Maison Des Abeilles
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Overview
This wonderfully renovated farmhouse gently sits on a south-facing hillside looking out towards the Rhône valley and Mont Ventoux. After a day visiting the Roman remains of nearby Vaison-la-Romaine or relaxing beside the swimming pool, sit out on your west-facing terrace for the most idyllic sunsets.
Maison Des Abeilles enjoys a private setting surrounded by olive trees, rustic grounds and a path leading to the summer swimming pool just below the house. There are more fantastic vistas from the poolside – kick back on a sun lounger, splash around in the pool or seek shade in the pool house as you gaze out towards vines and Provençal landscapes.
The blue shuttered windows and traditionally tiled roof juxtapose Maison Des Abeilles’ contemporary yet charming interiors. Guests enter on the upper floor, home to two double bedrooms, each with a bath/shower room (one en suite), and two twins beneath the eaves, both sharing a Jack and Jill-style shower room.
Wander down the impressive staircase to the ground floor where you will find a large double bedroom (en suite) alongside the main living spaces. The living room features a TV with English channels, Sonos sound system, a woodburning stove and delightful French windows opening out to the sunset terrace. The opposite wing has a brilliantly equipped kitchen, dining area and another terrace with views, perfect for a sunny breakfast or long al-fresco feasts on cool summer evenings.
The thoughtful owners provide two barbecues as well as table tennis, badminton and boules, creating such a relaxing environment for quality time with family or friends. Yet there is also so much to explore nearby. Start off in Vaison-la-Romaine, just 3.5km away, with its incredible Roman remains, medieval quarter and atmospheric Tuesday morning market. Adventurous guests will appreciate tree-top activities, mini-golf and horse-riding within a short drive.
You are also well located for visiting Provençal lavender fields, Côte du Rhône vineyards, picture-perfect villages and wonderful markets. Vaucluse seasonal specialities include truffles, strawberries, cherries, tomatoes, melons, goats cheese, olives – the list goes on.
Meanwhile, walkers will adore the Dentelles de Montmirail whilst the most experienced of cyclists will be keen challenge themselves in the foothills of Mont Ventoux – Malaucène is just 13km from your Provençal holiday home.
What you should know…
- The main entrance leads to the upper floor (home to four of the bedrooms), then a beautiful staircase leads down to the lower floor with the main living spaces, fifth bedroom and terraces with glorious views.
- The pool is set within the grounds slightly away from the house – there are yet more stunning vistas from here!
Property Features
Maison Interiors
Lower Ground Floor
- Sitting room with woodburning stove, TV (with UK channels), Sonos sound system and doors leading to western terrace for sunset views
- Dining area with doors leading to al-fresco dining terrace with views
- Kitchen and utility area
- Bedroom with double bed and en suite shower room with WC
Upper Floor
- Main entrance and hallway
- Bedroom with double bed and open-plan shower room with WC
- Bedroom with double bed and adjacent bathroom with bath, shower and WC
- Bedroom with twin beds
- Bedroom with twin beds
- Shared en suite bathroom (located between the twin bedrooms) with shower and WC
Please note there are some further parts of the house that are closed off to guests
Outside Grounds
- Swimming pool (11x5m, depth: 1.25-1.7m) with electric safety rolling cover. Open approximately June to end-October
- Poolside sun loungers and shaded sitting area with low table
- Pool house with WC and shower
- Al-fresco dining terrace
- Barbecue (x2)
- Boules, badminton and table tennis
- Private grounds
- Parking on site
Location
About the surrounding area of Maison Des AbeillesMaison Des Abeilles is in the Vaucluse department of southern France, close to the Drôme border. The Provençal market town of Vaison-la-Romaine, famed for its spectacular Roman sites, is 3.5km away.
There is a choice of good-sized supermarkets on the edge of Vaison-la-Romaine alongside a fantastic choice of restaurants, cafes and bars in the historic centre. The vast Provençal market takes place on a Tuesday morning, a fine place to pick up delicious seasonal produce alongside arts, crafts, clothing and more. Look out a summer Thursday morning Farmer’s market as well and a flea market on the third Sunday of the month.
The Roman remains in Vaison-la-Romaine are incredible. Visit the famous Puymin site to discover the remains of a Roman neighbourhood including the open-air theatre where events are still hosted in the summer months. The public baths can be found at the Villasse Roman site where even wealthier citizens once lived. After exploring the Roman ruins, head up to the medieval quarter to wander around the warren of historic lanes with shops, cafes and pretty squares with fountains.
Beyond Vaison-la-Romaine there are several pretty villages to admire such as Séguret (12km) and Gigondas (17km), both officially classified as ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, or head north to Valréas (24km), part of the Drôme Provençale region so loved for its lavender fields, truffles, vineyards and olive groves – the finest scents and sights of Provence! The Château de Grignan (29km) is another must-see, a Renaissance castle in a perched position with Provençal vistas of summer lavender.
Walkers, hikers and cyclists have endless choices of trails from the Dentelles de Montmirail to the foothills of Mont Ventoux and there is horse-riding, tree-top adventures, mini-golf and other activities within a very short drive. The region is also renowned for its excellent wine-tasting opportunities across the Rhône valley and Mont Ventoux vineyards.
Other day trips include Orange (look out for summer concerts and events at its beautifully preserved Roman theatre), around half an hour by car, or slightly further afield to Avignon (55km), Pont du Gard (70km), Nimes (91km) and L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (52km), the antique capital of Provence. You could also venture to the Luberon with Gordes and Ménerbes just over an hour away.
The nearest airport is Avignon (60km) and it is also worth considering Marseille, Nimes, Montpellier or even Lyon Airport if flying to France. Meanwhile, TGV train services from Paris arrive into Gare d’Orange (31km) or Gare d’Avignon TGV (56km).
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Avignon Airport
(60km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Nîmes/Marseille/Montpellier Airport
(99km/114km/135km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 3 |
Lyon Airport
(222km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Orange TGV
(31km) |
||
| Nearest Town |
Vaison-la-Romaine
(3.5km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
In and around Vaison la Romaine
(3.5km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Super U et Drive
(4km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Golf du Ventoux
(28km) |
||
| Nearest Tennis |
Tennis Club Vaison
(3.2km) |
||
| Nearest City |
Avignon
(54km) |
||
Region
The Provençal way of life is one that’s deeply tempting for anyone who’s been feeling the need to get away from it all. This is a place where the Mediterranean weather turns fields of corn and lavender into picture-perfect backdrops, where you can sip your locally bought wine and enjoy the landscapes before heading out and tackling them head-on with a range of great activities for families, groups of friends and adventurous foodies. Better yet, our range of villas in Provence and chateaux and holiday homes in the Côte d’Azur make the perfect base to explore this enchanting region!
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesMaison Des Abeilles is a welcoming family home – there’s table tennis, boules and badminton as well as pool toys to enjoy in the summer swimming pool. If staying with youngsters, a cot, highchair, children’s toilet seat, step and stairgate can be requested in advance.
There is a tennis court a short drive away and an attractive park near the banks of the Ouvèze River with seasonal mini-golf, a skate park, basketball court, play/fitness areas and picnic tables. On the other side of the town, discover tree-top trails at Parc Aventure Oxygène, around 10 minutes by car.
Young history enthusiasts will be fascinated by the incredible Romain remains in the heart of nearby Vaison-la-Romaine. From around April to September look out for the tourist road train that tours around Vaison-la-Romaine.
Come across horse and donkey rides near the village of Villedieu, as well as wonderful walking and cycling opportunities across the region. Animal lovers may also enjoy a day trip to Aux Bonheurs Des Animaux, a charming little children’s farm close to Pierrelatte, perhaps combined with the popular Crocodile Farm.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Stair gates
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Animal farm
- Forest park/High-rope course
- <1hr to Airport
- Tennis Nearby
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Badminton
- Boules/Petanque
- Pool inflatables
- Child-Safe Pool
- Outdoor Games
- Table Tennis
Services Available
- Catering Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Pre-Stocked Fridge Available
- Catering 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):
- Catering
- Pre-stocked fridge/initial shopping before arrival
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!
| 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 | 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 11.00 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 | 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 11.00 a.m. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes, changed once for stays over 7 nights. |
| Pool towels included? | Yes. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes, standard changeover clean included. 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. |
| Tax | French Visitors Tax payable to the owner via Oliver's Travels at the time of balance payment (typically costs €1-€10 per adult per night - please enquire if exact amount is required). |
| Pool opening dates? | The pool is open approximately June to end-October. 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. |
| Changeover day | Flexible. |
| Minimum stay | 7 nights. All other durations on request. |
| Pets welcome? | On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. |
| Smoking Allowed? | Not allowed. |
| Other Ts and Cs | A cot, highchair, toilet seat, step and stairgate can be requested. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are not allowed. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 10 people:
| Rental period | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Nov 27th 2024 - Jul 5th 2025 | £4,090 |
| Jul 5th 2025 - Aug 30th 2025 | £5,895 |
| Aug 30th 2025 - May 31st 2026 | £4,090 |
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.
We purchased the house in 2013 having fallen in love with the absolutely stunning 180 degree panorama, which stretches from Mont Ventoux in the east, the pretty...
Read moreOwner Profile
We purchased the house in 2013 having fallen in love with the absolutely stunning 180 degree panorama, which stretches from Mont Ventoux in the east, the pretty Provencal town of Vaison La Romaine below with the Dentelles de Montmirail in the background and finally the Plan De Dieu and the Cotes du Rhone villages to the west.
A full restoration ensued, which was completed in 2016. Our intention is to eventually live here and so the house offers exceptional facilities with the kitchen being particularly well equipped. The house sits in the middle of the plot, surrounded by AOC Cotes Du Rhone vineyards (no longer in it’s ownership) and so the nearest neighbours are a good half a kilometer away.
Things to do, see and of course eat!
For the adventurous and the cycling enthusiasts there is the challenge of Mont Ventoux, bikes both electric and normal can be readily hired locally. There are numerous randonées in the surrounding hills and gorges and a via ferrata for the really brave at Buis Les Baronnies (45 mins) and rock climbing in the Dentelles.
Wine lovers are spoilt for choice! You are in the heart of the Southern Cotes Du Rhone. The famous village of Chateauneuf Du Pape is 30 mins away and there are numerous caves to visit, taste and buy. Amongst our favourites are the Clos De Caveau at Vacqueyras, Domaine De Morchon at Seguret and Domaine Des Escaravilles at Rasteau all about 15-20 mins. But there are hundreds to explore.
Provencal markets.The market in Vaison is on a Tuesday morning and is believed to be the oldest and original market dating back to Roman times, it is huge during the summer months. The market in Bedoin is on a Monday and drive back over the top of Mont Ventoux, if you have no burning desire to cycle it. It’s about 45 mins scenic drive to Bedoin. I also like the market in St Remy on a Wednesday about 60mins drive but stay for lunch, there are plenty of restaurants.
The whole area is exceptionally rich in Roman history, structures and artefacts.
Vaison La Romaine has the remains of the original roman town to explore and an amphitheatre which also hosts cultural events, concerts e.t.c. and a museum. Then there is also the old medieval town.
Avignon (45mins) Palais Du Papes and that bridge !
Arles (60 mins) Roman Arena on the edge of the Camargue and used for traditional Camargue cultural activies. The Museum of Arles and Provence is also worth a visit, fascinating what they dredged out of the Rhone being the Roman municipal dump!!
Nimes (60 mins) Roman Arena bigger than Arles and very informative on the life and role of the gladiators.
The Pont Du Gard near Uzes, a Roman aqueduct and UNESCO site, built to carry water to Nimes, in the first century AD. Why not hire a Kayak and paddle there? There is a large beach to land on beside the bridge.
There are a multitude of restaurants, if you want fine dining there is L’Oustalet at Gigondas and the Bistro Panoramic in Vaison. For good local food and ambience there is Le Girocedre at Puymeras where dining under the trees in the garden is a delight, or the village of Villedieu is a 45 min pleasant walk from the house for lunch in the square (choice of three restos) followed by a leisurely stroll back. Also in Vaison are Lum La Table and Le Bateleur. But these are just a small suggestion of what is available in the area.
Reviews
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Amazing
The views from the outside dining area are amazing, from Mt Ventoux in the east to Les Dentelles in the West and looking down the hill to the medieval old town of Vaison. We love the walk to Villedieu with lunch in the village square. A short drive away to Gigondas and Les Dentelles opens up some great walks.
Another favourites are the markets in Vaison and Bedoin, the later market was followed by a drive up Mt Ventoux. The house is finished to a high level and very comfortable and well equipped, we enjoyed our time here very much.
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Wonderful holiday in this beautiful and stylish home!
Wonderful holiday in this beautiful and stylish home! The house has been refurbished to a very high specification and the bedrooms are comfortable and the bathrooms are luxuriously contemporary. The kitchen is impressively well equipped. There is so much to do in the area which is steeped in history and blessed with natural beauty. The Roman ruins at Vaison are a must- see. We were amazed to find the largest archaeological site in France just down the road and the medieval town, on the other side of the river, with its winding streets, is charming. We found it hard to tear ourselves away from the stunning views and the peace and tranquility of the gardens and pool but outings to the hilltop villages of Seguret and Venasque and a wine tasting in Gigondas or Châteauneuf du Pape are experiences not to be missed!
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This is the second time we had spent time at this property
This is the second time we had spent time at this property so we were a bit more familiar with area. I struggle to think of a better location to holiday than this area of Provence, it has everything, beautiful countryside, restaurants, vineyards and historic villages. One eats outside all the time as the evenings are warm and balmy and in this respect this property is blessed with a superb view looking across the valley to Vaison-la-Romaine and the Dentelles in the distance. There is complete privacy with the nearest neighbour being a considerable distance from the house. Inside the house is spacious and beautifully laid out contrasting with its former farmhouse origins. If you want relaxation but with loads to do in the area then I really cannot think of a better place to stay for a summer holiday.
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A fantastic holiday
We stayed at Maison Des Abeilles in June last year and I have to say, we had a fantastic holiday. The spacious house is very comfortable and there is plenty of room for everyone. We particularly liked the choice of terraces to enjoy the magnificent views at different times of the day. We had many enjoyable afternoons tasting wine in the various local villages and were glad that we drove rather than flew so that we could take home some of our favourites! We found some very good restaurants in Vaison and the street market is well worth a visit. Many thanks!
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