
First up, the Monastery of La Verne, a spectacular site located well and truly off the beaten track (includes 15 minute mandatory walk after parking - wear flats!). The Carthusian monastery was founded in 1170 and went on to amass over 3000 acres of forest/pastures, partly through donations. Over time, the monastery has suffered multiple fires and attacks from raiders/neighbouring lords, before being classed as a historical monument in 1921 and going on to have major refurbishments from 1969 to 1982. Present day, it stands proudly in the depths of the thick forests of Collobriéres, having had a 99 year lease signed in 1983 between the French state and monastic Family of Bethlehem. The site's tranquility is something worth visiting for alone; nuns can be found praying in modest chapels, lavender grows in masses within the boundaries of small courtyards and the views are spectacular. Go for the history, leave with a sense of calm.
Monastery of La Verne
La Verne
83610 Collobriéres
France
Collobriéres is a commune in the Var department in the Côte d'Azur, buried deep in the Maures Mountains. Though the monastery is a half hour drive away from the sleepy village, the air of calm and tranquility is very much the same. It's the kind of location that springs to mind when considering where a retired actress or in-demand author would retreat to for some peace and quiet, y'know? Arriving at lunchtime, the streets were stripped of visitors, as most could be found dining at the popular 'floating restaurants' - those that occupy bridges over the river Réal Collobrier. Needless to say, we followed suit. Was it dreamy? Uhuh!
Before leaving the small village (less than 2000 inhabitants), a visit to Confiserie Azuréenne was squeezed in, a gated business dedicated to making candied chestnuts (marrons glacés). The traditional market town is famous for its chestnut trees, to the point of one of its main exports being chestnuts. Confiserie Azuréenne has a small museum available to check out their creative process of turning them into something sweeter, as well as an outdoors, sheltered ice cream shop. Though, you'll have to let me know how the chestnut ice cream tastes, because never in the history of time have I ever turned down the opportunity to enjoy a caramel scoop!
Confiserie Azuréenne
Boulevard Kœnig
83610 Collobriéres
France
The day ended in a very different way to which it started; from the thick and quiet monastic-owned forests of Collobriéres, to the colourful and borderline-sumptuous village of Port Grimaud. The village is another commune in the Var department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France, however is visibly more popular thanks to its status of 'seaside town'. On the map, it's located just 4.3 miles from Saint-Tropez and was created in the 1960s by architect François Spoerry in a Venetian manner, though with ''Fishermans'' style houses resembling those in Saint Tropez.
With love,
Gabrielle x
I think most of us dream of vacationing on the South of France so I was more than happy to live vicariously through your photos and experience in this post Gabrielle! What a seriously lovely getaway and it looks like the weather was perfect too. Thanks for sharing sweetie!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous location! It is the ultimate getaway vacation. I haven't been to France in over 5 years, after viewing your beautiful photos I'm longing to go back.
ReplyDeleteKeisha xo
South of France is one of my favorite parts of the world! These photos make me miss it so much! I can't wait to see the rest of your wonderful trip =o)
ReplyDeletehttps://dreamofadventures.blogspot.com
How is that view even real? It looks like a postcard, it's so perfect I can see why you're missing it.
ReplyDeleteLoving all these snaps from the South of France, I've been to Paris before but that's it!
www.thesundaymode.com
Is there any part of France that isn't gorgeous? I've only been to the South of France about 10 years ago and I'd love to go back. Paris is my favourite city in the world but I'd really like to see the countryside and the south because from the looks of these photos it's just as beautiful, if not moreso.
ReplyDeleteJessica - littlehenrylee.net
OMG beautiful pictures!!! You make me homesick! I'm from Toulouse (south west) and of course I love south of France. You captured so well the easy going lifestyle of the south and the beauty of it!
ReplyDeletexx
Aurelie | http://www.surface85.com
Oh my god, this looks unbelievably stunning. You've clearly been doing Summer right! Can't wait for part two!
ReplyDeleteAmber | y a c h t s m a a n
This is such a pretty place. I would love to visit this town. You captured some gorgeous pics!
ReplyDeletexx,
Tania
http://inspiremyfancy.blogspot.com/
France is so beautiful! :)
ReplyDeleteEllen x
http://thatsellen.blogspot.com
Wow, Gabrielle!! These photos are beautiful, they really capture the essence of that lovely little town. That hotel is drop-dead gorgeous, the view from that open window is amazing! I feel like I'm right there with you :P
ReplyDeleteEuriental
France is one of my favorite places! It is so romantic, elegant and beautiful! I love all of your pictures, they make me feel that I was there. Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeletexx
cvetybaby.com
Wow, these pictures are great :)
ReplyDeleteAnd your hair is absolutely gorgeous!
Kat xx http://katharinaberghofer.com/
Great pics and article!!!
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day!
Photographer Gil Zetbase
http://www.gilzetbase.com/
Oh very wonderful place sweetie, looks so charming
ReplyDeleteThanks for share so amazing pics with us
xx
www.sakuranko.com
ohhhh wooooow, it looks so lovely and so perfect to enjoy the holidays *_* so cool :) your photos are just amazing ad I want to go there just now, too :D haha
ReplyDeletehope you enjoyed and relaxed <3
http://lovelyattitude.com
Looking at your photos is like a Friday night treat, they're all picturesque while you look lovely.
ReplyDeletewww.busyandfab.com
Wooow your photos are so stunning !
ReplyDeleteI really can't wait to come back to my country ! Soon !
xx,
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com/
I am living vicariously through your pictures, Gabrielle and wow, if I could wake up to the view from the window like in picture no. 2 from top, I would be the happiest person on earth. And the large ice-cream cone playing a factor in choosing the restaurant totally sounds like something that I would do. LOL!
ReplyDeleteShireen | Reflection of Sanity
Wow, your blog is amazing! I love it! xx
ReplyDeleteWould you like to follow each other? If yes, please follow me on the both of my blogs and let me know in the comments of my newest posts so I can follow you ASAP.
Have a great day!
Vildana from Living Like V & Stalia Is BAE
The second photo is incredible, what a view. I can only imagine how amazing your vacation could be in this beautiful place, Gabrielle. You look amazing in this black dress. Have a nice weekend ahead.
ReplyDeleteNina
http://www.ninasstyleblog.com
I'm a really lover of south of FRance and I know very well these places. I think these are a really marvelous places!!! Have a nice day, kisses,
ReplyDeleteEni
Eniwhere Fashion
Eniwhere Fashion Facebook
It seems like you did a great job at balancing both real and virtual life because you took your time to appreciate the stunning views and the actual moment. I've always heard that the South of France was a dreamy place and your pictures just confrim it. You're looking lovely AND fabulous, dear. :)
ReplyDeletexx
www.stylebydeb.com
This is beyond picturesque! I love that you're balancing capturing the moment with living in the moment! It's so important to be present but I like having the photos stashed away for later to reminisce. The monastery and water looked so nice!
ReplyDelete-M
Violet Roots || Instagram || Twitter
amazing photos
ReplyDeletehttp://www.queenhorsfall.com/
I can certainly feel the love behind every shot! These views are stunning. I'm happy to hear you managed to learn the art of sitting back and relaxing when on vacation...I think it happens to all of us that we just get so worked out taking photos and doing snap, snap, snap that we forget to enjoy the moment.
ReplyDeletethe south of france is truly gorgeous...all these views are stunning. Picture perfect landscape indeed! That monastery looks so nice...and I bet that water ride was pretty cute.
you look tres chic and very beautiful in that little black dress!!!!!!!
Oh my god this is the life! Everything look like from a movie set...
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous view from your bedroom and balcony. The monastery looks well worth a visit
ReplyDeleteU look so beautiful and stunning Gabrielle...Amazing photos!..and Great Post hun...xoxo, Neha
ReplyDeletehttp://www.theinstylejournal.com/
But so gorgeous with the south of France! You captured it perfectly with the blue skies and all the colorful houses! So good! Xx
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thefashionfolks.com/blog/makeup-trends-fall-2016/
Haha yes I see the "Part One", glad it means will be more coming up!
ReplyDeleteThe view is so beautiful, it must be kind of hard to not take some pictures of it.
Hope I could feel the peaceful feeling by seeing that live.
You look gorgeous in that simply sweet black dress too!♥
www.arindaaps.blogspot.co.id
Wish I could be there now. What a dream location. Great pics Gabrielle!
ReplyDeleteLUXESSED
This place looks so beautiful! And the croissants, yum! :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous pictures, I have never been in that part of France, looks so relaxing and calm. Travel wish list immediately.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing such a beautiful experience.
Have a lovely weekend Bella.
Baci.
Glamoury Armory Blog
So gorgeous - I love all the painted houses.
ReplyDeletehttp://lizziedailyblog.blogspot.com
I thought you were snap chatting haha. Looks like you had loads of fun in that travel diary!
ReplyDelete<3 | X ALY | Latest: Breezy in Pink Dress Style Post
You know I don't really mind reading your travel posts as the matter of fact I haven't been there yet! I love reading people' travelling posts!
ReplyDeletewww.thequinoxfashion.com
The views are so incredible! I'm definitely looking forward to exploring France more in the future, there are so many dreamy places. Can't wait for the part 2 :)
ReplyDeletehttp://allure-square.blogspot.com
BRB, buying a plane ticket to wherever you are right now Gabrielle!
ReplyDeleteHaha I'm seriously in love with these pictures- I need to visit ASAP!
X
Anjelique
http://anjelique.com.au | snapchat: anjeliquetv
Such a breathtaking place! Happy new week.
ReplyDeleteStyle For Mankind
Bloglovin
This place looks amazing, these pics are gorgeous , so jello!! :)
ReplyDeletewww.fashionjazz.co.za
Found your blog randomly! What's a gorgeous place and stunning visuals!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, this brings back memories from last year's holiday :-) Great pics!
ReplyDeleteWow, your photos area AMAZING Gabrielle. I can't wait to see the 2nd part of your travel journal.
ReplyDeletewww.mydailywear.co.uk
this looks so fabulous! Deffo booking a plane ticket there some time soon! x
ReplyDeleteG
www.teawithgi.com
Stunning photos here Gabrielle, the mixture of colours is breathtaking - I love the blue of the sea too, so pretty! I hope you had a wonderful time while you were away, and you're right, sometimes it's best to soak up the moment rather than rushing the trip. - Tasha
ReplyDeleteStunning and so serene! I'm in love with this area! The water is gorgeous and the pastel buildings are so charming
ReplyDeleteHttp://Leftbankgirl.blogspot.com
Gorgeous photographs,I'd really like to visit South France soon.!!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Fay
If you'd like come say hi:http://faythisway.blogspot.gr/
Thank you.
Omg! What an amazing photos you've got here.. Nice blog!
ReplyDeletewww.tessyonyia.com
Port Grimaud looks like an absolute dream! I'm definitely going to have to visit, what a stunning and charming town!
ReplyDeleteWow!!! It seems like you've had so much fun there... Your posts brought me great memories (I spent my honeymoon in Côte d'Azur)... Your pics are stunning, Gaby. Thanks
ReplyDeletePS: Oh BTW, Happy Birthday (I know that it is around the same date as mine - end of July) All the best to you, may your wishes come true :)
Oh, thanks so much! My birthday isn't actually until late August, though I'll happily take those lovely well wishes all the same! haha :)
DeleteGabrielle x
The water looks so blue. Great pics from your trip! I like the images of the monastery. The structure and crosses had a simple kind of beauty that I admire in architecture.
ReplyDeleteLaToya
www.toyastales.blogspot.com
OH MY GOSH WOW!!!!! I've never been to the South of France before, but you're seriously giving me major wanderlust with these pictures babe! Just beautiful!!!! Xx
ReplyDeletehttp://theemasphere.com/
Gabrielle, you've certainly made me want to be whisked away to the South of France. What an absolute treat, and it sounds like the perfect way to end a summer holiday. <3 Have a wonderful new week. Will catch up on part two now. x/Madison
ReplyDeleteFASHION TALES
I just cannot get enough of your adventures! These pictures are gorgeous. I'm getting heart eyes all over the place... the sea is more blue than the sky!!! you lucky duck- enjoy it! xX
ReplyDeleteYour entire trip here sounded like paradise, I'm swooning over all of those beautiful photographs you've captured, your trip looks truly beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThe French water trip looks wonderful, I haven't practiced my French in quite sometime so I would probably struggle to understand it (even though I'm a a 1/4 French myself) as well as I used too.
Your villa looked so pretty! I love the pretty greenery and flowers, so picture perfect!
Beautiful post!
Laura xo
www.shehearts.net
Gorgeous photos! Sounds like you had the perfect vacation. The south of France is firmly on my travel wishlist now.
ReplyDeleteChristina ♥ https://caliope-couture.com
I appreciate that you shared these with us...the beauty of nature is incomparable... beautiful pictures :)
ReplyDeleteMy Dream!!!
ReplyDeleteLalu
All of your photos are absolutely beautiful! It looks like the perfect holiday! I always underestimate France and never think to go there :) xx
ReplyDeleteOh gosh! I wish I can jump onto the next plane and fly there just to have a break with you, Gabrielle! As the places you went to look so inviting! I especially love your room, the fact that the bed is just next to the window and with such an awesome view *_^
ReplyDeleteYeah, I know! So much atrocity and heart-breaking incidents happened during your trip there, right? It was almost like one after another! Sad indeed.
I love the sound of a chestnut or even a caramel ice cream!! Oh boy, you are making me drool now! And that giant ice cream sign *_^
Looked like it was quite a sunny and hot day though, but am sure it had the most wonderful time!
Thanks for always sharing your travel stories, feels like I just had one myself just reading your post here! Haha
Have a beautiful weekend ahead
Love,
Jeann | LUMINNEJ
https://luminnej.blogspot.com
Ahhh ! Oh my goodness, so jealous of your trip ! I was supposed to be heading over in September but it looks like that won't be happening anymore :( I will just have to live through these gorgeous photos haha ! Amazing <3
ReplyDeleteXOXO
Jess
Http://jessprainstyle.com
Wow - What a place that is, truly a view to die for!
ReplyDelete