Luxe Provence • Celebrating the Good Life

Jamie Beck for Luxe Provence AW18

October 26, 2018

luxeprovence jamie beck linen skirt silk

The Jamie Chemise Has Arrived… Pre-Sales are ON NOW for our second design collaboration piece with Jamie Beck for Luxe Provence.

Designed to float effortlessly through the olive orchards of Provence… to the streets of New York. The Jamie Chemise is made of voluminous, Italian silk/cotton voile, available in feather.

Pre-order in the boutique today…and shipping begins November 8th – 18th by order priority. While limited supplies last!

UPDATE: Sizes are selling-out quickly, so please be sure to order yours today. This is a limited edition series and we will not be adding additional quantities prior to the holiday. The linen skirt is a sneak peek and will be featured as part of Jamie Beck for Luxe Provence SS19 collection. Collect each piece to have a complete capsule wardrobe, proudly designed and ethically Made in Provence.

Artisans of Provence

Jamie Beck for Luxe Provence – Coming Up Next

October 26, 2018

We are thrilled to show you a sneak peek on our upcoming second release from our highly anticipated collaboration with Artisan of Provence, Jamie Beck, set to arrive this autumn.

Last season, we collaborated with photographer, Beck of Ann Street Studio, to realize her ultimate Provence dress, the Marianne (pictured below and available here in stone or pure white), which sold-out within a few short hours of its online release this past June.

This season, we are collaborating on a silk piece designed for both city and country wear… from New York, Paris to Provence. Designed by Beck, the Jamie Chemise, will be released in a gorgeous feather white silk / cotton voile with pre-sales starting Friday, October 26th at 7pm Paris time available in limited edition at www.luxe-provence.shop. Her second release is designed to be flattering to a wide variety of body shapes, and is ideal for injecting a bit of french, chic style into your autumn and holiday attire. This versatile piece is certain to be a much-coveted holiday gift, so be sure you’re on our mailing list, or following us on Instagram, as we announce the pre-sale countdown in the coming weeks.

About the Luxe Provence Lifestyle Collection

The Luxe Provence Lifestyle Collection celebrates the region’s effortlessly, chic style with a range OEKO-TEX® certified linen, European silks and high quality french cotton in timeless, classic cuts. We strive to create long-lasting classic pieces using sustainable materials which are proudly made locally in our Provence ateliers. “Each of our Luxe Provence Lifestyle pieces is designed to be worn barefoot in the Provence countryside by day, and then out with a pair of heels to an elegant bastide, or seaside dinner, by night” says, Founder & Creative Director, Tarik Koivisto.

luxe provence jamie beck dress linen

About Jamie Beck

Jamie Beck, is the high-profile photographer and artistic talent, behind Ann Street Studio who has shot campaigns with iconic brands including: Chanel, Cartier, Oscar de la Renta, Tiffany, Donna Karan, Armani, and Saks Fifth Avenue. She’s often spotted sitting front row during New York Fashion Week with camera in hand, and has a beloved 170,000 followers of her #ProvenceSelfPortait series on Instagram. Jamie and her videographer partner and husband, Kevin Burg, invented the Cinemagraph, a patented process to combine Jamie’s breathtaking, timeless images with social media-ready video targeted to one part of the image. Despite the duo’s immense, creative success in New York, Jamie longed for a slower, more meaningful life to delve deeper into her artistic talents.

jamie beck for luxe provence

Since moving to her 18th century apartment in Provence’s charming Apt, from their Tribeca loft in New York, Jamie has grown a cult-like following of Americans who look to her daily Instagram feed for a brief escape into the good life and artistic wonderment she creates.

Learn more about our featured Artisan, Jamie Beck with our earlier feature here, or follow along in Instagram Stories for more sneak peeks from the atelier and behind-the-design coverage at (luxeprovence).

All photos are self-portraits by Jamie Beck in our Marianne Linen Dress.

Artisans of Provence, Behind The Curation

Aurélie Alvarez and The French Muses of Provence

October 26, 2018

This season, we’re excited to collaborate with a guest curator for a special, limited edition French Curiosities Holiday Gift Curation, the perfect gift for the French antique and art-lover on your list. We’ve asked Ruth Ribeaucourt, founder of The French Muse who offers amazing travel and events here in Provence, to guest curate this magical, bespoke collection featuring her favorite antique treasures, combined with unique limited edition pieces from local Provence Artisans.

ABOUT OUR GUEST CURATOR – MEET RUTH RIBEAUCOURT, The French Muse

Ruth Ribeaucourt is Irish born, but definitely French at heart and is passionate about antiques, vintage textiles and artisanal creations. As a jewellery designer, antique textile dealer, European contributor to Where Women Create and travel guide (whew!), Ruth finds beauty at the French flea markets and shares her treasures with admirers across the globe. Ruth also serves as communications director for her family company, Julien Faure, a celebrated haute couture ribbon maker in St. Etienne, which creates ribbons today for Chanel, Hermes, Dior, Valentino, Gucci, Rochas and Dolce & Gabbana. We met with Ruth this past summer in Aix-en-Provence to discover her family’s ribbons and in search for French antique lace and vintage detailing inspiration for our lifestyle line creations. We are thrilled to have her share some of her luxury silk collectibles, antique expertise and favorite artisans in this special edition curation arriving this holiday season, designed just for you.

IN THE ATELIER with ARTISAN OF PROVENCE, AURÉLIE ALVAREZ

Aurélie Alvarez is a visual artist from the celebrated French town of Isle sur la Sorgue in Provence. I discovered the work of Aurélie a few years ago, in the concept store, La Caravane des Créateurs, in Saint Rémy de Provence. Her beautiful artwork was presented alongside one of my favorite local textile artisans, Aurore Pelisson, and turns out, of course they are also friends. From her atelier in the rafters of a 16th Century hotel particulier, Aurélie, a graduate of fine arts, paints decorative and contemporary works. We’ve had our eye on Aurelie’s work for some time now and are pleased to learn that she is also one of Ruth’s selections for this special curation. We are thrilled to share that she is creating a special limited edition painting featuring original gold foil bird for this curation (valued at over $150 USD alone). Her decorative work focuses on lightness, simplicity and the poetic, and includes a colourful universe of plants and animals. All of her work explores the duality between science and spirituality, her personal journey to the heart of matter and colour.

Ruth is also working closely with Severine Chauvet of Inecha Design, on a special surprise piece that is handcrafted in her 17^th century house-turned-atelier in the ancient Provençal city of Avignon. Severine is a French artist with a bohemian soul who creates one-of-a-kind fashion and home accessories. Her work is inspired by nature and the beautiful antique fabrics she finds at the brocante. Each box will feature a uniquely created piece for this curation, handmade by the artist.silk

We cannot wait to share this special curation with you. Please be sure to reserve yours today, these are available only in limited quantities… while supplies last and feature original work and unique, antique silk and vintage finds by Ruth. Each curation will contain a handwritten gift note, by request (please include your note upon check-out), and will be shipped from Provence by DHL International Priority prior to December 15th, 2018.

Photo credits for all these beautiful artisan and atelier images by © Ruth Ribeaucourt. Merci, Ruth!

Artisans of Provence, Luxe Provence Travel Guides

36 Hours in Arles… Art Capital of Provence

September 24, 2018

Arles is truly experiencing a renaissance. The first, visual clue is the rising height of Frank Gehry’s latest metal-clad museum masterpiece that is in the works at the site of LUMA Arles.

Luma Arles is a grand project driven by art patron and cultural maven, Maja Hoffman, the mastermind re-shaping the city’s landscape, culture and art scene of this ancient roman city of Provence. I felt the exciting energy everywhere, from the construction sites throughout the city, to the local artisan ateliers and chic boutiques where everyone I met with is talking about the renaissance of Arles… finally arriving.

Maja Hoffman (pictured above left) is an avid Swiss art collector, art patron, filmmaker and visionary entrepreneur passionate about Arles, who brings with her a rich family heritage for preserving and collecting the world’s finest artists. Her grandmother, for example, Maja Stehlin (1896–1989), collected Pablo Picasso, Jean Arp, Fernand Léger, Jean Tinguely and Georges Braque. The city of Vincent Van Gogh is officially blossoming into the art capital of Provence grâce à elle.

As part of this major initiative to transform Arles into an art city, Hoffmann founded LUMA Arles in 2014, breaking ground on the cultural complex designed by Frank Gehry for the production of: art exhibitions, research, education and archives, scheduled for completion later this year. Architect Annabelle Selldorf is currently renovating five 19th century industrial train stations, two of which are currently open for visitors, into working atelier spaces. The Luma Ateliers are focused on making and showing art, which includes the Le Réflectoire des Ateliers, a lovely cantine and bookstore space at the entry within the foundation.

The current Luma Atelier exhibitions break from its buildings’ past to a sustainable future by selectively showcasing its designers-in-residence creations featuring innovative use of natural materials. From converting algae into a viable 3-D printed form for beautiful household objects, to transforming seashells to sturdy beautiful countertops; I found the atelier experience to be a welcome modern “makerlab” space with something for the whole family to enjoy. These converted industrial spaces were also designed to house photography as part of the city’s annual international photography festival, Rencontres d’Arles (which takes over the city each summer). In addition, Hoffman recently purchased Martin Parr’s 12,000-strong photobook collection, in partnership with Tate London, plus the archives of celebrated photographer, Annie Leibovitz (one of my all-time favorite American photographers) which will be available to view in Arles.

Ms. Hoffmann is also behind many cultural projects in the area, including the Michelin-starred organic restaurant, La Chassagnette (more info below). This organic, farm-to-table restaurant concept is in the Camargue, just outside of Arles, and has quickly become a must-visit gastronomic destination. She is also behind the renovations and expansion of L’Hotel Arlatan, a former hôtel particulier being expanded in the center’s oldest neighborhood as a new luxury hotel experience which is part of the Maison d’Arles group.

So, if Arles didn’t already impress you with its Vincent Van Gogh history, impressive list of museums, Roman Amphitheatre and Saint-Trophime, Camargue personality or classic 18th century architecture… perhaps it’s time to give it a second look. To help you discover the new Art Capital of Provence, we have prepared a guide over the last few months featuring our own insider’s travel tips to the city of Arles.

36 Hours in Arles – Luxe Provence Insider’s Travel Guide

Friday: Visit the new Atelier Arles at Luma and check out the Frank Gehry designed museum underway, followed by a fabulous dinner and wine pairings at the hip restaurant, Chardon. Be sure to reserve in advance and communicate any food allergies, or restrictions via their website.

Chardon is a hip spot featuring an exciting concept of pop-in, chefs-in-residence from around the globe who create innovative menus featuring Arles’ organic, local ingredients. Our travel team dined here in April and were very pleased with each dish that brought together unique and innovative flavor combinations. Choose from either the a la carte options (from 2 to 20 euros), or the discovery ‘Feed Me’ Menu (at 39 euros) designed to be shared.

Saturday: Start your day at Arles’ Saturday market. It is one of Provence’s finest and known for its organically grown Camargue rice and vegetables, local cheeses, taureau saucisson, olives and anchoaïade. Pick up some colorful ‘les indiennes’, the traditional Provence fabric for your table, and walk the pretty shaded stall-lined city streets for a variety of color and endless photo options. Lunch at the charming Le Galoubet (16 to 35 euros plates; 18 Rue du Dr Fanton) with its gorgeous, vine-covered terrace for fresh, Mediterranean dishes to experience the local produce sourced from the market. It’s located just down the street from the Foundation Van Gogh, if you fancy to add in a visit.

After lunch, try a bit of local artisanal shopping, or simple cafe life in Arles’ historic, old town (see our recommendations below), then reserve your dinner with Jean Luc Rabanel, the 2-star Michelin chef who runs two restaurant experiences here. Choose between the more formal restaurant, L’Atelier (55 to 145 euro menus of 7, 9 or 12 courses) for a surprise sensorial experience you won’t forget, or sample his Le Bistro À Coté located nearby for your first foray (32 euro retour de la marché menu).

Sunday: Visit to the Camargue’s charming citadel Aigues Mortes (pictured above, Camargue guide coming next!) in the morning for a glipse at the pink hued salines and charming village. Then stop off at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer for a long, Michelin-star organic lunch at the charming, Chassagnette.

Alternatively, if you prefer staying in town, be sure to try Le Gibolin (13 rue des porcelets) a lovely locals’ favorite for delicious, fresh and simple, organic dishes and an excellent cave à vin (28 to 50 euros). Find traditional local dishes from pieds et paquets à la Provençale, and calf’s liver with persillade paired with market fresh vegetables.

Where to Stay

Hôtel Particulier: This stunning néo-classique manor and les ecuries (a stunning converted stable) is one of the last remaining architecture gems of Baron de Chartrouse. The Hôtel Particulier Arles has been converted into a 5-star luxury hotel perfectly located in the center of Arles on a quiet street. The architecture of the property and suites are very beautifully designed, tastefully mixing its classic eighteenth century bones and high ceilings with a soft, modern touch. Unfortunately, we had a difficult time actually confirming our reservation with the staff and were a bit disappointed by the spa services and general amenities that are normally associated with a 5-star property, but the private retreat aspect and décor are divine.

The garden, terrace and heated pool are delightful offering a picturesque place to cool off and relax. Or, simply enjoy the charming setting for a private breakfast or lunch during your stay.

Suites from 245 – 425 euros; 4 rue de la monnaie, 13200 Arles. Tel. +33 4 90 52 51 40

Hôtel du Cloître: This is a charming, small boutique hotel with modern touches just near the arena and antique theater featuring its own market-fresh restaurant, L’Ouvre Boite, set in a lovely side street courtyard in the warm summer months. A great value option and dining during warm summer nights under the twinkling lights of the bistro is perfectly charming.

8 Rue du Cloître, 13200 Arles, Tel: 04 88 09 10 00

L’hôtel d’Arlatan: Currently closed for a complete renovation and expansion, but look to stay at this Hotel Particulier as they re-open this autumn (2018). This Hotel Particulier is being expanded to several renovating buildings located in in the historic area of Arles and looks very promising.

Hôtel Jules César M Gallery by Sofitel

If bold is your preference, the former 17th century Carmelite Convent now houses, 5-star Hôtel Jules César and features bright colorful décor and pattern designed by Christian Lacroix, the reigning fashion king of Arles. This larger boutique hotel offers 5-star amenities and is located in the Boulevard des Lices for convenient access to the morning markets and centre ville.

9 Boulevard des Lices, 13200 Arles. Tel: +33 4 90 52 52 52

Where to Shop – Artisanal & Boutiques

While you’re in the city, here are a few of our personal favorite boutiques, artisans, ateliers and local concept shops to visit.

Stop into Atelier Sophie Lassagne (12 Rue de la Liberté) to purchase one of her beautiful matte ceramic vases (picture above left), or sign-up for one of her hands-on classes or workshops to experience the artists life in Arles, if even for a few hours.

Visit the workshop and atelier of Marie Hélène Desort, Le Métier d’Art (6,rue Docteur Fanton), to discover her handwoven wool creations. Marie-Hélène weaves her pieces on a large antique loom and creates her own original, colorful range of clothing and accessories made from natural materials. All creations are unique pieces. Also, I discovered some beautiful wool scarves from another textile artist, Cécile Tabet, also present in the boutique, who fashions felt for her creations from the Cévennes into beautiful, dyed organic colors and forms.

Be sure to visit Fabienne Brando at the Arlesienne Perfumer (26 rue de la liberté), who has exquisite taste and creates her own niche line of perfumes. The fragrances are unique and fantastically Arles, presented in gorgeous artistic packaging. Bring home her latest home fragrance release, A Cloud of Flamingos as a wonderful olfactive souvenir of your trip.

Stop in to Dou Bochi (16 rue Réattu) for a mix of global and locally created artisanal objects chosen by founders, Eric Bergère et Antoine Rambourg. The boutique carries Eric’s private label clothing line produced in high quality natural, fabrics and has worked for such luxury fashion houses as, Lanvin and Inès de la Fressange.

Moustique Arles (2 rue Jouvène) is a lovely concept store where we found this fun, Arles tray (pictured above left) and offers an excellent selection of housewares, artisanal pieces, jewelry and gift items.

We hope you enjoyed our well-researched selections and you may just need more than 36-hours to visit. Let us know what your favorite places are below!

On-location photography and article by: Tarik Koivisto, Founder & Creative Director, Luxe Provence. Special thanks to my travel team: Vanessa and Laura.

#travelguide #36hoursinarles #luxeprovence #artisansofprovence

Artisans of Provence

Ghislaine Garcin: Artisan of Provence

September 23, 2018

I had the pleasure of meeting this season’s featured Artisan of Provence in her welcoming oasis of an atelier space in Marseille recently. As the evenings begin to take on a distinct chill, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about texture and warmth for your interiors.

Discover the delicate and intricate creations of Ghislaine Garcin featured inside our Autumn V13: Cocooning Curation (on pre-sale now). Ghislaine’s “slow textile” approach is achieved by using only natural methods and results in the creation of a stunning range of wool felt objects in a sophisticated color palette. We chose a Mediterranean and neutral landscape inspired palette to be featured inside our Luxe Provence Blush curation this season.

Ghislaine creates each piece by hand in her atelier in Marseille using artisanal production methods in limited editions. The eco-responsible materials meet the requirements of respect for the environment and of animals: yarns and fibers 100% wool (renewable, biodegradable) and are of French origin (Creuse) and European (Tyrol) origins.

Ghislaine’s Maille & Feutre collection features a range of: carpets, cushions, organic shaped pots, and hanging baskets which serve functionally as the ideal ally for creating a space of intimacy and relaxation. The wool felt objects are not only beautiful but also offer many natural benefits for your indoor space, as they are: insulating, antistatic, hypoallergenic, a humidity regulator and a pollutant absorber. Her pieces brings a refined touch of cozy and organic natural beauty to any space. Her rugs are simply divine!

Discover Ghislaine’s beautiful, functional art (a two-piece set valued at $170) for your home inside our V13: Autumn Cocooning Curation featuring a curation of handmade objects and home fragrance Made in Provence on pre-sale now, while supplies last. Shipping begins September 28, 2018.

Learn more about Ghislaine Garcin (pictured above) on her website here or visit her atelier by appointment. Curated and written by: Tarik Koivisto, Founder/Creative Director, Luxe Provence.

Behind The Curation, French Beauty & Fragrance

Discover Nucca… New Corsican Beauty Brand

September 21, 2018

We are so excited to have recently discovered a new, organic Corsican beauty brand called, Nucca, started by two French sisters, Hélène and Lise Canarelli.

The sisters founded and created this gorgeous line of products with ingredients from the maquis, with help from an expert Provence aromatherapist. They launched their products first at the spa in the gorgeous 5-star Grand Hotel de Cala Rossa in Porto Vecchio to great success… and are now ready to share the beauty of Corsica with the rest of the world.

Nucca is actually the name of a Corsican hellebore that grows wild in the machja, or maquis, between rockroses, strawberry trees, thyme, myrtle, lavender, phillyrea, mint and helichrysum. The brand’s product line is derived of natural plants and fragrances from the machja and the fragrances are amazing. When the first products arrived to our offices, I felt instantly transported to their spa.

The Corsican landscape contains a richly aromatic, powerful, bitter and mysterious tangle of vegetation. This infinite tapestry of flowers, shrubs, stems, berries and branches all grow under the fierce sun alongside arid, forgotten byways with unobstructed views of the beautiful turquoise Mediterranean Sea. This season, our V6: Mediterranean Gold Cruise curation is designed to transport you here, among the machja and turquoise waters, for a French insider’s getaway to the island of Corsica.

Corsica, is a tiny French Mediterranean island with extremely diverse landscapes, contrasts and wild natural beauty and one of the top destinations for escape for many locals here in Provence. You can arrive here via the mainland by yacht, a short flight or overnight ferry to deserted beaches, kilometres of hiking trails and genuine undiscovered rugged beauty. It’s still relatively unknown outside of Europe, and thus a wonderful secret place to explore.. especially in the months of September and October, when the water temperatures are still pleasantly swimmable and the school holiday summering tourists have long departed.

Each of our Mediterranean Gold Subscribers will get to discover this new Corsican brand with a surprise 2-piece full-size set of beauty products from Nucca (valued from $169 and up) tucked inside their V6: Cruise Collection, along with one of our tailored Luxe Provence Resort wear pieces (quite a value!) specifically designed for this curation.

Be sure to hurry and reserve yours today, and prepare to depart for your voyage in style this October. While supplies last… and learn more about Nucca, this upcoming French brand here.

Artisans of Provence, Luxe Provence Lifestyle

Meet Marianne… Jamie Beck for Luxe Provence

June 1, 2018

Meet Marianne… the first-piece in our long awaited collaboration with Jamie Beck for Luxe Provence Lifestyle.

What’s in a name?…

Jamie named the dress “Marianne” after the French national icon who is a champion of freedom and democracy against all forms of oppression, a freedom she discovered for myself as a woman and a creator in Provence. You see her profile in all forms in France from official government documents to artistic masterpieces like Eugène Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People, and many of the statues around Provence and all of France, for that matter. She could think of nothing more fitting for this moment than to name the dress after the goddess of liberty leading the way through…

We hope that you enjoy this first piece of our collaboration, proudly designed and made in Provence.

UPDATE – THIS LINEN PROVENCE DRESS WAS SOLD OUT IMMEDIATELY, upon its launch on June 1st! We will be releasing a second round of limited quantity pre-orders on Monday, June 18th here for shipping scheduled for August 28, 2019.

Please stay tuned for more on our upcoming collaboration pieces and new releases by popular demand…

#jamiebeck for #luxeprovence #soldout #artisansofprovence #collaboration #whatsnext

Video by Jamie Beck and Kevin Burg of Ann Street Studio.

Gastronomy & Wine, Luxe Provence Hotels, Luxe Provence Travel Guides

Baumanière, Iconic Gastronomy Retreat

May 18, 2018

It at all started in 1945, when Raymond Thuilier purchased an abandoned and relatively, isolated provençal mas tucked into the protected hillside called the Baumanière. At the time, this area of Provence was considered “Le Val d’Enfer” or the valley of hell, due to the rugged shape of the surrounding limestone rocks and difficult to access location.

Raymond was taken with the majestic property setting at the foot of the fortified hilltop village of Les Baux de Provence (read more about the region in our wine travel guide here) years prior, and set out with the mission to carve out a gastronomic inn and haven of peace in this dramatic setting.

As it turns out, it was a visionary idea. The L’Oustau de Baumanière became the first Relais & Chateaux property achieving a coveted 5-star status with its luxury hotel and 3-star Michelin cuisine. Raymond’s grandson, Jean-André Charial, a young 24-year old rising Michelin starred chef in his own right, decided to join in the family business. The two worked together hand-in-hand to perfect their legendary gastronomic cuisine for over 15 years. Today, Jean-André and his wife Geneviève, continue the family tradition of running the property and are constantly refining the gastronomy of their two restaurants, the hotel design, activities and spa experience bringing over 75 years of heritage and passion for the site. The original mas has since expanded to include five traditional Provence-style buildings with 54 bedrooms, and prestige luxury suites.

You can still feel a sense of history and air of secret refuge as your gently pull into the valley and first discover the property’s magnificent surroundings. This mythical place is where many French and international royalty have retreated to and celebrated their milestone events for over 70 years.

Its first rooms were inaugurated by Georges Pompidou in 1945 at a moment when France was ready to embrace and celebrate a new era after years of upheaval and trauma from World War II. This hideaway resort quickly became a preferred stop for famous writers, royals such as Queen Elizabeth, gifted painters as Picasso, and international politicians and celebrities of every kind. Jean Cocteau spent three months here in 1958; while more recently, your could bump into the likes of Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis.

I was delighted to discover that the property also boasts France’s second largest wine cellar, or cave. The selection of French fine wines is extremely impressive, including priceless bottles dating back to 1883 from Chateau Lafite Rothschild. Sommelier, Gilles Ozzello, gave us a private cellar tour of their fine wine collection started in 1945 featuring over 60,000 bottles, which are stored in perfect temperature by the surrounding natural stone hillside in two locations. Their selection is therefore, quite incredible and the Baumanière offers its own wine-tasting courses, or Cours d’Oenologie by reservation.

It’s worth noting, that not only is Jean-André (pictured above) a highly accomplished chef who currently presides over not one, but two, Michelin starred restaurants (L’Oustau de Baumanière and Baumanière 1850 at the Hotel le Strato Courchevel during the winter months), but was also the original winemaker at Chateau Romanin. He was an early pioneer adopting biodynamic farming methods in winemaking back in 1987.

After the death of Chateau Romanin partner, Jean-Pierre Peyraud, in 2001, Jean André suffered a disappointing loss with the change of ownership of the domaine. He went on to create his very own wine with another Les Baux de Provence AOP, Domaine de Lauzieres. He emotionally and aptly, called it l’Affectif, a truly delicious local wine available in rosé or red on-site, in which he employed the same sustainable growing methods he pioneered early on. This story of its name was inspired by conversations with his close friend and frequent hotel visitor, Georges Wolinski (the French cartoonist and Charlie Hebdo comics writer tragically killed on 7 January 2015) in which he referred to Jean-Pierre Raffarin as a “carburait a l’affectif”. Eleven years later, the ex-Prime Minister entitled his latest memoir “Je marcherai toujours a l’affectif…” and mentioned in the preface that he found that title on the terrace of the Baumanière.

The hotel, restaurants and rooms have recently gone through numerous design upgrades, led by Geneviève (pictured below) and her interior designer daughter in-law, integrating a mix of modern amenities and high design lighting fixtures with local artisanal pieces, historic touches, and carefully selected art. I particularly appreciate the integration of local and artisanal products in their restaurant’s own ceramics and beautifully curated boutique.

Geneviève’s role is to be the guardian of the spirit and Baumanière heritage of the hotel and property. For instance, I was delighted to discover a cookbook dedicated to Jean-André from Oliver Baussan, passionate Provence resident and founder of L’Occitane, in my suite, which was a lovely touch.

Their spacious suites have been beautifully renovated and feature thoughtful private terraces overlooking the property’s beautifully manicured gardens and swimming basins.

During my stay, I awoke gently to the birds chirping and magnificent, dramatic views of the beautifully landscaped gardens and village of Les Baux…truly heaven, an authentic, secret luxury Provence. It is a pleasure to wander and get lost on the property. There’s also direct access to several trails leading including up directly to the breathtaking village of Les Baux de Provence. And there are many intentional quaint corners, tables and poolside areas to relax in throughout the property to enjoy the dramatic setting… you may not want to leave.

Being a bit of a foodie, I was thrilled to experience a fantastic culinary class taught by Cabro d’Or Chef, Michel Hulin. Each spring and summer, Jean-André and Michel Hulin, offer private cooking classes in small groups up to 12 people (from 145 euros per person with lunch included) in each of the restaurants. The Cabro d’Or, Michel’s restaurant, draws its inspiration from the property’s organic vegetable garden, market fresh fish and lighter dishes, which I adored.

Michel’s passion and precision for perfecting each vegetable and ingredient in our spring lunch was truly impressive to witness. His fish dishes were truly divine and combines special techniques to maintain the integrity and flavor to his vegetables, which can sometimes be lost in traditional, heavier French cuisine.

The Cabro d’Or offers a new La Table d’hote relaxed summer lunch experience, featuring a market fresh menu that changes each week (from 33 euros per person) enjoyed in the gardens and fountain of the restaurant. It’s a great way to get a taste of the property and cuisine on a sunny afternoon, if you’re visiting for the day. You may even get a peek at their adorable baby goats.

Along with a spring cooking course, the hotel has recently launched a new spa retreat concept with zen thursday and weekend events, which include guided meditation and rejuvenating 3-hour spa packages, complete with an on-site meditation expert and relaxing massage options.

What I find rare, is to experience this sense that you are staying as part of their extended family, rather than at a hotel. They truly care about each painstaking detail of your stay and noticed there’s a special, quaintness and family ambiance within the staff as well. If you’re looking for an authentic, gastronomic luxury retreat in Provence… look no further.

To discover more about the region, check out our 36 Hours of Wine Tasting in Les Alpilles or our Les Alpilles Travel Guide including travel tips for Les Baux de Provence and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

Article and Photography by: Tarik Koivisto, Founder, Luxe Provence

Learn More:

Baumanière Les Baux de Provence

Hôtel 5* Relais & Châteaux – restaurant 2 étoiles Michelin – Spa

Address: D27, Mas de Baumanière, 13520 Les Baux-de-Provence

Phone: 04 90 54 33 07

Artisans of Provence, Luxe Provence Lifestyle

Jamie Beck for Luxe Provence Collaboration

May 10, 2018

The ultimate Luxe Provence dream collaboration is underway… and I think you’re going to be blown away to discover who we’ve teamed up with next.

We are thrilled to announce Artisan of Provence, Jamie Beck is joining us for two exciting seasons of Luxe Provence design. Jamie is the uber talented artist and photographer behind Ann Street Studio, who since moving to Provence nearly two years ago, has been creating portrait masterpieces from her stunning, 18th century apartment in Apt.

Jamie Beck is collaborating with us to create and design her Provence dream linen dress as a part of our Luxe Provence SS18 Lifestyle Collection. And that’s not all, she’ll also be designing a three piece capsule collection for Luxe Provence AW18! I first discovered Jamie’s stunning and gorgeous work via her #Provenceselfportraitseries on Instagram where she brings confidence, skill, and beauty to convey her artistic and cultural perspective as an American in Provence with raw, and beautiful emotion. Through her self-portrait work, she often explores current societal, media and fashion industry’s impact on body image, noting differences between American and French cultures. I’d say since moving to Provence, Jamie has truly grown comfortable in her own skin. It was so refreshing to discover her work and a feed filled with such poetic beauty. Jamie is a true artist in every sense.

I approached Jamie for this collaboration, because I believe she embodies the authentic, effortless chic, Provence style we strive for in our LP Lifestyle Collection, while also bringing her own unique romantic sensibility to the line. And it’s not just her style I admire, but her work, values, beliefs and the way she chooses to live life. I am thrilled to integrate Jamie’s Provence and her ethereal style and boundless creative energy into this magical collaboration between two passionate Americans in Provence.

We officially kicked off the collaboration via Instagram together last week (learn more below) and the Jamie Beck for Luxe Provence linen dress will go on pre-sale early May available in limited edition. Be sure to follow along behind-the-scenes of the design progress from our Provence atelier via Instagram each week as we bring Jamie’s dream dress to reality! #madeinprovence #jamiebeckforluxeprovence #ss18

In the meantime, read on below to learn more about Jamie and her life in Provence and inspiration behind our exciting design collaboration in the works…

(TK) When did you start working as a photographer?

(JB) I started my lifelong passion for photography at the age of 13 when my mother gave me her old film camera to play with. All the sudden, I had a place to create my dreams and for my imagination to roam. It is all I have done since.

(TK) Why did you choose a move to Provence?

(JB) I was spiritually drawn to Provence since my first visit years ago. The light, the colors of the landscape, the way of life all spoke to my soul. There is an ease and a fluidity between nature, art, ideas, seasons, and food that I find comfort and inspiration in.

(TK) What was your inspiration or idea behind your recent Provence still life and self portrait series?

(JB) After years of working in the commercial space with our creative agency in New York, Ann Street Studio, I wanted to step away from products and focus on natural beauty. I go to the market in my village and buy my produce almost daily based on what is in season from the local farmers. The beauty of the food and it’s relationship to the seasons is what first inspired me to start working with still lives. To bring in what I see, experience, the essence of the terroir into my studio space where I can draw down the focus and emotion into the subject matter.

“My self portraits were a way to rediscover who I was. To literally strip away the branding I was accustomed to and just feel myself in my skin. See how unwinding from American culture was effecting my interior being and the changes it had on me mentally, emotionally and physically.”

(TK) What is your favorite aspect of your work?

(JB) That it is never really finished.

(TK) How does your life differ now today, from your life in New York?

(JB) It’s completely different in every aspect! The conveniences of New York are gone (laundry service, dishwasher, seamless, high speed internet, uber, 24 hour food options) but what I traded it in for was calm. Using my hands. Making time to actually live, meaning, making all my meals, building fires at night and adhering to the French way of life with their set boundaries of work time and personal time. There is so much less noise in my day to day life I can focus on my art and a deeper connection to each day.

(TK) What are you inspired by each day?

(JB) The earth, the sky, the air, the light, the skin. What happens around us everyday is nothing short of a miracle to me.

(TK) What advise would you give your 20 year old self?

(JB) Don’t buy so much stuff.

(TK) What is your favorite beauty product?

(JB) Vintner’s Daughter, like nature’s vitamins for your face. Buly 1803 Dry Rose Body Oil to make my skin shine for my self portraits like an oil painting.

Chantecaille Liquid Lumière for highlights on the face. Tata Harper Lip and Cheek tints for a little color on my lips and cheeks.

Do you have a ritual for keeping your skin so gorgeous?

(JB) Of course my skin is a result of how much water I drink, sleep I get, hormones and veggies I consume. When I went back to the US my skin went crazy which I think was a result of the change of food or food quality. When all is balanced I’m really happy washing my face (at night only) with EmerginC blue poppy enzyme polish. In the morning when I wake up and at night after I wash my face I dampen my skin with water followed by EmerginC scientific organics phytocell serum, a few drops of Vintner’s Daughter, then either day or night Restorsea face cream.

(TK) Give us an idea of your perfect day…

(JB) Wake up to the bell tolls in my village, have french press coffee in bed. Go for a walk in the country and find inspiration. Pick up groceries for lunch and dinner. Prepare a healthy homemade lunch, typically a salad with some hot, honey, lemon water. Spend the afternoon and early evening making photographs, which I then edit fireside with some wine before making a home cooked dinner.

(TK) Your favorite escape or weekend destination in Provence?

(JB) Really, I love going on long bike rides through the countryside and having a picnic at the base of Lacoste. As far as towns, I love going to Arles! The art and photography culture there is so strong and they have a great food scene.

(TK) What is your definition of true happiness?
(JB) Freedom and a creative life.

(TK) Inspiration behind this season’s dress design collaboration?

(JB) I wanted the dress to be a true interpretation of all the references of Provence. The creamy warm tan color of the stones taken so many hundreds or thousands of years ago to build the towns and bridges and aqueducts of this region. The goddess like statues you find at the entrances of most towns with her full, sweeping skirt and warrior like leg dynamically striding through. The linen fabric, which is the perfect thing to live in here, earthy and cool and easy, and that line the brocantes with monogrammed table cloths, sheets and antique dressing. The ruching on the waist line was inspired by the cuffs and necklines of men’s French antique linen dressing shirts. The true Provence is dusty, so I wanted the kind of dress you could wear in the garden picking vegetables, or at a beautiful bastide lunch with the summer sun shinning through the trees. The wrap of the dress was inspired to be reminiscent to the linen aprons and life in a kitchen cooking with love to be shared. Practical pockets for carrying coins to the market or to run out to buy a hot baguette.

Jamie’s first dress design for Luxe Provence will be on pre-sale in limited edition only, starting with pre-sales mid-May. This collaboration will be sold exclusively on www.luxe-provence.shop.

Stay tuned on Instagram and here on the blog for more details on her “French Art of Dressing” with behind the scenes footage and inspiration about this collaboration. The first linen dress design will be included in our SS18 collection, revealed soon!

Images copyright of Jamie Beck. Learn more about Jamie’s work and life as an Artist in Provence here: annstreetstudio.com, or discover her photographs and work live in an exhibition on the female form along with her Cinemagraphs this month created together with her creative partner and husband, Kevin Burg, at the International Center of Photography in NY.

Blog Article, Arles photo and Interview by Luxe Provence Founder/Creative Director, Tarik Koivisto.

Scents of Provence

Iris Growers of Provence by Rebecca Amer

March 29, 2018

Iris is of prime importance in perfumery. Some describe the iris note as “the smell of cash” as it is expensive to produce. Or perhaps that’s said because the iris note has a papery facet? In either case it is found in many many perfumes and Chanel particularly are known for their use of this high quality ingredient. It lends a velvety texture to a composition, for example in Chanel no 5.

In Trets there is a producer called COPAMIVAR, they are one of the biggest iris growers in the world. They kindly allowed me to take photos and gave me a private tour of their factory (which smelled sublime I might add).

These beautiful purple flowers bloom for two to three weeks or so depending on the weather. It is not the blooms that are used in perfume however, it is the rhizomes. They must be grown for at least three years before harvesting. Once gathered the rhizomes are carefully washed and then spread out to dry for several days after which, further drying takes place for several years, so that the inimitable iris smell develops. When the rhizome is mature it’s ground to a fine powder then processed in a special steam distillery. The next stage is a product known as iris butter or orris butter. The iris butter is gently heated to liquefy it and then it’s separated out into various fractions. Experts re-assemble the fractions to make a high quality iris absolute. It takes 40,000 tons of rhizomes to make 1 kg of iris absolute.

In terms of smell, I would describe iris as cool, elegant, earthy, rooty, powdery, papery… depending what is paired with it the effect will be different. Here is a little round up of what is one of my most very favourite notes in perfume. I am an unashamed iris worshipper.

Vampy iris – Tom Ford’s Violet Blonde, a really fun and lively violet iris. It always perks me up.
Glamourous iris – Frederic Malle’s Iris Poudre * this one is at the very top of my personal “to buy” list.
Cool headed iris – Prada’s Infusion d’Iris, please wear this for magical powers of concentration and cool calm collectedness.
Sexy man’s iris – Dior’s l’Homme it can also definitely be worn by a woman, one of the best masculines of all time in my opinion.
Romantic iris – Au Pays de la Fleur d’Oranger’s Rose Irisee, completely enchanting, it takes you on a gentle journey from iris to rose.
Dark and dangerous iris – Serge Lutens’ Iris Silver Mist – a complete iris overdose. Not easy to wear and has that carrot vibe going on.
Leathery light iris – Anne Gerard’s Cuir de Nacre, I could drown myself in this one.
Power iris – Hermes’ Hiris. Great quality and wearability. Not too powdery nor too rooty. Just right.
Bargain iris – Yardley’s Iris, which you can buy online easily; it’s great for hot days and for layering with other perfumes.
Luxurious and easy to wear iris – Aqua di Parma Iris Nobile, it has a gentle creamy quality to it. Totally Luxe.

My iris list goes on and on but there I will stop for today. Enjoy those pretty blooms and now you know: it’s the rhizomes that are precious.

– Rebecca

Guest blog post courtesy of Rebecca Amer,of Irridessence, who is a talented Perfume Consultant who also offers Fragrance Discovery Tours in Aix-en-Provence.

Irises in Provence photography by: Tarik Koivisto, Founder, Luxe Provence