Four-Day Weekend: St. Remy

St. Remy
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Thursday
Leaving the USA on a Thursday, or Northern Europe on a Friday, you have the choice of flying direct to Nice, Lyon, or via Paris to Montpellier arriving Friday morning. In either location we collect you, transporting you in chauffeur driven comfort, or by helicopter, to your hotel. In this instance, the superb Valrugues, a Florentine-style villa, set in landscaped gardens amidst the quiet beauty of St. Remy de Provence and overlooked by the rocky hills of Les Aipilles (MGG).

A light lunch is served in the flowery settings of the hotel terrace. If you wish to get down to the business of golfing without delay, an afternoon tee time enables you to play 18 holes at the exclusive Provence Country Club, overlooked by the mountains of the Luberon (MGG)

For those requiring a less energetic afternoon there is the opportunity to explore the town of St. Remy (MGG) which has been called "the essence of Provence" because of its tree-lined boulevards, charming squares, old-town alleyways and peaceful ambience. St. Remy provided inspiration for Van Gogh as well as Provençal poets, from Roumanille to Marie Mauron.

Provence is, of course, known world-wide for the character, flavour and creativity of its cuisine. At the Valrugues they excel in that tradition. You can judge for yourself as you dine in the romantic dining room or in a shady spot on the terrace.

Friday
To golfers and non-golfers alike we offer the chance to explore the village of Les Baux (MGG) on its spectacular site atop a bare rock spur, with vertical ravines on each side. In the 11th century the lords of Les Baux were among the most powerful in the South of France. In the 13th century the town was famous as a court of love, where issues of gallantry and chivalry were raised and discussed, with prizes awarded to those troubadours who composed the finest verses in praise of the beautiful ladies of the Court.

Lunch follows at the outstanding Cabro D'Or, set in a landscape abounding in olive trees, almond trees and vines; where every meal is a feast. The view down into the Devil's Valley is that of an extraordinary garden where Dante is said to have found inspiration for his Divine Comedy.

Within a short drive from your hotel the Chateau L'Arc Golf Club is in an exquisite setting at the foot of the Ste. Victoire, surrounded by the landscapes made famous by Cezanne. For golfers an afternoon tee time is available. For non-golfers the afternoon is free for relaxation, whether by the pool of the hotel or at a pavement café in St. Remy, just watching the world go by.

For dinner we have chosen yet another jewel, the Oustan de Baumaniere. This property has graced the landscape since 1634. Here the impressive cuisine is a fitting compliment to the romantic setting in which it is served.

Saturday
A trip to Provence would not be complete without a visit to the medieval town of Uzes, (MGG) home in 1661 to the poet Jean Racine; so today, after a leisurely breakfast, we motor across the countryside to the Saturday street market, which is regarded as one of the finest in France. Here you will be immediately taken by the charm, the atmosphere, and the outstanding range of produce, jewelry, crafts and traditional clothing on offer in a truly historical setting.

After lunch in the town a tee time is available, or you have the option of a leisurely afternoon visiting the Pont du Gard (MGG), a Roman aqueduct regarded as one of the wonders of the ancient world. Built around 19 B.C. and in excellent state of preservation, the golden tones of its stonework blend beautifully with the surrounding countryside.

For dinner that evening we travel a short distance to the small, picturesque hillside town of d'Eygalieres. Here we dine at the Michelin rated Bistro - where the cuisine is light and refined, with a wonderful feeling for the right amount of herbs and spices, a cuisine that is something between classic and spontaneous, showing great respect for the local produce.

Sunday
The final day of a wonderful golfing and touring experience. For the early riser there is the opportunity to get in a quick 9 holes at Golf des Baux. Non-golfers can enjoy last minute shopping, go sightseeing in town. After brunch in the beautiful hotel garden, we transport you by road or by helicopter to your departure airport. After ensuring that you are safely checked in we wish you bon voyage and a bientôt, because we hope we will share with you again the unique experience which is Golf Provence.


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