Inspiration
Organic honey and hidden tables: their secret Verdon
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Inspiration
A Summer's Day in Provence Verte with Ekhi Busquet and Matthieu Vergote
From forest trails and outstanding olive oil producers to farm shops and the hilltop village of Tourtour, with its sweeping views across the Sainte-Baume massif, Ekhi Busquet and Matthieu Vergote share the addresses they hold closest to their hearts. The creative duo behind the now-famous all-blue Paris pied-à-terre divide their time between Marseille and the recently renovated family home in the Haut-Var, where they retreat to recharge. There, they embrace a simple, sun-filled way of life—and reveal their favourite places for discovering a more intimate, lesser-known side of Provence.
Location
Provence
Author
Anne-Laure Griveau
Photos and videos
Gautier Billotte, Valerio Geraci
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Verdon Regional Natural Park: Forest Trails
"The forest trails of the Verdon Regional Natural Park begin just beyond the terrace of our house, which sits on the edge of this extraordinary natural landscape. We take them often—usually in the morning with our son, for a walk filled with endless little discoveries, or in the evening for a run. In this unspoilt corner of the Haut-Var, between pine forests and limestone hills, they feel like a natural extension of everyday life here." — Matthieu
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La Gabinoille, Les Vergelins Farm
"On the way up to the village of Tourtour, we always like to stop at La Gabinoille, a little roadside shop run by Anaïs, the organic beekeeper and producer behind Les Vergelins Farm. We always leave with a few jars of their Provençal honey, which is gently whipped to give it an exceptionally creamy texture. We usually pick up some seasonal fruit and vegetables too. And then there's their truffle dog, who's very much part of the place! It's these simple, authentic addresses that shape the rhythm of our days here." — Ekhi
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From La Farigoulette—and throughout the hilltop village of Tourtour—the panoramic views across the rolling landscapes of the Haut-Var are simply breathtaking.
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La Farigoulette restaurant
"We love wandering through the winding streets of Tourtour, whose name is said to come from the two towers that once watched over the village. For lunch, we always head to La Farigoulette. While our house was being renovated, it became our regular spot. The pork belly was a firm favourite, but more than anything, we came for the terrace and its spectacular views across the landscapes of the Haut-Var—they always had a wonderfully calming effect." — Ekhi
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In the winding streets of Tourtour.
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Flea market day in the village.
In the winding streets of Tourtour.
Flea market day in the village.
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La Mimounia
"Whenever we wander through Tourtour, there's one place that always captures our imagination: La Mimounia. This Moroccan restaurant hides what must be one of the smallest—and, to us, one of the most beautiful—terraces in the world. It's exactly this kind of detail that makes the village so enchanting. You quickly understand why Tourtour is ranked among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France." — Ekhi
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Château de Taurenne
"Before heading home, we always make a detour to Château de Taurenne to pick up our olive oil. It's become a little ritual—we never leave with fewer than several bottles. Set in the heart of the Verdon Regional Natural Park, the estate is home to more than 11,000 olive trees and produces oils that truly express the character of the local terroir. We love going straight to the source, rediscovering that unmistakable taste of Provence and stocking up for the house." — Matthieu
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Next Up
Ekhi Busquet, Matthieu Vergote and Kaïs, 3.