Le Mas Du Parc

About this property

On a gentle hill surrounded by pines and oak woodland, embrace the most wonderful Provençal vistas at this 200-year-old French farmhouse in the heart of the Luberon and its National Park.

Le Mas Du Parc, which was marked on the early 19th-century Napoleonic land registry, has remained in the same family for nearly sixty years, re-constructed from ruins by previous generations in the 1960s. It’s a fine family home with six spacious bedrooms over three floors, furnished gracefully including century-old antiques yet with modern touches such as the well-equipped kitchen, TV lounge and air-conditioning in the four top-floor bedrooms. Le Mas Du Parc allows you to truly experience the authenticity of this enchanting part of Provence whilst staying in great comfort.

The Luberon vistas are incredible, reaching as far as the perched villages of Gordes, Lacoste and Roussillon. Admire the panoramic views from the terraces and swimming pool, dine al-fresco by the barbecue and drink Ventoux wine from the neighbouring sustainable vineyard, which once belonged to the farmhouse, as stars fill the clear skies above you.

The owners have marked a hiking trail through the home’s 40-hectare forest of untouched chestnuts, oaks and pines, or venture further afield for glorious walks through the undulating scenery of this region passing vineyards, cherry orchards and woodland. Just 3km away, a little village awaits with a pretty square, traditional boulangerie and auberge – keen hikers note that the GR9 passes through the village.

The Saturday morning market in Apt is the largest in the Luberon or you could seek out delicious local produce at the town’s Tuesday evening Farmer’s market and discover why Apt, only 6km away, is classified as a “site remarquable du gout”.

Other ancient hilltop villages waiting to charm you include Bonnieux and Ménerbes, whilst the iconic lavender fields of Sault, in the foothills of Mont Ventoux, can be reached in around half an hour. On a Sunday morning, look for treasures at L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue’s famous brocante whilst Fontaine-de-Vaucluse offers opportunities to canoe or kayak along the Sorgue River.

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Avignon, around an hour away, or venture south to romantic Aix-en-Provence, one of southern France’s most captivating towns that was adored by Cézanne. At the end of the day, return to the landscapes of the Luberon which have also inspired artists, writers and musicians over the many years with their natural beauty and Provençal charm.   

In the heart of the Parc naturel régional du Luberon, Le Mas Du Parc enjoys an incredible position set on a hill in a 40-acre estate of woodland with oak and pine trees. A 3km drive (or cycle ride) takes you to a small, quiet village with a pretty square, auberge and bakery.

As you travel around this part of the Luberon, come across gorgeous landscapes of vineyards, cherry orchards and beautiful scenery that has inspired artists over the years. There are wonderful hiking trails, including the GR9 which pass through the local village, as well as cycling and mountain bike opportunities for adventurous guests. Wine-lovers note that a neighbouring winery offers vineyard tours and tastings of its sustainable Ventoux wines – take a bottle home to enjoy beneath the clear night skies filled with stars with no light pollution around.

The nearest small town is Apt (6km), home to supermarkets, restaurants and a fantastic Saturday morning market, the largest in the region. The old town is a characterful place to explore and you can buy candied fruit, Apt’s delicacy, in many of the town’s charming shops. Further local produce can be found at Apt’s Tuesday evening Farmer’s market from April.

Driving south, other gems of the Luberon include Bonnieux (19km), Ménerbes (27km) and Lourmarin (27km) as well as Van Gogh’s beloved Gordes (22km) and the lavender fields by Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque. Look out for village restaurants, café terraces, bustling markets and delightful shops, not to mention sensational views from the many perched villages of the Luberon.

Slightly further afield, seek out treasures in the antique stores of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (36km), canoe or kayak along the Sorgue from Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (37km), drive north to the lavender farms of Sault (29km) and venture to the other side of Mont Ventoux with little villages such as Bédoin, a mecca for cyclists, reached within an hour.

You could even experience the charm of Aix-en-Provence (66km) or visit the unesco World Heritage sites of Avignon (57km) for a day out in two of Provence’s captivating cities.

Accommodation

Mas Interiors

Ground Floor

-    Dining room
-    Kitchen, well-equipped
-    Shower room and WC
-    Laundry room
-    Cellar

First Floor

-    Two living rooms
-    TV lounge
-    Bedroom 5 with single bed and sink
-    Bedroom 6 with two single beds and sofa-bed 
-    Bathroom with shower, two sinks and separate WC

Second Floor

-    Bedroom 1 with two single beds and air-conditioning
-    Bedroom 2 with double bed and air-conditioning
-    Bathroom (accessed via both above bedrooms) with shower, bath and WC
-    Bedroom 3 with three single beds, air-conditioning and en suite shower room
-    Bedroom 4 with double bed, single bed, air-conditioning and en suite shower room 
-    Separate WC

Outside Grounds

-    Swimming pool (20x7m, depth: 0.5-1.9m) walled and gated. Open approximately April to end-September
-    Poolside terrace with pergola and fridge
-    Barbecue
-    Various terraces for al-fresco dining/relaxing
-    Water feature
-    Outdoor games/toys (balls, frisbee, boules, ride-on toys)
-    Pool toys/inflatables
-    Vast grounds (terraced levels and steps)
-    Private footpath through pine and oak woodland
-    Water reservoir (fenced off)

Facilities

-    Wi-Fi
-    Heating
-    Fireplace
-    Air-conditioning (top floor bedrooms only)
-    Smart and satellite TV
-    DVD player and DVDs
-    Bluetooth box
-    Board games
-    X-Box console
-    Table tennis
-    Outdoor games/toys
-    Pool inflatables
-    Small library
-    Safe
-    Mosquito nets
-    Washing machine
-    Ironing facilities