After an afternoon by the swimming pool, sip an evening apéritif by the lavender and olive trees before dining al-fresco with loved ones beneath the century-old plane trees, no doubt enjoying local specialities from nearby Apt’s historic market. Also close to the village of Saignon, this beautiful bastide in Provence allows guests to experience the Luberon’s landscapes, picture-perfect villages and truly idyllic scenery.

 

This sensitively restored Provençal mas dates back to the 18th century and welcomes up to 14 guests across seven bedrooms, all with private bathrooms. There are two parts of Villa Rimayon, starting off with the spacious bastide with its gorgeous lounge and fireplace with bay windows allowing light to flood in, alongside the open kitchen with a fireplace and dining area. Each of the six bedrooms in this part of the house offer private shower rooms and dressing areas.

Part of the same building, the smaller 'bastidon' has a charming living space, a kitchen-diner and doors leading to the herb garden and terrace. Another two guests can sleep here in an attractive bedroom with its own shower room.  

The 1.5-hectare grounds feature all the sights, sounds and scents of Provence with characterful stone walls, cypresses, oaks, fig and cherry trees alongside gorgeous terraces with lavender and other herbs, a pretty fountain and ancient plane trees for ample shade. The large swimming pool can be heated (for a supplement) during certain months and there is boules for early evening entertainment as the sun sets. Families will also appreciate table tennis and table football!

All this nature yet you are only a short drive from the historic town of Apt, loved especially for its Saturday morning market, the largest in the Luberon. Then there’s picturesque Saignon and its medieval lanes, café terraces and incredible views from its perched position.

The many gems of the Luberon can be easily reached from villages such as Gordes, Ménerbes and Lourmarin to slightly lesser known jewels including Joucas, Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt and Cucuron. On your travels look out for cherry orchards, vineyards and wine châteaux as well as a wealth of wonderful restaurants (some with Michelin stars).

If you feel like exploring more, choose between the riverside cafes and antique stores of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Avignon, the cycling routes from Mont Ventoux, the lavender fields of Sault and the enchantment of Aix-en-Provence only an hour away from your beautiful Luberon abode. 

This beautiful Provençal home is located close to the gorgeous village of Saignon and the handsome market town of Apt in the heart Luberon National Park, a great base for visiting the beautiful villages, vineyards and landscapes of this part of Provence. Arrive via Marseille/Avignon Airports or take the fast-speed train (2 hours 40 minutes) from Paris to Gare d’Avignon TGV, just over an hour away by car.

The house is set in glorious grounds just off the road leading north to Apt (2.5km) – it is handy being just a short drive from the town for large supermarkets and other useful amenities. The historic centre is very attractive with cobbled streets, tree-lined squares, handsome buildings and a great choice of restaurants and shops. On a Saturday morning, visit the 900-year old Provençal market, the largest and one of the best in the Luberon – head there early to join locals picking up wonderful seasonal produce and specialities (candied fruit, strawberries, cherries, melons, lavender products, honey, olives and so much more).

Hilltop Saignon (3.5km) is also not to be missed, such an enchanting medieval village with stunning Luberon vistas – you can even see as far as Mont Ventoux on a clear day. Sit out on a shady café terrace with a coffee or evening apéritif and soak up the lovely ambience of this hidden gem. When summer arrives, admire lavender fields beneath the perched village.

Of course, there are so many other highlights of Provence. The cherry orchards, vineyards and wine châteaux near Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt (11km), the cobbled streets and cafes of Goult (17km) and the ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ of Ménerbes, Gordes, Roussillon and Bonnieux, all within half an hour. Driving south, come across the medieval villages of Lourmarin, Cucuron and Ansouis with their Michelin starred restaurants or venture further towards the romance of Aix-en-Provence (58km), just over an hour away.

Heading towards Avignon instead, canoe/kayak along the Sorgue near Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (35km), seek treasures at the Sunday morning brocante in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (35km), count historic fountains in Pernes-les-Fontaines (45km) and visit the summer evening Farmer’s market in Velleron (44km).

Not to mention cycling trails, hiking paths, horse-riding, wine tasting, rock-climbing and visits to historic caves and castles across the Luberon and beyond during your stay in this captivating part of Provence.  

Accommodation