Suzanne is Swiss and lived and worked in Bern, Switzerland for more than 20 years. As a trained business manager, she worked in a Swiss art museum before moving to Provence. Together with Noël, she has traveled the world; Europe and Asia were their most frequent destinations. Suzanne is a passionate hostess, an enthusiastic hobby cook and a big fan of regional, seasonal cuisine. Noël is an Austrian-Swiss double citizen. The move to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue brought him back near his hometown Marseille. Noël is a trained baker / confectioner, barista, teacher for handicaped people and guitar teacher and is still active in his web development business alongside his activities at Maison Piloni. He passionately loves to bake bread and sweet treats both of which guests can enjoy at Maison Piloni’s breakfasts.

We had many ideas and notions that we overturned and rejected. What one of us found good, the other did not and vice versa. In the spring of 2014 an opportunity arose that fit one of the ideas that was floating around in our minds for a while. We had the chance to bid for a mansion and guest house in Avignon. This project did not work out for a variety of reasons but the idea for a guest house project was rekindled. In the autumn of 2015 we came across a property in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Our first visit was already so promising that our motivation was burning and did everything we could to make our dream come true and by the spring of 2016, we were packed and moving to Provence. After a few renovations and a little rebuilding, Maison Piloni was open!

The best way to experience the “Little Venice” of Provence is with a walk along the many canals. The mossy paddle-wheels are reminiscent of times when over 70 mills were powered by the Sorgue River thanks to the flourishing grain, oil and paper production, and the later tanneries and spinning mills. The charming Old Town in the center of which is the Notre-Dame-des-Anges Church is perfect for for leisurely strolls through the streets. Enjoy culinary specialties and local treats in the numerous restaurants, cafes and bars. Today L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is also known for its antique shopping. In the old warehouses around the station you will find countless antiques and secondhand shops. Twice a year, at Easter and in mid-August, the large antiques and flea markets are second only to Paris. L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is an attractive place to be and is the perfect starting point for exploring the close by well-known areas of Provence. Famous places like Avignon, Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux, Lacoste, Ménerbes, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and many more are only short distance away.