We are La Bastide

For us, hospitality is personal

We, Michaela Oertli and Peter Escher, shape life at La Bastide in Puycalvel together. We want you to feel genuinely welcome while keeping all the freedom and privacy you need.

Michaela and Peter

Two people, one special place

We love nature, animals and the lively sense of community at La Bastide. We are here whenever you need us, while giving you the space to enjoy your holiday in the way that feels right for you.

Michaela brings her experience of mindful interaction with animals. Peter looks after hospitality and makes sure you feel well cared for from the moment you arrive.

Your hosts

Michaela Oertli and Peter Escher

Michaela Oertli, host at La Bastide in Puycalvel
Host · Coach trainer & mentor

Michaela Oertli

The connection between people, animals and nature is close to Michaela Oertli’s heart. For her, La Bastide is a place where this connection can be experienced in everyday life: spending time with the horses, being out in nature and sharing conversations. Giving others the opportunity to be part of this brings meaning to her work.

She looks forward to meeting people from all over the world, hearing their stories and discovering new perspectives. These encounters can be easy and informal. She equally values the opportunity to work with people who bring a personal question, are looking for a new direction or want to consciously take time for themselves.

As a coach and hypnotherapist, Michaela brings many years of experience in supporting people and training professionals. At La Bastide, she combines this experience with what matters deeply to her: time with the animals, attentive observation and conversations that make room for whatever is on someone’s mind. This creates opportunities for individual support and shared experiences, guided by curiosity, warmth and respect for each person’s own path.

Peter Escher, host and founder of La Bastide in Puycalvel
Host · Hospitality & coaching

Peter Escher

Peter Escher is a host at heart, with more than three decades of experience in hospitality and catering. After studying Hospitality Management at the École hôtelière de Lausanne, his career took him to Spain for almost ten years, where Mediterranean culture and its way of life left a lasting impression on him.

At La Bastide in Puycalvel, Peter has brought a personal dream to life: a nature-focused place to stay and meet in the Tarn, where warm hospitality, tranquillity and shared experiences come together. He looks after guests from their first enquiry throughout their stay and makes sure they feel at home in the four holiday houses.

Alongside his role as host, Peter works as an integral and business coach. For groups, seminars and professional retreats in particular, he brings his experience of transition, values and leadership as an attentive sounding board and sparring partner.

Our invitation

Arrive and find your own rhythm

Some guests come in search of peace, others for shared experiences or a place to gather as a group. What connects us is the wish to share La Bastide with care, ease and plenty of heart.

Your time in the South of France

When may we welcome you?

Check availability or send us a message if you have questions about a holiday home, a group stay or a special visit.

Book your fencing week

We are currently accepting non-binding reservations. As soon as the minimum number of participants has been reached, we will inform all reserved persons personally. Only then will a binding booking be made.