Le Soleil D'Or

The villa

This beautifully unique Provençal farmhouse exudes character and artistic flair, set in its own pretty garden with a gently heated swimming pool. Here you are staying on a magnificent wine estate owned by Ridley Scott and family, surrounded by vineyards in the foothills of the Luberon below the perched village of Oppède le Vieux.

Lounge back in the wood - beamed lounge admiring the carefully curated artwork, objets d’art and even the occasional prop from the owner’s illustrious Hollywood career. Guests can expect air - conditioning throughout as well as chic furnishings and high - end features. The contemporary kitchen is sleek, there’s Smart TV and an iPod dock and each of the five bedrooms has been stylishly designed with gorgeous en suite bathrooms. One of the bedrooms is set within its own apartment with a lounge and kitchen, still part of the main house but with an independent entrance, ideal for a couple seeking a little privacy.

The Mediterranean garden is your very own haven of tranquility with verdant trees, a beautiful swimming pool and shaded terrace for al - fresco dining. Imagine relaxing in the dappled shade with a glass of the estate’s wine in hand as you embrace the calmness of your idyllic surroundings. Indeed, you will have the opportunity to sample some of the domaine’s wines during your complimentary hour - long winery tour and there is a wonderful wine shop within the estate, just a short stroll away.

Guests often walk to the local village (or it’s a short drive way) where you will find a boulangerie, small grocery store, café and restaurants. Drive up to perched Oppède le Vieux to soak up its rich medieval heritage and marvel at the stunning views, then take time to visit nearby Ménerbes, the hilltop village that inspired ‘A Year in Provence’. Other iconic villages of the Luberon include Gordes, Roussillon  and Bonnieux. Come across local markets showcasing delights of the region such as cherries, strawberries, melons, cheeses, honey, lavender products, olive oil and wine.

Explore the dreamy landscapes by bike or on foot, canoe along the Sorgue River, enjoy tree - top adventures and discover rock - climbing and mountain biking opportunities. Try yet more wines of the Luberon and Rhône valley, sample the olive oil of Les Alpilles, find antique treasures in L'Isle - sur - la - Sorgue and admire the rich history of this incredible region as you visit towns and cities from Avignon and Aix - en - Provence to Arles and Nîmes.

Le Soleil D’Or is located within an approximately 30 - hectare wine estate in the foothills of the Luberon, below the medieval perched village of Oppède le Vieux. The domaine and its houses are owned by a prestigious Hollywood filmmaker.

Arriving by aeroplane, the nearest airports are in Avignon (29km), Marseille (68km) and Nîmes (80km). If travelling by train, there are fast services from Lille and Paris Gare de Lyon to Gare d’Avignon TGV which is around 42km from your holiday home.

Enjoy a complimentary hour - long ‘classic’ tour of the winery including tastings of the estate’s wines and you can also visit the wonderful wine shop which is open seven days a week in the summer (closed Mondays and Sundays from October to May), just a short walk away. The estate prides itself on its traditional Provençal wine - growing methods, respecting the vines’ biodiversity, and they have recently created a modern wine cellar to produce their own wines on site.

The local village is around 1.7km away, either a short drive or walk following the local country roads (no pavement). The village hosts a bakery, small grocery store, café and restaurants whilst there are two good - sized supermarkets and more attractive shops in nearby Coustellet (6.5km). The Sunday morning Farmer’s market in Coustellet is highly regarded by food enthusiasts whilst the Musée de l'Huile d'Olive can be spotted en route, just under 4km away, a good place for olive oil (and more wine) tastings.

Oppède le Vieux (4km) is one of the Luberon’s iconic perched villages - soak up it’s rich medieval heritage as you stroll around this once - abandoned village that has been brought back to life. There are some superb walks in and around the village - hike up to Église Notre - Dame Dalidon to admire the glorious scenery around you.

The Luberon is loved for its enchanting landscapes of cherry orchards, woodland, vineyards and wild flowers, not to mention its incredible hilltop villages scattered across the landscapes. Experience the charm of Ménerbes (3.7km), the artistic light of Gordes (12km), the ochre - coloured landscapes of Roussillon (17km) and the beauty of Bonnieux (16km). Come across atmospheric weekly markets and gastronomic restaurants - seasonal delights from the region include cherries, strawberries, Cavaillon melons, charcuterie, honey, cheeses, olive oil, wine and lavender products of course.

Enjoy long walks, make the most of the hiking opportunities, cycle on family - friendly green - ways, sail along the Sorgue by canoe or kayak, and discover mountain biking and rock - climbing opportunities. Beyond the Luberon, Fontaine - de - Vaucluse (21km) offers a wealth of outdoor adventures whilst L'Isle - sur - la - Sorgue (17km) is a paradise for antique lovers - its Sunday morning brocante is not to be missed!

Not forgetting the historic cities of Avignon (37km) and Nimes (80km), the romantic town of Aix - en - Provence (65km) and artistic Saint - Rémy (35km), just some of many highlights in this captivating part of southern France.