Pont Royal and the Surrounding Area
The Domaine of Pont Royal has lots to offer. It consists of traditional village appartments and "bastides" with shared pools and "mas" with private pools in large gardens. Some "mas" face onto the Seve Ballesteros championship designed golf course while others overlook the Luberon or the Alpilles.
The 450 acre Seve Ballesteros designed golf course has views of the Luberon and Alpilles. It is a 6,303 metres long, Par 72 course (handicap is required) with a practice range. It is a challenging course set in beautiful countryside with glorious views. The clubhouse has excellent amenities including a bar and restaurant and is open to non members. There is a resident professional and lessons can be booked through the Clubhouse on 00 33 (0)4 90 57 74 09. In addition, for golf lovers, there are several other golf courses within a one hour drive of Pont Royal.
In the village, which is a quiet five minute walk from our villa, there is a small supermarket, a newspaper shop, two gift shops and a wine shop. You will also find three restaurants in the square as well as a restaurant at the Golf Club and a further restaurant at the Moulin de Vernegues (historic hotel visited by Napoleon) which is close to the entrance to the Domaine de Pont Royal.
Also in the village can be found a children's activity centre which is run by Pierre et Vacances. Depending on availability, places can be booked for a small charge. A large pool and wave pool (both have lifeguards) and flume can all be accessed (again depending on availability and a small fee), although most people find that there is sufficient to keep the children occupied at our villa.
A new addition to Pont Royal is the Biomecaswing Centre where you can get your golf swing checked out or, if golf is not for you, why not test out their health and beauty centre.
Walking and cycling are very popular pursuits in the area. Various maps can be bought from the newspaper shop in the village. Cultural trips can be organised through the Maison de Tourisme in the village square.
Pont Royal is in the heart of Provence. Within easy driving distance are the sophisticated spa town of Aix en Provence and its famous café "Aux Deux Garçons" and historic Avignon with its Palais des Papes and Pont St Benitez (sur le pont d'Avignon...!) During the summer, internationally renowned music and arts festivals take place in Avignon and Aix en Provence. A piano festival also takes place every July in La Roque d'Antheron which is a few minutes' drive from Pont Royal. The bustling sea port of Marseille, the Roman towns of Nîmes and Arles with their amphitheatres, the "villages perchés" of Bonnieux, Gordes and Les Baux de Provence, and the Camargue are all nearby. Isle sur la Sorgue is known worldwide for its famous antiques market which takes place on Sundays. The Mediterranean beaches are within one hour's drive. The Gorges du Verdon are also within easy driving distance. Cassis and Sanary sur Mer are very pretty seaside towns and are well worth a visit. The list is endless.
Wine lovers can visit chateaux galore! The largest three appelations in Provence are Coteaux d'Aix, the Côtes de Provence and the Coteaux Varoix. Bandol, which is renowned for its red wines and Cassis, which is renowned for its whites, are also close by. If you are planning a trip to Toulon, both Bandol and Cassis could be incorporated into your route. Should you decide to visit Pont Royal during the winter season, skiing is available at small resorts within a 2 1/2 hour drive. La Plagne, Flaine and les Trois Vallées are also readily accessible.
If you want to go further afield, why not visit St Tropez, Nice, Cannes or Monaco?
Various brochures and books on Provence can be found in our house and, if you want to go online before you leave for your holiday.
