Networking Archives

A Hidden Gem in the Luberon

Published on 20th October 202620th October 2026 by Rebecca RonaneLeave a comment

Manade Maillet is a 20-hectare farm that breeds certified Camargue bulls and horses in a slightly more hospitable climate than their usual coastal salt-marsh home. Owner Jean Louis told us there were significantly fewer mosquitoes and much more shade on his land near Roussillon, so it made sense to start a Manade some 20 years ago in the Luberon.
We were driven on a huge tractor-drawn wagon around the farm, right into the pastures where bulls lived their semi-wild lives. The Camargue bulls and cows weren’t too fussed by our interruption, but they gave us a close-up look while our gardian guide, Clément, educated us and answered questions about the lovely beasts.
We also met this year’s foals and broodmares and learned about the Camargue horses and the unique qualities that make the breed particularly suited to French cowboy life.
After our tour, we were given a demonstration of how the gardians and their horses work together to manage the bulls. In particular, gardienne Emma impressed us with her young stallion, Moustique, and their elegant riding skills. It was magical watching them all together.

Manade Maillet was one of the most orderly ranches I’ve ever seen. The tour was educational and shone a real light on yet another hidden jewel in Provence. It would be an ideal location for many different kinds of events, and I hope we will visit with Network Provence again one day. Thanks to NP member Marlene Boyer from Experience Provence for her translations and elaboration, which helped everyone understand.

What will be our next adventure? Do you know a good place Network Provence could visit for an enriching excursion? It’s easy to stick to what you know, but with so much Provence goodness on our doorstep, it’s also worth exploring more!

By Maryna Fontenoy for Network Provence

Networking, Golf and Photography in Provence

Published on 13th June 202513th June 2025 by Rebecca Ronane

It was a great week with Network Provence, starting with a little out-of-the-ordinary meeting at Golf des Ocres https://www.hautesgarrigues.com. We were invited to test out the newish golf course and see what was on offer. This golfing centre caters to golfers of all levels, including a women’s league, and offers prices that suit budgets not typically associated with the sport. We met on the large veranda overlooking the driving range and the eco-minded 9-hole course, with its ochre sand traps.

Introductions to three new NP ladies were made, and as always, it was fascinating to hear their stories of how they came to Provence, as well as a catch-up on what everyone has been up to this summer. We sipped big, sunshiny spritzes, and then Mathieu, the golf pro, gave us a quick initiation to using the driving range. We used the club’s Trackman monitors to note how far and fast we hit the balls out on the range, and there was much cheering each time we managed to connect with something other than air or ground. Golf is trickier than it looks! With their affordable prices and happy hour events, @hautegarrigues, Golf des Ochres proves to be a fun time out doing something a little different. There is also a restaurant and many summer plans to take advantage of -even for non-members.

Rounding out the week, several NP women met up for Raina Stinson’s first solo exhibition of original photography, held at L’ArtBroc Cafe, a delightful cafe bar in Velleron that showcases local artists’ work amidst its brocante shop. They serve drinks and killer Croque monsieurs/mesdames in a charming indoor/outdoor area with a super convivial atmosphere.

Velleron is not the most well-known little village, but it boasts a nightly marché du producteurs with the freshest, field-to-table produce in the land, making it well worth a visit.

Raina’s photography will be on show for the month. She is an award-winning photographer who offers iPhone classes and hosts an artist residence here in Velleron. The photographs she creates are beautiful depictions of this region, as well as more stylised looks at Americana and women’s lifestyles, with a fair bit of cheek on the side.

The consensus was that we all enjoy getting out and about, so we will look for more discovery events to explore as part of our Network Provence get-together. If you have something that fits the bill, get in touch!

Until next time! A bientôt!

Written by Maryna Fontenoy for Network Provence

Hidden Gems of Avignon & Network Provence

Published on 25th May 2025 by Rebecca Ronane

Pursuing good food and good old art, as well as Rebecca’s innovative approach of introducing more dynamic meetings, we gathered in Avignon on the 21st of May for another Network Provence gathering

Not to fix what ain’t broken from our Carpentras gathering in March, we started with a good lunch. Restaurant Le Violette is a pleasant hidden treasure with a huge shaded garden in the courtyard of the Collection Lambert Museum (a contemporary art museum). The outstanding setting probably allows staff to be too relaxed with service and the kitchen with meat, but overall, it’s a strong 7.

A short 5-minute walk from the restaurant, and we were at the Musée Calvet. It was then time for a feast for the eyes. Although one cannot find much information about the Musée Calvet online—their website and brochure are practically non-existent—the visit is more than worth it. Note that the entrance is free.

The building’s facade, interior stairs, and big halls inspired us to take many photos. When you visit, enjoy some time in their garden with its fountain and ancient trees. This is where we had our conversation about the museum collections and the most prominent painters in them. The first floor presents mostly French artists from the 18th and 19th centuries (Corot, Manet, Delacroix, among others) and artists and paintings depicting city life in Provence.

On the ground floor, we can find Egyptian, Italian, and Northern European art, 18th and 19th-century sculptures, and a room with the end of the 19th and the modern art of the 20th centuries (Sisley, Bonnard, Utrillo, Camille Claudel among them).

In the end, if the expectation was for us to discover and enjoy new places in good company and to be able to offer those visits to our guests and friends in the future, it’s fair to say – mission accomplished.

Written by Mimi Barbulovic for Network Provence.