Provençal Hiking & Culinary Wellness Escape in the French Riviera Hills

The setting is a farmhouse tucked into the hills 600 meters above the village of Seillans, one of those officially designated 'most beautiful villages in France.' The house is a mix of old stone walls and a recently renovated, contemporary interior – lots of light, simple and comfortable rooms, and the kind of terrace you'll want to sit on until the stars come out. From the pool, you look out over valley after valley of olive groves and vineyards, all the way to the sea on a clear day.

Four of the six days are dedicated to hiking. The routes are chosen by Remi, who has run these trails for years, and they cover two very different landscapes. Toward the north, around the Lachens and Cheiron mountains, you're on alpine terrain with rocky summits, high forests, and big views. Closer to the coast, around the Gorges du Blavet, the trails drop through red rock valleys and vineyards. These are proper mountain hikes – 4 to 8 hours, with real ascent and descent – so they're best for people who already hike regularly.

The non-hiking day is a cultural circuit. You start with breakfast on a terrace overlooking the market in Fayence, then wander the stalls for local cheese, fruit, and lavender before driving up to the perched village of Mons. Lunch is at a little restaurant there, then on to Seillans for a walk through its cobbled lanes, and finally a tour and tasting at a nearby biodynamic vineyard. It's a relaxed day with a lot of good food in it.

Evenings at the villa are when you really get to know the other guests. Remi cooks with whatever the local farms and his own garden have in season, so dinner might be a slow-cooked daube one night and grilled fish with herbs the next. There's always local wine on the table, and the conversation tends to run late. It's small-group travel in the best sense – flexible, personal, and genuinely warm.

What's included

- 7 nights accommodation in one of the villa's guest rooms - All food and drink at the villa (breakfast, lunch, dinner, apéritifs) - Packed lunches on hiking days - House wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks at the villa - Airport pickup and drop-off from Nice Airport (NCE) at scheduled times - Transportation during the retreat (minivan for all excursions) - Guided nature hikes with Remi - Group excursions to villages, market, and winery - Wine tasting at a biodynamic vineyard - Wi-Fi access - Use of the pool, terrace, and garden - Local organic produce as much as possible

What's not included

- International flights to Nice (NCE) - Travel insurance (mandatory) - Visa fees if applicable - 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner at local restaurants (when dining out) - Additional activities not listed in the itinerary - Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra drinks