Villa Des Ocres
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Close to the authentic village of Rustrel and the incredible landscapes of Colorado Provençal, this artistic home is a unique and inspiring getaway in a great ...
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Close to the authentic village of Rustrel and the incredible landscapes of Colorado Provençal, this artistic home is a unique and inspiring getaway in a great location for hiking, tree-top adventures and sight-seeing in the Luberon region of Provence.
At Villa Des Ocres guests can appreciate the Provençal charm of the villa’s wood-beamed ceilings and thick stone walls keeping the home cool in the summer and warm in spring/autumn. Indeed, the house has been extensively renovated in recent years and the result is a traditional and welcoming French home with striking modern interiors.
Bold works of art adorn the walls whilst contemporary furnishings, fixtures and fittings add to the eclectic yet comfortable style. The cosy lounge and impressive kitchen-diner all open out to the main terrace allowing for long and lazy days cooling off in the swimming pool and enjoying al-fresco meals prepared in the brilliantly equipped kitchen.
This unique yet inviting home welcomes 8-10 guests. On the main floor there are two double bedrooms and two attractive bathrooms alongside a reading area with a sofa-bed. Upstairs beneath the eaves there is another double, a twin and a gorgeous bathroom with a freestanding tub. The mezzanine also has a useful office space with fast Wi-Fi, good to know if you need to work at all during your stay.
Despite being in the heart of the Luberon, the surroundings do not feel remote - the house is set in a quartier/neighbourhood with a handful of other holiday rentals, a seasonal pizzeria (Wednesday to Sunday), campsite and tree-top adventure centre. The most energetic could even walk to Rustrel around 2km away with its traditional café-restaurants, small grocery store, olive oil mill and 17th century château.
It is just a short drive to the stunning scenery of Colorado Provençal, a former ochre quarry and a site of extraordinary beauty with its array of colours and shapes. Follow marked walking and hiking trails through the outstanding landscapes – the GR7 hiking route also passes through.
Elsewhere, admire vineyards, cherry orchards, lavender fields and forest as you drive to Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt, Roussillon, Gordes and Bonnieux, all picture-perfect hilltop villages. What’s more, soak up the Saturday morning ambience of the region’s largest market in Apt and bring home olives, strawberries, wine, cherries, melons, figs, herbs and so many other seasonal delights of the Luberon.
What you should know…
- Villa Des Ocres sleeps up to 8 guests across four bedrooms and an additional 2 guests using a sofa-bed.
- There is a seasonal pizzeria within walking distance (open five days a week) and the little village of Rustrel is only 2km away. A car is essential across this region.
- Part of the local main road leading to Apt and Rustrel is closed for repair work until 2024 but diversions are in place.
Property Features
Mas Interiors
Main Entrance Level
- Partially open-plan living room with fireplace and doors leading to the terrace
- Open-plan kitchen, fully-equipped, with doors leading to the terrace
- Open-plan dining area with doors leading to the terrace
- Bedroom with double bed
- Bedroom with double bed
- Reading room with double sofa-bed
- 2 x bathrooms
Loft Level (with sloping ceilings)
- Mezzanine level with office space
- Children’s play room
- Bedroom with double bed
- Bedroom with two single beds (90x200cm each)
- Bathroom
Outside Grounds
- Swimming pool (8.5x4.5m)
- Covered terrace for al-fresco dining
- Garden
- Parking
Villa Des Ocres is in the Luberon region of Provence close to the village of Rustrel and the incredi...
| Nearest Airport |
Avignon Airport
(56km) |
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Marseille Provence Airport
(102km) |
| Nearest Train Station |
Gare de Cavaillon/ L'Isle-sur-Sorgue - Fontaine-V
(43km/45km) |
Location
About the surrounding area of Villa Des OcresVilla Des Ocres is in the Luberon region of Provence close to the village of Rustrel and the incredible landscapes of the Colorado Provençal. Both Marseille and Avignon airports are around a 90-minute drive away, as is Gare d’Avignon TGV with direct arrivals from Lille and Paris.
The villa is semi-detached and located in a small neighbourhood of villas/gîtes/chambre d'hôtes etc within walking distance to a seasonal pizzeria (open five days a week), campsite and tree-top adventure centre. Guests could also walk to the heart of Rustel (2km, no pavement) in around 30 minutes, an authentic working village with a handful of cafes-restaurants, a small grocery store, an olive oil mill and a beautiful 17th century château.
To the south of the village is the stunning scenery of the Colorado Provençal (3km), a former ochre quarry showcasing such wonderful shapes and colours – this is a true gem of the Luberon. The marked hikes through the unique landscapes are amazing (if staying in the height of the summer be aware that access can occasionally be forbidden in case of forest fires). The GR6 hiking trail passes through Rustrel and Colorado Provençal.
Within half an hour is red-hued Roussillon (19km), one of the Luberon’s iconic perched villages and classified as a ‘Plus Beau Village’ alongside Ménerbes (33km), Gordes (26km) and Bonnieux (27km). Another gorgeous village even closer is Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt (10km), famed for its vineyards and cherry orchards – don’t miss the lovely Tuesday morning market here.
The handsome town of Apt (11km) is also close by. Visit on a Saturday to experience the region’s largest market showcasing a wealth of delights from the Luberon and beyond including candied fruit, strawberries, melons, garlic, tomatoes, cherries, wine, olives, lavender products, fabrics, clothes and so much more.
If staying when the lavender is in bloom (usually late June to early August) then venture north to the lavender farms and distilleries near Sault (31km) or look out for picture-perfect lavender fields around Simiane la Rotonde (16km) and Sénanque Abbey (32km) near Gordes.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Avignon Airport
(56km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Marseille Provence Airport
(102km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Gare de Cavaillon/ L'Isle-sur-Sorgue - Fontaine-V
(43km/45km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Pizzeria
(Short walk ) |
||
| Nearest Village |
Rustrel
(2km) |
||
| Nearest Town |
Apt
(11km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Apt
(11km) |
||
| Nearest City |
Avignon
(66km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Golf de Saumane
(43km) |
||
| Nearest Tennis |
Near Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt
(11km) |
||
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 AgesIt is handy having a tree-top activity centre/accrobranche so close, open seasonally and offering a range of trails for children aged 3+ (depending on height). Families can also admire the unique and colourful landscapes of Colorado Provençal, a short drive away, with various marked walks and hiking paths.
Around 15km away are the underground tunnels of the Mines Bruoux, a 19th century ochre mine – guided tours are offered in French (and sometimes in English during the summer).
There are more wonderful walking opportunities through the dense forest south of Bonnieux as well as rock-climbing in Buoux. Discover canoeing/kayaking along the Durance River south of Lourmarin or along the Sorgue near Fontaine-de-Vaucluse.
Heading south, other family attractions just over an hour away include Zoo Barben (65km), Parc Grimmland (77km) and, especially for young car enthusiasts, Le Village Des Automates (60km).
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Zoo
- Kid-friendly excursions
- Water excursions/Boat trips
- Forest park/High-rope course
- Caves/Pre-historic site
- Ruins
- Walk to Village
- Walk to Restaurant
- <1hr to Airport
- Tennis Nearby
- Cycling
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Extras
At Oliver’s Travels, we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to travel services, 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
Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team.
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 | €800 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 | €800 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. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes, standard changeover clean included (and weekend cleaning if staying multiple weeks). However, 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. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Minimum stay | 7 nights. All other durations on request. |
| Changeover day | Saturday. All other changeover days on request. |
| Pets welcome? | On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. |
| Smoking Allowed? | Outside only. |
| 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. |
| Tax | French Visitors Tax is included. |
| Insurance | Guests are required to be in possession of a valid insurance policy, which covers them for cancellations, loss of personal belongings, personal liability and any accidental damage caused during their stay. |
| Stag & Hen Do Allowed? | Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are not allowed. |
| Other Ts and Cs | A cot and highchair are available on request. |
| Pool towels included? | Yes. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 8 people:
| Rental period | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Oct 18th 2024 - Nov 9th 2024 | £1,923 |
| Nov 9th 2024 - Dec 22nd 2024 | £1,968 |
| Dec 22nd 2024 - Jan 4th 2025 | £3,113 |
| Jan 4th 2025 - Mar 15th 2025 | £1,648 |
| Mar 15th 2025 - May 24th 2025 | £1,923 |
| May 24th 2025 - Jul 5th 2025 | £2,472 |
| Jul 5th 2025 - Aug 30th 2025 | £3,341 |
| Aug 30th 2025 - Sep 27th 2025 | £2,472 |
| Sep 27th 2025 - Apr 21st 2026 | £1,923 |
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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The house is really fantastic
Our stay was great, the house is really fantastic, with a lot of shadowy and sunny spaces. The outdoor kitchen is a stunning place.
Equipment is really complete, from really a lot of dishes, glasses, different coffee makers, to little things like - really enough kitchen towels, product for the dishwasher etc etc.
The owner Helene is extremely available and helpful, friendly, sympathetic - in one word great.
The house and the whole place around is really clean ....
Flabbergasting view.
Everything amazingly great. -
Unforgettable!
We had such a wonderful time at Villa Des Ocres. It was not clear to us that the house is located in a nature reserve in the middle of the forest. The calm there was really indescribable. Cecile has put so much love in every corner of the house - it is so lovingly furnished and nothing is missing. We are also big design fans like Cecile, so we felt so comfortable and didn't want to go home anymore. We really enjoyed the time. We liked Provence so much - it's so beautiful there. Thank you as well for your Miniguide - we used it a lot and it includes many great tips and advices! Your booking process was uncomplicated and perfectly organized - we would book with you again at any time and would be happy to recommend you. Thank you so much for making our stay in Provence so great and unforgettable.
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A wonderful stay
We had a wonderful stay at Villa Des Ocres. It really is a home, personalised with so much amazing contemporary and old art. We also loved its unique, tranquil, slightly wild setting in the heart of the Luberon. Cecile was a generous host and gifted us one of her drawings. Would highly recommend staying here. Thank you so much for a wonderful holiday!
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Perfect!
We absolutely loved the house! It was perfect and we couldn’t fault it. Thanks again for helping us book the perfect holiday.
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