by Jodie Kidd and her family appreciate their time in the south of France. Here your guide is one of the most stylish places in Provence.
Where is your favorite destination and why?
Provence – always Provence. The light and rhythm of the place has a bit deeply earth. The lavender fields, the cicadas, the old stone houses – it is a region that speaks for each of the senses. There is a certain magic that never subsides. It is all about barefoot morning, lazy lunches in the shade and long trips through vineyards in an open car.
(Jodie Kidd)
When was the last time they were there and with whom were they together?
Last summer – I decided with close friends and my son Indio. We stayed right outside of Gordes, in this beautifully restored MAS (farmhouse) with a view that stretch in the direction of the Luberon hills. We cooked together, swam, read books and spent every evening outdoors under the stars. It was the sky.
Where do you like to stay there?
I love the reserved elegance of Domaine de Fontenille near Lourmarin – it is a kind of place where everything feels and yet effortlessly curated. But sometimes I prefer a private villa in the hills around Bonnieux or Ménerbes. A place with your own kitchen garden, a pool and a view. The type of attitude in which time slows down.
The local markets are the heartbeat of Provence. The colors, the flavors, the chatter – it is pure joy
What was your favorite meal there?
This is a difficult one! Every meal feels like a favorite. But if I had to choose, it would be a simple, fresh seafood plate on the coast that is served with an ice -cold G&T. We were in a small restaurant on the water near Cassis – barefoot, sea air in our hair, laugh everywhere. I remember the grilled long tints that were only served with a press lemon and a splash of olive oil. Absolutely unforgettable.
What are your three best restaurants?
La Chassagnette near Arles, where the food is organic and the mood is creative and rooted in the landscape. Then there is Le Jardin de Bern, who is located in the breathtaking Château de Bern winery, a quiet and quiet room deep in the Provencal landscape. The food is not from this world, with many of the ingredients from the castle’s own gardens. And I can’t come to Provence and not go to L’Ugresau de Baumanière. Embedded in the breathtaking Les Baux-de-Provence, outside the hustle and bustle of the coast, it has a real charm of the old world. It has a beautiful shady terrace surrounded by olive groves and serves the most incredible food.
Chef Armand Arnal Arles’ Michelin -stern -Staurant La Chassagnette (delivered)
What would you do if you only had 24 hours there?
Start early on with a hike through the L’Isle-sur-La-Sorguar market, coffee in your hand. I would pick up a few olives, fresh figs, maybe appreciate a few ancient times. Then a trip through the hills by car down to go down to a long lunch in the sun – maybe in Chez Bruno in Lorgues, where the truffle risotto is heavenly. For dinner I would go to Christophe Bacquiés Restaurant La Table des Amis. The seafood, especially John Dory, are simply incredible. The chef has a deep respect for local Provencal ingredients. It is a real pleasure that comes here, and the food never disappoints.
What is the only thing you recommend?
Visit the local markets – you are the heartbeat of Provence. The colors, the flavors, the chatter – it is pure joy. I always bring a little home: lavender, craftsmanship or honey from the region.
Is there a hidden gem that you want to share?
Ja-Oppède-le-vieux. A tiny hill village that feels unaffected by time. Go at sunset when the stones shine gold and the streets are silent. There is a small terrace where we once saw how a thunderstorm rolled over the valley with a drink. Pure magic.
More: more: Five less touristed cities in southern France to visit
Who do you call to have a good time there?
A mixture of old friends who made Provence their home – artists, chefs, motor heads. And of course my son. It brings the best energy to every place.
Favorite business?
I always come by Maison Goden Perfum in Saint-Paul-de-Vence-sells beautiful scents that are penetrated in the heir. Côté Bastide in Aix for household goods and the Brocante markets for antique finds -I have recorded some beautiful ceramic jugs and vintage lines.
The only thing you would bring home as a souvenir?
Olive oil. Always. The rich, green, peppery species that you simply cannot replicate at home. And maybe some Provencal linen napkins for your summer table.
Your favorite spot for beauty?
There is a waterfall near Sillans-la-Cascade, which feels like something from a dream. We once hiked early in the morning and had everything for ourselves. Cold, clear water and wild, green bank. It is one of these rare places that feels completely untouched.
Your packaging essential?
A floating white dress, a Panama hat and a bottle of Bombay Sapphire for this perfect sundowner G&T.
A song that reminds you of the place?
Les Champs-Élysées by Joe Dassin. It has the timeless, joyful spirit of a summer trip through the country.
Your dress code for the goal?
Simple, effortless elegance. Think of linen shirts, espadrilles, oversized sunglasses. And always a scarf – for your hair, your neck or bind in your pocket.
Do you have a top wellness tip for the area?
Yes – tomorrow in the Terre Blanche Spa. It is calm, restorative and the treatments are exceptional. But honestly, well -being comes into the air, the food, the rhythm of the place. It is a kind of luxury that is just as much about headspace as skin care.
Which building do you want to live in?
A bastid (manor house), surrounded by olive trees with blue shutters and stone floors that remain cool. Somewhere with a large wooden table outdoors for endless lunches and late -evening conversations. Provence is full of these dream houses – old bones, full of soul.
Jodie Kidd took part in the E1 London Showrun, which was presented by Bombay Sapphire, the official global partner of the UIM E1 World Cup,
