Le Jardin #1

Located in the countryside just a few kilometers from the charming Provençal village of Le Thor, the Le Jardin 1 is a well-sized (860 sq. ft.) one-bedroom apartment set on two levels. The apartment is part of the original Mas, a traditional Provençal farmhouse, but has its own entry and private patio. It is set on a lovingly gardened property of over an acre.

The apartment has been tastefully restored and renovated by the owners, Bernard and Marie-Claire. It has been furnished with many lovely antiques and comfortable furniture that gives it a stylish retro ambiance akin to a vintage French bistro.

The open-plan ground level includes a fully equipped kitchen, situated behind a rustic bar. The living area's décor offers a large collection of vintage treasures sourced from the various local antique markets.

Up a wide sets of stairs, you'll find the large bedroom furnished with Louis XIII furniture. The bedroom contains a king-sized bed as well as a furnished sitting area. On the same level is the bathroom with a lovely free standing (clawfoot) bathtub and a separate Italian shower (separate water closet).

There are air conditioning units in the bedroom and in the open plan living room/dining room.

The patio is equipped with an outdoor stone kitchen, including a charcoal BBQ, a pizza oven and sink that allows for relaxing, cooking, and dining al fresco after a days' outing in Provence.

Le Thor is a small, picturesque village (population 8,500) located along the banks of the Sorgue River in the heart of the Vaucluse Mountain region. There's been a settlement here since the 7th century and, today, the village boasts some interesting remains.

Le Thor is a walled village, with much of its ancient walls and portes still standing, including the 14th-century fortified Porte Notre-Dame. Standing over the town is the 12th century church of Notre-Dame du Lac, which retains its original character and has some lovely sculptured doors. Though mostly Romanesque, the nave features some of the earliest Gothic arches in Provence.

There are some nice walks that can be done from town, including a walk up to Thuzon hill, topped with the ruins of a chateau and chapel. Just about 3km from town one can also visit the Grottes de Thouzon, a natural underground where, by guided tour, you can walk along the fossilized river bed and see stalactites.

As with most towns in the area, Le Thor has its own market days, a smaller produce and food market on Wednesday mornings and a more sizeable produce and food market as well as flea market with upwards of 150 merchants on Saturday mornings. Altogether, a typically charming town that will serve as a quiet and pleasant home for your Provence UnTour.

Bernard and Marie-Claire are have hosted Americans in their lovely gîtes but are looking forward to meeting UnTourists who come stay with them.