Location: Apt, Luberon Area, Provence, France, Europe (GPS - 43°52’08”N 05°23’18”E 44 kms E of Avignon)
Accommodations: House, 5 Bedrooms + Library, 3 Baths (Sleeps 10-11)
"Chez Manon" sits perched on the Luberon hillside, amid lavender fields and cherry orchards, overlooking the market town of Apt in Provence's protected Parc National du Luberon in the heart of the Vaucluse. Renowned for its weekly Saturday market, where farmers, artists, wine growers, restaurateurs, cheese makers and merchants of all kinds ply their wares and offer local produce, Apt features an eclectic array of cafés, galleries, and restaurants, hidden down narrow streets and winding alleys.
Chez Manon, a provençal mas more than 200 years old, was until 1995 a working farm. It has been beautifully and lovingly restored in traditional provençal style with the pink-brown ochre rendering and light green wooden shutters, typical of the Luberon region. Surrounded by broad stone terraces on three sides, the property includes a large enclosed heated swimming pool to the west and attractively landscaped gardens.
From the north terrace, the views are splendid. To the north is the Vaucluse mountain range, dominated by the distinctive white-capped Mont Ventoux, below, the town and surroundings of Apt, and to the east, the ruined hilltop fortress at Saignon. Sunrises and sunsets from the north terrace are truly spectacular.
Inside Chez Manon, first impressions are striking. The 20-metre long (65 feet) open plan living, dining, and kitchen area are cool, with its lath and plaster ceiling, polished tree trunk beams and broad expanse of terracotta-tiled floor. A fireplace at the east end is a focal point, cosily surrounded by comfortable chairs and sofas. Large cupboards contain generous quantities of table linen, kitchen utensils, tableware and other household necessities.
The kitchen area itself has been designed and equipped by people who love to cook - and where better to do that than in Provence? Extensive granite surfaces, large appliances including a double Paul Bocuse oven range and an American refrigerator, as well as a double sink, a dishwasher and a built-in microwave oven, ensure that cooking chez Manon is a pleasurable part of the holiday. The open plan format of the main room means that the cooks are not excluded from sharing a glass of wine with the rest of the party. The dining area seats twelve in comfort.
At the east end of the main room, a small flight of steps leads down to a secluded library, where a desktop computer gives broadband wi-fi Internet access. A printer and fax machine is also installed. At the west end of the main room behind the curving main staircase, is an airy lounge with a second open fireplace, furnished with comfortable leather seating and eclectic antiques.
Satellite television offers BBCTV, CNN and 40+ channels plus BBC Radio plus French network TV. A VCR (PAL/SECAM), a stereo (CD & cassette), a DVD player and a library of videos, DVDs, CDs and cassettes complete the home entertainment centre. Four glass-paned doors in the north and south walls of the main room provide access to the terraces outside.
Two staircases, at each end of the main room, lead upstairs to the five bedrooms and three bath/shower rooms. The bedrooms are light, comfortable and offer valley and mountain views. Each bedroom is decorated with period furniture, modern beds and generous cupboard and storage space. Chez Manon comfortably sleeps ten. There are three double bedrooms, one twin and a single with trundle bed. The library has a daybed with trundle for extra accommodation flexibility.
Below the house is a utility room with two washing machines, a dryer, a sink and plenty of room to hang wet clothes. A purpose built washing line at the west end of the lower terrace makes drying clothes in the fresh air a welcome alternative during the Summer months. Alongside the utility room is covered parking space for 3 cars. The house is fully centrally heated by an environmentally friendly geothermal system for the cooler months, and logs are supplied for the open fireplace. 1.6 acres (0.66 hectares) of grounds surround the house and keep it pleasantly secluded.
Around the house the gardens have been landscaped, adding to the appeal of the property. A gardener ensures plants are watered and the grass cut regularly throughout the Summer season. The 10m X 5m heated swimming pool is enclosed for safety and is serviced twice a week by local professionals. The pool area is furnished with plenty of comfortable poolside loungers, wrought iron beds, a gas barbecue, tables, parasols and adequate seating.
Apt, a town of 12,000 inhabitants, is a 5-minute drive down the hill, while the charm and character of Luberon hilltop villages such as Bonnieux, Lacoste and Ménerbes, and the famous antique market of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, are all within 30 minutes drive. Those who enjoy rock-climbing can be in Buoux, well known to climbers and hill walkers, in less than 15 minutes by car.
Restaurants to suit every pocket are scattered about the surrounding countryside and the region's vineyards produce plenty of excellent wine.
Apt can be reached by plane and car via Marseilles or Avignon airports. All the major car rental agencies are on the parking lot outside the airports, but it is advisable to reserve a rental car before landing in France. The new TGV Mediterranée (High-Speed Train) takes only 2hrs 38 mins from Paris to the new station at Avignon, or 2hrs 50 mins to the conveniently-located station of Aix-en-Provence. Cars can be rented at the train stations as well.
Those wishing to bring their own vehicles will be able to take advantage of France's network of autoroutes; or the journey can become part of the holiday by adopting the more leisurely pace offered on the picturesque D (departmental) and N (national) roads for which the country is renowned.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Garage
- Covered Parking
- Wood Fireplace
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Double Bed
- Twin/Single Bed
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library
- Private Pool
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Catering Available
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- View/Location
- Mountain View
- Communications
- Telephone
- Computer
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- Garage (3 cars)
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Rock Climbing
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
- Hot Air Ballooning
Rate Details (In Euros)
Date 2009/2010 Euros
Sep 11-Oct 30 ....... €3000/week
Oct 31-Dec 18 ....... €2500/week
Dec 19-Jan 01 2010 .. €3200/week
Jan 02-Apr 23 2010 .. €2500/week
Apr 24-May 14 2010 .. €3000/week
May 15-Sep 10 2010 .. €3500/week
Sep 11-Oct 29 2010 .. €3000/week
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 1995
Property Photos
- Chez Manon showing garden and pool - Luberon/Apt, Provence, France - Magnificent Vacation Property in Luberon
- South Aspect with Garden - Luberon/Apt, Provence, France - Magnificent Vacation Property in Luberon
- Terrace (north-facing) - Luberon/Apt, Provence, France - Magnificent Vacation Property in Luberon
- The fenced-in 10m x 5m pool
- 100 metre driveway leads to the house
- Hammock in secret garden
- Kitchen/Dining Area
- Cozy Living Room with TV and stereo
- Twin Bedroom
- One of the capacious double bedrooms
- Another double bedroom
- Third double bedroom with single bedroom next door
- Shower room
- Single bedroom with double bedroom next door
- Library/computer room with single trundle bed in corner
Guest Comments (65)
First (10) of (65). View all comments
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #10900
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Date last modified - June 26, 2009
Positive Rating
We listened to the sweet music of Provence for 7 days! Très magnifique orchestra of friends, food, climate and culture. Merci, merci, merci Arlette!!
Positive Rating
Don’t miss Saignon. On your first or last day, it’s a spectacular view of the entire valley! Enjoy!! Merci beaucoup! Petite Ecole for dinner. Say hi to Sophie for us!
Positive Rating
We loved staying at Chez Manon; eating out on the terrace, swimming in the warm pool situated so conveniently close to the house, admiring the views over the Luberon valley and the long red sunsets – and being look after by the superbe Arlette. We felt privileged to be living in your home and being able to borrow books, a pack of cards, toweling robes, laundry bags, hairdryers, and the multitude of excellent kitchen you provided for us. We were really sad to leave. We thoroughly recommend lunch “sur la terrasse” at the Presbytere in Saignon (10 minutes drive – details in the restaurant file.) Also, fun is lunch at “Solveig’s” little café immediately opposite. She has a small terrasse and serves excellent omelettes provencales. And we loved visiting Roussillon (25 minutes from Chez Manon), Gordes, Menerbes and Bonnieux – all stunning hilltop villages.
Positive Rating
We very much enjoyed our holidays at Chez Manon. Everything was just perfect.
Positive Rating
We had a fantastic week at Chez Manon, enjoying the beautiful home and scenery. Our entire family was very impressed with the quality and quantity of the furnishings in the house. We hope to return again in the coming years.
Positive Rating
What a wonderful week at Chez Manon with great friends. Chez Manon surpassed all expectations! Every piece in the house is gorgeous and the kitchen with all of its accessories is like no other! We enjoyed daily the patio under the trellis with wine, bread, cheese, spreads, etc. After daily travels, we loved coming home and enjoying the late afternoon time with the beautiful views – and it did feel like home. We are sad to leave and would love to return someday. Thank you for designing a beautiful home furnished meticulously and opening it up for guests to enjoy. We loved every minute.
Positive Rating
What a wonderful experience! The house worked perfectly for our large family and friends. We had perfect weather and enjoyed day trips to all the surrounding villages.
Positive Rating
Fabulous. Didn’t disappoint on any level. Needed that pool though! Does it every get cool up here?
Positive Rating
I stayed here for a week for my 60th birthday. My sister Doris, her husband Peter, my sister Eva, my daughter Joey and Rocket. What a wonderful, comfortable home and so relaxing. Thank you Arlette for making sure we were comfortable. We were all Australians who flew in from all over Europe. The house was a gift to me for my 60th given to me by my partner Fan. Thank you.
Positive Rating
Thank you for a wonderful week in your beautiful home. It suited us very well, both for our families, and as a great base for exploring the nearby villages and vineyards. Many thanks for sharing your place with us!