8 Travel Necessities to Consider For Your Trip to La Peetch, Valbonne, and the French Countryside

We have been absolutely itching to travel for quite some time, and our Courageous Cooking School is worth a jaunt to Provence to learn, grow, and relax. But traveling is a whole new ballgame at this point. With travel restrictions and rules changing constantly, it can be difficult to know how to prepare - and what to bring - when heading on your next international adventure.

COVID INFO
While travel is permitted throughout France, the country does have a mobile Covid pass that you will want to secure in advance. While the process is much more streamlined than it has been in current months, it took a solid three weeks for one of our associates to get hers approved. Expect to test for Covid before your international flight, and then again once on the ground in France. There is a pharmacy close by in the village, and we recommend going straight there if it is open.

*All of this information can change so quickly these days. We highly recommend checking updated US state government travel guidelines as you book, as well as the guidelines from the French government, and your airline or mode of transportation.

ID ESSENTIALS
Make sure to travel with money, your passport, and your vaccine card/COVID information at all times. We are accustomed to a relaxing lifestyle in this part of the country, but we always want to ensure our guests are properly prepared for any scenario – especially after the last couple of years.

PREP TO REFRESH
It doesn’t matter what time of year you choose to head our way… the pool is open pretty much year-round! (Note: It isn’t always warm enough for all swimmers, but we have plans to update to a heating system this year.) The saltwater pool brings an elevated - and fun! - experience to your patio time on the property. In the winter and early spring, it can be a little chilly, but definitely worth some time to lounge, dip your feet in, or have a fun, mini photoshoot with your friends! Bring your swimsuit and favorite sunscreen, we’ve got the towels. Plus, we’re just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Mediterranean and many nearby beach towns. While the weather isn’t always mid-70s, the beach is breathtaking and worth a jaunt on a nice day.

ACTIVEWEAR
No matter what level of activity you plan to engage in during your stay, the old, weathered streets in many of the old villages and on the grounds at La Peetch. make comfortable tennis shoes/trainers a must for the trip. Activewear is welcome for jaunts into town, market trips, and hikes on any of the myriad of trails around the property. Those of you who plan to spend more time outside might consider bringing hiking boots and accessories, or other sports gear.

CLOTHING FOR A NIGHT OUT
While we say this with baited breath, there are some incredible restaurants across Provence. Bring some lightweight, business casual clothing with close-toed shoes or boots to comfortably and fashionably enjoy a night on the town.

STAY HYDRATED
No matter where you’re traveling, we definitely suggest bringing your own, reusable water bottle. While it isn’t necessary on the property (there are plenty of cups and glassware to enjoy beverages on-site), it may be helpful if you choose to take free time to explore the village.

FUEL UP
While we have plenty of food (and harvest many edible items ourselves), having a protein bar or a couple of snack options on-hand is a sensible option. Cooking can take time, and we want to make sure your blood sugar is taken care of, regardless of how late meal times may run.

You’ll want to fuel up your electronic devices and personal use items as well while staying with us. Power adapters are very heavily suggested to keep with you. We keep power adapter options on-site at La Peetch, but you will want to bring a few for the rest of your travels.

ANY OTHER PERSONAL CARE ITEMS
There is absolutely no need to bring shampoos, body washes, and other toiletries. We keep the property stocked up with our go-to luxury brands. But make sure to bring any medications, over the counter options, and other necessities. (And perhaps a couple of extra, just in case.)