by Melissa Lawford and Elsa Court
Why: Festival d’Aix-en-Provence
Founded in 1948, Aix-en-Provence’s July festival has become a hub for new operas. In 2012, it staged the premiere of George Benjamin’s Written on Skin, widely acknowledged as one of this century’s greatest operas.
Watch open-air performances in the Théâtre de l’Archevêché, a palace courtyard in Aix’s historic centre.
Villa Aix-en-Provence
This peacefully located villa enjoys views of the Sainte Victoire mountain and is just 15 minutes’ drive from the Théâtre du Jeu de Paume, a festival venue in central Aix-en-Provence.
Its contemporary design includes four bedrooms, a home cinema and security system
It sits in around an acre of woodland and has a heated, saltwater swimming pool.
Available through Christie’s International Real Estate , price upon request
Lambesc château
This 17th-century château has a row of reception rooms leading to the grand hall decorated by François Marius Granet, the French artist.
Two wings surround the inner courtyard, comprising two apartments, a guest house, caretaker lodging, a chapel and two garages.
The gardens of this 24-hectare property include an orangery, stables and a swimming pool.
A 20-minute drive from Aix-en-Provence, it is close to the Théâtre de l’Archevêché.
Available through Propriétés de Provence Sotheby’s International Realty , price upon request
Photographs: Pascal Victor/ArtComArt; Robert Harding/Alamy; Propriétés de Provence Sotheby’s International Realty; Christie’s International Real Estate
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