Before it became a classy country hotel, La Bastide Rose was but a simple watermill along the La Sorgue river. It was built sometime in the 18th century, though not much of it has made the transition to the current era. The main building of the hotel is the 19th-century mansion, where the guestrooms are located.

Its restoration was the project of Nicole "Poppy" Salinger, the wife of US journalist and former Press Secretary Pierre Salinger. She prepared the property when Pierre made a vow to move to France should George W. Bush win the presidency in 2000, which the latter did. The couple operated the property as a bed & breakfast until Pierre passed away in 2004. The Salingers remain to this day as the owners of La Bastide Rose, and have converted part of the mansion into a museum dedicated to Pierre. They hope this will be educational and inspirational for guests visiting their peaceful part of the French countryside.

Design and Architecture

The exterior of La Bastide Rose portrays a humble mansion styled in the traditional provincial architecture. Its simple structure exudes a simple but warm comfort, reminiscent of visiting one's beloved grandparents. Perhaps the most striking quality of the hotel is its wondrous parkland and gardens. La Bastide Rose's green spaces are well cared for, providing a refreshing and soothing scenery to be enjoyed by everyone. It is also decorated with several art installations, done by local artists who would like to impart their creativity to the guests of the hotel.

For its interiors, the aesthetics of La Bastide Rose lean heavily toward a mix of contemporary and 20th-century vintage, and there are hints of the 19th century represented by classy antique furniture. The rooms and suites of the main building are individually themed, focusing on creating a relaxing and refreshing ambiance fitting for a country retreat. Guests looking for a much more homey atmosphere should take a look at the apartments or the riverside cottage. Both options capture the idyllic milieu of Provençal without neglecting modern comforts.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

As La Bastide Rose is also the former home of Pierre Salinger, there is a museum dedicated to his military service, his journalistic career, and his exploits. On exhibit at the Pierre Salinger Museum are the many photographs he took and articles he wrote, and various milestones during his illustrious career. These include his years in service to John-Fitzgerald Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy, and his eventual move to France and work in Paris. Poppy and Pierre Salinger Foundations also organizes exhibitions annually at the property, taking place in both the Parc de la Bastide and at the Pierre Salinger Museum.

Outside La Bastide Rose, the communes that dot Provence are like little gems that are precious and shine in their way.  In Le Thor, where La Bastide Rose is located, there's the beautiful Romanesque church Notre-Dame-du-Lac, and the monastery-fortress Château de Thouzon. The variety of industries in the region has also inspired other communes to showcase their history at local museums. There's the Musée-boutique La Filaventure Brun de Vian-Tiran at L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue with exhibits detailing the history of the wool industry. Over at Cabrières-d'Avignon, travelers can visit the Musée de la Lavande Luberon, specializing in the agricultural and industrial history of lavender in Luberon, as well as samples of their products.