Maison Sainte Croix

The villa

This wonderfully renovated farmhouse gently sits on a south - facing hillside looking out towards the Rhône valley and Mont Ventoux. After a day visiting the Roman remains of nearby Vaison - la - Romaine or relaxing beside the swimming pool, sit out on your west - facing terrace for the most idyllic sunsets.

Maison Sainte Croix enjoys a private setting surrounded by olive trees, rustic grounds and a path leading to the summer swimming pool just below the house. There are more fantastic vistas from the poolside - kick back on a sun lounger, splash around in the pool or seek shade in the pool house as you gaze out towards vines and Provençal landscapes.  

The blue shuttered windows and traditionally tiled roof juxtapose Maison Sainte Croix’ contemporary yet charming interiors. Guests enter on the upper floor, home to two double bedrooms, each with a bath/shower room (one en suite), and two twins beneath the eaves, both sharing a Jack and Jill - style shower room.  

Wander down the impressive staircase to the ground floor where you will find a large double bedroom (en suite) alongside the main living spaces. The living room features a TV with English channels, Sonos sound system, a woodburning stove and delightful French windows opening out to the sunset terrace. The opposite wing has a brilliantly equipped kitchen, dining area and another terrace with views, perfect for a sunny breakfast or long al - fresco feasts on cool summer evenings.

The thoughtful owners provide two barbecues as well as table tennis, badminton and boules , creating such a relaxing environment for quality time with family or friends. Yet there is also so much to explore nearby. Start off in Vaison - la - Romaine, just 3.5km away, with its incredible Roman remains, medieval quarter and atmospheric Tuesday morning market. Adventurous guests will appreciate tree - top activities, mini - golf and horse - riding within a short drive.

You are also well located for visiting Provençal lavender fields, Côte du Rhône vineyards, picture - perfect villages and wonderful markets. Vaucluse seasonal specialities include truffles, strawberries, cherries, tomatoes, melons, goats cheese, olives - the list goes on.

Meanwhile, walkers will adore the Dentelles de Montmirail whilst the most experienced of cyclists will be keen challenge themselves in the foothills of Mont Ventoux - Malaucène is just 13km from your Provençal holiday home.

Maison Sainte Croix is in the Vaucluse department of southern France, close to the Drôme border. The Provençal market town of Vaison - la - Romaine, famed for its spectacular Roman sites, is 3.5km away.

There is a choice of good - sized supermarkets on the edge of Vaison - la - Romaine alongside a fantastic choice of restaurants, cafes and bars in the historic centre. The vast Provençal market takes place on a Tuesday morning, a fine place to pick up delicious seasonal produce alongside arts, crafts, clothing and more. Look out a summer Thursday morning Farmer’s market as well and a flea market on the third Sunday of the month.

The Roman remains in Vaison - la - Romaine are incredible. Visit the famous Puymin site to discover the remains of a Roman neighbourhood including the open - air theatre where events are still hosted in the summer months. The public baths can be found at the Villasse Roman site where even wealthier citizens once lived. After exploring the Roman ruins, head up to the medieval quarter to wander around the warren of historic lanes with shops, cafes and pretty squares with fountains.

Beyond Vaison - la - Romaine there are several pretty villages to admire such as Séguret (12km) and Gigondas (17km), both officially classified as ‘ Plus Beaux Villages ’, or head north to Valréas (24km), part of the Drôme Provençale region so loved for its lavender fields, truffles, vineyards and olive groves - the finest scents and sights of Provence! The Château de Grignan (29km) is another must - see, a Renaissance castle in a perched position with Provençal vistas of summer lavender.

Walkers, hikers and cyclists have endless choices of trails from the Dentelles de Montmirail to the foothills of Mont Ventoux and there is horse - riding, tree - top adventures, mini - golf and other activities within a very short drive. The region is also renowned for its excellent wine - tasting opportunities across the Rhône valley and Mont Ventoux vineyards.

Other day trips include Orange (look out for summer concerts and events at its beautifully preserved Roman theatre), around half an hour by car, or slightly further afield to Avignon (55km), Pont du Gard (70km), Nimes (91km) and L'Isle - sur - la - Sorgue (52km), the antique capital of Provence. You could also venture to the Luberon with Gordes and Ménerbes just over an hour away.

The nearest airport is Avignon (60km) and it is also worth considering Marseille, Nimes, Montpellier or even Lyon Airport if flying to France. Meanwhile, TGV train services from Paris arrive into Gare d’Orange (31km) or Gare d’Avignon TGV (56km).