Le Vieux Figuier

Parisians Jacques and Maïté wanted to retire in the South of France so they bought this 18th-century stone house surrounded by vineyards, lavender, and olive trees at the foot of Séguret, ““the most beautiful village in France,”” entirely renovated it at great expense, and opened it as a unique bed and breakfast. When you enter through the heavy wooden front door, you find a wonderful contrast of antique and modern, with an enormous chandelier, a very old tapestry, an automatic glass door, white walls, and ceiling beams painted light blue. All the paintings and furniture—including a Louis XIII mirror, a Louis XIV table, and furniture from Russia—are authentic. The three superior large double bedrooms upstairs are decorated with treasures collected from the Reys’ world travels and have every imaginable amenity including motion-sensitive lights, electrical shutters, and showers with multiple jets. All are very nicely decorated and have pretty views either of Séguret or Sablet villages, vineyards, or the large swimming pool. Jacques, with his passion for flowers, has fashioned a garden like a painting and is now creating a park with all different kinds of trees. A bountiful breakfast is served every morning including juices, cereals, yogurts, breads, cheeses, homemade marmalades, and cake.