Location: St.-Cannat, Aix en Provence Area, Provence, France, Europe (15 min. from Aix, 30 min. from Marseille Airport & Med. Sea) View Map
Accommodations: Townhome, 3 Bedrooms + Loft, 2 Baths (Sleeps 8)
Keywords: Village House
LES BOUGAINVILLIERS, a splendid stone "Village House", renovated by an imaginative French architect, was once used as a location in a French film. I've owned Les Bougainvilliers since 1995, and began renting with VRBO about 14 years ago. Normally I am in Provence to help with any questions, and my property manager, Babeth, in Saint Cannat, is always ready to assist you.
In order to keep Les Bougainvilliers clean and fresh for guests, we do not allow smoking in the house, please. Nor do we allow pets.
My house is situated on the western edge of the very friendly and yet, "undiscovered," Provencal Village of Saint Cannat. This is an "authentic" village with excellent butchers and bakeries, a fruit and veg shop with beautiful and fresh produce, a small general store, a newspaper shop, hair salons, pharmacies, cafes and a few smart boutiques.
Aix-en-Provence, an extraordinary town filled with beauty and culture, is only 15 minutes by car. Frequent buses to Aix (south) and Avignon (north) stop 2 blocks from the house.
Tastefully furnished with a combination of French antiques and modern pieces, the house is well maintained and continually updated. The living room has comfortable leather furniture, a piano and an excellent fireplace, making Les Bougainvilliers a perfect house to rent in winter. Along with the very efficient central heat, you will always be very warm. A huge semi-circular window in the living room gives a view of the pretty courtyard.
The dining room table extends to seat 8 people.
Built on three levels, Les Bougainvilliers has three bedrooms, all on the middle level. One has a queen sized bed, one has a standard double, and one has twins that can be made up into a queen sized bed. On the top level where the TV room and terrace are located, there is a comfortable convertible sofa bed. The house has two full baths, one with a tub and one with a large shower. Two separate toilets make "sharing a bath" much easier. On the top floor, under the huge beams, you will find the flatscreen TV. The large living/dining room has an extendable table, antiques (a lovely grandfather clock is only one), a very comfortable sofa and chairs, and a piano.
The kitchen has all new appliances (August 2010) and good kitchen utensils for preparing your Provencal meals. There is a library space with novels, travel and art books, an enclosed courtyard with flowering plants, a private, sunny, roof top terrace, and convenient parking. In addition to free phone calls in Europe and North America, there is a mini- computer in the house for guests to use for email.
A huge skylite in the roof brings sunshine into the entire house through the atrium. Double paned glass and excellent central heat keep the house very warm in winter -- the thick stone walls keep it cool in summer. You will not need A/C at Les Bougainvilliers, but we do have electric fans in all the bedrooms. All year long the warm afternoon sun floods the living room, rooftop terrace, and farmland across the street.
From the house you can quickly walk to the butcher, the baker, the post office, pharmacy, shops, cafes, and the colorful Wednesday morning market. The bus to Aix-en-Provence and beyond leaves from a nearby corner. An excellent restaurant, Le Mas de Fauchon, is just outside of St. Cannat.
St. Cannat has the PERFECT location for exploring Provence. You'll be just 15 minutes from Aix and in the center of all the other historic and beautiful places you'll want to visit: Avignon, Arles, St. Remy, Aix, Marseille, Cassis, the villages of the Luberon, St. Tropez, and perhaps on to Nice and Monaco.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer : new in August 2010
- Dryer : new in August 2010
- Linens Provided
- Wood Fireplace : Our fireplace draws well and gives a good deal of heat.
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Double Bed
- Twin/Single Bed (2) : can be made into a queen sized bed on request
- Convertible Bed
- Entertainment
- TV (No Cable/Satellite)
- DVD
- VCR
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : We have a new dishwasher, new oven, microwave, coffee maker, toaster and more
- Cooking Utensils Provided : High quality cookware, pretty plates and glasses
- Refrigerator (2) : Two small refrigerators
- Dishwasher : New in August 2010
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio : We have an enclosed courtyard with geraniums and other bright plants. The floor is gravel.
- Balcony : Our rooftop terrace overlooks the fields and roofs to St. Cannat.
- Communications
- Telephone
- Free Long Distance : Free calls to the US, Canada and within Europe!
- Computer
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- We have a piano, a great working fireplace, Wine Celler, library, games, cleaning and one maid service included per week.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly
- Smoking Not Allowed : We do allow smoking in the courtyard, but ask that guests please dispose of their trash.
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Sailing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Antiquing
- Horseback Riding
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Other Activities
- History, Roman ruins, art, music festivals and GREAT shopping, The village tennis courts and large swimming pool only 100 yards from our door, While the pool is not our own private pool, it is very pleasant and rarely crowed
Rate Details (In Euros)
January - March ...........Inquire About our SPECIAL Winter Rates!
April, May & Oct...................1260€/week
June - September..................1380€/week
Nov. & Dec. (except holidays).....1000€/week
Discounts for two weeks or more
Rates based on 5 guests, 100€ per person above 5.
Cleaning fee of 65€.
Weekly utilities charge of 50€ when heat required, normally mid-Oct.- April
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
250 Year Old Charming Village House Renovated by Architect
Year Purchased: 1995
Why the Owner Chose St.-Cannat
St. Cannat has the perfect location! It worked for me for business and social reasons, and it works for tourists because it's centrally located, near Aix, and not a touristic town. It's real Provence!
The Unique Benefits at this Townhome
Although my house is in the village, and only minutes from the boulangerie, the food shops, post office, the tennis courts, swimming pool, the outdoor market, and other important stops, the view is into the farmer's fields across the way. You feel you're in the country, but have the conveniences of the town. Also, while the house is very old and charmingly Provencal, it has that all important element ~ light ~ which most old houses lack.
Picasso lived here in late life and is buried here. Not often open to public, but the exterior and surrounding area makes a nice trip.
Lovely village to stroll through ~ breathtaking scenery on the drive up from Lourmarin, especially early Summer when the lavendar is everywhere!
Beautiful village and views! Climb to the old church on top for the best view of the Luberon Valley.
Very famous antique market on Sundays. Other days are more calm and you can enjoy the town itself, and it's a splendid town.
This is where I live! Beautiful beaches, excellent restaurants on the port, the beach and the cliffs just outside of town. Huge parking lot, easy access from the autoroute. A lovely day trip from St. Cannat. Drive takes between an hour and an hour and a half, depending.
The MOST adorable village on this coast. Large parking lot and easy access to town. Sweet shops, outdoor restaurants, etc.
Everyone's favorite town. I recommend taking the bus in, asking someone to point you to the Cour Mirabeau, and just walk all over this gorgeous town. Enjoy!
Owner's Map of St.-Cannat
I started traveling as a young person, and continued to cover as much ground as possible as a photojournalist and photo tour operator. Falling in love with France at 20, I HAD to live here, and many years later, in 1995, I bought Les Bougainvilliers in St. Cannat. Later I moved to the Luberon, and now live in Bandol on the coast with my English husband. We divide our time between France, Mexico and lots of fantastic places in between.
Property Photos
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- Welcome to Les Bougainvilliers - St. Cannat, Provence, France - Vacation Rental near Aix-en-Provence
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- Dining Room -- table extends for 8 people - St. Cannat, Provence, France - Vacation Rental near Aix-en-Provence
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- The landing with antique chest - St. Cannat, Provence, France - Vacation Rental near Aix-en-Provence
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- The Living Room
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- Les Bougainvilliers armoire, living room
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- Full Modern Kitchen
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- Chambre Jardin ~~ The Garden Bedroom
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- La Chambre des Antiques ~~ The Antique Bedroom
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- La Chambre Matisse ~~ The Matisse Bedroom
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- Bathroom Upstairs with large walk-in shower
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- Your rooftop terrace
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- View from Chambre Jardin
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- St. Cannat's Wednesday Market
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- Your swimming pool in St. Cannat
Traveler Reviews (70)
Perfect all the way around
Guest: Georgie
(United States)
Date of Stay: 10/08/11
Review Submitted: 12/21/11
We rented this house for seven adults. Our goal was to find a house that let us feel like real villagers. One of us went daily for bread; we shopped at the weekly market, we opened and closed the huge shutters each morning and evening. It was fantastic. The location is perfect for venturing out when needed and it's equally perfect for relaxing and settling in to a little different way of living. Cynthia met us at the house, gave us the overview and then left us alone to enjoy the experience.
Recommended for:Girls getaway, sightseeing, age 55+.
Our wonderful stay in Provence
Guest: floandbas
(Atlanta, GA-US)
Date of Stay: 11/11/11
Review Submitted: 11/29/11
Our family just returned from our amazing stay in Provence and reality has sunk in. We can't just walk down the street from this wonderful home in St Cannat to one several boulangerie that we enjoyed so much...one of the many reasons to return. We absolutely loved the home and both Cynthia and Babeth could not have been easier and friendlier to deal with. The home was very warm and had all the amenities we needed for our stay. The view of the fields and the water fountain across the street were beautiful and a great way to start the day along with our morning coffee and fresh croissants. We look forward to revisiting Provence and of course this little gem in St Cannat.
Owner response:I am always so glad to hear comments like this, especially from guests who come "out of season". My central heat IS excellent and the fireplace works like a charm. Winter in St. Cannat is warm and wonderful!
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Our stay at your place
Guest: ozi friends
(Australia)
Date of Stay: 09/24/11
Review Submitted: 10/16/11
Had the most incredible 2 weeks experience staying here. Felt quite at home. Cooked meals at home mostly and followed the french books available. We did have a wonderful meal at Masde Fouchon a km or so out of town. The town St Cannat was just beautiful; quiet and picturesque. Went out each day and discovered alot of the main towns to the west, north west, south and south east. Generally the house had everything we required. The only criticism was that the gas bottle for the stove was a bit too big for an elderly person to lift and there was no spare to fall back on. Suggested that 2 smaller gas bottles would be good.
Owner response:So happy that you two enjoyed your stay ~ you were certainly enthusiastic when I saw you the day of departure. I will never forget how clean and neat you left the house, especially recalling that you cooked several dinners in the kitchen! Thanks also for the excellent suggestion of two smaller gas bottles; the big ones are extremely heavy.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway, age 55+.
Idyllic Setting for a Holiday
Guest: Tom
(Salisbury, CT, U. S. A.)
Date of Stay: 09/18/10
Review Submitted: 10/11/11
Les Bougainevilliers is the perfect setting for day trips in Provence. Cynthia, the owner, was gracious enough to personally greet us upon arrival to explain the workings of the house and offer tips regarding the region. Of course we visited Arles, Avignon and Aix-en-Provence but were most charmed by the Luberon region with its picturesque towns and natural beauty. The house is gorgeous and well equipped....it has Cynthia's personal touches which give it the homey feel that made us comfortable as soon as we walked in.
Owner response:I am delighted that you enjoyed Provence ~ you certainly saw a lot ~ and that you really liked my house. I was pleased to meet all four of you and will welcome you back to Les Bougainvilliers anytime! A bientot!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Warning
Guest: awh
(NY,NY, USA)
Date of Stay: 08/01/10
Review Submitted: 10/06/11
Review: "Be warned: While the location is perfect for short trips, the house comfortable and accommodating, the village friendly with swimming pool for children, and Babeth is a treasure, nevertheless, you should be prepared for an inflexible and rigid owner. For example, if you make the mistake of inviting friends or family to visit, even briefly (one of the usual perks of renting a house rather than staying in a hotel), you will be charged for each guest for the full amount of time of your stay and that charge will be conveyed in an extremely unpleasant and abrasive fashion ("pay up today or leave immediately"), and children, even as young as briefly visiting 4 yr. olds, count as adults. Note too that most of the effusive comments on this site are "posted by owner." So, enjoy, but do so at your own risk as that enjoyment will depend on your tolerance for bad manners and unanticipated minor conflict. (And note carefully the potential for that in the long list of do and don'ts that accompany your rental.)
Owner response: My web site states an extra charge for more than 5 people, and that we accommodate a maximum of 8. This individual rented my house for 2 weeks, stating there would be 6 people, and since one was a child I decided not to charge anything extra. He arrived on Saturday with his family of 10, 8 of whom were adults. I was out of town, but when my property manager Babeth contacted me in shock, I phoned to ask about the extra people. His mother told me some would be leaving the following week and that the numbers would gradually come down, and I calculated the extra charge per day accordingly. By Wednesday they had still not paid the balance that was due on Saturday or for the extra people. When I insisted they pay or leave they actually spent a day looking for a cheaper place so they would have to pay. Eventually they paid, they stayed, and left as scheduled, leaving damage in the house. During the 13 years I've rented my house through VRBO I have never experienced this type of deception.
Recommended for:
A wonderful June in Provence
Guest: Jo and Jon
(Newton, MA)
Date of Stay: 06/04/11
Review Submitted: 08/02/11
The fields of grain come right up against the stone wall across from the house. This spring had been unusually warm and the grain was tall and close to harvest and shimmered in the evening's breeze. It was near the end of our daughter's stay with us, I believe we had gone to Arles that day or was it Cucuron , and the three of us were sitting on the wall next to the fountain after dinner sharing a bottle of the local Rose and enjoying yet another sunset when she turned to us and sighed, “How did you guys ever find this place?” This June was our second stay at Les Bougainvilliers. Our first was a year ago when we stayed for a week with two other couples. We had such a wonderful time that Jo and I decided to come back this June for three weeks. Our daughter and 14 year old grandson joined us for 10 days. The house is spacious, well furnished, has a nice kitchen and is very clean. St. Cannat is a small non-tourist village a ½ hour from Aix, about an hour from most of the villages in the Luberon and 45 minutes from Marseille. We are hoping to return again in the fall of 2012 – still much to see.
Owner response:I certainly look forward to welcoming this lovely family back to Les Bougainvilliers for their third visit!
Recommended for:Girls getaway, sightseeing, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Perfect Provence home in perfect small village
Guest: Pat
(San Francisco, CA USA)
Date of Stay: 04/30/11
Review Submitted: 06/01/11
Four of us rented Les Bougainvilliers for the month of May 2011. It proved to be the perfect location for day trips all over Provence and very accessible to Aix, a beautiful city with wonderful restaurants and markets. When in St. Cannat we walked everywhere and became regulars at the cafes, boulangeries, chacuterie and vegetable/fruit market. We really enjoyed the Wednesday open air market right at the end of our street where we bought chicken, fish, fruit vegetables, bread and got to know the very friendly vendors. At home we enjoyed the charm of the house, cocktails on the rooftop patio, dinners in our courtyard, the barley fields and plane trees and all the modern conveniences. We loved the markets and restaurants in neighboring towns of Rogne and Lambesc including a delightful wine festival. We all agree that we would love to return to 70 Marcel Parraud and treasure our Provence vacation in such a special place.
Owner response:In addition to Les Bougainvilliers itself, two of the highlights of staying here are the village of St. Cannat (a REAL French village as opposed to one directed at tourism) and the proximity to Aix-en-Provence, 15 minutes south. Aix is truly to be savored!
Recommended for:Girls getaway, sightseeing, age 55+.
Very comfortable house for our family in central Provence
Guest: altaskier
(Maryland)
Date of Stay: 04/17/11
Review Submitted: 05/24/11
Our family of two adults and five children recently enjoyed a short stay at Les Bougainvilliers during spring break. We were all very comfortable in the beautifully maintained, clean, and well-appointed house. Both Cynthia and her housekeeper, Babeth, were very accommodating and helpful. We were able to park our car near the house, and walk to shops in St. Cannat. The view from the house is very peaceful. The house is centrally located for seeing a variety of sights in Provence. Aix is only 20 minutes away, and one of our favorite outings, Chateau de la Barben, is also nearby. We also enjoyed trips to Avignon, Les Baux, Arles, Cassis, Gorge du Verdon, and the Luberon, though these drives were longer. Wish we could have stayed longer! Rent with confidence.
Owner response:It is true that Les Bougainvilliers is a very special house with a perfect location for exploring Provence. In part that is why almost every week in the year is rented, often by guests who have been here before. Merci Beaucoup a Tous!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, families with young children, age 55+, families with teenagers.
A perfect place in the heart of Provence
Guest: Jazz
(Osijek, Croatia)
Date of Stay: 08/14/10
Review Submitted: 09/01/10
Me and me wife stayed here with another couple. We had a fantastic time in Provence and traveled all around. The house itself is beautiful, it definitely has a soul and truly reflects the spirit of Provence. As an extra bonus, we've really appreciated the free international phone calls and the small laptop with the free internet connection. Beside contacting our family and checking our emails, this also really helped us to book various guided tours and events. Both Cynthia and Babette were most kind, I'd like to thank them here again for their hospitality. About Saint Cannat - we've travelled much and visited a lot of places, but I have to say that Saint Cannat is among my top 3 Provence locations. I can't understand why there are no more tourists there. It's a perfect little village-town, with beautiful old houses and fountains all over the place (one is directly in front of the house). There are few things to compare in life with sitting in cafe at Saint Cannat's central square in the morning, nibbling delicacies from local bakeries, sipping your coffee and simply enjoying Provencal way of life. Whoever invented the phrase "Take it easy", must have had something like this in mind. Beside its beauty, Saint Cannat also proved to be a perfect base for travelling around, only 10 mins drive from Aix, which btw, is one of the most beautiful cities I've ever seen. We’ve also visited Avignon, Arles, St. Tropez, Cassis, Marseilles, St. Remy and other, smaller, but beautiful places like Fontaine-du-Valcluse, Abbaye de Senanque, L’Occitane Cosmetic Factory in Manosque, winery Val Joanis in Pertouis (with its "out of this world" gardens), etc. All these locations are within an hour drive from Saint Cannat (except St. Tropez, which is 2 hours away). Overall, this was a fantastic holiday. I'd recommend this house to everyone who wants to experience the true Provence. P.S. Don't miss the cabaret in Chemins Des Figons. It's a 20 mins drive from Saint Cannat, you need to book in advance, ask about it in the Aix's tourist office.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing, romantic getaway, age 55+.
Guest: Claire Gabelmann
(Bandol, France)
Date of Stay: 07/31/09
Review Submitted: 07/31/09
Dear Cynthia, We had a wonderful stay at your beautiful and comfortable home. We cooked fresh vegetables from the wonderful Wednesday market and enjoyed the roast chicken they sell. Going out for baguettes and croissants in the morning really started out our day. The location is perfect for day trips all over Provence. We even got to see Le Tour de France one day near Sault. We loved the beaches near Stes. Maries de la Mer. Thanks to you and Babeth for your hospitality.
Recommended for:
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