Stay in a 17th-century Provencal bastide in Roumoules (Little Rome), a typical Haute Provence village in the heart of the Verdon Natural Park, just a few kilometers from the spectacular Gorges du Verdon, the village of Moustiers-Sainte Marie (classified as one of France's most beautiful villages), the turquoise waters of Lac de Sainte Croix, and the lavender fields of the Plateau de Valensole, 1h15 min from Aix-en-Provence and 45 minutes from Manosque.

The house was built by Pierre Joseph Clérissy, the descendant of a long line of potters, who was the first earthenware manufacturer in Moustiers. It was here that he acquired his fortune and fame. His nephew, Pierre Clérissy, succeeded him in 1728 and was knighted by Louis XV around 1743. The Clérissy family is responsible for some of the finest earthenware on display at the Moustiers Museum.

Beautifully restored, Le Vieux Castel is a generous, poetic haven of peace, offering guests as many rooms, nooks and crannies as there are atmospheres, while outside, a charming, well-exposed landscaped garden with an arbour area and a spa will delight relaxation enthusiasts.

The majestic staircase leads to the bedrooms, all of generous proportions, furnished with wit, charm and harmony. Some have an anteroom for reading. A welcoming garden-level lounge is a place of reverie for those who wish to lounge on a soft sofa and enjoy the imposing library, overflowing with readings (in French, English and Italian) and antique games, while a vaulted room becomes an ephemeral dining room, meeting room or yoga room...