La Clarté

Want to rent a property in Provence? Look no further! This delightful detached Provencal villa, situated in the Luberon National Park and built from the local stone, has it all! It faces south, has a beautiful secluded setting and a spectacular view of the Luberon valley from its private heated swimming pool and now has it's own beautiful Tennis Court. In addition to this, it is only 5 minutes drive from Provence's 'most beautiful village'; the stunning hilltop village of Gordes. La Clarté sleeps seven in three large bedrooms (nine using downstairs sofa-bed). We have high quality bed linen and towels which are included in the price. The rooms are very spacious, light, and airy with white-washed walls and light coloured local stone floors throughout. It has high ceilings with wooden beams and is tastefully furnished with new Scandinavian style furniture. There is effective electric heating, an attractive fireplace and a large store of logs - La Clarté is just as welcoming out of season. La Clarté is a no smoking house.

The villa stands in a large and beautiful garden and is totally private and not overlooked by anyone. As you stroll through the garden the views of the Luberon hills and valley that unfold from all parts of it are simply stunning. The garden is cultivated with flowering shrubs, beds of lavender as well as groves of olive and Cypress trees. Underfoot there are numerous wild flowers and herbs. There are two ancient 'Bories' which can be used for extra accommodation. There is a large (ten-meter by six-meter) heated pool with stone steps at the shallow end. With the excellent pool heating, we usually keep the pool temperature around 26-29°C even at the end of October or in March. The pool is discreetly fenced by a wooden slatted fence with two gates set well back from the pool, running behind olive trees and shrubs. We have 6 sun beds with cushions. There are two teak garden tables with fourteen teak chairs and sunshades as well as a barbecue.

There is an upright piano in the living room.

We have three children (5, 10 & 12) and have tried to make the house welcoming for children of all ages. We have plenty of board games -Monopoly (junior & senior), Scrabble, Cluedo, Chess, Jenga, Boggle etc.. Lots of puzzles and children's books. A small electric keyboard as well as Sky television with all its children's programmes. We now have a WIFI broadband connection. The garden is great fun for children with lots of room to run around, explore and hide. The Borie makes a great playhouse - our children love putting on shows in there as it has a natural platform. There is a frame with three swings: a pirate 'boat', rings and a conventional swing.

There are countless unspoilt hilltop villages to explore in the area including Bonnieux, Lacoste, Roussillon and Ménerbes. Nearby is Fontaine de Vaucluse with its powerful natural springs and the famous antiques market at Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. The vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas and Beaumes-de-Venise are within easy reach. There is a spectacular 50 min walk from La Clarté to Gordes with wonderful views of the village unfolding through the valley. This walk connects to other long distance, well signposted footpaths.
The cultural centre of Avignon with its numerous sights is only 38km away. Orange, Arles and Nîmes with their important Roman sites are within 50 minutes drive and the beaches of the Cote d'Azure are 1½ hour's drive. There are airports at Nîmes (Ryan Air), Marseille and Nice and TGV station in Avignon.