Review of Luberon's La Bastide du Mourre: A Provençal Gem.

Oh, my giddy Aunt, in my life of lovely hotels, La Bastide du Mourre in the heart of Provence stands out for its quintessential French charm, top comfort, and wellness offerings. It served as the perfect base for exploring the enchanting Luberon region. I’m still shouting how brilliant this stay was from any medieval rooftops I come across. Thank you to Destination Luberon for hosting my stay.

In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about La Bastide du Mourre, from how to get there to what to expect during your stay. Join me on this journey into the heart of Provence’s beauty and hospitality.

What did we especially love about La Bastide du Mourre?

Our stay at La Bastide du Mourre was everything I love in a hotel and more. The rooms are in and around a 17th-century country house on a hill facing Oppède le Vieux. Cocooned in the Luberon countryside, the sun shining, it was the sort of stay where you find yourself having the ‘shall we move to France’ conversations at breakfast.

They probably won’t like me calling them a hotel because I’m guessing the feeling they are trying to offer is more like coming to stay with your (wealthy) friends! There is equality between the staff and their roles; they all seem to share duties and do whatever is needed, whether it is giving you your room key or replacing the milk at breakfast.

La Bastide du Mourre is one of the stylish offerings of Les Domaines de Fontenille, which are found across France, Spain, and Italy. This collection has caught my eye; I like its ethos! After this stay, I decided I wanted to stay in them all.

Little Wandering Wren enjoying the grounds at La Bastide du Mourre

Lovely Luberon location

Our rental car satellite navigation brought us in by the back door route, and we thought, ‘𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦!’ We drove across some bumpy grassland and happened upon some columned gateposts; we drove up the drive exclaiming, ‘Oh, this looks nice!’

La Bastide du Mourre is tucked away with stunning views of vineyards, mountains, and the gorgeous medieval town of Oppède-le-Vieux. It feels discrete yet somehow well-known. I feel like I’m in with the IN crowd staying here, and yet its laid-back vibe is one where I don’t need to dress for dinner!

We enjoyed this location and its proximity to historic centres and places of interest, such as Rousillion and the Ochre Trail (20 km), Oppède le Vieux (2km) Luberon Regional National Park, Musée De La Lavande, Gordes (23km) Lourmarin (30km)

Check-in

Check-in is from 4 pm; however, no worries, as our room was ready. There are minimal formalities to accompany the minimalist style, and you won’t find a reception desk. Instead, guests are greeted and welcomed into two swish living rooms for check-in. Before taking us on a tour, Joel invites us to join the upcoming yoga class at 5 p.m. It’s decisions, decisions, as the sun is shining, and Mr Wren decides an afternoon by the pool beckons him.

Charming Rustic Rooms

Every room is unique, and there are four different types: classic, superior, deluxe, and grand deluxe.

Room 7, a Superior room, was not large at 17 m2, but big enough for a king-sized bed with the finest linens. I loved the simplicity of the design, which was thoughtfully, delightfully and calmly decorated. White and neutrals are the colour palette of choice here.

The rooms are thoughtfully decorated. Don’t you love the five individual stalks of lavender? We had a small sitting area with a fridge with welcome drinks, healthy biscuits, glass-bottled flat water, and sparkling water. Behind a curtain,is found a microwave, plates and cutlery.

The bathroom was beautiful, all new, and spotlessly clean. I loved the toiletries provided.

Outside, at the top of our steps to our front door, is a table and two chairs overlooking an inner courtyard.

You can see my room tour video here on Instagram: @litttlewanderingwren/BastideduMourre

Gardens

The garden is vast, lush, and beautifully maintained, offering magnificent views of the countryside and vineyards. At breakfast, I found myself captivated by a tractor working in a field across from our breakfast spot. Here, you feel a super connection with nature, and life moves at a wonderfully slower pace.

Guest Experiences

There is something for everyone here, from hiking, biking, tennis or relaxing by the swimming pool.

Bienêtre Wellness Activities

From the moment they asked, ‘Do you want to join yoga at 5 pm tonight or 9 am tomorrow? I was excited by their program. Various classes are offered daily at 9 am, including HIIT, Breathwork, Pilates, and Yoga.

Despite thinking we were alone during our stay, four other guests joined the excellent class.

With the French doors open and the curtains gently swaying in the Provence breeze, you feel the cool countryside air. You take a deep breath, and suddenly, you’re embracing precisely what they offer—slowing down.

Multi purpose room at La Bastide du Mourre

‘On the Wildside’ Spa

You need to book ahead for the Wildside Spa, which offers cosmetics and well-being from the wild. I wish I had! Massages are available, starting at €75 for a 30-minute Wild Detox or Wild Harmony Massage. On The Wildside, cosmetics were a gift in the room. Their products are 100% natural, organic and wild plant-based cosmetics.

A 17th Olive Oil Mill has been transformed into a spa. Three private circular pinewood wellness treatment pods sit amongst the woodland. You can also book private use of the gardens’ sauna and woodland Nordic bath.

More info @onthewildside_spirit

On the Wildside Spa La Bastide du Mourre

Anyone for tennis?

As we wandered around the grounds, we came across the tennis court in the garden. Sure, it’s not quite at Roland Garros’s standard, but my, what a setting!

Swimming pool

The sheltered stone swimming pool in the gardens is very nice! There are plenty of loungers, and there were never more than a couple of others there with us at any time.

Bikes

E-bikes and helmets are available for hire, and cycling in the countryside is a popular way to immerse yourself in Luberon’s sights, sounds, and smells. You will be chuffed with an e-bike when you meet your first Luberon Hill! There are plenty of bike routes to enjoy, but maybe you can start with the short ride to Oppède le Vieux. For more information, see Biking in the Luberon.

Casual Culinary Delights

While no full-service restaurant is on-site, a quick look at TripAdvisor reveals 108 restaurants within 5 km. In France, you’re never far from good food.

Afternoon Snacks

Complimentary fresh and dried fruit snacks and fruit-infused cool water are offered each afternoon in a nod to healthy afternoon tea.

Light Dinner

We selected and pre-ordered a delightful homemade meal featuring gazpacho, French bread, and a cheese platter. As we enjoyed our dinner, we noticed other guests enjoying pre-dinner drinks doing the same, frequently calling to delay their reservations at a nearby restaurant. We couldn’t blame them; we were perfectly content staying right where we were!

Breakfast

Breakfast was a well-being feast, with fresh fruits, cheeses, smoked salmon and granola, yoghurts, homemade bakery items, and gluten-free chocolate cake. Even the roll of French butter wrapped in paper was a delight! The choice of Alchemist Infusions was immense, but ‘La Vie Comme elle vient‘ seemed perfect.

I select a plate of goodness, local cherries and croissants to accompany my tea and smile as we sit under the pink umbrellas, enjoying the sunshine and birdsong.

Who stays here?

It was an ideal couple’s getaway. There was a real mixture of nationalities and, surprisingly, a younger age group than we saw at our other hotels. La Bastide du Mourre appeals to the young Instagram crowd.

Oppède le Vieux

After admiring the medieval town of Oppède le Vieux from our breakfast spot, we decided it was a must-see. There is ample parking available on the outskirts of the village, so be prepared for an uphill walk. These historic towns were fortified for good reason!

We feel like we’ve stepped back in time, wandering through these surprisingly unchanged ancient streets lined with stone buildings, medieval ruins, and a 12th-century church. There is such wonderful history here!

How to Get to Bastide du Mourre

By Car

Driving to Bastide du Mourre is the most convenient option, offering flexibility and the opportunity to explore the picturesque Provençal countryside.

By Train

France’s high-speed TGV trains make travelling by rail a comfortable and efficient option.

From Paris:
- Take the TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon to Avignon TGV Station.
- From Avignon TGV Station, rent a car or take a taxi for the remaining 30-minute drive to Bastide du Mourre.
From Marseille:
- Take a regional TER train from Marseille Saint-Charles Station to Cavaillon.
- From Cavaillon, rent a car or take a taxi for the 15-minute drive to Bastide du Mourre.

By Air

For international travellers, flying into Marseille Provence Airport (MRS): 28 km and renting a car is an excellent option.

Local Transportation

While public transportation is available, it is limited in rural areas. We recommended renting a car to explore Bastide du Mourre and its surroundings comfortably.

The details

Address: Bastide du Mourre, 251 Chemin du Moure, 84580 Oppède – France

Website: BastideduMourre

Final thoughts

Nestled in the heart of Provence, Bastide du Mourre is a charming Maison d’Hôtes which offers an appealing blend of rustic elegance and modern comfort. Surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Luberon, this historical estate provides an idyllic escape for those seeking tranquillity, culture, and natural beauty.

At Bastide du Mourre, time seems to slow down, allowing you to fully embrace the tranquil pace of Provençal life. Whether you’re here for a romantic getaway, a solo retreat, or with family, this enchanting estate has much to offer. We left all too soon with cherished memories and a longing to return.

We will be back!

Disclosure: Little Wandering Wren was a Destination Luberon guest and received a hosted stay. All opinions are my own. Follow us on Social Media: Find more photos of my travels and stories on Instagram @littlewanderingwren.