10 Best Wine Travel Destinations For 2017

From the classic climes of Provence, London and the Rheingau to wild and dramatic vino-adventures in Salta, Sicily and Bulgaria, Wine Enthusiast's roundup of top spots offers something for everyone with a passport and a will to explore beyond the glass.

Cafayate | Argentina

A high-altitude enclave in Argentina, Cafayate is home to some of the world’s most exciting Malbec, magical scenery, local crafts and unique gastronomy.

Thracian Lowlands | Bulgaria

Bounded by the Black Sea to the east and Greece to the south, Bulgaria’s Thracian Valley combines archaeological wonders with modern wines.

Canary Islands | Spain

A windswept volcanic archipelago off the coast of Africa, wine from the Canary Islands has been held in high esteem since at least the time of Shakespeare.

Marlborough | New Zealand

The heartbeat of the region? Marlborough’s many cellar doors. Travel into the countryside and explore small corners of wineries to expansive restaurants.

Provence | France

A sun-kissed region in Southeastern France, Provence conjures up visions of dry rosés, olive tree groves, lavender fields and the glistening sea.

London | United Kingdom

Source: www.luxurytravelmagazine.com

A vibrant center for art and culture, London is a city where you can find wine from every country. Don’t miss trying England’s sparkling wines, either.

Calistoga | USA

Healing hot springs, mud baths, world-class resorts, restaurants and wineries are all available in Napa Valley’s northern anchor, Calistoga.

Sicily | Italy

Sitting just off the tip of the boot-shaped peninsula of Italy, Sicily offers beaches, volcanoes, ancient ruins and great wine and food.

Rheingau | Germany

Less than half an hour from Frankfurt, the villages of Rheingau dot the banks of the Rhine with historic vineyards, charming towns and wine discoveries.

Hood River | U.S.A.

Overlooking the Columbia River, Hood River is an adventure sport travel destination with access to wineries, brewpubs, cider houses and distilleries.

Photo credit: Tentuta San Michele, Sicily / Photo by Andrea Savini

New Hotels Join Small Luxury Hotels Of The World

NEW HOTELS JOIN SMALL LUXURY HOTELS OF THE WORLD™

FEBRUARY 2016

Small Luxury Hotels of the World is pleased to introduce five new hotels to join the luxury collection this February. From a Buddhist sanctuary to a secluded Greek getaway, these hotels offer the independently-minded traveler the perfect motivation for a future voyage. 

Ayard of Ch'an: Leshan, China  – www.slh.com/ayard

Two magnificent courtyards play host to 47 elegantly appointed guestrooms at this ideally situated hotel in Leshan, an ancient and culturally rich city 75 miles from Chengdu. The first courtyard “Xing Shen” can loosely be translated to mean practice while the other “Jing Ly” means meditation. Both terms are at home in this peaceful haven where the four room varieties also follow the phases of meditative practice. The hotel hosts a private meditation arbor, surrounded by great pine trees which provides a uniquely relaxing environment for true reflection. Guests can also take advantage of local tradition by visiting the teahouse to sample the customary Gonfu style of tea making or visit the on-site vegetarian restaurant that brings Sichuan flavors to the forefront of their master fare.

SLH Insider Tip: Don’t miss the Leshan Giant Buddha, just a short walk from the hotel – carved over 1,000 years ago into the side of a cliff – this is the largest carved stone Buddha in the world.

Mom Tri's Villa Royale: Phuket, Thailand  – www.slh.com/momtris

Phuket in Thailand is well known for its party atmosphere and beautiful sandy beaches, however, Mom Tri’s Villa Royale has something completely different to offer visitors to this tropical island. Peace, tranquility and natural beauty combine here beginning with the salt water pool, carved into the rocks, that greets guests on arrival. For those that seek culinary memories, the restaurant which hangs over the Andaman Sea provides much more than spectacular views, it also has over 750 different bottles of wine on offer and only uses local produce from the hotel’s own farm. With local culture and design in mind the hotel takes its name from renowned architect and artist Mom Luang Tridosyuth Devalus – a.k.a Mom Tri. All rooms have balconies to make the most of the views, many with Jacuzzi tubs and sun loungers.

SLH Insider Tip: Book the Kata Suite – not only will it provide guests with ample room for a lengthy stay but they will also enjoy direct pool access.

Domaine de Fontenille: Provence, France – www.slh.com/fontenille

In Provence food is an all-encompassing passion, a self-evident fact for any guest visiting this sprawling country retreat in the picturesque French countryside. The home once belonged to the Savornin family and the renovations have preserved the charm of an 18^th century grand estate, while an intriguing blend of historical character and modern furnishings brings the hotel gracefully into the 21^st century. 17 rooms and suites take in views of the gardens, cedar Park and the Luberon hills and encourage guests to embrace the ‘French Art of Living’ in which time stands still. Guests are encouraged to wander the estate in its entirety to discover separate gardens for quiet rest, relaxation or reading, dive into the outdoor pool, enjoy a massage at the spa or explore the trails that run through the family’s vineyard. Les Champ des Lunes – the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant also provides an exhaustive workout for the taste buds courtesy of Chef Jerome Faure, with organic ingredients and handpicked wines from the Rhone.

SLH Insider Tip: No stay is complete without a visit to the wine tasting shop which opens onto Fontenille's vineyards and cedars. Guests can learn firsthand about grape growing and wine making. Later in 2016 the shop will also offer Tasting and Oenology Courses.

Galle Fort Hotel: Galle, Sri Lanka – www.slh.com/gallefort

With a rich history dating back over three centuries, this Dutch mansion is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and has been meticulously restored, retaining the original 18th century doors and windows in the building’s façade that are some of the best examples of their kind. It’s colorful past as a gem merchant’s mansion, bakery, RAF barrack, post office and even a cricket ground only increases its intrigue. The restaurant serves the freshest seafood and vegetables with an exotic twist as the chefs take their inspiration from a voyage along the Spice Route. Each of the 14 rooms reflects the hotel’s philosophy, balancing history and luxury, and has its own personality - Garden Rooms open out on the frangipani-scented courtyard while the Mews Suite has a private garden and separate entrance.

SLH Insider Tip: Make sure you visit a local eatery to experience a mouthwatering blend of Dutch, Portuguese, English, Arab, Indian and Malay influences.

Sesa Boutique Hotel: Preveza, Greece – www.slh.com/sesa

With only seven rooms Sesa Boutique hotel is an enticing private getaway. Opened seasonally (May to October) the hotel is in Preveza, a location yet to be discovered by the majority of tourists and therefore offering calm and authenticity in northwestern Greece. As its names spells out the hotel is based around the natural elements - Sea, Earth, Sand and Air - offering modern design that reflects the Ionian seascape and a deck that leads directly onto the white sand beach. Guests can take advantage of private loungers during the day or enjoy a cool drink and classic Mediterranean dishes given a contemporary makeover in SESA Restaurant, the best in the region, by night. Guests with children are also welcome - there are triple rooms with the option of additional cots or beds, and plenty to explore within the area, including boat trips to the tiny Paxoi Islands.  

SLH Insider Tip: Visit the ruins of the ancient city of Nicopolis (the ‘City of Victory’) which is only a short drive north of the hotel, or the Springs of Acheron which the Greeks believed to be the passage to the Underworld.

For more information about SLH’s collection of hotels around the world or to make a reservation and take advantage of SLH Club member benefits visit www.slh.com.

How To Rent A European Villa (And Not Go Broke)

A villa from Abercrombie & Kent, which inspects its properties. Not every company or agency has an established reputation, though. CreditAbercrombie & Kent Villas

Why spend your European vacation in a small, pricey hotel room when you can rent a private villa?

If the words “because I can’t afford it” are about to roll off your tongue, allow me to interject. While “villa” tends to be synonymous with “exorbitant,” infinity pools, panoramic vistas and private paths to the beach aren’t as out of reach as you might think. You just have to know what to look for, and when. To that end, here are five tips for getting your own exclusive country estate — if only for a week.

1. Nab a couples deal Take, for instance, The Thinking Traveller, a villa rental company based in London. The company’s website has special offers on large villas available only to couples, or couples with a pre-school-age child. Just one of the villa’s bedrooms will be made up when you arrive (the bedroom considered to be the best), and while you must sleep in that particular room, you nonetheless get the entire villa and its grounds to yourself. The current couples offer on the Thinking Traveller is for villas in Sicily, Puglia and the Ionian Islands — many with sea views, pools, terraces, gardens — available between now and just before the end of October, starting at about $2,140 a week, or $306 a night (a seven-night minimum stay is required).

On a tighter budget? Some villa rental companies have one- or two-bedroom properties that are perfect for couples. If, for example, you search on the James Villa Holidays website for properties that accommodate two travelers, you’ll turn up modest homes with swimming pools that cost less for a full week than some hotels cost per night — like a two-bedroom property with a pool in Mallorca, Spain, starting about $483 a week; and a three-bedroom home with a pool on Costa Blanca in Spain, also starting about $483 a week, or $69 a night. (Use the ratings and traveler reviews on the site to help evaluate the various options.)

2. Venture farther afield Reputable rental companies make it clear when a property is a bit remote. In addition to tranquillity, such homes generally come with lower prices. A three-bedroom stone farmhouse with a fireplace, pool and a dining loggia, described on Tuscany Now as “off the beaten track” in Umbria (near Cortona), starts at $1,514 a week, or around $216 a night. On James Villa Holidays, a two-bedroom villa with a pool in Arbucies, part of the Costa Brava, was also referred to as “off the beaten track” with “views to the high mountain peaks of the Montseny Natural Park.” Prices during a recent search started about $1,172 a week, or $167 a night. I stayed at a Hilton Garden Inn in Idaho that was more expensive.

3. Vacation off-season Renting a villa in Provence is most expensive during high season in July and August. Prices tend to go down a bit in May, June and September, though the best deals to be had are during the low season, October through April. On the rental site Ville et Village, a three-bedroom villa with a pool and views of the Alpilles mountains near St.-Rémy-de-Provence is $4,485 a week (about $641 a night) in August. Yet in April, that same villa is offered for nearly $2,000 less: $2,588 a week, or about $370 a night. You may not make use of the pool then but, hey, there’s also a fireplace.

4. Go with family and friends The simplest way to make luxury affordable is to split the bill. Take the four-bedroom villa with a pool and bucolic views on the Côte d’Azur starting at $3,414 a week onAbercrombie & Kent’s villa rental site, AKvillas.com. Share the cost with two other couples and suddenly it’s $1,138 a week, or about $163 a night, for each couple. And there’s still one bedroom to spare. Or try the four-bedroom villa on the Amalfi Coast in Italy with views over the Gulf of Naples and the island of Capri, as well as a pool, sauna and hot tub. A recent search found Abercrombie & Kent offering 25 percent off the villa on the remaining days in September, when the weekly rate is normally at its highest; $8,152. The discount took the price down to $6,114. Divide that among four couples and it would be about $1,529 a week, or $218 a night per couple. October stays are even lower; the weekly rate is typically $5,424 but it too was being discounted, by up to 25 percent. (Note that all of the above prices are for the site’s “villa only” option; not the “hosted” villa option.) A “special offers” tab on Akvillas.com makes it easy to find the latest price cuts on a variety of villas.

5. Be flexible Even rental companies with luxurious villas like Abercrombie & Kent and James Villa Holidays offer price breaks from time to time, especially at the tail end of high season. Villas of Distinction, which has properties that go for upward of $16,000 a night, has an “on special” filter on its website where you can find discounts. Some of these “on special” villas will still set you back several thousand dollars a night. But others are in the realm of possibility for certain travelers or a group of friends, like a three-bedroom villa in Croatia with a private indoor pool, sauna and sea views, part of a resort with a private beach, for about $679 a night.

Before you plunk down a deposit, however, a word of caution: As good as certain deals may be, some are too good to be true. Even established rental sites have had scammers.

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One way to protect your money is to rent from a place that accepts credit cards rather than a wire transfer, because cards allow you to take action against fraud. There are notable exceptions to this, but it’s a good rule of thumb when, for instance, dealing directly with a property owner you don’t know.

If you’re considering renting from an owner or agency that doesn’t have an established reputation (as opposed to a company like Abercrombie & Kent, which inspects its villas), you’ll need to be especially cautious. Read traveler reviews to help determine if the listing is legitimate. Airbnb users should know, for example, that you can filter only for villas belonging to what the site refers to as “superhosts,” owners whose properties have great reviews (at least 80 percent must be five stars), and a steady flow of guests each year. Superhosts also have to respond quickly to guest questions and honor confirmed reservations.

Travelers who use HomeAway can buy trip cancellation protection and damage protection, as well as a “carefree rental guarantee,” which “guarantees your payment if the vacation rental is not as advertised or you are unable to gain access,” through a link on the site.

Wherever possible, call and speak with the agency or owner about the property and the terms of the rental. If you want housekeeping or groceries, ask in advance. You may be able to afford the villa, but stocking the fridge, even heating the pool, can cost extra. Such are the travails of villa life.

Stephanie Rosenbloom

THE GETAWAY

The Top 10 Villa Holidays In France

Our experts' pick of the top 10 self-catering and villa holidays in France for 2015/16, including villas in Normandy, Brittany, Languedoc, Provence and the Dordogne

All prices are for property rental for a week in spring or summer unless stated otherwise. They are subject to availability.

1. Earthship Perrine, Normandy

Just outside the village of Gers, in the rolling farmlands of south-westNormandy, stands the only "Earthship" in Europe available as a self-catering holiday rental. A glorified greenhouse with a capital G, Earthship Perrine was constructed to a model developed in Taos, New Mexico, as an eco-friendly “home of the future”.

Its walls, half-buried in the rich Norman soil, consist of used car tyres rammed full of earth; its south-facing façade is entirely glass, enclosing a plant-filled conservatory corridor off which lie three large, warm (and somewhat dark) bedrooms plus a kitchen, bathroom and living area. The whole structure is off-grid, and self-sufficient for power and water, without stinting on things like comfortable beds and a wood-burning stove.

From £78 a night through Canopy & Stars (0117 204 7830;canopyandstars.co.uk).

Greg Ward

2. Château du Bec, Normandy

Circled by a broad, tranquil moat, overlooking its own lake and swathes of woodland, the thousand-year-old Château du Bec is 14km south of the seaside resort of Étretat. Though repeatedly rebuilt since the 10th century, it remains a magnificent vision, with its turreted towers and forbidding gateway.

Its interior spaces have been radically transformed, however, to give it two ultra-modern, architect-designed self-catering apartments, each capable of sleeping four, and two b & b suites, L’Atre and La Rotonde. The latter on the ground floor, does indeed have a round bedroom, encircled by curving walls of ancient exposed stonework. There’s also a b &  b cabin in the grounds, with its own lakeside terrace.

From £110 a night; self-catering suites from £430 per week, £280 for a weekend (00 33 6228 32 417; chateaudubec.com).

GW

^{Chateau du Bec in Normandy}

3. Châteaux of Brittany

Countless rental homes and cottages are available along the Breton coast. For something truly exceptional, though, how about renting a castle? The easy-to-use Oliver’s Travels website lists a dozen genuine châteaux in Brittany, capable of accommodating from 10 to 35 guests; all are ideal for hosting large-scale get-togethers. Among the pick of the crop are the Château de Moulin, commanding views of both St-Malo and Dinard from a seafront hill-top; the Manor de Chalandes, set in magnificent gardens near the Loire which comes with its own spa; and the imposing Château le Bois near Rennes, which has a private fishing lake.

Château de Moulin from £7,991; Manor de Chalandes from £5,486;Château le Bois from £1,448 (0800 133 7999; oliverstravels.com).

GW

4. Grabels, Languedoc

As in Provence, so in Languedoc it makes sense to take one’s country break near a big town. Thus, when the need arises, one may get away from getting away from it all, and get back in among it. Montpellier’s the place for this. It’s among the liveliest and most elegant of all French cities, with a full roster of culture, bars and restaurants dotted about a superb old centre, a magnificent main square and, in Antigone and beyond, France’s most ambitious modern developments. Grabels, a charming village about seven miles out, is where we find the Villa Emma - a contemporary spot of decadently luxurious standards: loads of glass, light and air, lawns, pools, four fine double bedrooms, lolling areas for eight and more. Beyond Montpellier, the Med is but a hop. Behind Grabels, the Hérault high country leads quickly to the Cévennes. This is, in short, a great base - and a pretty smart place to return to.

From £1,826 with French Country Cottages (0345 268 0796; french-country-cottages.co.uk).

Anthony Peregrine

5. Pézenas, Languedoc

Maison du Pézenas has the sort of contemporary gleam you see in design magazines, plus mandatory terraces, gardens, big pool and a built-in sense of entitlement. Pézenas centre is under a mile away, with its period drama of narrow streets distinguished, in the past, by Molière and Clive of India (though, sadly, not together). It’s 30 minutes to the beach or the shellfish of the Etang-de-Thau, rather less to the Hérault hills and Héric gorges so remote that they get yesterday’s sunshine.

AP

^{Maison du Pézenas}

6. Var, Provence

Stick a pin in a map of Provence and it will land in a pleasant villa somewhere lovely. The truth is that in Provence, prettiness, warmth and, hence, villas are ubiquitous. So I’ll simply choose one of my favourite bits - the hill country around Fayence, where the Var département starts to rise towards the Alps, strewing gorges, vines, rocks, torrents and perched villages as it goes. British-run Pure France has an outstanding collection of top-end properties in the area (and, if you’re not going top-end, why go at all?). These include the stone-built, 10-sleeper Bastide de Cavaroux, far up a hill and with a wow factor (pool, gardens, general sumptuousness) to convince the meanest among us that we are fleetingly part of the élite.

From £2,930 (0203 514 2359; purefrance.com).

AP

7. Aix, Provence

It’s an excellent idea to spend one’s Provençal country holiday not too far from a fine town so, when it arises, the craving for culture, shops, bars and hubbub may be assuaged. Step forward Aix-en-Provence, brainiest city in France, most civilised in the south. A past involving Good King René, nobles, jurists and Paul Cézanne informs present elegance, enhancing everyone. Walk along the wide, tree-lined Cours Mirabeau and you’re a better person already. Villas du Monde has some cracking properties in the surrounding countryside - not least an eight-sleeper (romantically termed B398) with great pool and gardens, nine miles from Aix centre. Deeply bucolic itself, it’s also within hailing distance of the Luberon and the Camargue, to assuage further rustic cravings. Ideal, really.

From £1,650 (0033 800 800 565; villasdumonde.com).

AP

8. Rocamadour, Dordogne

Few properties plunge guests into the heart of la belle France quite like Château de Cantecor in the Lot, south-west France. Snug between chestnut forests three miles from the town of Rocamadour, this château means business. It has turrets and watchtowers. It has history harking back to the 12th century. And the valley view from its self-catering gîtes is magnificent. The holiday house in the former watchtower sleeps three. But the real thrill is the luxurious tree-top cabin with two stylish double bedrooms and a decking terrace for starlit dining and view swooning. Gîtes share the swimming pool and barbecue built in the chateau’s former bread oven.

From £890 for the treehouse, £420 for the watchtower (0033 5 65 33 73 50;amadour-hotel.com/fr/gites-de-cantecor.php).

Nicola Williams

^{Rocamadour (Photo: AP/Fotolia)}

9. La Clusaz, French Alps

It can be hard to get away from it all in the French Alps. Not so at Les Ecotagnes, a romantic cluster of treehouses and 18th-century chalet with hot tub in the forest not far from La Clusaz. So off the beaten track is it that guests park in Les Villards-sur-Thônes and tackle the final off-road climb up to 1,350m by 4x4. At the wheel is Hugo, a ski teacher and first-rate chef who runs Les Ecotagnes with passion and care. The luxurious treehouses built by his father have wood-burning stoves and sleep two. Water comes from a mountain spring, and flaming torches light the forest path leading to the main chalet, where dinner is served around a shared table. Les Ecotagnes is open from May to mid-November.

From £130pp a night half-board in a treehouse, including 4x4 shuttle, is £130 a night in a treehouse (0033 6 70 02 10 14; ecotagnes.com).

NW

10. Montreal, Burgundy

Burgundy’s medieval villages make a great base for exploring the local area. In the golden light of midsummer they are picture-postcard perfect, with panoramic views across the wild Morvan national park. Better still, they are low-key lively, with bars, restaurants and cafes on your doorstep. Vezelay is the most famous of these villages, but accommodation can be hard to find in the summer months. Better to head to nearby Montreal, which is less visited but equally picturesque, with 600-year-old houses, a remarkable church and a view to die for. From here you’ll be able to explore the Morvan, the local chateaux and basilicas and the region’s vineyards. Casamundo has villas for rent across Burgundy, including a lovely three-bedroom cottage in Montreal.

From £480 (020 3514 9377; casamundo.co.uk).

Giles Milton

For our other expert holiday selections in France see our top 10 beach holidays in France, activity holidays in France, culture holidays in France and food and drink holidays in France.

This article was first published in November 2014 and updated and republished in July 2015

It Isn’t Too Late To Book The Ideal Provence Vacation This Summer

Provence Emotional Escapes introduces three new gorgeous luxury villas for your dream vacation. Whether you envision a Provencal gourmet escape with a personal chef, an outdoor getaway filled with tennis, hiking, and biking, a retreat with your own personal lavender field, or the ultimate Provencal shopping adventure, these luxury homes offer something for every kind of traveler.

Rent a Provence Emotional Escapes luxury villa and encounter an entirely new way to travel. Enjoy a cooking class in Provence, tour a Chateauneuf du Pape vineyard, discover the lavender harvest in the Luberon, the possibilities are endless. At the end of each day you will find yourself in your very own short-term dream home to fully enjoy a stress-free vacation. Should you desire an intimate meal cooked in your villa by a private chef, an in-home spa treatment, a walking tour, a yoga session, a cooking class or a language lesson, Provence Emotional Escapes, will find you the perfect luxury service provider to complete your holiday experience. Provence Emotional Escapes’ portfolio of luxury rental properties has been amassed over 12 years with most discerning clients in mind. The company relies on local managers at each of their destinations to seek out the best properties for their clients and to ensure that their current portfolio of properties are being maintained at the highest standards. They corner the market on offering an unprecedented selection of quality rental properties in the most beautiful destinations in France.  Their local specialists work together to pool regional knowledge, offering expertise on a global scale. Just relax, indulge, enjoy, breathe and let Provence Emotional Escapes do the rest. www.provence.emotional-escapes.com

Fontaine de Saumane (Isle sur la Sorgue, sleeps 18)

Fontaine de Saumane is a spectacular property dominating the countryside close to Isle sur la Sorgue and the Luberon. Undoubtedly one of the most stunning properties in Provence, it has all that a discriminating visitor could want: a long and fascinating history; an impeccable and careful restoration, which, while keeping many aspects of the ancient building, melded them perfectly into the newer construction. The estate has a superlative location close to the Luberon, with views on the national park and the Monts de Vaucluse. La Fontaine de Saumane is centrally located, thus an ideal place from which to visit the many Provençal attractions travelers want to see.

This is a grand estate was restored by English designer and architect, Giles Vincent with both comfort and authenticity in mind. The main house has seven bedrooms, each with bathrooms en-suite. There is an apartment in the main house as well, and a guest house set away from the main house, with two bedrooms, sharing a bathroom. The estate was named after the many magnificent water features on the 40 acre site. La Fontaine de Saumane has an extraordinarily rich history. During its existence the property has been used as a tile making factory, and at one point as a Benedictine Priory. It was given over to agriculture and silk worms in the 19th century before silk worms were devastated by disease.

Key features include:

·        10 minute drive from L’Isle sur la Sorgue, the famous market and antique center, 30 minutes from Gordes and the Luberon, with many of the perched villages classified among “france’s most beautiful villages,” 30 minutes to Carpentras home to the oldest synagogue in France, and 40 minutes to some of the most famous Cotes-du-Rhone wine villages of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueras, and Beaumes-de-Venise

·        An on-site housekeeper and gardener

·        Fresh bread and croissants delivered daily

·        Tennis, jogging, hiking, biking and extensive parkland at your doorstep

·        A quick drive to Bedoin, one of three access points cyclists take to climb the world famous Mont Ventoux, the highest mountain in Provence, made famous by the Tour de France

Chateau Condrieu (Isle sur la Sorgue, sleeps 10)

A stunning, historical luxury vacation rental enjoying an elevated, dominating position with far-reaching views over the Ventoux valley, Château Condrieu was built on remains of a 12th century fortress, but has been enhanced with all the modern conveniences. Making for a truly hedonistic stay, the on-site chef will prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner for you daily so that you can enjoy the site, its vistas and your vacation to the maximum. You can expect to be treated to regional and seasonal specialties during your stay: asparagus, mushrooms and strawberries in the spring; cherries, peaches and melons in summer; mushrooms, game and truffles in fall and winter. Meals can of course be accompanied by the fantastic local wines. The house is filled with special finds from the world-famous antique center of L’Isle sur la Sorgue, just minutes away.

La Maison des Fragrances (St-Remy-de-Provence, sleeps 13)

Enjoy your own personal lavender field at La Maison des Fragrances, a luxury vacation rental in the outskirts of St-Rémy-de-Provence, one of the most beautiful small towns in Provence. This beautiful home owned by descendants of the family that introduced aromatherapy to France, boasts 20 acres of olive orchards, pine groves, lavender fields and cypress trees, a large swimming pool and total privacy. Just a few minute walk from the center of town, there are six bedrooms with bathrooms en suite, sleeping 13 guests. Past meets present in this stunning home. The interior is a mix of beautiful, authentic Provencal furniture in a home that has been fully modernized. The estate is quite large, with a large welcoming entry courtyard, lots of tables under mature trend trees for outdoor dining. St-Rémy-de-Provence, is known as a sophisticated country town with some of the best Provence has to offer including:

·        Central location, with great historical significance including the ancient Roman town of Glanum, the birthplace of Nostradamus and St. Paul de Mausole, with its 12^th century cloister and chapel, and the hospital where Van Gogh lived for most of the last year of his life

·        Excellent cafes and restaurants including excellent regional cuisine and world renowned Michelin star restaurants

·        Famous Wednesday morning Provencal market, excellent permanent foods, local boutiques and galleries

·        Close to excellent Alpilles vineyards as well as Cotes-du-Rhone, Chateauneuf-duPape, Gigondas, and Vacqueryas

Exploring Europe Through The Eyes Of Van Gogh

· 

In the 125 years since Vincent Van Gogh’s death, his paintings have inspired countless art lovers to scramble for a map.

Scenes conjured by Van Gogh’s paintbrush – the billowing skies of Starry Night, his swooning Sunflowers, Provence’s cypress groves – make many of us wish we could step right into his paintings.

Pin this imageVincent Van Gogh, seen here in a bronze statue in the Netherlands, has inspired many travellers to explore Europe . Image by Paulina Lenting-Smulders / E+ / Getty Images

American artist Mac Cauley created a virtual reality experience allowing users to do just that. But more enjoyable than strapping on a headset is seeking out the locales that glow so irresistibly in Van Gogh’s work. The locations of his most famous paintings form an arc from Belgium and the Netherlands through to Provence in the south of France. Some are wonderfully unchanged, others have been eroded by time and tourism. But they all offer glimpses into the artist’s mind – plus an excellent excuse to explore some of western Europe’s loveliest regions.

Rural intrigue in Nuenen, Netherlands

Pin this imageNuenen hasn't changed a great deal since Van Gogh painted the town all those years ago. Image by Luis Davilla / Photolibrary / Getty Images

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Wandering Nuenen today, with only the whirr of bicycle spokes disturbing the streets, is calming. Some might say soporific. But it was in this peaceable Dutch town, amid churning watermills and tree-lined lanes, that Van Gogh completed his first major work.

Having spent his early life travelling between the Netherlands, England and France, he paused in Nuenen, 7km east of Eindhoven, to spend a couple of years avidly sketching farm workers. His breakthrough was The Potato Eaters (1885), a complex, earthy depiction of a family settling in for a meal.

It’s a smouldering image, one that brims with life. Following the painting’s origins to sleepy Nuenen might have you blinking in surprise. But the contrast was precisely Van Gogh’s aim: he wanted to reveal the lesser-seen aspects of peasant life, with all its earnest, robust pleasures.

Experience it: Nuenen’s major sight for fans of the artist is Van Gogh Village (vangoghvillagenuenen.nl), rich in stories about his early life and archives of his letters. It has an ‘outdoor museum’ that leads a trail through sights in Nuenen that he sketched. Nuenen is thin on sights from Van Gogh’s major works but a stroll from the south end of Parkstraat up to the north end of Berg bypasses the artist’s former lodgings; slightly north of here is Gerwenseweg, thought to be where he painted The Potato Eaters.

Self-abuse in Antwerp, Belgium

Pin this imageThe Belgian city of Antwerp has modernised, but some of the sights from Van Gogh's day - such as the Grote Market - remain. Image by Jorg Greuel / The Image Bank / Getty Images

Shortly afterwards, Van Gogh painted his iconic Skull with a Burning Cigarette (1885-6). Details are hazy, but it's thought this famously macabre image came from Van Gogh’s time as a frustrated student of Antwerp's Academy of Art.

Some see this work as a swipe at artistic dogma. For others, it alludes to Van Gogh's (partly self-inflicted) poor health. During his time in Antwerp, Van Gogh was enfeebling himself on a diet of bread and tobacco. He began to seek solace in absinthe, the anise-flavoured spirit known for its green colour and mild psychoactive properties. All the while he worked voraciously, sketching the city sights.

Experience it: Today’s Antwerp has a slick modernity thoroughly alien to the creaking port city Van Gogh knew. To marvel at the contrast, stroll from gabled 16th-century Vleeshuis down to steel-lined Theaterplein. But some sights remain the same: from the Het Steen fortress on the banks of the Schelde, walk east to Grote Markt – Van Gogh faithfully sketched both of these well-preserved sights.

Capturing the romance of Provence, France

Pin this imageVan Gogh committed himself to the Saint Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy, but produced works of sublime beauty in spite of his mental anguish. Image by Helena Lovincic / iStock / Getty Images

In Provence, the air is thick with the fragrance of lavender. Cicadas as big as a thumb whirr across wheat fields that blush gold with the setting sun. Here in southern France, mostly around Arles and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the artist painted with the most vibrant colours of his career.

Van Gogh lavished his canvases with Provence’s cypress and olive groves. In city scenes like Café Terrace at Night (1888), he hinted at the excitement and mischief of Arles’ nightlife. The same month, Van Gogh painted Starry Night over the Rhone (1888), whose light-dappled view remains the same today, mere paces from where Van Gogh lodged on Arles’ Place Lamartine.

But this was also the period when Van Gogh’s mental health would dramatically relapse. Following an absinthe binge and an argument with his artist friend Gauguin, he mutilated his own ear. Despite his distress, and voluntary commitment to the Saint Paul-de-Mausole asylum in nearby Saint-Rémy, his works from this period are suffused with Provence’s natural beauty – especially in the celestial swirl of his famous Starry Night (1889).

Experience it: Base yourself in Arles, best known for its well-preserved Roman arena and the Camargue wetlands to its south. A few paces west of the arena (which Van Gogh painted), down Rue des Arènes, is Le Cafe la Nuit. This is the spot featured in Van Gogh's Café Terrace at Night; sadly it's a tourist trap today. From Arles, the half-hour drive to Saint-Rémy takes you past cypress groves galore; in Saint-Rémy village you’ll find Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum, facing the wheat field he painted in 1889-90.

Final days in Auvers-sur-Oise, France

Pin this imageAt the end of his tormented life, Van Gogh moved to Auvers-sur-Oise, France, where he painted the local church. Image Michel Mory / iStock / Getty Images

Van Gogh's last days were intense and solitary. The artist followed his doctor Paul Gachet, a firm friend and muse, to Auvers-sur-Oise (27km northwest of Paris). Here, he painted the Church at Auvers (1890); its sweeping lines create a wild, almost ominous version of the tidy edifice that still stands here today.

Though new research leads some to believe Van Gogh was murdered, he is generally understood to have died by suicide. It has become commonplace to cite Van Gogh's Wheatfield with Crows (1890), in which birds soar haphazardly over a darkening meadow, as a final outpouring of melancholy. In reality there is scant evidence that this painting was Van Gogh's last. His final creative outpourings vary wonderfully in tone, from pensive portraits of his doctor and torrid thunderclouds to lush Daubigny’s garden.

Experience it: Visiting Auvers, you can admire remarkably unchanged sights from Van Gogh's paintings. North of the train station lies the Church at Auvers. Walking west along Rue de Général de Gaulle you can see the town hall he painted. The street parallel, Rue Gachet, is where Van Gogh's doctor resided. Facing the town hall is the Ravoux Inn, where Van Gogh breathed his last. This once-humble tavern is a Michelin-starred restaurant today (maisondevangogh.fr). And yes, you will find absinthe on the drinks menu.

Van Gogh 2015: 125th anniversary events around Europe

Pin this imageThe illuminated cycle path in Nuenen is inspired by Van Gogh's Starry Night. Image by Luis Davilla / Photolibrary / Getty Images

A clutch of special events commemorate 125 years since the death of Van Gogh; check vangogheurope.eu for the full programme. Highlights include:

• An illuminated cycle path inspired by Starry Night in Nuenen (until December 2015).
• Van Gogh-inspired menus and art-food fusion in Ede (until December 2015).
• Delving into Van Gogh's final days in Auvers-sur-Oise (until 20 September 2015).
• The unveiling of 20 new works by contemporary artists, all inspired by Van Gogh, in Amsterdam (until January 2016).

This  Vincent Van Gogh page provides visitors with Van Gogh's bio, over 80 of his works, exclusive articles, as well as up-to-date Van Gogh exhibition listings. The page also includes related artists and categories, allowing viewers to discover art beyond our Van Gogh page. We would love to be included as an additional resource for your visitors via a link on your page. 

Contributed by Anita Isalska 

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