At the base of the Esterel mountain range, surrounded by insanely clear waters, is the breathtaking village of Theoule-sur-Mer. Only a half-hour drive toward the water from the La Pitchoune property, and you’re smack dab in the middle of one of the most quaint and vibrant landscapes available in Provence.

Kale comes at a premium in so many places. It requires very specific growing conditions. In fact, it can be almost impossible to grow in many different climates. So, when you have a patch of greenery that’s ripe for it, you take advantage of it. While kale is noted to grow best in cool weather, La Pitchoune does exist in a more temperate climate.

Le Fournil D’eugene succeeds with its focus and simplicity. There is one baker. His ovens are in the cellar of an old village house in Valbonne. He literally carries the bread out of the cellar on a wicker tray to the storefront right around the corner.

Today, the pool on the La Pitchoune property is one of the most relaxing draws to the space. Even when guests aren’t fully aware of all of our amenities, their faces light up when they approach the cool, blue reflection of the water. A luxury we are absolutely delighted to have, the pool has a little bit of history to it as well.

If you’d like to escape to a place that is rich with culture and history - as well as absolutely inspiring to be in - head to Nice for the day and surround yourself with greenery at the Marché aux Fleurs Cours Saleya. This stunning flower market in Nice has a robust, fresh collection of flowers and floral arrangements daily - and for over 100 years. It flows directly into the regular farmer’s market in a dreamy, picturesque area, creating a bit of a sensory overload. Overwhelming yet tantalizing. Located near the Old Port at the entrance to Old Town…

Ever been in the kitchen, diligently - yet hurriedly - working through a recipe, so you can get to other things on your task list? (Or, perhaps, sit down to a nice meal?) Everything feels like it’s in a rhythm…until you turn around and mis-assess how far away the pot is from you as you lean over to taste the sauce.

And now the sauce is on your soft, beautiful sweater. And you were dressed for the evening’s festivities.

Experience the magic of the weekly Valbonne market in France, where vendors from the countryside sell their wares and fresh produce on streets that feel like they were pulled from a storybook.

Here are some of the most important reasons why you should consider visiting La Pitchoune (La Peetch) in our “down time” this winter - and every winter!

Valbonne is an adorable French village right out of a storybook. We are thrilled to call it our home.

So, what makes Valbonne such a special destination?

As if you didn’t have enough reason to take a trip our way over the cold season, we’ve got news for you. A cheese experience like none other exists in France during the off season…

Just a hop, skip, and a jump from our property at La Pitchoune stands a village that boasts many things to see: Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume. Known for its religious relics - it is said to house many items that belonged to Mary Magdalene - and landscape, this town is truly just about an hour from our doorstep and a wonderful day trip for our guests. So, why would a small town at the foot of the Sainte-Baume mountains play host to items that belonged to such a pivotal character in Christianity? It is rumored…

Tucked away along the Route de Nice on the edge of the old village of Valbonne is a must-stop for all of our seafood-loving friends. Poissonnerie Cap’Ten - the village poissonnerie or fish shop, as the Americans would call it - was one of the first purveyors Makenna met and bonded with after buying La Peetch and bringing her cooking school concept to the French countryside.

While many are quick to picture the French countryside as quaint little towns, charming, rolling hills, and quiet cafes where you go to feed your soul, I will say that I don’t hear much about the all-terrain lifestyle one can lead, tucked away in the hills of Provence. For visitors who are a little more outdoorsy, there are several pivotal reasons to visit Gorges du Verdon...

It all begins with an idea.

It all begins with an idea.

It all begins with an idea.

It all begins with an idea.