Location: St.-Cannat, Aix en Provence Area, Provence, France, Europe (15 min. from Aix, 30 min. from Marseille Airport & Med Sea)
Accommodations: Village House, 3 Bedrooms + Loft, 2 Baths (Sleeps 8)
LES BOUGAINVILLIERS, a splendid stone "Village House", renovated by an imaginative French architect, was once used as a location in a French film. It belongs to me, Cynthia Gillespie-Smith, an American living on the French coast at Bandol. I've owned Les Bougainvilliers since 1995, and lived here for several years. Normally I am available 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. I am still amazed at how few tourists stop in Saint Cannat as they dash from Aix to the Luberon or west to Les Baux and Arles. Yet Saint Cannat has 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.
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 TV/VCR room stuffed with lots of great old films. 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 the right appliances and tools for preparing your Provencal meals. There is a library space with novels, travel and art books, an enclosed courtyard full of flowering plants, a private, sunny, roof top terrace, a stone vaulted storage room and convenient parking. 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 all summer. All year long the warm afternoon sun floods the living room, rooftop terrace, and farmland across the street.
Tastefully furnished with a combination of French antiques and modern pieces, the house is extremely well maintained and continually updated.
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... a nice stroll on a summer's evening.
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
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Wood Fireplace: Our fireplace draws well and gives a good deal of heat.
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Double Bed
- Twin/Single Bed (2)
- Convertible Bed
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- VCR
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen: We have a dishwasher, microwave, coffee maker, toaster and more
- Cooking Utensils Provided: High quality cookware, pretty plates and glasses
- Refrigerator (2) : Two small refrigerators
- Dishwasher
- 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
- WiFi (Wireless Internet): Newly installed WIFI is a real bonus!
- 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 (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Sailing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Antiquing
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Horseback Riding
- Hot Air Ballooning
- 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)
Last Minute SPECIALS! Just ask!
Jan. - Feb..............................€70 night (4 night min.)
March................................. €100/night (4 night min.)
April, May, June & Oct ............... €1000/week
July, August, Sept................... €1180/week
Nov & Dec...............................€80/night (4 night min.)
Xmas and/or New Years ................€1100/week
Utilities charged in cold weather only. Cleaning fee of 50 euros.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Property Photos
- Welcome to Les Bougainvilliers - St. Cannat, Provence, France - Vacation Rental near Aix-en-Provence
- Dining Room -- table extends for 8 people - St. Cannat, Provence, France - Vacation Rental near Aix-en-Provence
- The landing with antique chest - St. Cannat, Provence, France - Vacation Rental near Aix-en-Provence
- The Living Room
- Les Bougainvilliers armoire, living room
- Full Modern Kitchen
- Chambre Jardin ~~ The Garden Bedroom
- La Chambre des Antiques ~~ The Antique Bedroom
- La Chambre Matisse ~~ The Matisse Bedroom
- Bathroom Upstairs with large walk-in shower
- Your rooftop terrace
- View from Chambre Jardin
Guest Comments (61)
First (10) of (61). View all comments
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #1138
There have been 2370 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2009.
This listing was first published here in 1998.
Date last modified - October 28, 2009
Positive Rating
We had a wonderful time exploring Provence. Shopping touring, swimming, and did we say shopping! The markets wee great fun with delicious fresh produce. The fresh bread every morning was wonderful. Enjoyed our "home" and hope to be back soon!
Positive Rating
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.
Positive Rating
I loved listening to the gurgling fountain as I was falling asleep. And being able to walk only a few steps from the gate to collect fresh spring water for our meals.
Positive Rating
What a wonderful location to spend a birthday celebration with the friends for Belinda's 50th. The house was perfect and every little detail added the Provencal touch. We throughly enjoyed our interactions with the locals, especially at the Wednesday local market. Food and wine using local produce provided many a memorable culinary experience. A great base to head off and explore the local wonders. Perfect weather - who could ask for more?
Positive Rating
Can it be true that our 4 weeks in St. Cannat and in your lovely Provencal home have come to an edn? It seemseautiful spring arrived. like just yesterday that we arrived on tht dark, rainy night. It was still winter here. During our stay a beautiful Spring arrived. We spent happy times on the scenic roads visiting the towns and villages, and hanging out in this lovely, comfortable house and in the village of St. Cannat. The Mas de Fauchon is great and worth the price.
Positive Rating
Delightful visit a la Belle France, a country which never disappoints. St. Cannat is an ideal location making access to so many facilities so easy.
Positive Rating
The stay at Villa Bougainvilliers has been an opportunity of a lifetime. The Wednesday market was an experience I am glad we did not miss. As a tip for others, the roasted chickens must be "reserved". Going to the market and coming home to cook is a treat ~ as others have said, the food tastes better here. Babeth was most helpful. My gratitude to Cynthia for allowing us to stay in her home. It is truly a "home".
Positive Rating
Thank you for allowing us to sahre your wonderfully inviting home in this lovely village. We could not get enough of this very beautiful part of your country...oh, to have had just one more week!!! Enjoyed Babeth's very animated pesonality ~ she was so pleasant and accommodating.
Positive Rating
We enjoyed our first trip to Provence! Thank you for welcoming us into your home. We especially enjoyed our day trips to Avignon, Arles, Nimes, Orange, Vaison le Romaine, and Cassis. Your home is lovely and we were very comfortable here. Babeth was helpful and we managed to communicate very well. We also loved your photos on the walls. You are so talented, I am jealous. Thank you again for a great time.
Positive Rating
With respect to the enthusiastic comments of earlier residents on the pleasure of meeting Cynthia and Babeth, the comfort of the villa, classic Provencial ambiance of St. Cannat, splendid pizza in the square,elegant dining at Le Mas de Fauchon, and the nearby attractions, including Aiz, Arles, and especially the commentary at Nostradamus's place in Salon, we are in complete agreement. Thank you for a wonderful week, "et a la prochaine".