Fractional Ownership Makes Moving to Provence, France Easy
A Move to Provence? Why not?
As you’ve heard, Americans are considering moving to France, and you, too, may be wondering, “Is this the time to make this dream a reality?” After all, Provence is the magical place where Marcel Pagnol (La Gloire de Mon Père, Le Château de Ma Mère) spent his childhood and Peter Mayle (A Year in Provence) spent his retirement. These two authors inspired many to visit and linger.
Is Provence just a tourist destination, or can we live like locals? What does that look like? Let’s look closer and explore why fractional ownership is an easy way to live in France part-time with a shared investment.
Why Fractional Ownership?
Some brave souls boldly decide to move to France and never look back, but most want to test the waters before taking the plunge. Fractional ownership is a perfect way to do just that, as it provides an authentic local experience without the commitment of living abroad full-time. You also share the costs and responsibilities with other co-owners, so there is much less risk than buying your own home. Imagine living three (3) months a year in Bello Visto, a spacious property with spectacular views in the heart of Provence. Summer means hiking, cycling and fresh Cavaillon melons… fall brings the wine harvest and olive oil made from your olive trees … mild winters mean truffle hunting and quaint Christmas markets… and spring means poppy fields and juicy Carpentras strawberries.
This property is located in Cairanne, perfectly perched between the old village above and the new town below. Featuring a main house plus an independent apartment, the property has five (5) bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a private pool and gardens, plus three large terraces from which you can watch the sunrise over Mont Ventoux and enjoy apéro as the sun sets over the Dentelles de Montmirail, all in complete privacy. Cairanne is a small but dynamic village with plenty to offer and much to explore. Walk out your front door to join a labyrinth of hiking trails, or even do a wine-tasting tour on foot!
At Home in Provence
The gentle pace of village life is a change for those used to the daily grind in the States. You wake up to the tranquil sounds of birds and church bells and then linger over coffee or tea while the world slowly evolves. Your “to-do” list is much shorter and filled with little pleasures: perhaps a market, a hike, exploring a nearby village, or just reading by the pool. Lunch and dinner are enjoyed al fresco, and you wonder how you have eaten inside for all those years. Somehow, your senses all feel like they have come alive for the first time. Is it because of this deep appreciation that you feel a kinship with others? Expats seem to want to share this new feeling of being completely alive, and even locals seem to understand that now you are part of their community. New friendships are formed, and you are completely at home.
Exploring the Vaucluse
Other areas of Provence are much more well-known; why consider this seemingly remote area of the Vaucluse? Let me tell you a story about a month in Provence.
It doesn’t quite have the same lofty eloquence as “A Year in Provence,” but with our kids ages 9 and 6, we decided the month of June would give us at least a taste of Provençal life. The year was 2005, well before renting a home with the click of a button was possible. I had bought a sweet little book filled with pencil drawings followed by short descriptions of homes. Somehow, I was drawn to one in Sablet – a village I had never heard of and of which I knew nothing about. I wrote a letter to the owner to see if we could stay for June. (Yes, this was old-school! ) And waited. Finally, the response arrived, and it was available.
We flew into Marseille airport, rented a car, and headed out. As we got closer and closer, my thoughts ran the gamut from “What if it is an absolute pit?” to “Why does it feel like I am coming home?” I believe that things happen for a reason, and this first introduction to the Vaucluse left a lasting impression and a call to return again and again.
Sablet is a circular village that spirals towards its center, like a perfect dollop of Chantilly cream. It is surrounded by charming villages in every direction, including Cairanne, just 15 minutes away. Although we landed in Sablet a bit by chance, we considered there would be plenty to explore. Vaison-la-Romaine, famous for its abundance of Roman ruins and expansive Tuesday market, is just 20 minutes away, as is Orange with its Roman amphitheatre. And the beautiful walled city of Avignon, with its regal Palais des Papes and famous bridge, is an easy 40-minute drive. In between lies wine, lavender, and unique villages waiting to be discovered.
Vaucluse Villages
Of course, we began in our village. Inside the ramparts, the streets and houses coil up to the 12th-century St Nazaire church bell tower. We frequented two boulangeries and a pizzeria in the village. We seemed to need something almost daily at the “Spar,” so our conversations with the owners had grown from brief greetings to neighbourly banter by the end of our stay.
Séguret, one of the plus beaux villages de France, is less than 10 minutes from Sablet and less than 20 minutes from Cairanne. This village is a charming fortress of stone. Entering the medieval portes, cobblestone streets lead you to the fountain of the Mascarons, the old communal oven, and the Romanesque church of Saint-Denis with its crenellated bell tower, seemingly untouched for centuries. This pedestrian-only village is filled with exquisite artisan shops and restaurants. As you climb, it offers stunning views of rolling vineyards bordered by the Dentelles de Montmirail, a jagged, “lacy” mountain range. We celebrated our anniversary at one of the lovely restaurants, and it was here that I started my “santon” collection by santon-maker Denis Voeux at Les 3 Souquets.
Farther south, at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, lies Gigondas, a wine village and an Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC). It produces reds and rosés from Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre grapes. The town is small but packed with beautiful tasting rooms and restaurants, including a fabulous hotel/restaurant tucked up in the hills called Hôtel les Florets.
The first time we went to Hôtel les Florets was by mistake. We had been out exploring with the kids all day and were tired and hungry. We planned to go to the pizzeria in Sablet, but it was closed. Not wanting to venture far, we headed to Gigondas. Upon entering, we noticed all the ladies wore dresses, and the men donned sports coats. We were in shorts. My first thought was to turn and go, but where? The host graciously found a lovely table for our family, and we ate one of the best meals of our trip! The kids were fascinated by the changing silverware after each course, and our eyes grew wide as the impressive cheese cart was wheeled out to us. They helped us choose a nice sampling of French cheeses and then brought treats to the kids to thank them for their excellent behaviour. (They were too mesmerized to act like normal kids!) I have visited this hotel and restaurant several times and always find it exceptional.
These are just a few charming villages that appear every 10 kilometres. A perfect day for me is to set out and wander at will! Beautiful discoveries can be found in any direction.
Provence’s Natural Wonders
Driving around the countryside from village to village, you will see a familiar backdrop of jagged cliffs – the Dentelles de Montmirail. This unique range merits a closer look, where you will discover the intricacies of the limestone sculpted by the mighty mistral wind over time. This natural playground offers 600 trails for hikers, mountain bikers, rock climbers and photographers. While the harsh spikes look daunting, there are trails to suit every ability, including family walks. Surrounding these harsh peaks, which seem a bit out of place, are vineyards that fade into rolling green hills leading to tiny villages. Spend time to take it all in, then taste the incredible wines produced here!
Also looming off in the distance is the mysterious Mont Ventoux. While at first glance it appears to be snow-covered, this “bald mountain” actually has more of a lunar surface. Brave cyclists looking for the ultimate challenge are drawn here, as it is always part of the Tour de France, but you can also drive to the top. On a perfect sunny day in 2005, with our kids in tow, we chose the easier option! You can take three routes to the summit, some more steep and others with more hairpin turns. I don’t remember which route we chose, but I remember passing impressive groups of cyclists along the way. The ones descending looked much happier than those ascending! We cheered them on as we passed. It takes some 20-30 minutes to reach the top by car. We were surprised to begin the drive in a forest, but soon, we were above the tree line and felt transported to the moon. It was a clear, cloudless day, and the views from the top were spectacular. We were glad to have brought jackets as the wind was persistent and cold. (It is named after le vent, after all). The kids picked out berlingot candies as the cyclists celebrated their victory with champagne and beer.
Beyond the Vaucluse
Of course, there are more prominent towns and cities as well. We have already mentioned Vaison-la-Romaine, Orange, and Avignon, but many other places merit a day trip. Tailor your destination to the experience you seek. Head to Châteauneuf-du Pape to taste iconic wines (don’t miss our favourite Vieux Télégraphe) and compare them to those of Gigondas. Be sure to visit Chocolaterie Castelain, as they have an incredible boutique and even offer workshops.
Guide: Provence Wine Regions and Vineyards
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is your destination for antiques, as they have the largest antique market in Provence. On Sundays, the town becomes a sprawling museum of cherished items from the past. You can find everything from books, silverware, art, and decor – each with a story and hope for a new chance at life. The Sorgue River is also a draw, with its spectacular water wheels. If you don’t buy a thing, you will still take home plenty of photos to treasure.
Carpentras is rich in history and religion, as it was a papal town for centuries. Not only Catholic, there is a significant Jewish presence here as well, as Jews were under the protection of the Popes of Carpentras from 1229 to 1791. A rich agricultural area, the town is also known for its strawberries and melons. Be sure to try the local confection: the Berlingot de Carpentras. Made from candied fruit syrup, it is a hard, translucent, pyramid-shaped candy with a white stripe, no matter the colour or flavour. Thought to have been invented in the 14th century by Pope Clement V’s cook, the recipe was improved in 1844 by François Pascal Long, who made it famous in Carpentras.
If you crave a look at the iconic villages of the Luberon, they are also within reach. Visit the perched village of Gordes, the plus beau village of Lourmarin, Ménerbes where Peter Mayle lived, Roussillon and its colourful ochre buildings, and the Sénanque Abbey, so often photographed with its lavender fields.
The Vaucluse offers various experiences, all within a short distance. Whether Provence remains your tourist destination or a place to call home, some things never change—the timeless beauty of its landscapes, the warmth of its people, and its rich culture. From vineyards and lavender fields to charming villages and vibrant markets, Provence offers a sense of authenticity that will captivate you.
Guest Authors:
Traci Parent and Ginny Blackwell are co-owners of International Property Shares. Ginny pioneered fractional ownership and founded IPS over 25 years ago. Her motto of “affordable elegance” has made dreams come true for countless families over the years.
She shares a passion for authentic, hidden gems with Traci Parent, a former French teacher who created French Detours, a travel site focusing on what makes each region in France unique and special.
Both Ginny and Traci are prolific writers. They share their expertise and love for travel with others through blog posts and as guest writers for various publications.
Bello Visto: Fractional Ownership Property for sale midway between Orange and Vaison-la-Romaine
$200,000 – 1/4th Share = Three (3) months
5 Bedrooms and 2.5 Baths
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