Gite St Sylvie
General Description
· Set in the beautiful Sud Luberon region, hidden away at the end of a track that follows the river, is a collection of 9 rural gites. The site dates back to the 16th Century and over the years the collection of farm buildings have been modernised and refurbished to create a fantastic place to stay and explore Provence.
· The setting is idyllic, you don’t realise you are only 2km from the village of Villelaure because the view of the Luberon hills makes you feel like you’ve really managed to get away from it all.
· You can literally walk (or cycle) out from the gite and onto a track that takes you up into the hills where you’ll find an abundance of flora and fauna, fresh air and great scenery.
· For the more sedentary amongst us, in 2003 the owner installed a very large swimming pool and even a spa to relax in and cool off during the heat of the day.
· Gite St Sylvie is ideal for between 5 and 7 people. Upstairs, there are two comfortable bedrooms – a double and a triple – and a shower room, while downstairs you’ll find a well-furnished open plan living area, with all the appliances you’ll need, and a fully equipped kitchen. From the outside terrace, you have excellent views over the estate.
· If you visit during the summer, you’ll probably send most of your holiday outside, relaxing, dining and taking in the view on your private terrace. This really is a great, and very good value for money, place to stay.
The Local Area
- Despite its secluded location, your gite is only a walk away from the nearest village, about 2 km, to Villelaure. Here you will find the local boulangerie, cafes and some local stores.
- If you’re staying here in the height of summer however, you won’t even need to go to the village. During July and August there’s a shop at the campsite along the valley where you can get bread, croissants and basic provisions, and even buy ‘frites’ to go with your BBQ in the evening!
- There are larger shops and a supermarket just 7km away in Pertuis, but if you fancy a more traditional approach, there are some great local Paysan Markets. Every day of the week, in a host of villages nearby, local growers gather to sell their produce; Springtime brings fresh strawberries, green and white asparagus, cherries in May and June, with tomatoes olives garlic and courgettes all grown locally and available practically all year round.
- Directly from the gites there are Mountain Bike tracks leading off into the hills. There are some great cycling and walking tracks, and the owner even throws in free mountain bike hire included in your rental price!
- If you are still feeling energetic, there are tennis courts available in the local village, or how about a gentle game of boules with the locals, under the shaded trees, accompanied with a glass of local Pastis!
- If visiting is your thing, you really are spoilt for choice. From the Roman architecture at Arles, the Palace of Popes at Avignon, and the cultured avenues of Aix en Provence to the local vineyards, the Carmargue National Park and the Regional Park of the Luberon, there really is too much to do in one visit.
- The sea is under an hour away, with the beautiful Callanques of Marseille to explore as well as any number of the local fishing ports you can find on the coast.
Facilities
· Living area: The open plan living area is neatly furnished, and has everything you’ll need to stay entertained if you happen to be indoors during the beautiful Provencal days! It’s equipped with a comfortable double sofa bed, TV, DVD player and stereo system.
· Kitchen: The corner kitchen is equipped to a very high standard, with fridge, freezer, electric oven, gas hob, microwave, coffee maker, dishwasher, washing machine and all the crockery and utensils you’ll need for the occupants.
· Bedrooms: There are two bedrooms in this property, located upstairs – one double room, and a triple room with three single beds. With the double sofa bed, the maximum occupancy is brought up to seven.
· Bathrooms: Upstairs, there’s a shower room, which includes a massage shower, while downstairs there’s a separate WC.
· Outside: The property has its own private terrace, with furniture, including a BBQ, that allows you to dine al fresco and take full advantage of the summer evenings! Garden furniture is also supplied, allowing you to kick back and relax during the beautiful sunny days.
· Swimming pool: A large swimming pool (10m x 5m) has recently been installed, as well as an attached spa (3m x 2m). This is shared with residents at the other Gites in the complex.
· Internet: There is a Wi-Fi zone provided at this property.
· Telephone: Unfortunately, no telephone connection is provided at this property.
· Baby facilities: A cot and high chair is available on request.
· Winter heating: If you require additional heating during the winter, there will be a charge, depending on metered electricity usage.
· Gas, electric, & water: Gas, summer electricity and water are included in the cost. During October to April, electricity is metered.
· End-of-stay cleaning: The owner arranges end-of-stay cleaning, and charges a fee of 50 Euros for this.
· Bed & bathroom linen: Bed linen is provided, and towels can be provided on request, if you’d rather not bring your own.
· Taxe de Sejour: In France, it is necessary to pay a “Taxe de Séjour” at the end of your stay. It has been included here in the rental cost.
· Damage deposit: The owner requests a damage deposit of 300 Euros on arrival and this will be refunded to you at the end of your stay, less the replacement cost of any breakages.
· Change over day: The change over day is Saturday during the high season, although during the low season flexibility is possible
· Long weekend stays: These are not usually permitted during the high season, although flexibility is possible during the low season.
· Pets: WEll-behaved pets are accepted at this property.
· Smoking: Smoking is permitted at this property.
How To Get There
- By Car - Villelaure is situated approximately 20 minutes drive north of Aix en Provence and about 35 minute drive from St Remy de Provence
- By Air - Marseille and Nimes Airports are the nearest - approximately 50 minutes drive away
- By Train - The high speed TGV service runs directly from London or Paris to Avignon, approximately 30 minutes away
Full directions on how to get to the property will be sent once you have made your booking




