Practical information
To all our guests in our Gîtes and safari tents,
Welcome to la Blache, an authentic Provencal settlement, mentioned in records dating as far back as 1600. We hope you enjoy your stay here and in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.
On-site well and water purification The tap water is drinking water. It comes from our own well at a depth of 120 metres and is approved by the water authority. We also have a biological water treatment system and re-use all the processed waste water for our trees and plants. We therefore ask you to flush only standard toilet paper (e.g., no wipes) down the toilet and not to use any products that contain chlorine. We also request that you treat Mother’s Nature’s bounty with kindness and respect.
Fresh bread and other delicacies from local French baker every morning throughout the summer Our bread delivery service is much appreciated. If you give us your order before 8 p.m. you can pick up your own bas- ket the next morning with French bread, croissants, and/or pain au chocola for the kids. You can settle the bill at the end of your stay.
Meals at la Blache We provide table d’hôte meals and catering upon request.
Terraces Every Gîte has two sets of garden furniture so that you can sit in the sun or the shade whenever you like. The safari tents have one complete set of garden furniture.
Parking Our Gîte guests can park their cars under the trees at the entrance to the property. The guests in the safari tents have their own parking facilities.
Laundry, extra freezer space, dish-washing, and domestic appliances There are washing machines and a freezer for the Gîte guests in the big barn in the middle of the yard. The guests in the safari tents can also do their washing-up here. We charge €5 each time you use a washing machine. Just leave the money in the box. Please take your washing to your own Gîte or tent to dry. Pressure cookers, hairdryers, irons, and ironing boards are available on request.
Domestic waste Please place domestic waste in the communal bins at the end of the road beside the crossroads. Paper, glass and plastic can be deposited in the containers for separated waste at St. Jurs or Puimoisson.
Heating The temperature can drop quickly in the evenings in the early and late season. The wood-burning stove will easily heat the whole apartment. Large boxes of wood are for sale at €5 each. Gas stoves are available for the safari tents.
Walking This region is ideal for walkers. You can follow paths from la Blache or you can drive to a spot and walk from there. You are welcome to use the maps, routes and books in the communal space. Please return them afterwards so that other guests can use them too. We would be happy to advise you on suitable routes. The weather The sun shines here 300 days a year. But the weather can change suddenly. Please close all windows and doors and secure the shutters when you leave the apartment. If thunderstorms are ex- pected please remove the TV plug and aerial from the socket. If you are guests in a safari tent, please close the tent securely when you leave.
Shopping The small supermarket Cocinelle in Puimoisson sells fresh bread and groceries. Opening times every day: 7.30 – 12.30 and 15.30 – 19.30. There is a small, very good butcher’s shop on the square beside the church. Intermarche in Riez is open 9.00 – 12.30 and 15.00 – 19.00 and in July and August, 9.00 -19.00. There are large supermarkets in Digne les Bains (Carrefour) and Manosque (Hyper U, Leclerc and Lidl).
Markets For delicious local produce check out the markets at:
Riez Wednesday and Saturday 8.00 - 12.00
Moustiers Friday 8.00 - 12.00
Forcalquier Monday 8.00 - 12.00
Stations d’essence There is a filling station in Puimoisson at Cocinelle (7 km) and in Riez (15km) at Intermarche.
Important phone numbers
Doctors Riez 0492777030 Nurse Puimoisson 625611974 Fire brigade 18 Police 17 Accidents and emergencies 15 Ambulance/taxi Riez 0492779766 In the absence of the owners 0031 6 22427178 0031 6 42157696 Telephone no. la Blache 0492743198
Last cleaning We prefer to have the last cleaning done by our own staff. The costs are €35 for the large Gîtes and €25 for the small Gîte. We charge an extra €10 for each pet. The costs of cleaning the safari tents are included in the rent.
Transhumance In the summer season the Gîtes and safari tents are reserved for our holiday guests. Outside the season short sab- baticals and retreats can be organised at la Blache. There are also facilities for individual coaching. More information? Click on www.trans-humance.com or contact us direct.
More information? Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about practical matters or would like more information about the surroundings of la Blache? If we are not at the property, ring the doorbell of the caretakers. There is a list of phone numbers pinned to the office window.
We wish you an unforgettable stay at la Blache!