12th Century
The history of our farm spans at least 800 years. The first building was established by the Templars, the monk soldiers who spearheaded the Crusades. In the XIIth century Provence was one of their supply bases for cattle, horses and cereals.
They controlled a network of farms like ours. Le Peyrourier was particularly well placed with its fertile low lands between rolling hills and the river that could carry floats of cereals to Frejus. There sailships would carry on to the Holy Land.
The St. Stephen chapel, close to the farm, was used until the middle of the XIXth century. The roof had disappeared and trees have grown amongst the walls where pilgrims used to assemble. In the meanwhile the chapel has been renovated and you can enjoy the relaxing environment.
The farm expanded like a mushroom over generations. Provence rooms and barns sheltered the many seasonal workers associated with the vineyard and sheep flocks.
Old mulberry trees remind us of the silkworm production era. But, in the last thirty years the successive owners neglected farming and even living there. An empty slumber crept over the place. We discovered it in Spring 1995 and fell under the charm of its butterflies. We brought it back to its original beauty with a blend of modern taste and comfort.
Guests from around the world enjoy the calm, the old trees, a stroll along the river or a hike through the hills. In the sunset they can dream of the time the Templars were blessing the harvest.
