Essentially French

Essentially French Welcome to Essentially French, your gateway to the enchanting region of Provence. Book your spot now for an extraordinary journey through the heart of Provence!

Discover Provence like never before with Essentially French's exclusive 5-night, 6-day tours! Immerse yourself in the charm and beauty of this stunning region, while staying in our lovingly restored 13th-century provincial home. With a maximum of six guests, you'll enjoy an intimate and personalised experience, complete with tailored itineraries, gourmet meals, and unforgettable adventures. Come and visit us at essentiallyfrench.com.au

At Home in Our Village in Provence...The wisteria is nearly finished now, its final blossoms drifting softly to the grou...
26/04/2025

At Home in Our Village in Provence...

The wisteria is nearly finished now, its final blossoms drifting softly to the ground — a gentle sign that the season is shifting once more. All around us, the vines are bursting with new growth, eager and green, reaching for the Provençal sun.

Days are bright under clear blue skies, and the evenings still hold the cool of spring. It’s a beautiful contrast, and a beautiful time to be home.

As our season begins, there’s such joy in settling back into the rhythm of village life — familiar faces, fresh market mornings, and the promise of adventures ahead.

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning… we will remember them.Today we pause to honour the bravery, sacrifice,...
25/04/2025

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning… we will remember them.

Today we pause to honour the bravery, sacrifice, and service of all Australian and New Zealand men and women who have served our nations.
The red poppy stands as a symbol of remembrance — delicate, yet enduring.
Lest we forget.

Early Explorations at the Source of the Sorgue river with Essentially French...There’s something truly special about arr...
24/04/2025

Early Explorations at the Source of the Sorgue river with Essentially French...

There’s something truly special about arriving before the world wakes — when the mist still lingers and the only sounds are birdsong and the gentle rush of crystal-clear water emerging from the depths of the earth.

Wandering around the source of the River Sorgue is a moment of calm and connection with nature. Towering cliffs, mossy rocks, and ancient trees create a setting that feels timeless — a hidden corner of Provence, best savoured before the crowds arrive.

This is the Provence we love to share — peaceful, authentic, and full of wonder.

The Doors and Windows of ProvenceThere’s a quiet poetry in the architecture of Provence. Each doorway and window tells a...
23/04/2025

The Doors and Windows of Provence

There’s a quiet poetry in the architecture of Provence. Each doorway and window tells a story — some with soft, sun-faded shutters, others framed by tumbling vines or climbing roses.

The entry doors are often unique, handcrafted, and full of character, hinting at the lives lived behind them. From grand ironwork and carved wood to the simplest painted plank, they’re never quite the same.

The buildings themselves are just as diverse — stone farmhouses nestled in olive groves, pastel village homes lining cobbled streets, and centuries-old facades proudly weathered by time.

This timeless beauty is one of the many reasons we love exploring the backstreets and hidden corners with our small groups. Every stroll reveals something new.

Asparagus Season in Provence! It’s finally here — the season of tender, juicy, melt-in-your-mouth Provençal asparagus! W...
22/04/2025

Asparagus Season in Provence!

It’s finally here — the season of tender, juicy, melt-in-your-mouth Provençal asparagus! Whether green, white, or wild, it's one of the region's most divine springtime delights. Lightly steamed, grilled, or tossed with olive oil and lemon… it's the taste of spring on a plate!

At Essentially French, our small group tours are all about experiencing the real Provence — from market mornings and long rosé lunches to discovering seasonal treasures like this. Come with us and taste what the locals wait all year for!

Limited spaces available for upcoming experiences. Ready for unforgettable memories?

A Scoop of Provence In the warmth of a Provençal afternoon, there's nothing quite like indulging in a scoop of artisan i...
21/04/2025

A Scoop of Provence

In the warmth of a Provençal afternoon, there's nothing quite like indulging in a scoop of artisan ice cream. The flavours here tell a story—lavender fields captured in a creamy swirl, the zest of local citrus, or the subtle sweetness of honey and thyme.​

Places like Scaramouche in Céreste offer inventive flavours that pay homage to the region's bounty, from saffron to fruity olive oil . Each bite is a reflection of Provence's rich culinary heritage and the artisans' dedication to their craft.​
Perfectly Provence

Whether enjoyed during a leisurely stroll through a village square or as a refreshing pause on a sunlit terrace, ice cream in Provence is more than a treat—it's a moment of connection to the land and its traditions.

Easter Sunday Morning in our home in Provence....This morning, we stepped out into the stillness of our village. The usu...
20/04/2025

Easter Sunday Morning in our home in Provence....

This morning, we stepped out into the stillness of our village. The usual chime of the church bells was absent—a tradition observed from Maundy Thursday until Easter Sunday morning, symbolising a period of reflection and mourning .​
It's a French Thing

The cobbled streets were quiet, bathed in the soft light of early spring. Shutters remained closed, and the air carried the faint scent of blooming wisteria.​

Back home, a simple breakfast awaited: fresh eggs, warm bread, and ripe fruit. A moment to pause and appreciate the serenity that Easter brings to our corner of Provence.​

Wishing you a peaceful and reflective Easter Sunday.

Join Us in September: Experience the Heart of Provence with Essentially French..September in Provence is a time of trans...
19/04/2025

Join Us in September: Experience the Heart of Provence with Essentially French..

September in Provence is a time of transformation. The intense heat of summer mellows into warm, sunlit days with average temperatures around 24°C (75°F), and the evenings carry a refreshing coolness .​

The vineyards come alive as the grape harvest begins, and the markets are brimming with seasonal delights—figs, mushrooms, and the first hints of autumn's bounty. It's a period when the region's culinary traditions shine, offering a feast for the senses.​

With fewer tourists, the villages and countryside offer a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere, allowing you to truly connect with the essence of Provence.​

Come and join us this September. Experience the rhythms of Provençal life, savour the flavours of the season, and create memories that will linger long after your journey ends.

The Wild Elegance of the Bearded Iris in Provence As spring unfolds in Provence, the landscape is graced with the untame...
18/04/2025

The Wild Elegance of the Bearded Iris in Provence

As spring unfolds in Provence, the landscape is graced with the untamed beauty of the bearded iris. These striking blooms, often found in dry, rocky places, showcase vibrant hues of violet-blue, their petals dancing in the gentle breeze. Their presence adds a touch of wild elegance to the countryside, a testament to nature's artistry. ​

In the heart of Provence, the bearded iris doesn't just bloom—it tells a story. A story of resilience, beauty, and the enduring connection between nature and culture. As we walk through fields and along stone pathways, these irises remind us of the profound elegance found in the wild, unmanicured corners of the world.

The Warmth of Provence: Terracotta Hues and Shared Moments In Provence, the colour orange is more than just a hue—it's a...
17/04/2025

The Warmth of Provence: Terracotta Hues and Shared Moments

In Provence, the colour orange is more than just a hue—it's a reflection of the region's soul. It's seen in the sun-drenched terracotta rooftops, the vibrant apricots at the morning markets, and the golden light that bathes the landscape during a leisurely lunch.

Gathering around the table with friends, both old and new, we savour dishes crafted from seasonal produce, accompanied by local wines that tell the story of the land. The ambiance is relaxed, the conversations flow naturally, and the connection to Provence deepens with each shared moment.

These experiences aren't just about the food or the setting; they're about the sense of belonging and the appreciation of life's simple pleasures.

The magic of wisteria at our home in Provence…Each spring, our home in Provence is graced by the arrival of wisteria, it...
16/04/2025

The magic of wisteria at our home in Provence…

Each spring, our home in Provence is graced by the arrival of wisteria, its fragrant blooms cascading over stone walls and archways. The delicate purple flowers create a mesmerising canopy, their scent drifting through open windows and inviting moments of quiet reflection.

Wisteria has a way of weaving itself into the very fabric of life here—its tendrils reaching out, embracing the old stone, and reminding us of nature's gentle persistence. It's not just a plant; it's a symbol of the timeless beauty and serenity that Provence offers.

Come and experience this natural wonder with us. Let the charm of wisteria and the allure of Provence captivate your heart.

For the love of Provence… It’s in the quiet clink of coffee cups at a morning café, the dappled shade of plane trees in ...
15/04/2025

For the love of Provence…

It’s in the quiet clink of coffee cups at a morning café, the dappled shade of plane trees in the village square, and the way the shutters glow in golden afternoon light.

It’s markets full of colour and scent — fresh figs, wild herbs, sun-warmed cheeses, and bundles of lavender tied with twine.
It’s the stone walls, the cobbled laneways, the rhythm of life that never feels rushed.

Here, it’s not about ticking off sights — it’s about feeling something.
And once you do, you’ll understand why we always come back.

Provence in spring — a canvas of wildflowers.The fields are bursting into life, dotted with bright red poppies, soft blu...
14/04/2025

Provence in spring — a canvas of wildflowers.

The fields are bursting into life, dotted with bright red poppies, soft blues, sunny yellows, and gentle whites — a joyful riot of colour dancing in the breeze.

It’s the kind of beauty that stops you mid-walk, mid-thought… just to take it all in. No filter needed, no rush. Just nature doing what she does best.

We’re so lucky to call this our backdrop — and to share it with our guests in the most peaceful, authentic way.

Who doesn’t dream of exploring the perched villages of Provence? Stone by stone, they’ve stood for centuries — nestled i...
14/04/2025

Who doesn’t dream of exploring the perched villages of Provence?

Stone by stone, they’ve stood for centuries — nestled into the hillsides, watching over vineyards and valleys below. Winding lanes, terracotta roofs, shuttered windows catching the afternoon light… each one with its own quiet charm.

From Gordes to Roussillon, Ménerbes to Bonnieux, there’s a sense of stillness and beauty that stays with you long after you leave.

Come and wander with us — we’ll show you the views, the hidden corners, and all the magic in between.

The wonder of the grape… and the love of the land. There’s something timeless about the vineyards of Provence. Neat rows...
13/04/2025

The wonder of the grape… and the love of the land.

There’s something timeless about the vineyards of Provence. Neat rows stretching across sunlit hills, the vines twisting gently in the breeze, heavy with promise.

Each grape carries a story — of soil, sun, and generations who’ve tended these fields with care and patience.

Whether it's a bold red from the Rhône or a crisp rosé sipped on a terrace, Provence wine isn’t just a drink — it’s a moment, a memory, a connection to this land we love so much.

Come wander the vineyards with us. Taste, learn, and fall in love with Provence — one glass at a time.

Market mornings in Provence…It’s never just fruit and vegetables. It’s the scent of sun-ripened tomatoes, bundles of wil...
12/04/2025

Market mornings in Provence…

It’s never just fruit and vegetables. It’s the scent of sun-ripened tomatoes, bundles of wild herbs, and the soft rustle of dried lavender wrapped in brown paper.

Among the stalls, you’ll find artfully tied bunches of dried flowers, local honey, crusty breads, and cheeses that have stories to tell.

Everything is seasonal, local, and full of heart — the kind of food that makes its way onto the table with very little fuss and lots of flavour.

It’s everyday magic, and we never take it for granted.

A day by the River Sorgue…Wandering through this picture-perfect village, it’s impossible not to pause — the beautiful o...
12/04/2025

A day by the River Sorgue…

Wandering through this picture-perfect village, it’s impossible not to pause — the beautiful old buildings rising gracefully along the riverbank, their reflections dancing on the water below.

Around the corner, an ornate fountain bubbles gently in the square, shaded by plane trees and surrounded by little cafés — the kind of place that invites you to slow down and simply be.

Exploring here feels effortless — a gentle blend of water, stone, and story. Provence at her most peaceful.

Adresse

Mazan
84380

Notifications

Soyez le premier à savoir et laissez-nous vous envoyer un courriel lorsque Essentially French publie des nouvelles et des promotions. Votre adresse e-mail ne sera pas utilisée à d'autres fins, et vous pouvez vous désabonner à tout moment.

Contacter L'entreprise

Envoyer un message à Essentially French:

Partager

Our Story

Welcome to Essentially French. We offer authentic, history filled holiday homes located in the South of France. Our properties range from a Medieval, 800 Year Old Knights Templar Manor in the heart of Provence, and a stone house in the 1000 year old circulade village of Murviel-les-Beziers in the Languedoc. We also host small groups for ‘A Week in Provence’, an exciting fun filled week exploring hidden gems of Provence.

We are now the proud co-owners of a magnificent Chateau in the Vienne. Follow our journey as our enormous group of co-owners begin to restore this stunning ruin to be returned, (where possible), to its former glory. Come and visit us at Essentially-French.com