La Blache is a centuries-old Provencal settlement on the edge of the wooded valley of the River Asse. Here you will find old farm dwellings converted into seven comfortable Gîtes, pleasant communal space with a professionally equipped kitchen, and an attractive room for training sessions and meetings. Situated around the old farmhouse is the secluded lower garden, the terraces of the Gîtes, and a raised meadow at the back.

 

 

The team

Frank Berends and Sylvia van Leeuwen discovered la Blache in 2003. They bought it in 2005 and transformed it into what they had pictured in their minds, and what it is now: a unique place for chilling out on holiday or for retreats or training courses. Perfect for people who want peace, tranquillity and authenticity.

Frank has been the sole owner since 2015. He and the rest of the team – Denis and Christine – would love to welcome you to this historic settlement and share its unique atmosphere and magic.

The team at la Blache is entirely at the service of the guests. They can give you tips for all sorts of walks and excursions and serve delicious meals in the restaurant.

History

In the old Occitan language la Blache means the “place where pollarded white oaks and chestnut trees stood”. In the past, people laid terraces here for growing vines, and olive and almond trees. La Blache is still home to many species of trees: almond and fig trees thrive in this rugged landscape at an altitude of 800 metres, but so do chestnut and olive trees. The residents of la Blache made their living from almonds, lavender and grain until the 1980s. Now the main source of income is tourism and training courses and retreats.

Own drinking water supply

At la Blache we have our own biological purification station for all the used water. Aerobic and anaerobic bacteria make the water so clean that we can use it to irrigate the (olive and fruit) trees and the vegetable gardens that we are going to construct. In order to function properly, we only use biological cleaning agents and detergents. We make these ourselves and are available with us. Our drinking water comes from our own soil; we had to drill 120 deep in 2006 to find it. It is wonderful water, the quality is checked throughout the year.

 

Read more about staying at la Blache and the fascinating history of the settlement in the attachment.

Download Practical Information La Blache