La Madone, Apt, Provence
When blog friend Corey of Tongue in Cheek recommended her friends Nathalie and Jean-Bernard's La Madone as "the most beautiful place to stay in Provence", how could I resist making reservations last October! Knowing the town of Apt was on the circuitous route we planned to take enabling us to visit as many markets as possible, the gorgeous apartments at this beautiful old house beckoned. Leaving Corey in Aix-en-Provence after our marvelous day of treasure hunting, we next met lovely blog friend Linda of Frenchless in France in the pretty village of Lourmarin on market day, and then headed on through scenic hilly country, dotted with picturesque hill towns, to Apt.
I've already shared many pics of the stunning interiors here and here at La Madone....I even came home and worked on my own decor, trying to bring some of those colors and feelings of old Provence into my dining room......and have been pleased with the results which came with paint and accessories.
Trying to replicate La Madone's stunning outdoor areas would be impossible! Nathalie and Jean-Bernard have brought beauty to their conservatory, terrace and pool areas that would never work here....even if I could afford it!!
The garden has many restful areas to sit, some under fig trees which were still producing fruit in October. Furnished with old chairs, mixed not matched, and so charming, one immediately felt relaxed and welcome.
Wicker, iron, wood.......naturals always work together.
View toward the town from the window of our apartment.
The pool was inviting although we didn't take a dip. Sitting beside it, high above the old town, watching the market vendors arrive to set up for the early morning was relaxing. There were tiny streets to explore, shop windows to browse, and some excellent restaurants to try. Apt is small.....the weekly market is the most important day when it truly comes alive. It's a good spot to visit the surrounding countryside and many lovely small towns and villages in the Luberon mountains.

La Madone's friendly cat enjoyed trying out several of the available chairs.........and she decided perhaps next to DH was the best place!

................cherubs, draped fabric, soft cushioned benches wrapped with Nathalie's signature hemp linens...........a collection of antique bird cages against a painted wall..............
.....drifts of trailing plants, some flowering, others shades of green so pretty no other color was required.
Some of these images I've shown in earlier posts, however, La Madone is so beautiful, I wanted to show you again! This is certainly a very special place in Provence ~ I'm sure anyone visiting will enjoy their time here. I know Marilyn at Delights of the Heart will be there soon ~ have a wonderful time at La Madone.
View toward the town from the window of our apartment.
Passing through the conservatory, fan palms..........
Wow, what an impressive place. I can see why you liked it so much.
ReplyDeleteLove all the old chairs and benches.
ReplyDeletewonderful pics. thanks for sharing them.
blessings on your week.
barbara jean
Too pity you won't be able to come back this year!
ReplyDeleteGracie at http://mylittleplace.blog.com
I know the feeling of yearning to visit a place you fell in love with. The most enjoyed and impressive place I ever visited was Bermuda. We took the bus and ferries every where we went or just walked. I was so comporting to know there is no crime rate in Bermuda. Things happen, of course, but unless you have a job no one is allowed to come to Bermuda and stay. There are very strict. I plan a blog on Bermuda soon. Their history is a wonderful story.
ReplyDeleteQMM
I can't wait to visit La Madone and sit by that pool and visit the market. Your pictures are beautiful and so enticing. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis would definitely be on my "to visit" list! I have never been to Provence but would love to go there and feel the atmosphere..and the delicious food..and wine..and...! So romantic to wander the streets and visit the local marketplaces!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting me.
Hugs
Liisa
Heaven must be like this!!
ReplyDeleteJanet
Those lime green pillows make it all look so refreshing! I love different seating areas. If we get the chance I would really enjoy a visit to that area. It looks like you had a wonderful time!
ReplyDeleteLa Madone is gorgeous. I could easily spend a month there. I love the pool where you stayed~it reminds me of that old Hollywood glamour, as if you might see Betty Grable and Cary Grant lounging about out there!
ReplyDeleteI can see why you love it so, Mary.
xoxo
Jane
Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place. I'd never want to come home! I can't believe how many posts of yours I've missed! Anyhow I am having great fun sitting here with a cip odf tea catching up!
ReplyDeleteRhondi xo