Provence
The Taste of Co-Living in October
5th October – 29th October, 2025
Luberon Region, Provence, France.
Curious Minds, Bold Moves & Shared Exploration
This October, La Joie Homebase® opens its doors for a limited series of immersive weeks at our 17th-century estate in the heart of Provence. Nestled beneath the hilltop village of Simiane-la-Rotonde, we invite you to join us for a curated experience that blends restoration, meaningful connection, and the exploration of life in transition.
Each week is designed around a central theme—Relocation and Wellbeing—woven together through intimate conversations, enriching excursions, grounded daily living and time to simply breathe. These are not programs you sign up for—they are experiences you co- create. With only a small group of residents each week, every stay becomes a shared journey at La Joie Homebase—a mosaic of individuals, stories, and moments that slowly form something deeply personal and unforgettable.
As the sun begins to set, we gather for our beloved Apéro hour—where meaningful conversations unfold, laughter flows easily, and new connections are effortlessly made over local wine and shared plates.
The Emotional Journey of Relocation
Week One 5th-12th Oct
This first week is dedicated to the inner landscape of change: the experience of relocating, starting over, or reimagining life in a new place. Through fireside discussions and unhurried meals, we’ll share our stories of movement and belonging—what it means to leave behind one life and shape another. Guided by those who have lived it, these exchanges offer real insight, gentle camaraderie, and space to be fully seen. Visiting guest speakers may also show up.
We also engage in the world around us: visiting nearby villages, and spending a full day in a vibrant Provençal town exploring antique markets, local crafts and lovely boutiques. Because we are part of the local ecosystem—not an expat bubble—we also take part in village events and enjoy rare opportunities to visit private, family-run wine, olive, and other farms. These are not souvenir shops or branded vineyards, but places where we witness the real work of the land. We discover where France’s magnificent farmhouse cheeses come from and spend time in the studio of a local female artist, getting a glimpse into her creative process. October is harvesting season—the sun still warms our cheeks, but the air begins to shift. The change of season is coming so you may also want to bring your sweater or a long leave shirt with you along with your swimsuit.
In Between Worlds
Week Two 12th-19th Oct
A week that holds both departure and arrival—processing change while rooting into self-care and shared experience. Active participation in the local lifestyle, exploring the local environmental projects, visiting local artisans and supporting local farms and projects. Similar activities to week one, and for those who stay several weeks, you will not get bored as we explore new places.
One afternoon is devoted to a gentle equine encounter focused on presence and grounding, not therapy, while another day ends with a dinner at a centuries-old monastery overlooking the valley, where we dine beneath the stars.
Horse Wisdom Journey: A Soulful Encounter with Horses in Provence
Meet Nancy, an Australian who had a fulfilling career in Management and then chose to follow a more quiet, deeper calling—one that led her to retrain as an equi-coach and begin a new chapter in Provence, the homeland of her husband. It was here, among the lavender fields and open skies of the Plateau d’Albion, that she fell in love with an ancient farmhouse and the gentle rhythm of life it offered. We are joining our certified equi-coach Nancy for a transformative half-day experience guided by the wisdom of horses. It’s a magnificent experience even for those who are not horse-lovers.
Wellbeing & Life Energy
Week Three 19th - 26th/29th Oct
Week three focuses on the art of caring for ourselves - overall life satisfaction. What does vitality look like when it's not driven by pressure? What nourishes us, and what quietly depletes us? Together we explore the concept of La Joie Life Energy—how to protect, cultivate, and honour it through daily practices, boundaries, and intention. Days include countryside walks, gentle movement, shared meals, and optional biking or riding tours through the golden landscape. Conversations on wellbeing unfold organically—by the fire, on the terrace, at long communal dinners. Visiting specialists.
"The sense of connection I felt here was unmatched—thank you for creating such a unique and welcoming environment."
"Every detail was so thoughtfully planned, from the food to the excursions. This experience exceeded all my expectations."
"I applaud you for your efforts to make this experience so special and safe. It truly felt like a home away from home."
Where
Simiane-la-Rotonde is a medieval hilltop village— one of Provence’s best-kept secrets, with roots reaching back to prehistoric times. It is surrounded by traditional goat farms, lavender fields, and the low, rolling hills of the Haute-Alpes of Provence. The estate sits just below the village and offers access to terraces, gardens, a hammam (the French version of a Turkish Bath), and pool. Many of you will be happy to know that the boulangerie is just a 10-minute walk away—perfect for picking up your morning croissants or a fresh baguette.
Our La Joie Résidence
An aristocratic estate carries an inspiring spirit and a warm, welcoming soul. It was requisitioned as a hospital during the French Revolution, and later become a refuge for poor women. Abandoned for many years, and badly damaged by fire, it became known as “The Sleeping Beauty”. The walled gardens grew wild, and the stone walls crumbled as the centuries passed.
In 1990s, the estate was purchased and restored by the famed English interior designer Robers Kime and his wife Helen Nicholl. They called it “a perfect ruin”. It is so old there’s some debate about its actual age, but everyone agrees that it’s built on the foundations of a millennial old Roman villa. Now beautifully restored, this private home combines historical charm with modern comfort. The house holds layers of history, and during your stay, it becomes part of your own. You live in it—not as a guest, but as a resident.
Facilities
With eight bedrooms with ensuites or shared bathrooms and multiple community spaces, the chateau is the perfect setting for La Joie co-living experiences. During La Joie Experience our residents live in the house and grounds of the chateau including gardens, terraces, large pool, common areas, countryside kitchen and the hammam. All utilities, including wifi, are provided.
Apply now and become part of something meaningful, inclusive and transformative.
Getting There, when and where
The nearest major train stations are Avignon and Aix-en-Provence (approx. 90 minutes away). Fast trains run frequently from Paris, with a travel time of around three hours. Marseille international airport is also nearby (2 hours by car).
La Joie Residents' arrival dates are every Sunday early afternoon. As you can choose to stay for 1-3 weeks, the transfers are organised for both directions on Sundays. We will start on Sunday evenings with a joint Welcome dinner for newly arrived residents. Every week ends with a special Saturday dinner.
Group transfers will be arranged from all major arrival points once a week on following Sundays: October 5th, 12th and 19th at a certain hour. The group transport back to the selected train station or Marseilles airport takes place accordingly.
Choose your stay from 1 week to nearly 1 month
for the real or short Taste of co-living
from Sunday 5th Oct to Wednesday 29th Oct 2025
Full time stay
5th-29th October 2025
for the real taste of co-living with tailored amenities
9,800€ · Private room with ensuite
8,800€ · Private room with shared bathroom
2 Weeks stay
5th - 19th October or 12th-26th October
for a short taste of co-living with tailored amenities
7,150€ · Private room with ensuite
1 Week stay
5th-12th Oct or 12th-19th Oct or 19th-26th October
for a short taste of co-living with tailored amenities
3,600€ · Private room with ensuite
What is included in the price?
Our La Joie Homebase experiences include residences in exclusive private properties, private chauffeur, private chef on three evenings per week, excursions, engagements with local society, help in daily matters, house maintenance and cleaning, and other thoughtful inclusions, as well as a dedicated Sorella - our La Joie Host at the premises for local contacts and arrangements.
Would you like to take part in our co-living experience this October in Provence, France—designed for curious, independent women ready to explore a new way of living, working, and connecting?
