A unique silk worm farm set in the cork forest of the Maures mountains behind the gulf of Saint Tropez in the commune of La Garde Freinet. We have our own water, swimming pool, children's pool, 12 hectares of forest to roam around, facilities for children, activity holidays by request, sleeps 8 in the farmhouse and up to 14 if the two anexes are booked at an extra price. But these anexes cannot be booked separately since the rental is for exclusive use of the house, grounds and pool.
La Vielle Bastide
La Vielle Bastide is, without contradiction, one of the few remaining natural environments left in the region. Nestling in the folds of The Maures Mountains and 1/4 of a mile from the main Le Luc to St.Tropez road you can be forgiven for thinking for thinking that you have been transported to another century. Completely hidden from view, the narrow track leading to La Vielle Bastide opens out into meadow land and vineyards. Sheltered from the mistral, olive groves, tropical cacti, and tropical palms flourish and there is an abundance of fruit trees. This sheltered valley, lovingly tended over the centuries, offers many surprises, its hidden river is discovered when following through a small track through a vineyard and a copse. La Vielle Bastide towers above you when you arrive, nestling warmly into the hillside and covered with ivy. A series of terraces planted with lavender, thyne, and rosemary flank its footage. See wild boar, fix, sometimes eagles, hawks, terepins, tortoises, all wild, swim in our small river amid the cascades (when the river is running)
Accommodation and theme
Tucked into the hills, Le Vieux Bastide offers a loving example of a quaint homely French farmhouse. Here we have endeavoured to mix what you want with what you need and what the family has handed down. The style is French Country, and the mixture of colour and filtered light charming you in a way that is refreshingly Provencal.
Kitchen
Our kitchen is of apricot and grey with white walls and an old colonial fan above. The white walls are punctuated by display units, niches and shelves featuring local pottery in vivid blue, white, and yellow. The south facing window overlooks the valley and the swimming pool. The individually designed kitchen is fitted with limed oak units and the work tops are of hand made coloured tiles from Salernes. There is a mixture of chestnut shelves and granite work tops with a butcher's block for the convenience of food preparation. The appliances include a dishwasher, cooker, fridge freezer and microwave. Iron and ironing board supplied.
Lounge
Here you will find the atmosphere warm and welcoming. The white walls provide an excellent backdrop to many of our family and friend's paintings, collected over the years. The furnishings are informal but comfortable. There is a large stove for burning logs fitted within the chimney, and ample display and reading lights.
The swimming pool
Both our large and small pools are situated on a sunny terrace surrounded by lavender and rosemary hedges. Our pool are not ostentatious in any sense - rather more an intimate place where to be to relax and enjoy the beauty of its surroundings.
In an arid land, fountains used to be a necessary luxury. Throughout provence fountains dotted village squares and residential properties, and ranged from a single sprouting orifice to elaborate moss covered fountains. We have attempted to rekindle this age old tradition by incorporating fountains in the vicinity of the fish ponds and the swimming pools. Barbecue and picnic equipment is available, large outside tables and chairs on the terrace shaded by a parasol and relax in loungers by the pool.
There are many beaches and harbours in the local area. The famous St Tropez beaches of Pampleonne are within easy reach, as well as the lesser known and quieter coves beyond the presque-isle, which are ideal for snorkelling, windsurfing and the spectacular cliff top walks. Boat excursions to the Isles d'Hyeres take place regularly from Cavalaire, Le Lavandou and Hyeres.
Le Vielle Bastide has a river and a lake close to our property providing small brown trout. A fishing permit can be obtained locally. Boat trips to the nature reserves of the Port Cross and Porquerolles are regularly available. Port Cross claims to be unique in having the only protected natural breeding grounds for fish. The fauna and flora of the sea bed flourishes here like no where else on the Cote D'Azur. Snorkelling uncovers a wonderland of plants and fish. This group of Islands is reminiscent of the Carribean with palm fringed harbours and natural landscaped gardens with sculptured windswept pathways all over Port Cross. It is here that you will discover all the hidden creeks and inlets. The beaches on Porquerolles are of pure white sand lapped by a turqoise shimmering sea, fringed by forests of pine. Port Cross has no cars and roads and is consequently still little known and explored.
Local Specialities
The Provencal cuisine is unique and claimed to be the healthiest in France, small wonder when you see the prolific produce from the local farms in the area, many organically grown. Free range poultry and eggs can be purchased at Vidauban market on Sunday mornings together with deliciously locally grown fruit and vegetables. La Garde Freinet holds a market on Sunday mornings and there is a large market at St Tropez on Tuesday mornings. There are delicious dishes offered in local restaurants and it is not unusual to find Wild Boar cooked in red wine on the menu.
All about Les Vielle Bastide
Les Vielle Bastide a true Bastide is now a private hamlet set in 18 hectares of privately owned forest. The main house was originally a silk worm farm dating back to 17th century and is independent and private in every way. Restored using traditional materials in the traditional Provencal style by local craftsmen, the extensive grounds include a stream with many fish, tortoises, frogs and terrapins, acres of cork forest and many interesting walks.
Grounds
Large gravelled patio area with shaded area for eating. Cleared woodland behind and meadows in front. There are tracks and paths cleared in the forest and meadows, leading to the river and for the energetic a mountain path to La Garde Freinet, offering magnificent views over the Alps and a rewarding "Bier pression" at a bar in the village.
Safety
A child safety gate is available at the top of the stairs, together with an approved fire fighting appliances. There are railings around the pool and the main terrace can be fenced off to keep children in site. Le Vielle Bastide is situated up 1/4 mile off the main road. This private road is a sandy track and has a few rough patches that could pose a problem for very low slung vehicles with spoilers, but this is definitely the exception.
Attention to detail
The immersion heater is always switched on ensuring a constant supply of hot water, instantly available on arrival. Off season, logs can be ordered and charged by the square metre. Linen is provided if you require the service at a small charge i.e sheets, duvet covers. Towels and tea towels are not provided and you are responsible for the laundering of the linen during your stay.
All about us
We share Le Vieux Bastide with you but are hidden from view with accommodation behind the farmhouse and independent in every way. During the summer our attentions are concentrated to keeping the land, pool and house in good order. We endeavour to make your holiday trouble free and are on hand to deal with any problems etc.
Inland
Inland you can explore the historic villages of Grimaud and La Garde Freinet with their old Saracen forts, or Ramatuel, Gassin, and Port Grimaud, famous for their flowers, quaint streets and unique views over the Gulf of St Tropez. The whole area is renowned for its Cote De Provence wines and many vineyards will play host to wine tasting. La Garde Freinet itself offers pony trekking-randonne or two or three day treks in the Massif Des Maures with picnics and small overnight hotels. Small maps are available from the tourist office with walks and pathways marked in degrees of difficulty, it is also possible to hire mountain bikes. Alternatively if you drive North you will find yourself very quickly in some of the most spectacular countryside of Provence with its sleepy villages, way off the tourist tracks. Further North are the Gorges of Verdon (left) reminiscent of the Grand Canyon.
Links for further information
photo-1407642-Plaine-des-Maures-vidauban3_jpg
http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQpwCAcAA2RUJzYyCk5ow5zych8jE1msrwymejyyF4XWfWNn45y
You can also see info on google by typing The Maures mountains
or the "la plaine des maures "
Local Wines
This deserves a special mention. Des Laune.Here you can buy excellent organically grown wines, many with awards for specially high standard. You can buy their delicious red house wine very reasonably but need to take your own container. St Julien, a Domaine where you can as above taste their delicious rosé, amongst the best in the area. Also organically grown and available in presentation bottles or direct from the cask if you take your own container. Both these Domaines and many more are very nearby.
recent history
En 1956, la sortie de Et Dieu Créa La Femme déclenche une tornade qui va ravager les neuf continents et autres Centre Leclerc. La BB à moitié nue qui débite des âneries transforme le viagra en remède pour petits garçons. Elle refuse alors les ponts d’or de Hollywood pour se concentrer sur ce qu’elle sait faire de mieux, montrer ses jambes. Elle lance successivement plusieurs modes, de la choucroute à la mini-jupe en passant bien entendu par le bikini et Saint-Tropez qui se transforme en destination culte en 1958 suite à l’achat d’une maison par BB. La presse intellectuelle se gausse. On peut notamment lire dans Les Cahiers du Cinéma : « Si elle cherche des saucisses pour aller avec sa choucroute, cela ne devrait pas être trop compliqué. »
C’est Jean-Louis Trintignant qui commence par s’y coller mais il est rapidement remplacé par Jacques Charrier qui lui donne son premier et unique enfant en 1960. Elle souhaite le nommer Médor ou Balou mais l’état-civil refuse. Elle tente alors de se suicider mais se loupe. A noter que si ça avait marché, vous le sauriez probablement. En 1963, elle tourne dans Le Mépris puis triomphe aux Etats-Unis en 1965 dans Viva Maria.
Abus sexuels faits aux jeunes animaux
Côté cœur, son second mariage capote rapidement et c’est avec son boyfriend du moment qu’elle triomphe au Brésil à Buzios. Les mêmes causes (grandes jambes, grosse poitrine, petite jupette) créant partout dans le monde les mêmes effets, la station balnéaire devient culte à son tour. Une statue de BB honore la place principale de la ville. Nouvelle saison et nouveau mari, elle épouse en 1966 un riche industriel alors que son idylle avec Serge Gainsbourg est déjà à la une de tous les journaux. C’est d’ailleurs lui qui exploitera une nouvelle facette de ce diamant brut en la faisant chanter quasi nue sur une Harley Davidson. Pour que tout le monde puisse enfin en profiter, elle incarnera Marianne dans toutes les mairies de France sous la forme d’un buste bien rembourré.
Harcelé par les photographes, BB décide d’arrêter toute activité artistique pour se consacrer à sa véritable passion, les animaux préhistoriques. Découvrant qu’ils sont tous morts, elle est prise de panique et crée sa fondation en 1986. Elle reçoit alors le soutien officiel de Pamela Anderson et décide de devenir végétarienne. Elle devient alors de source de moquerie mais chez Internetalis nous sommes solidaires de son combat et avons décidé de lancer à ses côtés le mouvement contre « Les Abus Sexuels faits aux Jeunes Animaux ». C’est aussi ça le développement durable.
BRIGITTE BARDOT : 9 POINTS ‘STAR’
Le vingtième siècle, siècles des médias, de la rapidité de l’information, des stars et du glamour, ne pouvait pas garder longtemps secret la découverte de ce paisible village, à l’architecture simple et reposante, au sable fin, et au soleil omniprésent.
History of Provence
A bronze-age dolmen (2500 to 900 B.C.) near Draguignan
The coast of Provence has some of the earliest sites of human habitation known in Europe. Primitive stone tools were found in the Grotte du Vallonnet, near Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, between Monaco and Menton, dating to between 1 million and 1.050 mllion years BC.[3] The excavations at Terra Amata in Nice found signs of an encampment on a prehistoric beach, with traces of some of the earliest fireplaces found in Europe, dating to about four hundred thousand BC.[4] Tools dating to the Middle Paleolithic (300,000 BC) and Upper Paleolithic (30,000-10,000 BC) were discovered in the Observatory Cave, in the Jardin Exotique of Monaco.[5] Tools found in the Grotte du Lazaret near Nice date to between 130,000 and 170,000 BC.[6]
The inhabitants of Provence during the paleolithic age lived in caves or in huts made of branches or covered with animal skins Evidence found at the Grotte du Vallonnet shows they were more scavengers than hunters, using their tools to scrape meat from carcasses of bison, deer, rhinoceros, horses and other game killed by saber-toothed tigers, tigers, panthers and other predators.[7] They endured the arrival and departure of two ice ages, which caused dramatic changes to the climate, vegetation and even the sea level.[8]
In 1985, a diver named Henri Cosquer discovered the mouth of a submarine cave 37 meters below the surface of the Calanque de Morgiou near Marseille. Inside, the walls of the Cosquer Cave are decorated with drawings of bisons, seals, penguins, horses and outlines of human hands, dating to between 27,000 and 19,000 BC.[9]
Beginning in about 8,500 BC, at the end of the Neolithic period, the climate of Provence began to warm again.[10] The sea rose gradually to its present level, and the forests began to retreat. The disappearance of the forests and the deer and other large game meant that the inhabitants of Provence had to survive on rabbits, snails and wild sheep.
In about 6000 BC, the Castelnovian people, living around Châteauneuf-les-Martigues, were among the first people in Europe to domesticate wild sheep, which allowed them to stay in one place and to develop new industries. Inspired by imported pottery from the eastern Mediterranean, in about 6000 BC they created the first pottery to be made in France.[11]
At about the same time, another wave of new settlers from the east, the Chasseens, arrived in Provence. They were farmers and warriors, and gradually displaced the pastoral people from their lands. They were followed in about 2500 BC by another wave of settlers, also farmers, known as the Courronniens, who arrived by sea and settled along the coast of what is now the Bouches-de-Rhone department.[11]
[edit]Ligures and Celts in Provence
The peoples of Provence before the Roman conquest
In the 4th century BC a people known by the Greeks and Romans as the Ligures inhabited Provence from the Alps to the Rhone. They were probably the descendants of the indigenous neolithic peoples., who had lived there through the Iron Age and the Bronze Age, but had not yet discovered iron.[12] They did not have their own alphabet, but their language remains in place names in Provence ending in the suffixes -asc, -osc. -inc, -ates, and auni.[13] The ancient geographer Posidonios wrote of them: "Their country is savage and dry. The soil is so rocky that you cannot plant anything without striking stones. The men compensate for the lack of wheat by hunting... They climb the mountains like goats." [14] They were also warlike; they invaded Italy and went as far as Rome in the 4th century BC, and they later aided the passage of Hannibal, on his way to attack Rome (218 BC).
Some time between the 8th and 5th centuries BC, tribes of Celts, probably coming from Central Europe, also began moving into Provence. They had weapons made of iron, which allowed them to defeat the Ligures, who were still armed with bronze weapons. One tribe, called the Segobriga, settled near modern-day Marseille. The Caturiges, Tricastins, and Cavares settled to the west of the Durance River.[15]
The Ligures were more numerous than the Celtic peoples, and the Celto-Ligures eventually shared the territory of Provence, each tribe in its own alpine valley or settlement along a river, each with its own king and dynasty. They built hilltop forts and settlements, later given the Latin name oppida. Today the traces 165 oppida are found in the Var, and as many as 285 in the Alpes-Maritimes.[16] They worshipped various aspects of nature, establishing sacred woods at Sainte-Baume and Gemenos, and healing springs at Glanum and Vern
