Villa Saumane
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Overview
On the edge of the Luberon and close to the Sorgue River, this wonderful Provençal farmhouse offers characterful yet high-end living in such a beautiful setting near Fontaine-de-Vaucluse.
Sleeping up to 10 guests, Villa Saumane has been renovated to such a lovely standard for guests seeking discerning charm and comfortable interiors. The elegant lounge opens out to the terrace and there is a gorgeous kitchen with a breakfast table overlooking the garden. The main part of the house is home to four bedrooms (three doubles and one twin), including one downstairs with an en suite shower room, whilst an attractive garden en suite annexe sleeps a further 2 guests with doors opening out to the pool area and summer kitchen.
The south-facing terrace is an idyllic spot for relaxing with a glass of AOC Luberon or dining al-fresco with loved ones overlooking the Vaucluse hills. You will no doubt spend hours in the glorious salt-water swimming pool – the pool area is gated, making it slightly easier if staying with youngsters. Enjoy poolside snacks and cold drinks by the summer kitchen before relaxing on one of the poolside sun loungers.
It’s lovely to be able to stroll to the Sorgue River for fly-fishing, canoeing and kayaking – just a little further by car is a tree-top activity centre (with trails for children as young as three) and the 18-hole Golf de Saumane. Meanwhile, the pretty villages of Lagnes and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse are within a 10-minute drive or there is a walking trail leading to both. Keen hikers and cyclists have a great choice of routes across this part of Provence.
A visit to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a must, especially on a Sunday morning when the atmospheric brocante takes place, one of the most famous bric-à-brac markets in southern France. On any day of the week it is such a picturesque town for lunches by the riverside or a walk by the canals and waterwheels.
Venturing into the Luberon, some of the region’s iconic perched villages can be reached within a 20-minute drive such as Gordes, Ménerbes and Oppède le Vieux. Come across pretty markets, upmarket restaurants and some of the most glorious landscapes of southern France with vineyards, cherry orchards, ochre quarries, dense forest and lavender fields across the Luberon hills.
What you should know…
- Four bedrooms are in the main part of the house whilst there is a fifth bedroom in a pretty garden annexe opening out to the pool area.
- There is air-conditioning in all bedrooms
- The swimming pool can be heated (for a supplement) during certain months – please see the ‘T&Cs’ for details.
Property Features
Villa Interiors
(Air-conditioning in all bedrooms)
- Living room with doors leading to terrace
- Dining area with table for 10 guests
- Kitchen, fully-equipped, including breakfast table and doors opening out to terrace and garden
- Laundry room
- Downstairs bedroom with double bed, shower room and separate WC
Garden Suite Annexe
- Bedroom with double bed, en suite shower room and doors leading to pool area and summer kitchen
Upstairs
- Master bedroom with double bed and garden views
- Small study/single bedroom (could be ideal for a baby)
- Bedroom with double bed and garden views
- Bedroom with two single beds and hill views
- Family bathroom with corner bath, two sinks and separate WC
Outside Grounds
- Salt-water swimming pool (10x5m including shallow/wide-step area for toddlers) with safety alarm and fully-enclosed. Can be heated (for a supplement) in April, May, September and October
- Poolside sun loungers
- Summer kitchen with small fridge, sink and microwave
- South-facing al-fresco dining and relaxation terrace
- Landscaped garden with lawn, trees and flowers (enclosed/gated)
Other Facilities
- Air-conditioning (downstairs bedroom, garden annexe bedroom and upper floor)
- Laundry facilities
Location
About the surrounding area of Villa SaumaneThis is such a beautiful setting within a lovely garden with views of the Vaucluse hills, set between the villages of Lagnes and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse and only 12km from the riverside town of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Avignon Airport (23km), Marseille Airport (65km) and Gare d’Avignon TGV (33km) are all easily reached.
From your holiday home you can walk to the Sorgue River for canoeing/kayaking and fishing. There is a tree-top activity centre very close by on the other side of the Sorgue whilst the 18-hole Golf de Saumane is only five minutes away.
There is a lovely walking trail to both the villages of Lagnes and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (3km) is home to a bakery, little tourist shops, restaurants overlooking the river, a paper mill and other historic sights including the remains of the village’s old château. It’s a very popular village thanks to its picturesque riverside setting and hiking trails – head there early to avoid the summer crowds.
Meanwhile, Lagnes is a charming old village with a small handful of good restaurants including a highly regarded auberge, alongside the impressive Château de Lagnes. It is a very attractive village to potter around - stop off for a coffee or lunch.
Often referred to as the ‘Venice of Provence’, it is a joy to explore L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (6km), the antique capital of France (outside Paris) with its famous Sunday morning brocante. As you stroll around the town look out for waterwheels, canals, atmospheric café terraces, several restaurants and the Notre-Dame des Anges church which hosts summer concerts and events.
Venturing further into the Luberon, pass vineyards, cherry orchards and dense forests as you drive to iconic perched villages such as Gordes, Ménerbes and Oppède le Vieux, all within a 20-minute drive. Admire the red-hued landscapes of the ochre quarries around Roussillon (26km) and Rustrel (42km), look out for authentic Provençal markets in villages such as Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt and Goult, and visit the centuries-old Saturday morning market in Apt, the largest and one of the best in the Luberon.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Avignon Airport
(23km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Marseille Airport
(65km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 3 |
Nimes Airport
(75km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
L'Isle-sur-Sorgue/Avignon TGV
(6km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse/Lagnes
(3km/3.5km) |
||
| Nearest Town |
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
(6km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Lagnes
(3.5km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Super U et Drive
(4.5km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Golf de Saumane
(3km) |
||
| Nearest Tennis |
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
(6km) |
||
| Nearest City |
Avignon
(32km) |
||
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 AgesVilla Saumane is such a welcoming home for family holidays with its gorgeous garden and gated swimming pool (with a shallow/wide-step area for toddlers to splash around). You can walk to the Sorgue River for summer canoeing and kayaking and there is a tree-top activity centre within a short distance with trails for children aged 3+.
Other local summer attractions include nearby Nestor Le Castor amusement park for little rides and activities for young children and a riverside leisure centre with mini-golf, paintball, archery, bike hire and more.
Meanwhile, discover family-friendly cycling trails across the Luberon as well as glorious walks, horse-riding and even horse-drawn carriage rides passing vineyards and lavender fields.
Other family attractions across Provence include the caves at Grottes de Thouzon (15km), Parc Spirou Provence (25km), Wave Island Waterpark (next to Parc Spirou) and Zoo Barben (47km) for young animal enthusiasts.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- <1hr to Airport
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Tennis Nearby
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
- Fishing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Child-Safe Pool
- Heated Pool
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 | €700 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 | €700 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, standard changeover clean and mid-stay cleaning are included (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 | There is air-conditioning in the downstairs bedroom, the garden annexe bedroom and on the upper floor. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Cot and highchair available on request. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 10 people:
| Rental period | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Aug 16th 2024 - Aug 31st 2024 | £3,578 |
| Aug 31st 2024 - Nov 9th 2024 | £2,615 |
| Nov 9th 2024 - Dec 22nd 2024 | £1,973 |
| Dec 22nd 2024 - Jan 4th 2025 | £3,578 |
| Jan 4th 2025 - Mar 15th 2025 | £1,973 |
| Mar 15th 2025 - Jun 14th 2025 | £2,615 |
| Jun 14th 2025 - Aug 30th 2025 | £3,578 |
| Aug 30th 2025 - Nov 8th 2025 | £2,615 |
| Nov 8th 2025 - Dec 21st 2025 | £1,973 |
| Dec 21st 2025 - Feb 17th 2026 | £3,578 |
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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We wholeheartedly recommend
We have had a fantastic week at Villa Saumane! What a great place, lovely house with heated swimming pool and spacious enclosed garden. The house is very well and attractively furnished, the kitchen really lacked nothing for our party of 10 people. The welcome from the housekeeper was heart-warming. Although we would prefer to keep this hidden gem a secret, we can wholeheartedly recommend the villa to other guests. A place to come back to again!
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Perfect!
Perfect! The Mas is perfect for two couples and a single, especially as every room is as comfortable as the other. At the moment we stepped in we loved this treasure - it is really a gem. The kitchen is equipped well , we missed nothing. Garden and pool are well kept and the housekeeper is the right person to start a perfect staying!! Booking and service was as pleasant as usual. To cut it short: Perfect holidays - thank you!
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It was all above expectations!
We had a blast at your villa. Such a beautiful house! It was all above expectations! The pictures of your house do not reflect the beauty of it in real life. My husband and I loved the master room at the pool, such a great and relaxing space and decorated with so many good taste. Same applies to the other rooms, they were all very comfortable with good beds and lovely to see that the house is all decorated in Provence style. All the rooms were occupied by our 3 young adult sons and my mother, but we had not the feeling to bump into each other, there are so many areas to isolate. The pleasures were also in the small details, you have foreseen everything to have the perfect stay, from the sweetest bed linen to the lovely table service, with more than enough plates, salad bowls, the colorful pool towels, the very beautiful and well-maintained garden, etc, etc. The kitchen was also a pleasure to cook in, everything we needed was present. We brought our own kitchen knives from home as we love to cook, but even that was present :-)We were also positively surprised by the quality of the service included with the villa, everything was of a high standard. Thank you so much! There are so many ugly rental houses in France but yours is definitely not!
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A dream come true!
Your house is truly lovely, and I congratulate you on the light airy way in which you have furnished it, with a Provencal flair. The kitchen was so charming, particularly well arranged and well stocked; opening up the table with the additional leaf, we had our breakfasts there, and it was always a delightful way to start the day. The pool was a great hit, and the enclosure provided us with the necessary feeling of it being safe for the three little ones. Again I congratulate you, for this area is very well designed and laid out. However, it is the terrace outside that was my favourite part of the property, we had a series of fabulous dinners, and I shall remember it always with great joy... especially the moment I stepped out of the car to approach the house, and taking in the lawn, the roses and olive trees, and the marvellous backdrop of the vista before me, I entered the covered terrace and smiled... for it was a dream come true! My heart flutters to remember it now!
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Superb villa
We had a fantastic week: the villa was superb and very functional. We who cook a lot loved the kitchen, extremely well equipped, a delight. The property is perfectly maintained and tastefully decorated. Special mention for the caretaker, available and responsive, a pearl. We rent every year in the area, we will be back! Thank you very much, we are delighted with your services!
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Villa was perfect
We spend two wonderful weeks at Villa Saumane, our stay at the villa was perfect for all family members - we all felt very, very comfortable. The house is really thought of everything and the garden and the pool are great. The support by the caretaker was also very good, we are very satisfied and we are happy to come back and will gladly recommend the Villa Saumane!
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Really great
The location was great. We weren’t able to make use of all the nearby activities as our children are still very young but we hope to do more of them next year. We thought the house was really well laid out, very well equipped kitchen, very clean. We thought the set up of the secured garden/pool area but then having the separate area outside the house to enjoy was great - and we loved eating all our meals on the terrace. Communication from the owners was good and the caretaker was very responsive.
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We had a great time!
The house is very nicely furnished. The owners have very good taste. In the garden was good to have those old trees, to give enough shadow. We had a great time!
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Super holiday!
Villa Saumane was really nice and we enjoyed the time. Our kids also really liked it. The pool was super! Thanks!
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The most wonderful time
Our family of 7 adults and a teenager had the most wonderful time at Villa Saumane. The property is set in beautiful grounds with a Provencal garden, a large orchard and big swimming pool. The home itself is exceptional, many large interior and exterior living and dining rooms and a kitchen straight from heaven (Smeg fridge, Lacanche cooker etc etc). The attention to quality with linen, cutlery and music systems makes the villa far superior to most. The villa is in the countryside but just 3 minutes from the nearest boulanger in beautiful Fontaine de Vaucluse, and just a little further to all the restaurants and markets of Provence.
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We will definitely come again!
We enjoyed our holidays in the Villa Saumane very much. The house was perfect and beautiful. We especially liked the gardens and the quiet of the area. The house and especially the kitchen are very well equipped, we did not miss anything. We will definitely come again!
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Calm location with beautiful views
My wife and I stayed at this villa for a week in mid-June. The villa is nicely decorated and has a well equipped kitchen, nothing is missing. We stayed at the pool house which has a very nice bedroom and direct access to the large back garden and a little terrace for a romantic breakfast. The location is very calm with beautiful views, close to a lot of nice villages and 5 minutes from a golf course. The caretaker who welcomes you is fantastic. A great experience and we will come back!
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Wonderful place to stay
We did really enjoy our stay in this magnificent place. It was not the cheapest house, but it was a wonderfull place to stay, we really loved it all!
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We really enjoyed our stay at Villa Saumane. The house and the grounds are lovely.
We really enjoyed our stay at Villa Saumane. The house and the grounds are lovely. The house is very well equipped. The area is lovely with loads to do, from our point of view it was a perfect holiday, with the decision on whether to relax by the pool or visit one of the Beaux Villages being the biggest decision we had to make for the 3 weeks!
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It was perfect!
We had a great time at the house, we love it! We can only say one thing, it was perfect!
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
