Tauleigne en Provence, Bollene.

Description for Gite

Tauleigne - A Charming Vacation House

Location

Nestled on the southern side of a mountain, Tauleigne sits on the edge of a vast forest spanning hundreds of acres. With its excellent exposure, the property boasts magnificent views. Protected from the Mistral wind by nearby cliffs, the house is located on the border of Bollène, a charming community in the Vaucluse department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Access to the property is via the neighboring village of Saint-Restitut in Drôme, Rhône-Alpes. Due to this, the postal address is in Saint-Restitut.

Getting to Tauleigne is easy, as it is conveniently located just 7 kilometers from the Bollène exit on the A7 highway.

The Property

Set on 32 acres of oak and evergreen oak trees, Tauleigne is surrounded by a majestic circus of rocks and cliffs, dominated by the ruins of the Château de Chabrière. This creates a tranquil ambiance and a sense of serenity. The property features winding pedestrian paths that offer exceptional views of the countryside of Bollène, the Dentelles de Montmirail, and the Mont Ventoux. In front of the house, a grass garden lined with laurel roses, lavender, snatolines, and rosemary is accompanied by a small woodland area of oak trees, providing delightful shaded areas for relaxation. Families can also enjoy the swimming pool while children splash around. Adjacent to the house, a restored ruin houses a barbecue corner. A large garden table under the shade of the oak trees allows for al fresco dining in beautiful natural surroundings. The property is well-lit, allowing for extended evenings. Additionally, there are well-maintained terraces for playing pétanque. Near the pool, a local cabana houses pool filters, a washing machine, a refrigerator, and toilets.

The garden and swimming pool are maintained twice a week, and the sprinkler system is automatic.

The House

With a capacity to accommodate 10 to 12 people, Tauleigne is a charming, traditional Provençal stone house dating back to the early 19th century. It features stone windowsills and door frames, as well as a roof made of ancient Roman tiles. The facade boasts two front doors, one leading to the living room and the other to the kitchen.

On the first floor, three interconnected rooms separated by stone walls include a kitchen with a dining area, a living room, and a dining room. These rooms are linked and have tiled floors.

The kitchen, located on the left upon entering, features a beautiful old mantle. Equipped with modern amenities, including a sink and draining board, four electric burners, an extractor hood, an electric oven, a dishwasher, a chopping block/working area, and multiple power outlets, the kitchen is perfect for preparing simple meals or fine cuisine. At the front of the room, a table and chairs offer a cozy setting for meals or casual dining. To the right, an ancient stone sink, preserved in its original location, is carved into the width of the stone wall and is adjacent to the living room door.

The living room, situated in the center of the house, boasts well-preserved stone walls and a ceiling made of wooden logs and large planks. The wood fireplace, while primarily used during colder seasons, adds a cozy touch to the room. A staircase leading to the second floor conceals a small toilet and a cupboard. Comfortable couches and armchairs create a perfect space for reading, with a well-stocked library including books for children. Additionally, a cordless telephone allows communication even in the garden.

The dining room features a large table to accommodate all guests, and its stone walls add to the rustic atmosphere.

These three rooms benefit from filtered light that seeps through small Provençal-style windows, creating a pleasant contrast with the outside light. The shutters can be adjusted to maintain a cool indoor environment for early risers.

On the second floor, a hallway leads to two rooms and a bathroom. Another hallway leads to three doors and a staircase.

The first door on the right of the staircase leads to the largest room, situated above the living room. It is furnished with a double bed, two night tables, and a dresser with hanging space and shelves. This room also has space for storing luggage. The walls are painted in light colors reminiscent of the Midi region. Two windows in a stone wall overlook the garden and swimming pool. Upon request, an infant's bed can be provided in this room. A telephone jack is also available.

The second door on the right of the staircase opens to a closet, which is not accessible to tenants.

The exterior door in the old wall serves as a window, providing a bit of light and air. The window on the door can be opened, but the door itself cannot.

The third door in the hallway leads to the bathroom, featuring a bright ambiance with white tiles adorned with orange flower designs. It is equipped with a sink, a shower/bath with a thermostatic control mixer tap.

The fourth door in the hallway provides access to the second room. A small window allows natural light to illuminate the room, revealing a double bed positioned between two night tables. The wardrobe is built into the closet.

The ancient door to the left of the staircase is the entrance to the second night hallway, leading to three doors and another staircase.

The first door opens to a toilet.

The second door is the entrance to the second bathroom, with vibrant colored tiles adding a dynamic touch. It includes a shower/bath, a sink, and shelving.

The third door leads to a youth room with two single beds, one of which has an additional pull-out bed.

The staircase leads to a dormitory on the third floor, nestled under a mansard roof. Divided by a wardrobe in clear view, the dormitory features two beds on each side. Two of these beds also have pull-out options, allowing for a total accommodation of six individuals.

All the rooms on the second and third floors, except for the bathrooms and toilets, have beautifully polished pine wood floors.

Local Attractions

Tauleigne benefits from its close proximity to a range of attractions in the region. The surrounding cliffs offer picturesque walking paths and biking trails, allowing visitors to explore the charming stone-age village, Château de Barry, and the medieval castle of Chabrière. One can also enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the plateau, particularly near the aging cellars of the Celliers du Dauphin, which are open for visits. The nearby ancient stone quarries in Saint-Restitut have been transformed into a theater of images, featuring projections on the stone with various themes.

From mid-June to late July, the region is renowned for its lavender fields, offering stunning vistas and delightful walks. Other notable attractions include Mont Ventoux, Avignon (famous for its July festival, Palais des Papes, and Pont Saint-Bénézet), the fortress of Mornas with costumed actors speaking in period language, the Roman ruins of Orange and Vaison-la-Romaine, Château de Grignan (associated with Madame de Sévigné), Château de Suze-la-Rousse (home to the Wine University), Abbey de Sénanque (Cistercian monastery), Baux-de-Provence, bories (flat stone houses known as "lozes"), Château des Adhémar, the village of Poët-Laval, Garde-Adhémar de Gorde, and the markets (marchés) of Provence, with notable ones in Carpentras, Orange, Pont-Saint-Esprit, and Malaucène. Antique markets in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Barjac (on August 15th), and Saint-Restitut (on May 1st) are also worth exploring. For those seeking adventure, the Verdon Gorge, the Nesque Gorge, and the Ardèche Gorge (for kayaking) are nearby. The Bamboo Forest in Anduze, as well as the wine routes of Tricastin and Côtes du Rhône, provide additional opportunities for exploration. Throughout the year, various villages host festivals, and regional museums dedicated to silk, railways, shoes, vineyards, and santons (traditional Provencal figurines) offer insights into local history and culture. The Caves de la Madelaine and L'Aven d'Orgnac are also worth visiting.

For those longing for the seaside, Le-Grau-du-Roi and La-Grande-Motte are just over an hour away (115 kilometers or 70 miles). The mountains are also within reach, with the Verdon Massif just an hour away and the Alps, offering skiing opportunities, two hours away.

Tauleigne offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, while also providing easy access to a wide range of attractions and activities in the region.