Les Rochers

Description

A simply stunning and unique place in one of Provence’s most incredible regions, Les Rochers will astound guests with its natural beauty and history. Set a stone’s throw from the heart of one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages, Les Baux de Provence, you are surrounded by olive groves and vineyards so typical of the enchanting Les Alpilles National Park. Built into the rocks of Les Baux, this partially caved home dates back to the Roman times and has been beautifully restored to give it a modern yet characteristic ambience. Contemporary art and designer furniture perfectly complement exposed stone walls, wood beamed ceilings and open fireplaces. The impressive master bedroom, with its own terrace and fireplace, features a Roman inspired bathroom whilst there are two pretty en-suite doubles downstairs by the pool. Here you’ll also find a separate and simpler two-bedroom guest-house which is included in the 10-person rate (a maximum of 8 adults can stay at Les Rochers plus two further children). The open-plan living space and beautiful kitchen lead out to a grand upper terrace where you can dine or lounge together, enjoying Provençal wine and gazing out at the panoramic views surrounding you. Wander down the stone steps to reach the dazzling swimming pool where long afternoons can be spent by the summer kitchen preparing local food on the plancha and dining in the shade around a table carved from local stone. Afterwards take a dip in the curved infinity pool staring out to the spectacular scenery. Keen walkers can wander up the hill to Les Baux or it’s just a three-minute drive; here you can explore the pretty squares and discover the fortified-château before finding a lovely restaurant for lunch or follow one of the many walking trails around the village and beyond. Drive to nearby Mausanne to pick up some delights from the local bakeries, deli, butchers and fish-mongers (also an oyster wine bar!) and sample some of the amazing olive oil produced in the village. You’ll also find some brilliant restaurants here from charming bistros and pizzerias to Michelin starred establishments. You are of course in the heart of the formidable Alpilles National Park with idyllic villages such as St-Rémy and Eygalières plus Van Gogh’s precious Arles so near. Spend the day visiting Avignon, the stunning Luberon region or mesmerising Camargue. Whether relaxing on your terrace or exploring nearby, the diverse yet stunning landscapes of this captivating part of southern France are yours to discover.

In this unique location, you can walk up to Les Baux de Provence (1km) in about fifteen minutes if you don't mind that it’s uphill and steep in parts! It's also just a short drive. The village, classified as one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages, is in an incredible setting in the heart of Les Alpilles National Park. Explore the pretty squares, narrow streets and lovely restaurants, then wander around the fortified-château. Those who are more adventurous can find some beautiful walking trails around the village and beyond or simply head to the surrounding vineyards and olive groves to sample some of the fine produce of the region. Nearby Mausanne is another charming village surrounded by rolling vineyards and olive groves. Here you’ll find some brilliant restaurants, from amazing pizzerias and charming bistros to Michelin starred establishments as well as bakeries, a deli, butchers and two small grocery stores as well as a bank and pharmacy. The village is well known for its amazing olive oil produced in the two remaining windmills. There will be plenty of opportunity to sample olive oil at a local press, some of the best in the country, as well as some of the other wonderful gourmet produce from this region. You are of course in the heart of this formidable area of vineyards, idyllic villages, world-renowned towns, and summer landscapes of sunflowers both in Les Alpilles National Park and beyond. Nearby St-Rémy is well known for being popular with artists who display their works in the village’s art galleries and food lovers shouldn’t miss the market on a Wednesday morning! Eygalières, one of the prettiest hilltop villages in Provence loved by a handful of A-list celebrities, and Van Gogh’s precious Arles are also both within easy reach. Gordes is yet another one of the beautiful villages worth visiting with stunning architecture, set in the outstanding Luberon region, surrounded by lavender fields in the summer months. Those looking for activity have so much on their doorstep. There is both horse-riding and golf within a short drive and both the immediate and wider area are a walkers and cyclists paradise with stunning countryside and landscapes. Older children will love kayaking in the Sorgue and there are plenty of other family friendly activities throughout the region from model railways to the north, open castles to trekking across the tree tops and visiting a zoo. Not forgetting the stunning landscapes and natural beauty of the Camargue, which is just a short drive away. A beautiful melange of land, lagoon and sea with pink flamingos, wild white horses, rice fields and endless wild countryside and beaches, this natural park covers 900 square kilometres of land. Endless activities can be offered from horse-riding, trekking, quad biking and jeep tours across this diverse and unique area.

1) Main House + Guest House/Annexe: 10 person rate * (8 adults + 2 children) - 5 bedrooms 2) Main House: 6-person rate - 3 bedrooms * No more than 8 adults (plus two further children) are accepted as part of the 10-person rate. House Interior - 6 guests Garden/Pool Level - Queen double bedroom leading to pool terrace with en-suite bathroom with bath, shower and WC - Queen double bedroom leading to pool terrace with en-suite shower room with WC NB these rooms can be accessed from the pool terrace or there is an internal staircase from the first floor. If you use the staircase inside you have to go through one of the bedrooms to get to the other. First Floor - Master queen double bedroom with open fireplace and doors to a terrace Bathroom with day-bed, bath, shower and separate WC - Open-plan kitchen-diner. Kitchen well-equipped including dishwasher, microwave, Nespresso machine, oven, stove, fridge and dining table for 6 guests - Open-plan lounge area with fireplace and sofa/chairs for 6 guests Top Floor (accessed via stone steps, partially open) - Library with desk and chaise longue Guest House/Annexe - 4 guests (2 adults and 2 children) (simpler in style, only included in the 10-person rate) - Separate outside entrance on garden level - Kitchen-diner and lounge area - Bedroom with queen-size double bed - Bedroom with double bed (140cm) - Bathroom with bath, shower and separate WC Outside Grounds - Curved infinity swimming pool (10mx5m). Pool safety alarm. Open May to end of September - Summer kitchen with plancha and dining area for 10 guests - Charcoal BBQ - Upper al-fresco dining terrace with seating for 10 guests plus outdoor lounge area - 2 x Hammocks - Private parking - Electric gates Facilities - Wi-Fi - Heating - TV - Hairdryer - Washing machine and dryer