Le Pre d’Islan an Oasis of Calm in Montfavet Avignon

Back in 2006, I got to know a family living on the outskirts of the village via my mum. The family were very kind to me during her short illness and made a special point of keeping in touch thereafter. In 2007, we received an invitation to a wedding in the village of the family’s younger son. After a mild panic about what would I wear to an August wedding that was only a few weeks away, I revelled in the opportunity to experience a French wedding and reception.

The wedding was in the Caromb village church and was lovely, if a little hot. We took the opportunity to pop home to freshen up before heading to the reception in Montfavet. Nestled in a quiet walled space just off the main road to the Avignon airport is a gorgeous little chateau, le Pre d’Islan. The large walled garden at the front was set for the formal dinner. The reception for everyone who attended the church was in the side garden where scattered tables were laden with drinks and nibbles. As always Tancrede and his family made us very welcome, and we mingled with everyone.

I was aware that Ghislaine lived near Avignon in a house owned by her husband’s family. I had taken the precaution of ‘Googling’ the reception address and was relieved to discover that it seemed to have no link to the family…or so I thought.

There are times when I am quite capable of putting my foot well and truly ‘in it’ and one such occasion now presented itself. As I chatted to Ghislaine, I remember commenting on how lucky she was that the venue was in Avignon and therefore near to where she lived. Without making me feel a fool, she quietly said that this was her home. It is a gorgeous place that was being renovated to accommodate the family as well as being hired for events and as gîte-style apartments. What a fabulous backdrop for any event and I did return the following year with my friend for a tour of the whole place. It is stunning and well worth a visit.

If you visit, just say that Hilda recommended it!

Hilda Stearn

Hilda is a co-founder of a Kent-based business development consultancy Ministry for Growth and manages the Thames Valley office. Working with a diverse range of clients from start-ups to established businesses provides a truly varied working week. She is passionate about supporting ambitious companies to be successful and is recognized for her collaborative approach. Hilda is renowned locally for her skill in bringing potential business partners together. She is currently a volunteer business adviser for Young Enterprise and participating in this year’s Global Entrepreneurship Week by mentoring a new business based in Buckinghamshire.

Hilda is fortunate to be able to balance work with regular trips to Provence where she continues to find new hidden gems that she readily shares with friends and her followers on Twitter.