Holidays in Provence Exploring Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

December Holiday Shake-up

Christmas holiday routines can get a bit tedious, and for many people, overwhelming. Why not mix things up this year and book a week in Provence near Isle sur la Sorgue? Delightful Domaine de Palerme, near Isle sur la Sorgue, is available for Christmas or the New Year’s celebrations at a special holiday pricing:

This elegant house will comfortably accommodate up to 14 people. If that sounds like too much family, gather some friends and explore Provence in December.

Comfortable Accommodation

Le Domaine de Palerme is a 15-hectare property located just minutes from l’Isle sur la Sorgue. Originally, constructed as a bastide (large manor house) for the Duke of Palerme in 1736. As the Papal Treasurer, the Duke required an estate home that matched his professional status. This gorgeous property was also once the home of celebrated writer Albert Camus.

Fully-restored, this three-story house retains a regal elegance with high ceilings and windows. The current owners of the Domaine de Palerme are Eric and Karin Gusman. Leveraging their collective years of international travel and work with luxury goods they have created – the Palerme experience. These chambres d’hote (Bed & Breakfast) have upgraded bathrooms and contemporary infrastructure wrapped in warm period décor. Read more about this lovely holiday home here.

December in Provence

Like many places in the Northern Hemisphere, winter weather in Provence can be unpredictable. Even though December is historically the coldest month of the year in this part of France, you are almost guaranteed to have sunny days. The mistral might blow cold air into town, or just as quickly you might find a terrace table in the sun for al fresco dining.

December is a month full of Christmas markets and other celebrations in Provence. In larger cities, such as Aix-en-Provence, the holiday market stalls remain in place until the end of the month. In smaller towns, the markets might only last for a single lively weekend. Here are a few of the Christmas markets that are worth visiting:

The Santons Fair – Aix-en-Provence
11/22/2019 – 12/31/2019

Marché de Noël – Aix-en-Provence
20/11/2019 – 29/12/2019

Marché de Noël & Santons – Marseille
11/30/2019 – 31/12/2019

Marché de Noël – l’Isle sur la Sorgue
to 31/12/2019

Explore l’Isle sur la Sorgue

L’Isle sur la Sorgue is a three-minute drive (or a 20-minute walk) from Domaine de Palerme. Even in winter months, the town remains open for antique-hunters with its 250 permanent vendors. Most of the charming restaurants and cute boutiques are open during the holidays. The Sunday market may be smaller during the winter, but it is still a fun way to spend a morning.

During the holidays, there are special themed dinners (wine, truffles and more) at Michelin-star Restaurant le Vivier (see flyer below).

Warm-up with a new wool blanket or throw made right in town by Brun de Vian-Tiran, a company that has been manufacturing for 200+ years. Visit the on-site museum and explore the boutique.

According to Julie at Vaucluse Dreamer, La Cour au Saveurs has the best chocolate in Provence.

Book Your Holiday Week

Le Domaine de Palerme
725 Chemin de Palerme
84 800 l’Isle sur la Sorgue
Contact: Karin & Eric Gusman
Tel: +33 (0)6 09 90 80 90

Special Note: make sure to mention you heard about this magical place through Perfectly Provence to take advantage of the holiday rate.

Holiday Tastes of Provence

Gourmet indulgence is what December is all about in Provence. Sample homemade treats from market stalls or the local patisserie you are sure to find nougat, fougasse, pompe à l’huile, sacristan, and a pastry fit for kings the Galette des Rois (here is the Cocoa&Lavender recipe).

Discover the traditional Treize (13) Desserts served on Christmas Eve.

This month marks the height of truffle season with themed restaurant menus and dedicated truffle markets. The chance to taste freshly harvested “Black Diamonds” might be reason enough to plan a trip.

Read more about Christmas in Provence and the local traditions in this article with an excerpt from Anne-Marie Simmons’ book Taking Root in Provence.