|
FULLY BOOKED SUMMER 2008. BOOK SUMMER 2009 NOW AT 2008 RATES!!!
The Reading Nook is a charming rustic home in traditional provencal mas-style tucked away in the village of Fuveau, 15 minutes south of Aix-en-Provence at the foot of Cezanne's mountain Ste. Victoire and 25 minutes from the Mediterranean beaches. It is 60-90 minutes from Cannes, St. Tropez, and Nice. The house is aptly named as it a haven from the modern world, providing a corner for rest, play, relaxation, and reading. The house has 5 bedrooms, one of which has been set aside as a playroom,. It sleeps 8, with a daybed in the playroom for a 9th guest if necessary and a sofabed in the lounge. It is full of character, with handcarved post, wooden ceiling beams, pine doors, and simply but tastefully decorated with quality Laura Ashley, Sanderson, and Villeroy and Boch fittings and fixtrues. The Reading Nook is ideal for couples and retirees, a family with children looking for run-around space, two families sharing, or family reunions. Spread over one acre, it has woods, a terraced garden, fruit trees, and a pool to lounge by.
Fuveau is an old Provencal town. It is a favourite site among local artists, with its church perched on top a hill, and famous for its international book festival in September at which renown international authors speak. There are not one, but three bakeries, which make truly delicious raspberry tarts and chocolate croissants.
Whether your passions are the arts, history, physical activities, foods and wines, touring, antiquing, or just lounging around, Provence, and The Reading Nook, have it all.
Arts: Aix-en Provence is the home of impressionist artist Paul Cezanne (visit his studio) and French literary author Emile Zola. Van Gogh painted his starry nights in nearby Arles and Picasso is buried next to Aix. The Aix Arts and Cultural Festival in the summer is a national French highlight and a favourite among Parisians.
History: In addition to art history, Roman history is very near at hand. The Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct, one of the ten wonders of the ancient world, is one hour north, near Avignon, which was the site of the Vatican for 400 years. Medieval Baux-de-Provence, the 'prettiest village in France' and the Roman amphitheatre at Nimes, which is still used (for bullfights), are close by.
Physical Activities: Hike up Cezanne's mountain or go horse-back riding. Explore trails in the Luberon mountains fragrant with lavender and rosemary scents. White-water raft or canoe under the Pont du Gard. Ski the lower Alps 90 minutes north. Bicycle along the Tour de France routes. And, of course, all the water sports one could expect at the azur blue Mediterranean: swimming, snorkeling, sailing, wind-surfing, scuba-diving, deep-sea fishing.
Too much activity? Just want to sit still and relax on your vacation? A pool, hammock, barbecue, house stocked with books and videos, large yard for children to run around in and children's playthings, board games, the Provencal sun... The Reading Nook.
Accessibility: Marseille (Marignane) International Airport is 25 minutes away, served by most major airlines (BA from UK, Air France form Paris, many US airlines) and tied to other French regional airports. It is also served by UK/European budget airlines Ryan Air and EasyJet (from London) who also fly into Nimes and Toulon (60 minutes away). Nice International Airport is 90 minutes away and serviced by most major international airlines and budget airline EasyJet (from many parts of Europe). The TGV train to both Aix and Marseille are just three hours from Paris and links with the UK Eurostar.
Rates are weekly. Saturday to Saturday rentals, check in 4PM, check out 10AM. Rates include utilities, linens and towels. Cleaning and laundry surcharge of 60 euros for parties over 6 people. Long stays at reduced rates and short stays available except during summers. Try one-three month long French study programmes at Aix University! |
