When I was little, I used to go with my parents to holiday villages in the summer, most often spending our break in the sun. Discovering the VTF holiday villages naturally brought back those childhood years and the happy memories associated with them. To give you a quick introduction, VTF is a social and solidarity-based tourism group that operates as a non-profit association. They offer a large number of locations all over France (41 villages and 7 “Hôtésia” residences), mainly on the coast and in the mountains.
The association’s values are more than commendable, driven by a militant commitment to themes such as solidarity, sustainable development, and ecology. In this regard, a small “little gestures for the planet” charter is displayed in the village bathrooms, which I found very interesting. The concept of “social vacations” might make you smile, yet we often forget that going on vacation is a luxury not everyone can afford, which is why VTF’s strong slogan is offering “vacations for everyone.” Obviously, you can guess that these themes are close to my heart, and I am therefore delighted to share this “great vacation tip” on the blog.
Making tourism accessible to everyone (young people, families, seniors, people with disabilities) has been driving this project since the VTF association was founded in 1956. Since that date, VTF has offered the opportunity to access vacations at a reduced cost, as the group operates on a non-market economy, allowing them to offer “all-inclusive” stays to everyone, meaning you don’t have to pay for anything (except your extras, of course) once you are there.
For example, VTF makes it possible to go on vacation for less than €1000 for 4 people and regularly offers promos and discounts with IDFamille stays or roaming packs, for example.
The great tips from VTF villages included in the “all-inclusive” stay rate:
- activities (hiking, themed evenings, must-see visits, regional catering,…) on-site centered around discovering the host regions.
- a flat-rate pricing system that varies based on income, children’s ages, and seasonality.
- the option to choose half-board or full-board (you can also prepare your own picnics for lunch with the full-board plan) according to your needs.
- clubs for ages 3 months to 17 years offered for free 5 or 6 days a week, depending on the village and season.
- free-access infrastructure: pool, fitness area (special mention to the jacuzzi at the Luberon village, which we fully enjoyed during our stay), tennis, mini-golf, bike storage, pétanque, ping-pong,…
- free internet connection via Wi-Fi.
- bed linen and towels are provided for the week.
For your information, VTF also offers trips abroad to discover more distant destinations, notably in partnership with Arvel Voyages, another association that offers solidarity-based and humanistic travel.
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The VTF Céreste village in Provence
As for me, I had the opportunity to discover the charming VTF village in Provence, in Céreste, in the heart of the Luberon regional park, to test the social tourism values I just told you about. The village has 72 rooms and is open all year round except in November and January. It was also an opportunity for me to rediscover the Haute-Provence, a region bathed in sun and colors, where I had ventured briefly in the past but only had a blurry memory of.
The Luberon (definitely do not pronounce the ‘e’ with an accent) is a land between mountains, orchards, and vineyards, where a few magnificent villages are scattered. The village of Céreste, where the VTF village is located, is very charming. If you stay there, I invite you to get lost in its deserted alleys; you won’t regret it… You might even find La Rue des Biscuits, a small artisanal biscuit factory, some of which were waiting for me on my bedroom bed…
VTF Domaine du Grand Luberon Avenue des Plantiers 04280 Céreste
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Regional gastronomy of Provence
As usual, here is a mini culinary guide to the region if you are passing through the area.
The products:
- candied fruits: particularly in Apt, where the largest candied fruit factory in France is located, but also artisanal workshops with traditional know-how.
- Luberon olive oil, which is renowned for its high quality.
- Rinquinquin, a Provençal peach aperitif.
- honey, because the natural flora of the mountain range is favorable to the development of bees.
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Visit Apt and the Museum of Industrial Adventure of the Apt Country
This museum, open since 2003, allows you to discover the history of the region and its inhabitants during the industrial era through the key activities of the region: candied fruits, earthenware, and the mining of ochre. If you go through Apt, I also advise you to walk through the small streets of the town and stroll through the many stalls of its market; it smells good and it’s beautiful.
The Museum of Industrial Adventure of the Apt Country
14 place du Postel 84400 Apt
open from Monday to Saturday from 10am-12pm and from 2pm-6:30pm in summer (from 07/01 to 08/31)
open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am-12pm and from 2pm-5:30pm in winter
closed in January
Rates: €5 and €3 / free for those under 18_
The Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque
This abbey, whose buildings are nestled in the hollow of a valley and date from the 12th century, still houses a community of Cistercian monks still in operation. A magnificent place to discover absolutely if you pass through the region. Several visits per day are offered, accompanied by a guide. A little tip, it is better to get your tickets in advance, on-site or by phone (04 90 72 05 86).
Small gift idea: the monks of the abbey produce lavandin essential oil sold in the abbey shop. For information, lavandin blooms from June to July.
Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque 84220 Gordes
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The charming perched village of Gordes
Gordes is considered one of the most beautiful villages in France and, indeed, it is well worth the detour! Moreover, it is located just above the valley that houses the Abbaye de Sénanque. The best thing to do is wander through the small streets of the town, between the tall houses built right into the rock, which form a true labyrinth of dry stone. At the top of this promontory is the castle, which recalls the town’s past rich in conquests and wars.
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The Château La Coste Estate in Provence
On the agenda for this improbable and incredible place a short half-hour from Aix-en-Provence: wine, art, and architecture. This estate, belonging to a wealthy Irish art and wine lover, allows you to walk through woods, vineyards, hills, and olive groves to discover works by contemporary artists and architects such as Calder, Jean-Michel Othoniel, Louise Bourgeois, Franck Gehry, or Jean Nouvel. The other pleasure of this place is obviously the possibility of tasting and buying the estate’s wines and, if you have some time, enjoying a short tour of the wine cellars.
Another good idea: have lunch in the magnificent Art Center designed by Tadao Ando.
Château La Coste
2750 route de La Cride 13610 Le Puy-Sainte Réparade
Art and Architecture visit: €15 and €12 / free for those under 10
Cellar tour and tasting: €12 and €10
€25 and €20 for both grouped visits
Prices: a la carte expect between €14 and €18 for a starter / between €12 and €24 for a main course / between €6 and €8 for a dessert_
A little wink in passing: my charming travel companion, from the Happy City blog, and I, have decided to create a #vtfvacances on Instagram. Don’t hesitate to go take a look at our photos and add to our little gallery if you spend some time in a VTF village…
Find all my articles on the Luberon in Provence below:
⇒ All my articles on the Luberon
⇒ All my articles on the PACA region
MY ARTICLES ON THE LUBERON
⇒ VTF Luberon Village (2015)
⇒ Discovery of Luberon wines (2016)
⇒ Madame Vacances Provence Country Club Residence (2017)
⇒ Getaway in the Luberon (2019)
Photo credits: Mademoiselle Bon Plan Photos are not royalty-free; permission from the photographer is required before any use
