When I was a little girl, my head was filled with a thousand bright dreams. Like many little girls, I dreamed of being a princess. But in my dreams, I was an incredibly lucky princess, living in a pastel pink house, straight out of a fairy tale. I imagined this house in Provence, perched on a hill, surrounded by vineyards, garrigue, and fields of lavender, where life would be sweet and serene. (I had grown up watching Pagnol’s films from the 60s, which I adored.) Of course, I dreamed of marrying a charming prince, of having wonderful children whom I would love more than anything in the world. I also dreamed of having many animals, of traveling, discovering the world, learning, singing, writing, making films, acting. In my dreams, I also owned a restaurant, where I would warmly welcome guests, delighting them with the most exquisite and healthy dishes, in a cozy, jazz-filled atmosphere. But above all, I dreamed of helping people in pain, healing their wounds, their struggles, their sorrows or weaknesses, of being able to brighten and beautify the lives of others.

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And believe it or not, all those dreams came true, one by one. The universe granted me everything I had wished for.

 My children, Justin and Valentin, are without a doubt the most precious gift life has given me, my most cherished dream come true. It would take me a thousand lifetimes to talk about them, so today, I will instead speak about my house and my animals, my guardians and protectors. "My house and my animals" symbolize for me a sanctuary of peace, a refuge, and balance, and they are inextricably linked. I will start with the house. Let’s keep the best ( animals ) for the end.

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This house, filled with gentleness and peace, is a magnificent 18th-century farmhouse, once a « magnanerie » where silkworms were raised. Surrounded at the time by majestic mulberry trees, the property is now graced by giant hackberry trees, pine trees, silver-leafed olive trees, palm trees, fig trees, jasmine, oleanders in every shade of pink, verbena, towering bamboo, aloe vera, prickly pear cacti, mint, sage, and other splendors of this lush and fragrant region. Yet, one mulberry tree, a silent witness to the past, decided to stay. Firmly rooted in the patio, it still stands, watching over the house. Captivated by the enchanting beauty of this place and of Collias, nestled in the Gorges of the Gardon, I dedicated myself wholeheartedly to this house, breathing new life into it to restore its former glory and honor the magnificence of its history.

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But this house is not just a dream come true; it is also a place of joyful memory, enriched by the imprint of those we have loved. I have filled it with vibrant memories: photographs of my parents, grandparents, sister, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and of course, photos of my children at every stage of their lives. I have also brought furniture, linens, and dishes inherited from my ancestors, paintings by my father and one of my aunts, as well as objects filled with life and history that belonged to my mother. The house also holds a collection of over 8,000 magnificent books, all cherished by my family. Their presence here, is not an echo of our past, but as a living energy that continues to inspire our lives.

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This house is also filled with treasures from our travels, from the many homes we’ve lived in around the world, ensuring that every adventure is present here, in this space where we always find our bearings. And not to forget, the countless pieces of furniture and objects I’ve passionately discovered while antiquing throughout the region.

I envisioned this house to last through the ages, to become a precious place, a unique family home, full of beauty, serenity, and warmth, for my children and theirs one day.. But deep down, I know that a true "home" is not a geographically fixed place. Times are changing... My sons and I have traveled extensively, lived in different houses across the world. A true family home can be anywhere, as long as we are together, happy, united, and at peace.

Let us now speak of Collias, through this announcement: without haste or bitterness, I have made the decision to put it up for sale. I wish to move closer to my sons in Paris, as I miss them dearly, and to begin a new chapter of my life at 60.

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« Close to Uzès, on the sun-drenched lands of the South, lies Collias, a splendid and picturesque village nestled amidst the Garrigue, seemingly suspended between sky and earth. Its name evokes the sweetness of Provençal life and the timeless elegance of a Roman heritage, with its homes painted in soft hues—a mix of terracotta and stones, gilded by the centuries. Perched on a hillside, this Provençal gem, like a work of art, overlooks a wild and preserved nature where ancient olive trees and vineyards blend seamlessly into the landscape.

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Below, the Gardon River, like a silver ribbon, winds gently, offering bucolic walks through the seasons. Its banks, the "Gorges du Gardon" (UNESCO World Heritage and NATURA 2000 site), covered with lush vegetation, change colors with the seasons—from vibrant greens to the deep reds of autumn. Every corner of the village tells a story; every stone carries the imprint of a past that is both Provençal and Roman, where the art of living is sacred.

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In this enchanting setting stands an exceptional 18th-century home, meticulously renovated with the utmost care. Respecting the codes of local architecture and history, it gracefully combines tradition with modernity, offering a true haven of well-being. The six spacious suites, each with its own private bathroom, are models of refinement. Each one tells a story, with décor that preserves the soul of the past while enhancing every detail: period woodwork, high ceilings, exposed stones—each element thoughtfully designed to evoke the authenticity and charm of another era.

The spirit of the house, vibrant and welcoming, can be felt in every room. The large living room-library, bathed in light, is a place to relax while listening to birdsong, a fine jazz record, or the sound of the piano. In the extraordinary kitchen, one can enjoy the crackling of the fire in a monumental fireplace, imported from a Loire Valley château, during the winter months. This unique kitchen, with its immense pink and black velvet bench, a 17th-century notary’s table, and a sumptuous Italian flowered backsplash (Bisazza), invites conviviality—an environment where every meal becomes a moment of sharing and delight. Outside, the flower-filled terraces offer breathtaking views of the wooded park, the hills, and the Gorges du Gardon, where the scent of lavender and cypress fills the air. The pool, surrounded by magnificent period stones, sparkles in the sun, inviting relaxation, while the Roman basin and its fountain offer a timeless outdoor space, adding an extra touch of elegance to this idyllic scene.

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This home is more than just a house; it is imbued with a soul, a spirit felt in every detail. Every stone seems to tell the story of those who lived and loved living here, and the whole place exudes authenticity, well-being, and serenity.

Finally, vast outbuildings remain available, leaving plenty of room for the imagination. Whether to welcome visitors in an exceptional setting or to create new living spaces, Collias, with its unique charm, is the perfect place. Here, everything breathes the sweetness of life, the calm, and the beauty of a place out of time—a true refuge where one feels instantly at home. »

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