Douceur Estivale
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Overview
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In the countryside, on the edge of one of the most picturesque villages in Les Alpilles, Eygalières, lies this stone traditional house with its own pastoral paradise.
Its glorious three hectares of grounds are there to entice you into a variety of delights, where pool, terraces, play area and tennis court are to be discovered tucked away behind little hedges, trees, olive groves and sentinels of cypress which provide shelter from those warm breezes yet still allow the gaze to wander towards the hills. Lawns meander throughout, revealing beds of roses, lavenders and flowers guaranteed to satisfy the senses.
The south facing terrace behind the house is dotted with shrubs and agapanthus with an ancient plane tree providing a shady spot for mid-morning coffee. The house itself is a wonderfully peaceful place to retreat to, comfortably yet simply furnished as if to contrast with the visual clamour of the grounds. The vaulted white stone ceilings of the living room and hall are spectacular and contrast well with the traditional wooden roof beams and lovely fireplaces in some of the other rooms. There’s a cinema room with comfy sofas for the children to retreat to when they are tired of exploring the enclosed outside space.
When you are ready to venture further afield, there is so much to do in this area of vineyards, idyllic villages, world-renowned towns and summer wildflowers of Les Alpilles Natural Park and beyond. The local village is beautiful, featuring charming restaurants and cafes and is even the home to a couple of A-list celebrities who have come here to escape the paparazzi further south.
Spend time in lovely Eygalières, then head south to Les Baux-de-Provence, one of France’s acclaimed ‘plus beaux villages’. Nearby St-Rémy-de-Provence is renowned for the artists who sell their work in the village galleries as well as being famous for its many eating places from pretty cafes to Michelin starred establishments, perfect for that special evening out. Foodies will also love the town’s famous Wednesday morning market where you can try out and buy a variety of regional food.
The historic city of Arles is an unforgettable stepping stone into the wild countryside, beaches, iconic white horses and pink flamingos of La Camargue. So many activities can be found here, ranging from riding, trekking and quad biking to jeep tours across this fascinating terrain.
What you should know…
- Please note that published rates are only valid for the current year. Any bookings for subsequent years will be on request only and correct rates will be confirmed at the time of booking
- Please note that your booking will only be confirmed once we have checked availability with the owner or their property manager
- The villa can sleep up to 15 guests, including a pull-out bed in the children’s bedroom and an occasional sofa-bed in the TV room
- Air-conditioning is only featured in the bedrooms (except bedroom five)
Property Features
Villa Interiors (410m2)
Ground Floor
- Large entrance hall with armchairs and fireplace
- Spacious kitchen with dining area, well equipped with electric oven, microwave oven, steam oven, five gas hotplates, fridge, freezer, dishwasher and extractor fan
- Open-plan lounge with sofas and fireplace
- Open-plan dining area
- Cinema room and library with fireplace and occasional sofa-bed for one person
- Wine cellar/utility room
- WC
- Bedroom 1 with double bed (160cm), shower room, WC and dressing area. French doors to terrace and garden
Upstairs
- Bedroom 2 with double bed (160cm), fireplace, bathroom and WC
- Master Bedroom 3 with double bed (180cm), fireplace sitting area, dressing area, bathroom with Italian shower and WC
- Bedroom 4 with twin beds (90cm each, can be made into a double) with shower room and WC
- Bedroom 5 with two children’s beds (80cm), one of which is pulled out for use
- Bedroom 6 with double bed (160cm)
- Separate bathroom for the use of bedrooms 5 and 6 with bath and WC
- Bedroom 7 with double bed (160cm), dressing area, shower room with Italian shower and WC
- Separate WC
Outside Grounds (approx. 3 hectares)
- Heated salt-water swimming pool (14mx7m, depth 1.2-1.8m) secured by a gate and electric screen (heated June-September approx)
- Pool house
- South and west facing terraces, one with BBQ and covered eating area
- Garden furniture – tables, chairs, armchairs, sunbeds and benches
- Tennis court
- Pétanque field
- Children’s play area
- Large uncovered parking space for several cars
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning in bedrooms (except bedroom 5)
- Home Cinema
- Fan
- Hair dryer
- Children’s games
- Washing machine and dryer
- Ironing equipment
Location
About the surrounding area of Douceur EstivaleDuring your time at Douceur Estivale you are staying in the heart of an amazing region filled with idyllic villages, vineyards, olive groves and wonderful towns of Les Alpilles Natural Park and beyond.
The nearby village, Eygalières, is one of the prettiest in the whole region where you can dine in charming restaurants, sip coffee in cafes or simply potter around the narrow lanes and admire its historic architecture.
You can also easily reach the lovely village of Mollégès (6km), passing en route magnificent countryside with glimpses of orchards, avenues of cypress trees and swathes of wildflowers, always with the stunning backdrop of the Alpilles hills behind you. For more dramatic landscapes, the mountains of the extraordinary Luberon region are only a drive away.
In the other direction, St-Rémy (11km) is a great town to visit, especially on a Wednesday morning where you can try and buy a variety of regional food and wonderful produce. The town is especially renowned for the artists who sell their work in the village galleries as well as being famous for a great variety of cafes, bars and restaurants, including some Michelin starred establishments.
Head south to Maussane-les-Alpilles (18km), set in the Vallée des Baux and well known for its amazing olive oil produced in its two remaining windmills; it’s a great spot for lunch in one of the many great restaurants. Perhaps combine it with a trip to Les Baux-de-Provence (20km), one of France’s acclaimed ‘plus beaux villages’ a medieval gem perched on a rocky outcrop.
Once you have explored the local town and villages, travel northwards towards the Rhône and the lively city of Avignon with its winding medieval streets and two UNESCO world heritage sites, the Pope’s Palace and Saint Benezet Bridge. The weekend farmer’s, flower and flea markets are great places to soak up the convivial ambience and pick up some delights.
For more adventure head in a south westerly direction south towards the historic city of Arles, well known for its fascinating Roman remains, particularly the Amphitheatre. It’s also a gateway to the wild wonders of La Camargue with its beaches, lagoons, rice fields, galloping white horses and iconic pink flamingos. There are many family activities to be found here including horse riding, trekking, quad biking and jeep tours across this fascinating landscape.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Avignon
(20km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Nîmes
(54km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Gare d'Avignon TGV
(30km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
Eygalières
(2km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Eygalières
(2km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
(11km) |
||
| Nearest Town/City |
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence/Cavaillon
(11km/13km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Domaine de Manville
(20km) |
||
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 AgesProvence is a wonderful holiday destination for families and is one of the friendliest of French destinations for the kids to practise their language skills!
They will love visiting the markets in the villages and choosing food or trinkets, all with a fresh baguette in hand. The larger cities have even more sight-seeing options, many with old fashioned carousels - a leisurely meal in a family friendly French restaurant is always a memorable holiday experience.
There are plenty of opportunities for rock-climbing, mountain biking and horse riding in Les Alpilles and the intrepid should visit to the fantastic tree-top activity centre in Salon-de-Provence.
Visit the famous lavender fields at Sénanque Abbey near Gordes, where the resident monks still live, worship, plant and cultivate this fragrant plant. In nearby Roussillon is the Mathieu Ochre Factory where kids can go to find out how the red and yellow ochre clay pigments so characteristic of Provence are produced for local use.
Learn about the history of the Catholic Church when you tour the Palais des Papes in Avignon or take a boat trip on the Rhône, dance on the medieval bridge or take a ride on the small road-train that tours the city.
Carry on towards The Camargue which offers trekking and quad biking as well as a glimpse of those iconic white horses. The 600 hectares of the Domaine Méjanes estate offers families an opportunity to see the area in so many different ways. Travel by pony, the small train or hire bikes to explore the wildlife sanctuary – you are sure you spot a heron or a pink flamingo relaxing by the ponds!
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
- Slide
- Swings
- Child-Safe Pool
- Heated Pool
- Tennis Court
- Outdoor Games
- Home Cinema
Services Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Included
- Babysitting Available
- Meal delivery service
Oliver's Extras
- Cooking Classes Available
- Wine-Tasting Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Included
- Babysitting Available
- Butler Available
- Meal delivery service
- Car/Bike/Boat/Plane Rental Available
- Well-being Coach Available
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From pr...
Read moreExtras
Oliver's Extras
- Cooking Classes Available
- Wine-Tasting Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Included
- Babysitting Available
- Butler Available
- Meal delivery service
- Car/Bike/Boat/Plane Rental Available
- Well-being Coach 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
- Babysitting/childcare services
Extras included at this property:
- Maid service 6 hours/week
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
-24h Concierge
-Private chef
-Airport/train station pick-up/drop-off
-Chauffeur/private car rental
-Bike rental
-Boat rental
-Private plane rental
-Shopping service
-Babysitting
-Butler
-Well-being coach
-Cooking classes
-Wine-tasting
-Booking of local activities (restaurants, festivals, concerts, exhibitions etc.)
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 | €3000 charged to client’s credit card before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 5.00 p.m. Late arrivals after 9.00 p.m. may be charged a late arrival fee of €120. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | €3000 charged to client’s credit card before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 5.00 p.m. Late arrivals after 9.00 p.m. may be charged a late arrival fee of €120. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | No. €150, payable locally. This is for a standard changeover clean. Mid-stay clean of 6 hours per week included. Possibility of extra cleaning at the rate of 15 € per hour. 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. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Heating costs included? | Yes. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes. |
| Pool towels included? | Yes. |
| Pool heating charge? | Included from June to end of August, otherwise €150 per week, payable locally. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures. |
| Minimum stay | 7 nights. |
| Changeover day | Saturday. |
| Pets welcome? | On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. |
| Smoking Allowed? | Outside only. |
| Insurance | Guests are required to be in possession of a valid insurance policy, which covers them for civil liability as well as cancellations, personal belongings, public liability and any accidental damage caused during their stay. A copy of this policy must be provided to the owner minimum one month before arrival. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Please note that published rates are only valid for the current year. Any bookings for subsequent years will be on request only and correct rates will be confirmed at the time of booking. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Please note that your booking will only be confirmed once we have checked availability with the owner or their property manager. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings, stag/hen parties and other celebrations are not permitted. |
| Tax | French Visitors Tax payable locally (typically costs approximately between €2-€4 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required). |
Please click here to view the full property Terms and Conditions
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 15 people:
| Rental period | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Dec 6th 2023 - Dec 16th 2023 | £9,507 |
| Dec 16th 2023 - Jan 6th 2024 | £11,700 |
| Jan 6th 2024 - Apr 6th 2024 | £9,521 |
| Apr 6th 2024 - May 4th 2024 | £10,986 |
| May 4th 2024 - Jun 1st 2024 | £13,183 |
| Jun 1st 2024 - Jun 29th 2024 | £14,647 |
| Jun 29th 2024 - Jul 27th 2024 | £16,112 |
| Jul 27th 2024 - Aug 24th 2024 | £17,577 |
| Aug 24th 2024 - Aug 31st 2024 | £16,112 |
| Aug 31st 2024 - Sep 28th 2024 | £13,183 |
| Sep 28th 2024 - Dec 21st 2024 | £9,521 |
| Dec 21st 2024 - Jan 4th 2025 | £11,718 |
| Jan 4th 2025 - Apr 5th 2025 | £9,507 |
| Apr 5th 2025 - May 3rd 2025 | £10,969 |
| May 3rd 2025 - May 31st 2025 | £13,163 |
| May 31st 2025 - Jun 8th 2025 | £14,625 |
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.
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