Accommodation:

3 bedroom(s)
Sleeps 6
2 bath/shower room(s)

 

Internal Facilities:

TV, Wood burning fire or stove, CD player, DVD player, Hi-fi system

 

Kitchen facilities:

Gas hob, Electric oven, Dishwasher, Microwave, Fridge/Freezer, Washing machine

 

Activities nearby:

Canoeing, Golf, Horse riding, Shopping, Sightseeing, Skiing, Tennis, Rock climbing, Wine tasting, Cycling

 

A Beautiful Village House For All Seasons

 

The house is situated at the top of the old village of Venasque which holds the coveted most beautiful villages in France award, and nestles behind the famous ancient ramparts. The boulodrome, small park and parking area just the other side of the ramparts.

The house is cool, quiet, spacious, fully equipped with modern appliances and arranged on three levels, with a roof terrace. The house dates back to 12th Century and was possibly a gate house. It is a unique mix of traditional and modern provençal decor and would appeal to those who enjoy space, unusual layouts, fabulous views and no through traffic.

 

 

The ramparts leading to the village house and the quiet pathway leading to the entrance.

  

 

 

 

Village house

Roof terrace and upper level

The terrace is the highest spot in the old village. A secluded sun trap, is quite small, but large enough to comfortably accommodate four sun loungers or six chairs. The views from here are truly spectacular, uninterrupted and overlooking the whole of the valley and mountain range. A wonderful place for star gazers on clear nights!

Staircase leading to/from the roof terrace. The stairs also lead to a very large grenier/loft bedroom and private lounge TV area.

 

Roof terrace and upper level

  • Lounge area - with seating for up to six guests. T.V. video, CD player.  Spiral staircase leading to/from main family and gathering area.
  • Bedroom area - with twin beds and built in wardrobe. Sideboard and dressing table. A door with ornamental safety railing opening onto the ancient ramparts.
  • En-suite dressing/washing room - with basin full length mirror. Also houses washing machine.
  • Separate toiletMain living area

Main living area

  • Living / dining room - open corner wood fire and large refectory table and 6 sturdy refectory chairs.  Can seat up to 10.  Large buffet/sideboard storing plates, cutlery, tea towels and various kitchen utensils.  Decorative lighting and ornaments. There is a television, book shelves, books, a good selection of family and adult board and card games. Paintings from visiting artists are displayed in this room and around the house.
  • Kitchen area - adjoining open plan fully equipped kitchen with fridge/freezer. Separate drinks fridge. Butane gas/electric modern range. Electric oven with gas hob as a power cut precaution. Microwave and dishwasher. Various electrical cooking appliances (juicers etc) Cupboard with household cleaning materials vacuum cleaner etc.
  • Entrance - main door to house, giving access to quiet pathway and corner shared by us and neighbour. Shaded by the ramparts, this is an ideal spot for sitting and taking an aperitif it it is too hot on the roof terrace. 4 portable folding chairs, folding table, and small coolbox is provided for outdoor use and picnics.

Ground level via spiral stairwell

  • Double bedroom - pretty beamed bedroom with wrought iron double bed, wardrobe, dressing table and decorative shelving unit. Window with wooden shutters opening on to a quiet narrow street.
  • Double bedroom - lovely bedroom with  fitted wardrobe, four poster wrought iron bed. Provençal drapes. Shuttered window/door with own access to pretty, narrow street
  • Bathroom - fully tiled with bath / shower (hot water sourced by water tank), bidet, basin, heated towel rail.
  • Separate toilet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  
 

Location

 

A beautiful village, perched high on a rock at the edge of the wild and wooded plateau of the Ventoux. The Vaucluse valley to one side and the Luberon mountain range to the other. Acclaimed 'One of the Most Beautiful Villages in France'

Truly a house for all seasons. Summer Sun. Winter snow [skiing possible] Autumn colours, and Spring when the cherry tress are in bloom.

Venasque, with it's small cobbled streets, fountains, and typical Provencale houses, was once the capital of the Comtat Venaissin. It is still protected by the church; with any construction or renovation to existing property subject to strict regulatory control.

There are several buildings of special interest and of ancient date. The baptistry situated behind the village church, dating from the 6C or Merovingian period and remodeled in 11C one of France's oldest religious buildings.

Inhabitants number about 500. The village is very popular with visitors because of its central location and abundance of cultural and sporting activities all within easy reach of Venasque.

There are three restaurant/bars, a post office, boulangerie and small epicerie for day to day groceries, various craft shops and an art gallery. The Auberge de la Fontaine is well known for it's excellent restaurant and live chamber music evenings.

Venasque is fantastic for walkers, photographers, artists, bikers and of course, lovers of good food and wine. Situated in the heart of local vineyards and near to Gigondas, Vacqueras, Beaumes de Venise, Chateauneuf du Pape. Venasque is famous for it's cherry orchards, so it is well worth a visit around Easter time, when the cherry trees are in full blossom or autumn when they turn red. L’isle sur Sorgue famous for its antique markets is just 20 Minutes away.

This lovely village is perfectly sited for touring the whole of Provence. Situated about 20 minutes from Avignon and a further 60 minutes to the coast. Nearest beaches are found around Marseille, Cassis and Bandol. Or, the Camargue region, again about 1 hour from Avignon on the Autoroute. The Cote d'Azur is about one and a half hours drive. Nearest Airport is Marseille or Nimes.

Fancy a day out? 2006 The famous artist Paul Cezanne is celebrated in Aix en Provence 60 minutes away from Venasque. A major event and not to be missed by art enthusiasts. Early booking advised as this is a major celebration. We can arrange accomodation for you.

 

Activities

 

There are local lakes within 15 minutes drive from the house. Carpentras has an Olympic size swimming pool with separate diving pool and children's training pools. A municipal outdoor pool is about 10 minutes drive in Pernes les Fontaines. In addition to swimming, there are many other sporting/leisure opportunities, including horse-riding and tennis (Venasque has it's own tennis club). Golfing and canoeing. Skiing on Mont Ventoux in the winter. And shopping! A market can be found every day of the week in the smaller villages. The main local market, however, is held at Carpentras every Friday morning 8.00 - 13.00 definitely not to be missed!

The village fete starts around 15th August; four days of live music, craft exhibitions, boule tournaments. (The four day village fete should be avoided by those seeking peace and tranquility). Please seek advice from keyholder or owner about suitability for this 'lively' period.

An Adventure forest with absailing, lake, grottos. Also an Antique market in Isle sur la Sorgue 20 minutes away. Only 60 minutes to the nearest sea beach and 15 minutes to a man made beach-good and safe for children.

 

Prices

 

Prices are in £ (UK Pounds) and Euros per week
Date Pounds Euros
24/1/06 - 31/3/06 £305.00 455.00
1/4/06 - 31/5/06 £385.00 660.00
1/6/06 - 30/6/06 £450.00 660.00
1/7/06 - 31/8/06 £550.00 825.00
1/9/06 - 30/9/06 £450.00 660.00
1/10/06 - 31/3/07 £305.00 455.00

 

  • The changeover day is flexible.
  • Lettings are normally from Sunday noon to Saturday noon - negotiable.
  • Payment 8 weeks prior. £ 200 returnable security deposit.
  • Long weekends from £45 per night.
  • Long winter lets by negotiation: £150.00 - £199.00 plus fuel/electricity.
  • Extras may include laundry and house cleaning service. Laundry‚ £15  per person per week.  Additional house cleaning‚ £ 10 per hour. 
  • Guests are welcome to bring their own laundry.
  • Fuel/electricity included for average use.  Then paid by the unit-see terms and conditions
  • Pets may be welcome subject to certain conditions £25 per pet per week.
  • Linen hire available at‚ £15 per person per week

 

  

Quality - Choice - Service

Self Catering rentals in the Vaucluse region, France