Maison Eclaircie
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Overview
Maison Eclaircie enjoys an incredible position perched on the edge of the idyllic Luberon village of Gordes, one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. The Provençal views from the swimming pool and terraced garden are magnificent!
It really is a privilege to stay in this historic village house that dates back to the 17th century. The characterful interiors have been decorated with refined style and there’s an authentic ambience across its elegant lounge, dining room and perfectly equipped kitchen with doors sliding open to the al-fresco dining terrace. Modern additions include air-conditioning throughout, a Sonos music system and Smart TVs in its mezzanine lounge and two of the three bedrooms.
Sleeping up to six guests, the bedrooms are gorgeous, one with a king-size double bed, wood-beamed ceiling and romantic rolltop bath, another with a queen-size double, sofa and en suite shower room and the third en suite with twin beds and lovely views through its little windows.
Outside, the vistas of Provence will take your breath away whether you are enjoying a glass of Luberon AOC wine on the upper terrace or peacefully reading on the outdoor sofa beneath the poolside pergola. The swimming pool is superb for warm summer days when you don’t wish to venture too far. We love the rustic charm of the terraced grounds with old stone steps, pretty pathways and swathes of summer colour.
It’s only a few minutes to walk up the hill to the heart of Gordes with its boulangerie for freshly baked croissants and baguettes each morning alongside restaurants and inviting little shops. The lighting and historic beauty of the village has inspired artists over the many years and nowadays you can potter around Gordes’ art galleries and exhibitions. Visit treasures such as L’Eglise Saint Firmin and Château de Gordes as well as admiring the glorious valley views from the very top of the village.
The Tuesday morning market in Gordes is a delightful way to appreciate the gastronomy of this region whilst other weekly markets take place in nearby Coustellet, Ménerbes, Roussillon and of course the handsome town of Apt – look out for summer melons, cherries, candied fruit and all sorts of other wonderful delicacies.
Soak up the beauty of the summer lavender by the 12th century Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque and appreciate yet more landscapes of the Luberon as you walk, hike or cycle past poppy fields, vineyards, orchards and iconic perched villages of this captivating part of Provence.
You are also well located for visiting the antique stores and Sunday morning brocante of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, canoeing or kayaking along the Sorgue River or spending time in the historic city of Avignon with its UNESCO World Heritage sites. After a long day out exploring, return to the comfort of your beautiful village house in time to watch the mesmerising sunset from your garden terrace and swimming pool.
What you should know…
- Care should be taken across this characterful and historic house and within its grounds - guests need to be able to manage old stairs (without handrails/banisters) and the beautiful grounds (with old paths/steps/open terraces).
- Indeed, due to the nature of the property and its grounds, this villa is not suitable for children under the age of 12.
- The house does not have a car parking space so guests should park for free on the street (if there is a space available) or find parking elsewhere in the village.
Property Features
Maison Interiors (180m2, including an old stairs without a banister/handrail)
- Lounge
- Dining area
- Kitchen, well-equipped including oven, dishwasher, fridge-freezer, microwave, blender, kettle and Nespresso machine. Doors open to al-fresco dining terrace
- Mezzanine level hallway with sofa and Smart TV
- Guest WC
- Bedroom with double bed (180x200cm), Smart TV and en suite bathroom
- Bedroom with double bed (160x200cm), Smart TV and en suite shower room
- Bedroom with twin beds (90x200cm each) and en suite shower room
Outside Grounds
- Swimming pool (11x3m, depth: 1.6m) with safety gate
- Poolside sun beds
- Covered pergola with outdoor sofa
- Terraced grounds (some open terraces/old stone steps/railings)
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning
- Heating
- Fireplace
- Smart TVs
- Sonos music system
- Small fitness room with gym equipment
- Hairdryer
- Ironing facilities
- Washing machine and dryer
Location
About the surrounding area of Maison EclaircieOn a hillside on the edge of Gordes, one of France’s classified ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, Maison Eclaircie enjoys a wonderful location just a short walk from the heart of this beautiful and historic village. The Provençal valley views from the terraced grounds are incredible.
Guests can fly into Marseille, Nîmes or Avignon airports or arrive via the fast train service into Gare d’Avignon TGV (40km) – the direct train journey from Paris Gare de Lyon takes around 2 hours 40 minutes.
It’s just a few minutes’ walk up the hill to reach the top of the village where there are yet more magnificent views, passing historic treasures such as L’Eglise Saint Firmin and Château de Gordes. The picture-perfect village has inspired artists over the years – look out for little art galleries and exhibitions. There is a good range of shops including a boulangerie and Spar grocery store and a choice of inviting restaurants from down-to-earth bistros to gastronomic establishments.
The delightful Tuesday morning market is another way to experience the produce of this part of Provence – look out for cheeses, charcuterie, honey, olive oil, wine, breads, cherries, melons, vegetables alongside crafts and plenty of lavender-based products.
Nearby Coustellet (8km) is a good place for larger supermarkets and artisan food shops as well as a Sunday morning Farmer’s market. It’s also home to the Lavender Museum and close to the Musée de l'Huile d'Olive which offers olive oil wine-tasting. The handsome town of Apt (22km) hosts an atmospheric Saturday morning market, the largest in the region, whilst there are many other superb markets dotted across nearby Provençal villages and towns.
Elsewhere in the Luberon, discover the captivating landscapes on foot or bike as you pass endless orchards, farmland, poppy and lavender fields, woodland and so many iconic perched villages such as Ménerbes (11km), Bonnieux (16km) and Roussillon (11km). Embrace the history of the region when visiting Le Village des Bories and admire the summer lavender of L’Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque.
Furthermore, you are close to the antique stores, waterways and Sunday morning brocante of the charming town of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (18km) and the incredible natural beauty of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (18km), a popular area for canoeing and kayaking along the Sorgue River.
Find horse-riding near Joucas (6.5km), a wealth of hiking trails across the Luberon and Vaucluse as well as many cycling circuits from challenging routes to family-friendly greenways.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Marseille Provence Airport
(71km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Nîmes Airport
(83km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Gare de Cavaillon/Avignon TGV
(17km/40km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
Gordes
(Short walk to village centre ) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Gordes
(Short walk ) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
(Short walk ) |
||
| Nearest Town |
Cavaillon
(17km) |
||
| Nearest City |
Avignon
(38km) |
||
| Nearest Tennis |
Tennis Club de Cabrières d'Avignon
(7km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Golf de Saumane
(17km) |
||
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: TeensDue to the nature of the property and its grounds, this villa is not suitable for children under the age of 12.
Older children/teens will be enchanted by the historic beauty of Gordes, a perched village on the edge of the Luberon which has inspired artists over the years, including Vincent Van Gogh. It’s fantastic to be able to stroll to the local boulangerie each morning and out to the village for family evening meals.
It is just a 17km drive to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, an area known for its wonderful walking/hiking trails and canoeing/kayaking opportunities along the Sorgue River. Slightly closer is the tree-top activity centre near Lagnes, Passerelles des Cîmes, and other outdoor activities for all the family.
Soak up the heritage of Provence as you visit the fascinating dry stone dwellings at Village des Bories, just outside of Gordes. The Musée de la Lavande Luberon may inspire some, alongside the summer lavender fields in front of the iconic Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque. The Musée de l'Huile d'Olive is also a short drive away, with wine-tasting for the grown-ups!
Cycling is another popular pursuit across the Luberon with circuits for a range of experience. One especially family-friendly route is La Véloroute du Calavon which follows a former railway line from nearby Les Beaumettes to just east of Apt. Most of the route is without cars and it passes idyllic landscapes such as poppy fields, lavender, orchards and the Calavon river.
Kids Activities Close-by
- Walk to Village
- Walk to Restaurant
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Tennis Nearby
- Cycling
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Child-Safe Pool
Services Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
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
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
- Extra cleaning
- Cook
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 | €5000 charged to client’s credit card as a pre-authorisation one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | €5000 charged to client’s credit card as a pre-authorisation one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
| Heating costs included? | Yes. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | No. €320, collected by Oliver's Travels at the time of balance payment. This is for a standard changeover clean. 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 garbage disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. |
| Tax | French Visitors Tax payable locally (typically costs €1-€10 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required). |
| 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 towels included? | Yes. |
| Changeover day | Flexible. |
| Minimum stay | 5 nights. |
| Pets welcome? | Not allowed. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are not allowed. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Due to the nature of the property and its grounds, this villa is not suitable for children under the age of 12. |
| Smoking Allowed? | Not allowed. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 6 people:
| Rental period | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 29th 2024 - Oct 11th 2025 | £11,370 | £15,918 |
| Oct 11th 2025 - Jun 2nd 2026 | £11,370 | £15,918 |
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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Exceptional views
Beautiful house with exceptional views tucked away and only two minutes' walk from the centre of the village.
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Heavenly experience!
Maison Eclaircie was a heavenly experience! We are so grateful to the owner for giving our family the opportunity to enjoy his beautiful villa. The location is perfect, just steps from amazing pastry shops and restaurants in the town. The swimming pool perched on the cliffside overlooks a magnificent view. Modern conveniences (coffee, adapters, etc) and stylishly decorated interior. Stunning views out of every window. Good AC for the hot days we were there. The host was such a warm person, with great suggestions for exploring the area. Thank you!!
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Fantastic!
Fantastic place.
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Beautiful home and gorgeous view
Beautiful home in a stunning and unique location! Impeccably decorated interior and exterior patios and pool are the perfect setting to enjoy the gorgeous view. Welcoming and helpful host. Highly recommended!
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Beautiful
A very beautiful and wonderfully decorated house. Right in the centre of the village. It has all the modern comforts and a very nice swimming pool where you can swim well. The kitchen is of high quality as well as bathrooms and bedding. You just have to pay attention to the steep stairs if with children or elderly.
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
