Villa Saumane

About this property

On the edge of the Luberon and close to the Sorgue River, this wonderful Provençal farmhouse offers characterful yet high-end living in such a beautiful setting near Fontaine-de-Vaucluse.

Sleeping up to 10 guests, Villa Saumane has been renovated to such a lovely standard for guests seeking discerning charm and comfortable interiors. The elegant lounge opens out to the terrace and there is a gorgeous kitchen with a breakfast table overlooking the garden. The main part of the house is home to four bedrooms (three doubles and one twin), including one downstairs with an en suite shower room, whilst an attractive garden en suite annexe sleeps a further 2 guests with doors opening out to the pool area and summer kitchen.

The south-facing terrace is an idyllic spot for relaxing with a glass of AOC Luberon or dining al-fresco with loved ones overlooking the Vaucluse hills. You will no doubt spend hours in the glorious salt-water swimming pool – the pool area is gated, making it slightly easier if staying with youngsters. Enjoy poolside snacks and cold drinks by the summer kitchen before relaxing on one of the poolside sun loungers.

It’s lovely to be able to stroll to the Sorgue River for fly-fishing, canoeing and kayaking – just a little further by car is a tree-top activity centre (with trails for children as young as three) and the 18-hole Golf de Saumane. Meanwhile, the pretty villages of Lagnes and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse are within a 10-minute drive or there is a walking trail leading to both. Keen hikers and cyclists have a great choice of routes across this part of Provence.

A visit to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a must, especially on a Sunday morning when the atmospheric brocante takes place, one of the most famous bric-à-brac markets in southern France. On any day of the week it is such a picturesque town for lunches by the riverside or a walk by the canals and waterwheels.

Venturing into the Luberon, some of the region’s iconic perched villages can be reached within a 20-minute drive such as Gordes, Ménerbes and Oppède le Vieux. Come across pretty markets, upmarket restaurants and some of the most glorious landscapes of southern France with vineyards, cherry orchards, ochre quarries, dense forest and lavender fields across the Luberon hills.  

This is such a beautiful setting within a lovely garden with views of the Vaucluse hills, set between the villages of Lagnes and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse and only 12km from the riverside town of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Avignon Airport (23km), Marseille Airport (65km) and Gare d’Avignon TGV (33km) are all easily reached.

From your holiday home you can walk to the Sorgue River for canoeing/kayaking and fishing. There is a tree-top activity centre very close by on the other side of the Sorgue whilst the 18-hole Golf de Saumane is only five minutes away.

There is a lovely walking trail to both the villages of Lagnes and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (3km) is home to a bakery, little tourist shops, restaurants overlooking the river, a paper mill and other historic sights including the remains of the village’s old château. It’s a very popular village thanks to its picturesque riverside setting and hiking trails – head there early to avoid the summer crowds.

Meanwhile, Lagnes is a charming old village with a small handful of good restaurants including a highly regarded auberge, alongside the impressive Château de Lagnes. It is a very attractive village to potter around - stop off for a coffee or lunch.

Often referred to as the ‘Venice of Provence’, it is a joy to explore L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (6km), the antique capital of France (outside Paris) with its famous Sunday morning brocante. As you stroll around the town look out for waterwheels, canals, atmospheric café terraces, several restaurants and the Notre-Dame des Anges church which hosts summer concerts and events.

Venturing further into the Luberon, pass vineyards, cherry orchards and dense forests as you drive to iconic perched villages such as Gordes, Ménerbes and Oppède le Vieux, all within a 20-minute drive. Admire the red-hued landscapes of the ochre quarries around Roussillon (26km) and Rustrel (42km), look out for authentic Provençal markets in villages such as Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt and Goult, and visit the centuries-old Saturday morning market in Apt, the largest and one of the best in the Luberon.

Accommodation

Villa Interiors
(Air-conditioning in all bedrooms)

-    Living room with fireplace doors leading to terrace
-    Dining area with table for 10 guests
-    Kitchen, fully-equipped, including breakfast table, various coffee machines and doors opening out to terrace and garden
-    Laundry room
-    Downstairs bedroom with double bed, shower room and separate WC

Garden Suite Annexe

-    Garden suite including a kitchenette, bedroom with a double bed, en-suite shower room and doors leading to pool area

Upstairs

-    Master bedroom with double bed and garden views
-    Small study/single children's bedroom (could be ideal for a baby)
-    Bedroom with double bed and garden views
-    Bedroom with two single beds (can be made into double) and hill views
-    Family bathroom with corner bath, two sinks and separate WC

Outside Grounds

-    Salt-water swimming pool (10x5m including shallow/wide-step area for toddlers) with cover, pool toys, safety alarm and fully-enclosed. Can be heated (for a supplement) in April, May, September and October
-    Poolside sun loungers
-    Summer kitchen with small fridge, sink and microwave 
-    South-facing al-fresco dining and relaxation terrace
-    Landscaped garden with lawn, trees and flowers (enclosed/gated)
-    Gas BBQ
Facilities

-    Air-conditioning (in all bedrooms except children's bedroom)
-    Laundry facilities
-    Travel cot
-    Camp bed