Guests say
Villa Rimayon in Apt is consistently praised for its stunning aesthetics, serene ambiance, and spacious, well-appointed interiors. Guests laud the property's beautiful gardens, heated pool, and the convenience of modern facilities blended with historic charm. The location is ideal for exploring Provence, with easy access to local markets and picturesque villages. The caretakers receive accolades for their friendly and efficient service, contributing to a restful and memorable holiday experience.
There is no specific mention of cleanliness in the reviews, so it is not possible to provide an accurate score for this category.
The villa's location is highly praised for its proximity to local markets in Apt and charming villages like Saignon, Bonnieux, Roussillon, and Gordes. Guests appreciate the picturesque setting and the ease of exploring the Luberon region.
Reviewers are delighted with the villa's comfort, noting the spaciousness, tasteful decoration, and the presence of multiple social and quiet areas. The provision of en-suite bathrooms and comfortable beds in each room is particularly appreciated.
The villa is commended for its well-equipped kitchen, abundant dishes and flatware, and the convenience of a dishwasher. The heated outdoor pool and motorized cover are mentioned as thoughtful touches that enhance the guest experience.
While the reviews reflect a high level of satisfaction with the service and support provided, there is no mention of gifts or special extras that would indicate thoughtfulness in the form of tangible items. Therefore, this score cannot be provided.
About this property
After an afternoon by the swimming pool, sip an evening apéritif by the lavender and olive trees before dining al-fresco with loved ones beneath the century-old plane trees, no doubt enjoying local specialities from nearby Apt’s historic market. Also close to the village of Saignon, this beautiful bastide in Provence allows guests to experience the Luberon’s landscapes, picture-perfect villages and truly idyllic scenery.
This sensitively restored Provençal mas dates back to the 18th century and welcomes up to 14 guests across seven bedrooms, all with private bathrooms. There are two parts of Villa Rimayon, starting off with the spacious bastide with its gorgeous lounge and fireplace with bay windows allowing light to flood in, alongside the open kitchen with a fireplace and dining area. Each of the five bedrooms in this part of the house offer private shower rooms and dressing areas.
The smaller bastidon has a charming living space with a Provençal fireplace, a kitchen-diner, doors leading to the herb garden and terrace. Up to four guests can sleep here across two attractive bedrooms with their own shower rooms.
The 1.5-hectare grounds feature all the sights, sounds and scents of Provence with characterful stone walls, cypresses, oaks, fig and cherry trees alongside gorgeous terraces with lavender and other herbs, a pretty fountain and ancient plane trees for ample shade. The large swimming pool can be heated (for a supplement) during certain months and there is boules for early evening entertainment as the sun sets. Families will also appreciate table tennis and table football!
All this nature yet you are only a short drive from the historic town of Apt, loved especially for its Saturday morning market, the largest in the Luberon. Then there’s picturesque Saignon and its medieval lanes, café terraces and incredible views from its perched position.
The many gems of the Luberon can be easily reached from villages such as Gordes, Ménerbes and Lourmarin to slightly lesser known jewels including Joucas, Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt and Cucuron. On your travels look out for cherry orchards, vineyards and wine châteaux as well as a wealth of wonderful restaurants (some with Michelin stars).
If you feel like exploring more, choose between the riverside cafes and antique stores of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Avignon, the cycling routes from Mont Ventoux, the lavender fields of Sault and the enchantment of Aix-en-Provence only an hour away from your beautiful Luberon abode.
This beautiful Provençal home is located close to the gorgeous village of Saignon and the handsome market town of Apt in the heart Luberon National Park, a great base for visiting the beautiful villages, vineyards and landscapes of this part of Provence. Arrive via Marseille/Avignon Airports or take the fast-speed train (2 hours 40 minutes) from Paris to Gare d’Avignon TGV, just over an hour away by car.
The house is set in glorious grounds just off the road leading north to Apt (2.5km) – it is handy being just a short drive from the town for large supermarkets and other useful amenities. The historic centre is very attractive with cobbled streets, tree-lined squares, handsome buildings and a great choice of restaurants and shops. On a Saturday morning, visit the 900-year old Provençal market, the largest and one of the best in the Luberon – head there early to join locals picking up wonderful seasonal produce and specialities (candied fruit, strawberries, cherries, melons, lavender products, honey, olives and so much more).
Hilltop Saignon (3.5km) is also not to be missed, such an enchanting medieval village with stunning Luberon vistas – you can even see as far as Mont Ventoux on a clear day. Sit out on a shady café terrace with a coffee or evening apéritif and soak up the lovely ambience of this hidden gem. When summer arrives, admire lavender fields beneath the perched village.
Of course, there are so many other highlights of Provence. The cherry orchards, vineyards and wine châteaux near Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt (11km), the cobbled streets and cafes of Goult (17km) and the ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ of Ménerbes, Gordes, Roussillon and Bonnieux, all within half an hour. Driving south, come across the medieval villages of Lourmarin, Cucuron and Ansouis with their Michelin starred restaurants or venture further towards the romance of Aix-en-Provence (58km), just over an hour away.
Heading towards Avignon instead, canoe/kayak along the Sorgue near Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (35km), seek treasures at the Sunday morning brocante in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (35km), count historic fountains in Pernes-les-Fontaines (45km) and visit the summer evening Farmer’s market in Velleron (44km).
Not to mention cycling trails, hiking paths, horse-riding, wine tasting, rock-climbing and visits to historic caves and castles across the Luberon and beyond during your stay in this captivating part of Provence.
Accommodation
Maison Interiors (450m2 over various floors)
Bastide Interiors
- Living room with Provençal fireplace and bay windows
- Open-plan kitchen and dining area, well-equipped
- Second living area and adjacent bathroom (on second floor)
- 5 x bedrooms with private dressing areas and en suite shower rooms. All bedrooms have double beds (200x90cm) which can be separated into two singles
Bastidon Interiors
- Lounge with Provençal fireplace and doors leading to terrace
- Kitchen and dining area with oven, fridge, and microwave
- 2 x bedrooms with shower room
- Washing machine and dryer
Outside Grounds (1.5 hectares)
- Swimming pool (12x5.5m) with safety alarm and retractable cover. Can be heated (for a supplement) in April, May, September and October
- Outdoor WC
- Al-fresco dining terrace beneath the plane trees
- Fountain terrace with lavender and olive trees
- Herb garden with terrace
- Large garden with Provençal plants and trees (some different levels and steps)
- Boules, table tennis and badminton set
- Parking on site
- West facing terrace with fountain
- North facing terrace at front of property
- South facing terrace at rear of property, ideal for dining
- Barbecue
Other Facilities
- 2 x laundry rooms each with washing machine and dryer
- Ground floor WC
- Yoga mats
- 2 cots
- 3 highchairs
- Ground floor underfloor heating
Reviews (14)
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Brigitte
Nous avons passé un excellent séjour dans une propriété magnifique. Le temps n’a pas été assez chaud pour profiter à fond du jardin et de la piscine mais nous avons visité de nombreux villages avec bonheur. La maison est très joliment meublée, la cuisine très bien équipée.
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Julie
It’s not often that a well-photographed holiday home turns out to be even more stunning when you encounter it in person. But this was exactly what we experienced. Villa Rimayon is an absolute jewel of a property and the perfect place for a family celebration. Our large group enjoyed every aspect of the house; drinks and boules beneath the Plane trees, cooling off in the beautiful pool and finding quiet corners in which to read or just sit and admire the views. The house is also well situated for markets in Apt and easy days out to the picturesque villages of Saignon, Bonnieux, Roussillon and Gordes. We hired two e-bikes which made getting around fun for all ages and gave everyone a taste of the jaw-dropping countryside. We also had superb and friendly support from the housekeeper as well as excellent service from the rental team. Thank you!
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Ursula
We really enjoyed the weather and it was an absolutely wonderful holiday. The house and its surroundings are unique. We returned home totally relaxed. The house will remain unforgettable for us. We really have nothing to complain about. The rental process was easy and we love the caretaker. She is very friendly.