The house where the wedding will take place is also known as Le Jardin du Couvent. Gaby's grandparents (picture below) bought the convent in 1972 after falling in love with the region.

Le Jardin du Couvent was built between 1629-1639 when a 12th century Cistercian abbey was converted into an Ursuline convent and expanded. Our house and garden and the adjoining chapel were part of the cloisters of the convent and were originally used as a place for prayer. A large school room was built later. When the property ceased being used for religious or educational purposes after WWII, ownership reverted to the Duc de Blacas, a hereditary feudal noble and ruler of Provence, who began selling the properties in the 1950s.

The house holds a very special place in our hearts. Gaby has spent every summer in Aups since she was two months old. She (and many of you) spent memorable summers putting on plays in the great room, learning French at the patisserie, playing badminton in the garden and flipping monopoly boards in anger on rainy days in the sun room. She couldn't imagine getting married anywhere else and luckily Matt, who spent many of his summers in Gambia and the UK, agreed it was the perfect place to bring our loved ones from around the world.

We encourage you to embrace the slower pace of life while you are in Aups. Grab a croissant at the boulangerie and people watch at a cafe. Savor the three hour dinners and the wonderful Provençal cuisine. Drive to the neighboring villages to explore and shop, or pack a picnic and head to the lake for the day (just not Saturday). We love this little village and we hope you will too!