Le Vieux Four

Sometimes I wish I were born in an era when modern technology didn’t exist, in a time of large country houses with reading rooms, pianos, huge gardens and large kitchens with cooks. It was in this nostalgic state of mind that I came across Le Vieux Four, literally meaning the Old Oven, in rural Mouriès in Provence. It seemed to be the perfect place to indulge in age old pleasures and appreciate all of nature’s beautiful creations.

We arrived at Le Vieux Four country house a little worn by travel but were ready to be spoiled and to recover with the help of the hotel’s hospitality. Le Vieux Four is much more than a hotel; it’s a homely cottage, a guesthouse where guests are welcomed like old family members. What’s great about it also is that there are only eight bedrooms so you can get to know the people staying there, as well as enjoy a sense of intimacy. The house is enamoured with a traditional French charm, with beautifully sculpted antiques, ornate frames and country house touches like fireplaces.

Our room was spacious yet curious, in one corner stood a tree decorated with pretty, twinkling lights; we had stepped into our own fairytale. The bathroom was all-equipped with a shower and toiletries. Everything about Le Vieux Four had taken us back to the golden olden days, until now where in our room we could access wifi and cable television on a plasma screen. Maybe I would have to re-evaluate my nostalgia for the past… though I had no need to worry about that right now; I was revelling in the best of both worlds!

It was time for the Le Vieux Four to take us back to the gold olden days of fresh cuisine, but what was important was this was French Provençal cuisine, straight from the agricultural surroundings of Mouriès. The Old Oven proves its name here, their specialities being broths and stews; hearty countryside food all made with local ingredients and when possible, is also organic. Our deliciously comforting meal was partnered with a spectacular wine from Les Baux de Provence, only a fifteen minute drive away.

The next day we spent at the Alpilles Natural Regional Park climbing rocks and basking in the bright sun for a rest. After our muscles could take no more we retired back to Le Vieux Four, and I discovered the delights of the bygone past that I was looking for in the shape of a reading room and in-house piano. It was time to take up some old hobbies all over again, and what a wonderful prospect this was!

Finally accepting I was born in this era and not centuries ago, sadly, it was time to leave and return to the reality of everyday life. However, when I needed that all important break from busy, city life, I knew that Le Vieux Four and the delicious creations that emerge from its old oven would be waiting for me...