When my cousin Camille told me she was looking for somewhere “sunny, beautiful, but not too touristy” to celebrate her 40th birthday, I didn’t hesitate for a second: “Come and stay with us, in Occitan Provence! This is my home. I know every nook and cranny, every slightly hidden village hall, every good idea for accommodation with a view. And above all, I knew that this region would offer her that little bit of extra soul she was looking for.
What immediately reassured Camille was that when she arrived here, she wasn’t alone. The Provence Occitane tourist information offices, located in several of the region’s villages, offer expert advice with a smile! In twenty minutes, she already had a list of suppliers, three ideas for reception venues and even an address for a Provençal food truck. Frankly, I could see her face relax from that moment on!
Camille had one constraint: her friends came from all over France, some as couples, others with children. So she had to offer several types of accommodation. No problem. Here you’ll find cosy gîtes, bed and breakfasts with swimming pools, charming hotels in the heart of villages… There’s something for everyone! In the end, after much hesitation, she opted for a renovated farmhouse near Goudargues, with separate bedrooms and a large terrace under the plane trees. That’s where we shared our first drinks on the eve of the party. With its lavender atmosphere and fresh rosé, everyone felt like they were on holiday right from the start.
And for the event itself, the real thing, she found a bastide in the heart of the vineyards, just a few kilometres from Chusclan. The venue was perfect: stone, beams, golden light at the end of the day. And best of all: on-site accommodation for guests. No need to deal with late-night returns or long journeys. We dined under the garlands, danced until late, and everyone walked back to their beds, giggling under the stars.
What I like here is that you can also do things your own way. If you’re the type of person who wants to organise everything yourself, there are plenty of party halls to hire, in typical villages or in the heart of nature. Some friends and I once organised a surprise birthday party in a clearing near La Roque-sur-Cèze. A few bales of straw, some garlands, a barbecue and an old record player… It was simple, but so warm! The environment is the real charm here. No need to overdo it.
One of the strong points of Provence Occitane is the quality of the local service providers. Whether you’re looking for a caterer who works in a short circuit, a DJ who knows the song or a florist inspired by the surrounding fields, you’ll find attentive and often very creativeprofessionals here . Camille chose a caterer based a few kilometres away, who concocted a buffet of local flavours: tapenades, grilled vegetables, mature cheeses? All served with a local wine that was unanimously acclaimed. Even Uncle Gérard asked for two glasses!
Another important question: how do you get all these people to come without it being a headache? Provence Occitane is easy to get to, even for those who come from far away. By car, on the A7 or A9. By train, to Avignon or Nîmes, then by hire car or car pool. Some of Camille’s friends came by train from Lyon, and they were amazed by the scenery as soon as they left Avignon. It’s a change of scenery without being isolated. Justwhat you need!
What I love about this region is that it’s so immediately relaxing. Camille’s guests got up early to go to the market in Pont-Saint-Esprit, had picnics in the vineyards, and some even went for a walk to Château de Gicon to enjoy the view over the Rhône Valley. And in the evening, everyone met up again, drink in hand, smiling a little wider than the day before.
If I had to sum up, I’d say that Provence Occitane is the ideal region for organising an event. Whether you’re into meticulous organisation or a campfire and guitar atmosphere, you’ll find the right place, the right people and the right energy here. And if one day you decide, like Camille, to mark a moment, consider coming here. I’ll be happy to help you find the right place, find the right service provider, or just choose the best time of day to take photos in the vineyards!
34°C