependency of the local Abbaye de Prebayon and the Abbey’s ruins are now a beautiful place to visit as part of a scenic walk through picturesque woodlands from La Verrière. We did that walk recently and were struck not just by the beauty and peace of the place but also by the depth of the history surrounding it. It is impossible to walk around the site and not wonder about the lives of the people who lived there throughout the years. As such, here is some information about the history of Abbaye de Prebayon, the first female abbey in Vaucluse.

A Stay that’s Provençal but definitely not Provincial

A Stay that’s Provençal but definitely not Provincial

Imagining a medieval priory as being somewhat basic in what it is has to offer is entirely understandable. But La Verriere is far from basic. Tucked away on the edge of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a large part of the charm of this whole house hire is its idyllic seclusion. But rather than being a slightly provincial or ‘shabby chic’ place to stay, La Verriere oozes with eco-luxury accommodation and provides guests with a ‘medieval meets modern’ taste of Provence - from the beautiful setting, to the gastronomic organic and locally sourced food, to the biodynamic wines produced from the estate’s ancient vineyards.

Why Historic Buildings Make Such Great Wedding Venues

Why Historic Buildings Make Such Great Wedding Venues

Some people spend years dreaming about their wedding day, so when the day finally arrives it is important for everything to be as perfect as possible. The venue for the wedding is an essential and integral part in creating that most special of days. Everyone has their own personal vision when it comes to the ideal wedding venue, but historic buildings are a popular choice for some very good reasons.

Unique

There are many beautiful and unique modern buildings in the world. But there is something truly magical about an ancient building, perhaps due to its history and the way it may have been used, adapted and remodelled over the years. Holding your wedding in a venue that is steeped in history adds that extra special ingredient to the ‘Perfect Wedding’ recipe. It can make you and your guests feel as though you have been transported back to a bygone era and is an ideal choice for people who have a theme that can be reflected in the historic surroundings. As a 9th Century Priory, La Verrière has the benefit of being a substantial house in a breathtaking setting, with an austere religious past – making it adaptable to many different wedding themes.

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Why Sustainability Doesn’t Need to be Utilitarian (Even in a Priory)

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Why Sustainability Doesn’t Need to be Utilitarian (Even in a Priory)

Sustainability is sometimes associated with living simply and austerely. This is not the case at La Verrière.

Our goal from the start has been to preserve the integrity and history of the abandoned medieval estate and its prehistoric terroir, while enhancing its exceptional character with sustainable, organic and biodynamic practices - in the priory, in the vineyard and in the winery. Since we began renovating the property in the 1990s, we have worked hard to restore and protect the delicate ecosystem that existed long before the Templars farmed the land in the 9th century. We are located high up in a mountain saddle within the heart of the Mt Ventoux UNESCO Biosphere Reserve completely isolated, with no neighbours or contaminants, creating a perfect laboratory for pioneering practices that forge new thinking about caring for our surrounding nature, our planet and our health.

Why are UNESCO Heritage Sites so Special?

Why are UNESCO Heritage Sites so Special?

‘To be included on the World Heritage List, sites must be of outstanding universal value’

That makes sites with this designation very special indeed. Whether they are areas of amazing natural beauty or profound cultural significance, these sites are some of the most visited in the world and include Machu Picchu, the Pyramids of Giza, Angkor Wat, the Great Wall of China, the Roman Colosseum, the Acropolis of Athens and Stonehenge. So being able to have the exclusive use of La Verrière, a 9th-century medieval priory situated in the heart of a UNESCO world heritage site, is a unique and wonderful experience.

La Verrière, Provence – How Whole House Hire Became a Thing

La Verrière, Provence – How Whole House Hire Became a Thing

Discerning travellers are increasingly moving away from traditional 5* hotel accommodation in favour of hiring extremely high-end houses for their trips. Travel giant AirBnB responded to this change in trends by launching a service called AirBnB Luxe, extending their traditional ‘low cost’ accommodation by offering exceptional, luxury, properties to hire. AirBnB co-founder, Brian Chesky explained this decision: “Today’s luxury traveller is craving more than just high-end accommodations; they seek transformation and experiences that leave them feeling more connected to each other and to their destination.” Here are just some of the reasons people are choosing ‘whole house hire’.