Tauleigne en Provence, Bollene.

Description for Gite

Tauleigne - A Relaxing Vacation House

Location

Nestled on the southern side of a mountain, Tauleigne is surrounded by a vast forest spanning hundreds of acres. This idyllic property offers stunning views and is protected from the Mistral winds by nearby cliffs. It 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 through the neighboring village of Saint-Restitut, in the Rhône-Alpes region of Drôme. As a result, the postal address is in Saint-Restitut.

Getting There

Getting to Tauleigne is easy, with convenient access from the A7 highway. Simply take the Bollène exit and follow the provided directions for approximately 7 kilometers.

The Property

Spread across 32 acres, Tauleigne boasts a picturesque landscape filled with oak and evergreen oak trees. These trees are planted on magnificent terraces that showcase breathtaking cliffs and rocks. The property is dominated by the ruins of the Château de Chabrière, adding to its serene ambiance. Explore the numerous pedestrian paths that wind through the estate, offering exceptional views of the surrounding countryside, including Bollène, the Dentelles de Montmirail, and Mont Ventoux. The front of the house features a grass garden adorned with laurel roses, lavender, snatolines, and rosemary. A small oak wood provides delightful shaded areas for relaxation or for children to play near the swimming pool. A barbecue corner is nestled next to a preserved ruin, while a large garden table under the shade of oak trees allows for al fresco dining amidst nature. Outdoor lighting creates a magical atmosphere for evenings. The property also features terraces for playing the French game of pétanque. Near the pool, a local cabana houses pool filters, a clothes washer, a refrigerator, and toilets. The garden and swimming pool are maintained twice a week, and an automatic sprinkler system keeps the surroundings green.

The House

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

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

The kitchen, located on the left upon entering, boasts a charming old mantle. Equipped with modern amenities, it offers a sink with a draining board, four electric burners, an extractor hood, an electric oven, a dishwasher, a chopping block, multiple sockets, and all the necessary tools for preparing simple meals or exquisite cuisine. A table and chairs in the front of the kitchen create a cozy space for meals or casual gatherings. To the right, an ancient stone sink, preserved in its original location, connects the kitchen to the living room.

The living room occupies the central part of the house and features well-preserved stone walls and a ceiling made of wooden logs and large planks. Although the wood fireplace is primarily used during colder months, it adds a unique warmth to the room. A staircase in the living room leads to a corner toilet and a cupboard. Comfortable couches and armchairs provide a cozy space for reading, with a well-stocked library that includes children's books. A cordless telephone is available to use in the garden.

The dining room is furnished with a large table, perfect for gathering all the guests. The stone walls create a charming atmosphere.

All three rooms on the first floor are fitted with small windows in the Provençal crossbar style, allowing filtered light to enter while preserving a cool interior. The shutters can be closed to maintain a pleasant temperature, particularly for early risers.

On the second floor, a hallway leads to the first two rooms and a bathroom. Five interior doors and an exterior door in the old wall can be found along this hallway.

The first door to the right of the staircase opens to the largest room above the living room. It features a double bed, two night tables, and a dresser with hanging bars and shelves. There is also ample storage space for luggage. The walls are painted in light colors, reflecting the ambiance 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, which also has a telephone jack.

The second door to the right of the staircase leads to a closet that is not accessible to tenants.

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

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

The fourth door in the hallway leads to the second room. Sunlight streams through a small window, revealing a double bed with night tables on either side. The wardrobe is built into the closet.

To the left of the staircase, an ancient door provides access 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, featuring vibrant colored tiles. It includes a shower/bath, a sink, and shelving.

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

The staircase leads to a dormitory on the mansard-roofed third floor, divided by a wardrobe that offers a clear view of two beds on each side. Two of these four beds also have pull-out beds, allowing the dormitory to accommodate up to six people.

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

Local Attractions

Tauleigne is surrounded by majestic cliffs that provide ample opportunities for walking and mountain biking. Explore the nearby stone-age village and the Château de Barry, as well as the medieval castle of Chabrière. Don't miss the exceptional panoramic views from the plateau, especially near the aging cellars of the Celliers du Dauphin, which are open for visits. Saint-Restitut is known for its converted ancient stone quarries, which now serve as a theater of images with various themes.

From mid-June to late July, the lavender fields in the region offer a quintessential Provençal experience. These stunning areas are a delight for hikers throughout the year. Nearby attractions include Mont Ventoux, Avignon (famous for its July festival, Palais des Papes, and pont Saint-Benezet), the fortress of Mornas (animated by actors in period costumes), the Roman ruins of Orange and Vaison-la-Romaine, the Château de Grignan (associated with Madame de Sévigné), the Château de Suze-la-Rousse (Wine University), the Abbey de Sénanque (Cistercian), the Baux-de-Provence, the bories (flat stone houses called "lozes"), the Château des Adhémar, the village of Poète-Laval, the Garde-Adhémar de Gorde, and the vibrant markets of Carpentras, Orange, Pont-Saint-Esprit, and Malaucènes. Antique markets in Isle-sur-Sorgue, Barjac (on August 15th), and Saint-Restitut (on May 1st) are worth exploring. For those seeking adventure, the Verdon Gorge, the Nesque Gorge, and the Ardèche Gorge (perfect for kayaking) offer breathtaking experiences. The Bamboo Forest in Anduze, the Tricastin and Côtes du Rhône wine routes, and various festivals in villages throughout the year are also worth discovering. Regional museums dedicated to silk, railways, shoes, vineyards, and santons, as well as the caves de la Madeleines and the laven d'Orgnac, offer insights into the local culture.

For those seeking a beach getaway, the sea is just over an hour away, with Le-Grau-du-Roi and La-Grande-Motte located 115 km (70 miles) from Tauleigne. The mountains are also within reach, with the Verdon range just an hour away and the Alps, perfect for skiing, a two-hour drive.