Villa Ocre

The villa

Set in exquisite landscaped gardens, this cool and contemporary villa is beautiful both inside and out. Just a short distance from a delightful historic village, this is a great place to experience modern luxury in the heart of stunning Provence.

The attention to detail at Villa Ocre will astound you from designer furnishings and ultra-modern appliances to inviting bedrooms decorated in warm colours, each one with its own en suite bathroom and wide doors opening up to a pretty terrace. The layout allows guests privacy in their own space yet there is always the opportunity to gather in the wonderful open-plan living room with its state-of-the-art kitchen and elegant yet easy going ambience. Sliding doors lead straight out to a magnificent pergola terrace, an ideal spot for your morning coffee and pastries accompanied by the tranquil sounds of nature.

Across the vast gardens you’ll find ample space to relax in the shade or soak up the Provençal sunshine, perhaps by the large swimming pool with its sun loungers and parasols. The pool house is the true pièce de resistance with its al-fresco lounge and bar, just perfect for a chilled glass of rosé, and its superb dining table for feasts by the swimming pool on warm summer evenings.

Furthermore, the hospitable and professional owners are on hand for anything you may need to arrange from babysitting and bike rental to Provençal chefs and cookery classes.

It’s lovely to be able to stroll down the lane towards the nearby village, taking around 20 minutes (along the road). Discover its many 18th-century fountains, sample sparkling wine made from local vines and pick up all sorts of seasonal produce from the twice-weekly market such as melons, asparagus, strawberries, almonds and more. Nearby Carpentras hosts an atmospheric weekly market on a Friday morning, one of the largest in the area, whilst the picturesque town of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is famed for its Sunday morning brocante and little antique shops.

As well as following wine trails, hiking or cycling near Mont Ventoux and spending the day in Avignon, you are also perfectly positioned for visiting the glorious landscapes of the Luberon region with Gordes, Bonnieux and Roussillon waiting to be explored.

Indeed, here you will be able to discover the real Provence as well as truly relax in stunning surroundings at this architectural gem in southern France.

Located in the Vaucluse department of Provence, around 8km south of Carpentras, Villa Ocre enjoys a pretty setting just outside a picturesque village with restaurants and shops.

You can stroll down to the village in around 20-minutes (along the road - no pavement), a charming place with beautiful fountains, many of them French historical monuments. Try the sparkling wine produced from local grapes and buy some of the delicious seasonal produce grown in surrounding farmland such as asparagus, melons, almonds, cherries and more. There’s a great Provençal market once a week on a Saturday and also a Farmer’s market on Wednesday evenings from late Spring to autumn.

Nearby Carpentras is another interesting place to visit with its historic architecture and large bustling market on a Friday morning. Market lovers will also adore the gorgeous town of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue with its Sunday morning Farmer’s market and brocante as well as characterful antique shops.

Avignon (25km) is a fantastic day out whether you are wanting to visit the two UNESCO World Heritage sites, Saint Benezet Bridge and Pope’s Palace, dine in one of the many excellent restaurants or soak up the ambience at the city’s markets, especially at the weekend.

Wine-enthusiasts can follow a variety of vineyard trails around the local area, as far as the Rhône valley or south to the outstanding region of Luberon. Indeed, a visit to the Luberon is a must with its archetypal Provençal including Gordes (25km), much loved by Van Gogh and one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’.

Closer to home, canoeing or kayaking along the Sorgue River in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is a wonderful way to appreciate the natural scenery or head towards the foothills of Mont Ventoux with incredible hikes and cycling - Bédoin (22km) is a good place to start.

Some glorious days can also be spent in the mesmerising Les Alpilles with enchanting villages and towns such as Eygalières, Les Baux-de-Provence and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, another town famed with its Van Gogh connections, all within an hour by car.