Villa Rimayon
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Overview
After an afternoon by the swimming pool, sip an evening apéritif by the lavender and olive trees before dining al-fresco with loved ones beneath the century-old plane trees, no doubt enjoying local specialities from nearby Apt’s historic market. Also close to the village of Saignon, this beautiful bastide in Provence allows guests to experience the Luberon’s landscapes, picture-perfect villages and truly idyllic scenery.
This sensitively restored Provençal mas dates back to the 18th century and welcomes up to 14 guests across seven bedrooms, all with private bathrooms. There are two parts of Villa Rimayon, starting off with the spacious bastide with its gorgeous lounge and fireplace with bay windows allowing light to flood in, alongside the open kitchen with a fireplace and dining area. Each of the five bedrooms in this part of the house offer private shower rooms and dressing areas.
The smaller bastidon has a charming living space with a Provençal fireplace, a kitchen-diner, doors leading to the herb garden and terrace. Up to four guests can sleep here across two attractive bedrooms with their own shower rooms.
The 1.5-hectare grounds feature all the sights, sounds and scents of Provence with characterful stone walls, cypresses, oaks, fig and cherry trees alongside gorgeous terraces with lavender and other herbs, a pretty fountain and ancient plane trees for ample shade. The large swimming pool can be heated (for a supplement) during certain months and there is boules for early evening entertainment as the sun sets. Families will also appreciate table tennis and table football!
All this nature yet you are only a short drive from the historic town of Apt, loved especially for its Saturday morning market, the largest in the Luberon. Then there’s picturesque Saignon and its medieval lanes, café terraces and incredible views from its perched position.
The many gems of the Luberon can be easily reached from villages such as Gordes, Ménerbes and Lourmarin to slightly lesser known jewels including Joucas, Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt and Cucuron. On your travels look out for cherry orchards, vineyards and wine châteaux as well as a wealth of wonderful restaurants (some with Michelin stars).
If you feel like exploring more, choose between the riverside cafes and antique stores of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Avignon, the cycling routes from Mont Ventoux, the lavender fields of Sault and the enchantment of Aix-en-Provence only an hour away from your beautiful Luberon abode.
What you should know…
- There are two parts of this beautiful Provençal home – the bastide with five bedrooms and the bastidon with two further bedrooms.
- The swimming pool can be heated (for a supplement) in certain months – please see the ‘T&Cs’ for further information.
- If travelling with small children, please note that there are some unfenced ponds in the grounds - please keep an eye on little explorers around these areas. The housekeeper will show all ponds to guests upon arrival.
Property Features
Maison Interiors (450m2 over various floors)
Bastide Interiors
- Living room with Provençal fireplace and bay windows
- Open-plan kitchen and dining area, well-equipped
- Second living area and adjacent bathroom (on second floor)
- 5 x bedrooms with private dressing areas and en suite shower rooms. All bedrooms have double beds (200x90cm) which can be separated into two singles
Bastidon Interiors
- Lounge with Provençal fireplace and doors leading to terrace
- Kitchen and dining area with oven, fridge, and microwave
- 2 x bedrooms with shower room
- Washing machine and dryer
Outside Grounds (1.5 hectares)
- Swimming pool (12x5.5m) with safety alarm and retractable cover. Can be heated (for a supplement) in April, May, September and October
- Outdoor WC
- Al-fresco dining terrace beneath the plane trees
- Fountain terrace with lavender and olive trees
- Herb garden with terrace
- Large garden with Provençal plants and trees (some different levels and steps)
- Boules, table tennis and badminton set
- Parking on site
- West facing terrace with fountain
- North facing terrace at front of property
- South facing terrace at rear of property, ideal for dining
- Barbecue
Other Facilities
- 2 x laundry rooms each with washing machine and dryer
- Ground floor WC
- Yoga mats
- 2 cots
- 3 highchairs
- Ground floor underfloor heating
Location
About the surrounding area of Villa RimayonThis beautiful Provençal home is located close to the gorgeous village of Saignon and the handsome market town of Apt in the heart Luberon National Park, a great base for visiting the beautiful villages, vineyards and landscapes of this part of Provence. Arrive via Marseille/Avignon Airports or take the fast-speed train (2 hours 40 minutes) from Paris to Gare d’Avignon TGV, just over an hour away by car.
The house is set in glorious grounds just off the road leading north to Apt (2.5km) – it is handy being just a short drive from the town for large supermarkets and other useful amenities. The historic centre is very attractive with cobbled streets, tree-lined squares, handsome buildings and a great choice of restaurants and shops. On a Saturday morning, visit the 900-year old Provençal market, the largest and one of the best in the Luberon – head there early to join locals picking up wonderful seasonal produce and specialities (candied fruit, strawberries, cherries, melons, lavender products, honey, olives and so much more).
Hilltop Saignon (3.5km) is also not to be missed, such an enchanting medieval village with stunning Luberon vistas – you can even see as far as Mont Ventoux on a clear day. Sit out on a shady café terrace with a coffee or evening apéritif and soak up the lovely ambience of this hidden gem. When summer arrives, admire lavender fields beneath the perched village.
Of course, there are so many other highlights of Provence. The cherry orchards, vineyards and wine châteaux near Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt (11km), the cobbled streets and cafes of Goult (17km) and the ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ of Ménerbes, Gordes, Roussillon and Bonnieux, all within half an hour. Driving south, come across the medieval villages of Lourmarin, Cucuron and Ansouis with their Michelin starred restaurants or venture further towards the romance of Aix-en-Provence (58km), just over an hour away.
Heading towards Avignon instead, canoe/kayak along the Sorgue near Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (35km), seek treasures at the Sunday morning brocante in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (35km), count historic fountains in Pernes-les-Fontaines (45km) and visit the summer evening Farmer’s market in Velleron (44km).
Not to mention cycling trails, hiking paths, horse-riding, wine tasting, rock-climbing and visits to historic caves and castles across the Luberon and beyond during your stay in this captivating part of Provence.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Avignon Airport
(48km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Marseille Provence Airport
(83km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Gare Cavaillon/Avignon TGV
(35km/58km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
Saignon
(3.5km) |
||
| Nearest Town |
Apt
(2.5km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Apt/Saignon
(2.5km/3.5km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Intermarché SUPER Apt
(2.5km) |
||
| Nearest Tennis |
Just outside Apt
(5km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Golf de Saumane
(35km) |
||
| Nearest City |
Avignon
(56km) |
||
Region
With some of the most enchanting landscapes of Provence, the Luberon awaits with its idyllic perched villages, swathes of lavender, cherry trees, vineyards and dense forest.
Become captivated by the scenery as you potter around artistic Gordes with its atmospheric Tuesday morning market before heading to hilltop Ménerbes, the village that inspired Peter Mayle’s ‘A Year in Provence’. Romantic Bonnieux enjoys the most glorious vistas, surrounded by a sea of vines and orchards, whilst red-hued Roussillon will take your breath away with its ochre landscapes and pine forests. They are all officially classified as ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ in France.
Yet there are so many hidden gems to explore as well. Discover the historic doorways, windmills and summer cherries of Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt, then head to Goult to embrace its Provençal charm with little shops and pavement cafes. Surrounded by fields of lavender, Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt is another historic jewel of the Luberon, often overshadowed by the handsome and historic town of Apt.
To the south of the Luberon, follow Albert Camus’ footsteps in Lourmarin, sip coffee by the picturesque bassin lined with plane trees in Cucuron and soak up the history of Ansouis – all three villages have a fine reputation for their high-end dining with a choice of Michelin starred restaurants.
Indeed, across the region look out for restaurant terraces serving Provençal cuisine with superb vistas alongside characterful markets showcasing seasonal delights from the Luberon and beyond (olives, melons, strawberries, cherries, truffles, chestnuts, lavender products and more). Most villages host a lovely weekly market whilst the largest in the Luberon is held on a Saturday morning in Apt. Just on the edge of the Luberon, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is famed for its antique stores and Sunday morning brocante. Meanwhile, wine lovers should visit the vineyards and wineries of the region producing Luberon and Ventoux AOC wines.
The walking, hiking and cycling opportunities in the Luberon seem endless and you will also find horse-riding, rock-climbing and tree-top adventures as well as canoeing and kayaking along the Sorgue near Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. Come across hiking trails for all abilities passing vineyards and forest or venture through the hills and mountain gorges for spectacular scenery. Cycling is also extremely popular – as well as more challenging routes, we especially love the family-friendly Véloroute du Calavon, a paved voie verte following a former railway line near the Calavon river passing poppies, lavender and orchards so typical of the Luberon.
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesSpend quality time with family at this beautiful bastide in Provence with glorious Luberon views. Enjoy the coolness of the wonderful swimming pool on hot summer afternoons, then play table football, table tennis and boules as the evening approaches. If travelling with small children, please do note that there are some unfenced ponds in the grounds - please keep an eye on little explorers around these areas!
It is great being just a short drive from Apt with its large supermarkets and other useful amenities. The Luberon is ideal for families seeking active holidays with a wealth of walking, hiking and cycling opportunities across the idyllic landscapes. One particular popular cycling trail is La Véloroute du Calavon, a voie verte that follows the Calavon river (mostly car free). Horse-riding is popular too or admire the scenery from a horse-drawn carriage passing vineyards, forest and lavender fields.
Meanwhile, there are tree-top adventure centres near Rustrel (13km) and Lagnes (33km), canoeing and kayaking along the Sorgue River near Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (35km) as well as plenty of other family attractions across Provence including Zoo Barben, Parc Grimmland, Le Village des Automates and Parc Spirou Provence, all within a 45 to 60-minute drive from Apt.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- <1hr to Airport
- Tennis Nearby
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Boules/Petanque
- Child-Safe Pool
- Heated Pool
- Outdoor Games
- Table Tennis
Extras
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
Oliver's Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience
Make hosting a memorable dinner party at your villa an absolute breeze with our superb Chef Service. Our chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish so you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience. They will bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. To find out more visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs
| Security deposit | €1500 charged to client's credit card as a pre-authorisation at least 2 weeks prior to arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 5.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | €1500 charged to client's credit card as a pre-authorisation at least 2 weeks prior to arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 5.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
| Changeover day | Saturday. All other changeover days on request. |
| Minimum stay | 7 nights. All other durations on request. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Heating costs included? | Yes. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes. |
| Pool towels included? | Yes. |
| Pool opening dates? | Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming. |
| Pool heating charge? | Pool heating available April-May and September-October for an additional €250/week, payable to Oliver's Travels at the time of balance payment. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes, and weekend cleaning if staying multiple weeks. Guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. |
| Pets welcome? | On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. |
| Smoking Allowed? | Outside only. |
| Tax | French Visitors Tax is included. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are not allowed. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Cot and highchair available on request. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Guests will be required to sign a copy of the owner's rental terms before the arrival. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 14 people:
| Rental period | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Nov 29th 2024 - Dec 22nd 2024 | £4,117 |
| Dec 22nd 2024 - Jan 4th 2025 | £7,272 |
| Jan 4th 2025 - Apr 26th 2025 | £4,117 |
| Apr 26th 2025 - May 24th 2025 | £5,397 |
| May 24th 2025 - Jul 5th 2025 | £6,221 |
| Jul 5th 2025 - Aug 30th 2025 | £7,272 |
| Aug 30th 2025 - Sep 27th 2025 | £5,946 |
| Sep 27th 2025 - Jun 2nd 2026 | £5,397 |
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
Reviews
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Une propriété magnifique
Nous avons passé un excellent séjour dans une propriété magnifique. Le temps n’a pas été assez chaud pour profiter à fond du jardin et de la piscine mais nous avons visité de nombreux villages avec bonheur. La maison est très joliment meublée, la cuisine très bien équipée.
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Absolute jewel of a property
It’s not often that a well-photographed holiday home turns out to be even more stunning when you encounter it in person. But this was exactly what we experienced. Villa Rimayon is an absolute jewel of a property and the perfect place for a family celebration. Our large group enjoyed every aspect of the house; drinks and boules beneath the Plane trees, cooling off in the beautiful pool and finding quiet corners in which to read or just sit and admire the views. The house is also well situated for markets in Apt and easy days out to the picturesque villages of Saignon, Bonnieux, Roussillon and Gordes. We hired two e-bikes which made getting around fun for all ages and gave everyone a taste of the jaw-dropping countryside. We also had superb and friendly support from the housekeeper as well as excellent service from the rental team. Thank you!
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Unforgettable
We really enjoyed the weather and it was an absolutely wonderful holiday. The house and its surroundings are unique. We returned home totally relaxed. The house will remain unforgettable for us. We really have nothing to complain about. The rental process was easy and we love the caretaker. She is very friendly.
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Our entire experience was nothing less than magical!!
Our entire experience was nothing less than magical!! The house and the surroundings were beautiful!! The caretakers were great with communicating and were very responsive to all my questions and were very helpful. The cook was amazing - her cooking, presentation, communication all helped make this a very restful holiday. The house is beautifully decorated with nice seating areas throughout the exterior and interior. A big thank you to you and your team for making our holiday such a delightful experience!
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Absolutely magical
The house was absolutely magical. In my correspondence with the owner I noticed she's an architect who specializes in interior design - and it's evident. Every space is lovely, there are multiple areas to socialize, as well as many spots to curl up with a book. The gardens are all fabulous - well-kept but not too 'precious' that we worry that the kids might damage anything. But overwhelmingly, the sensation that the house creates is one of peace and serenity. In addition to the decor, the house is very well conceived logistically. The abundance of dishes and flatware, along with the dishwasher, made it extremely easy to keep our large group from getting bogged down in chores. The motorized pool cover created peace of mind with the little ones. The house is obviously a few centuries old, but has all the modern equipment one would hope to find. And did you know the outdoor shower by the pool is heated??? It's hard to imagine a more perfect home for our family trip. The toddlers enjoyed exploring the lavender patches and the herb garden, our 10 year-old spent hours in the pool and playing outside, and the grown-ups enjoyed all the different spots to enjoy our meals al fresco. While Apt provides tremendous facilities like supermarkets and hospitals (our youngest had a fever and we made an appointment with the pediatrician - nothing major and it resolved in a few days), Saignon is an absolutely underrated jewel of a village. And of course the Luberon is a wonderful region to explore - which we did, extensively! The caretakers were great - super friendly and efficient, and super helpful with my in-laws on multiple excursions and on our return to Marseille airport on departure. Once again, thanks for the wonderful experience. We hope to return to the Luberon soon!
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Perfect getaway in Provence
What a beautiful start to spring. We were a party of 10 staying at Villa Rimayon for the week. Upon arrival, Floriane the caretaker gave us a warm welcome and showed us around the property. Each room was prepared beautifully for our stay and as a large party, everyone had plenty of space to relax and enjoy. The gardens were wonderfully relaxing with lots to explore. Plenty of fun was had with the villa’s pétanque set accompanied by some local wine from Château La Canorgue. The villa is the perfect setting for a summer getaway in Provence but it’s charm and homely feel makes it equally suitable for a retreat in the colder months. The team were hugely accommodating and helpful from start to finish and I could not recommend booking with them enough.
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Wonderful week in this gorgeous Villa
We spent a really wonderful week in this gorgeous Villa. All the rooms were very nicely decorated with comfortable beds and bathrooms. The kitchen had a nice view over the country and was very well equipped. The large grounds of the Villa were amazing, the view in front of the Villa under the huge Plantains was breath-taking and the gardens of the Park were so nicely kept. We enjoyed the large swimming pool and the meals on the terrace, covered by various plants. So all in all it was a perfect place for our family holiday. We thank you for this so well organised week!
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The memories will last forever!
We had the most wonderful stay at Villa Rimayon in September with our family. The house is spacious and perfectly decorated with a different view from every window. We fell in love with the beautiful garden and enjoyed many long afternoons in the swimming pool. The villa is in a great location to visit many of the quaint villages in Provence. Thank you for a lovely week! The memories will last forever!
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Superb villa
I write this email to let you know how we feel about the 8 days we have just spent in this superb villa Rimayon. We had a great and very pleasant week in this enchanting setting and were able to visit this otherwise magnificent region!
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Spotless, spacious, beautifully renovated holiday home
Villa Rimayon is a spotless, spacious, beautifully renovated holiday home with restful decor and plenty of character. The kitchen is excellent, well-equipped, and well placed for outdoor entertaining. Beds are very comfortable and bathrooms well appointed. The garden is charming and full of wildlife - birds, butterflies etc. There are many areas outside to enjoy a glass of wine and the views: the main terrace near the pool, the lawn, the front of the house under giant trees, or the charming herb garden to name a few. Although close to the town of Apt - which is very convenient - the property is peaceful and there is little, if any, noise from the surrounding area. The house is well mantained and thoroughly cleaned. There is a local contact available for advice, or should any problems occur. Highly recommended property. We enjoyed the perfect family holiday here.
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Wonderful experience
My guests and I had a wonderful experience at Villa Rimayon. The property is lovely, beautifully landscaped and tastefully decorated. The kitchen is very well equipped and there were numerous dining areas with enough room for all of us. Floriane was very helpful, friendly and courteous, addressing several small problems promptly.. and with good humor. This has been a very pleasant experience from the booking and payment to our week in the house. We'll tell all our friends and hope too that we'll be able to return one day. Thanks so much.
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Delighted
We had a wonderful stay, the house is top notch, very pleasant to live in because it is very large and the layout is great for family stays because each bedroom has its own bathroom. We had taken the heated pool option and had a swim every day. Everything is done to have a good stay, there are all the necessary equipment and everything is clean and well maintained. We are delighted with our stay!
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No doubt one of the best locations in the Luberon!
No doubt one of the best locations in the Luberon! The villa offers everything to enjoy a superb holiday with the family and/or friends. The infrastructure that is offered is top and sufficient to host 14 people comfortable. The view of Apt is breathtaking.
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Beautiful home we highly recommend
Our extended family from the US and Europe spent a magical week in this beautiful home. The house was not only perfect to explore the lovely neighboring villages of Saignon, Roussillon, Gordes, etc., but also to soak in the charm of this beautiful region at the house itself. The property has been lovingly restored, with equal attention directed at style and comfort, and the gardens are absolutely enchanting. The memories of lazy summer days spent by the pool, at the various seating areas surrounding the house, and playing table tennis with the kids will linger for a very long time. The house itself was well-stocked and impeccable. The experience of booking the rental, making arrangements, and getting into the house was seamless. The caretakers were easy to reach and always responsive to all our questions. We recommend this house highly and we ourselves look forward to returning soon.
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Perfect home
We were very happy in this tastefully renovated bastide. It is a perfect home for family vacations, with lots of large spaces. We really enjoyed this stay and we thank you very much!
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