The Reading Nook is a charming rustic holiday family home in traditional Provencal mas-style tucked away in the village of Fuveau, 15min south of Aix-en-Provence at the foot of Cezanne's mountain Ste. Victoire and 25min from Mediterranean beaches. Centrally located, it is 60-90min from Cannes, St. Tropez, Nice, Avignon, Arles. The house is a haven from the modern world, providing a corner for rest, play, relaxation, and reading. The house has 4 bedrooms, 1 playroom, and sleeps 8. It is full of character, with hand carved post, wooden ceiling beams, pine doors, and simply but tastefully decorated with high quality fittings and fixtures. Spread over one acre, it has woods, large pool, hammock, and is filled with many adult and children's books, videos, toys. The Reading Nook is ideal for couples and retirees, a family with children looking for run-around space, two families sharing, or family reunion.
Arts: Aix-en Provence is the home of impressionist artist Paul Cezanne (visit his studio) and French literary author Emile Zola. Van Gogh painted his starry nights in nearby Arles and Picasso is buried next to Aix. The Aix Arts and Cultural Festival in the summer is a national French highlight and a favourite among Parisians. Matisse lived in Nice 90 minutes away, which houses his museum. Along the way, visit St. Paul-de-Vence, the artist community and see Chagall's stained-glass windows on the church.
History: In addition to art history, Roman and architectural history is very near at hand. The Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct, one of the ten wonders of the ancient world, is one hour north, near Avignon, which was the site of the Vatican for 400 years. Medieval Baux-de-Provence, the 'prettiest village in France' and the Roman amphitheatre at Nimes, is still used (for bullfights), are within 60 minute drive. St. Maximum de Baume cathedral 20 minutes away is Mary Magdalene's final resting place. Abbaye de Senaque in the Luberon mountains 45 minutes away and boasts the most perfect architectural monastery in France, complete with lavender fields and lavender honey.
Physical Activities: Hike up Cezanne's mountain or go horse-back riding. Tennis is 5 minutes away. Fly a kite in the mistral wind particular to Provence at base of St. Victoire. Explore trails in the Luberon mountains fragrant with lavender and rosemary scents. White-water raft or canoe under the Pont du Gard. Ski the lower Alps 90 minutes north. Bicycle along the Tour de France routes. And, of course, all the water sports one could expect at the azur blue Mediterranean: swimming, snorkeling, sailing, wind-surfing, scuba-diving, deep-sea fishing.
