Secluded Getaway - Tranquility Personified - Privacy and Peace
- Minimum stay:6 nights
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:No
- Wheel chair accessible:No
LOCATION
The historic perched village of Grambois is located on the South side of the Luberon mountain in the Provence region of the South of France. It is one of the very pretty villages which constitute the Luberon National Park whose natural beauty and wild life are jealously preserved.
It is around 25 minutes drive from the ancient and elegant city of Aix en Provence which owes its origins to the Gauls and the Romans around 2200 years ago. Marseille, its international airport and the Mediterranean are a further 20 minutes away.
When you arrive, whether it is by plane or high speed train you will need to hire a car to fully benefit from what the region has to offer. All the major hire car companies are present.
THE ACCOMMODATION
We live in the middle of an emerald green oak wood full of song birds and the sounds of the cicada in high Summer. It is tranquility personified. The gite is a modern but Provencal style self-contained apartment detached from the main house, with its own approach and parking. It is fully double glazed to keep out the midday sun and sleeps two/three.
There are no other gites and your privacy is assured. We have lived here for over ten years and our house is completely independent from the gite but we are on hand should any advice or assistance be required.
The ‘French windows’ entrance faces the wood and you step into a kitchen/dining area with a comfortable wrought iron single bed which doubles as a sofa. The kitchen is fully equipped with a four rings ceramic cooking hob with extractor fan and a multi system microwave oven. A refrigerator, washing machine, toaster, coffee maker and electric kettle complete the main items.
A large smoked glass paneled arched door leads to the bedroom. This door once graced an old abbey but now creates an interesting accent between the ancient and the new.
The airy, high ceilinged bedroom contains a king size double bed ( or two single beds may be provided if desired ) There is plenty of cupboard and drawer space and also storage for your suitcases out of sight. The large picture window faces the forest and as the shadows lengthen and you come in from an energetic day out you can sit in a comfortable armchair and contemplate the beauty outside.
A flat screen TV ( should you even wish to put it on! ) gives you, via satellite, all the British TV including all the BBC stations both TV and radio and CNN and Bloomberg to keep you in touch with world events. Should you be a classical music fan you have a choice of the best via satellite, including a large choice of DVDs if there is nothing on the TV to tempt you….. and if you really must, internet is at your service.
En suite with the bedroom is the bathroom with washbasin, a spacious shower and lavatory
FOOD AND DRINK
There are few more pleasurable things in life than starting your day with warm croissants, good coffee and the French baguette. Several bakeries nearby will give you the chance to indulge your wildest carbohydrate fantasies and if that isn’t enough we have locally several excellent restaurants with inexpensive menus but really good food. Wherever you go it will be difficult to find bad food. They simply would not survive.
If you fancy your own culinary skills the market days vary from village to village and so you could, if you so wished, visit them all throughout the week. One of the best, Lourmarin, is nearby and buzzing on a Friday until early afternoon and you might just bump into Peter Mayle, the author of ‘A Year in Provence’. He lives in the village and is often seen at the local bar.
Everything you have ever heard about French markets is here and more. A riot of colour and perfumes for all the senses. From fresh produce to fish which that morning swam in the sea and fruit which was picked that morning to bring to the market and as for the oysters, you can buy a dozen that were under water the same morning for 5 euros! The best deal in town. The scents and perfumes of Provence follow you everywhere as you move from market stall to market stall. Try out your French by all means but if that is still too rusty the finger pointing is a very good substitute and many marketers manage passable English.
If you feel more energetic you have a beautiful coast an hour away with the freshest of fish and the famous ‘Bouillabaisse’ fish stew that is the hall mark of Marseille.
In fact, whatever outdoor activities you may wish to engage in ( including golf by the way…around 30 minutes drive away) it is likely that you will not have far to go to find it.
As Oscar Wilde once wisely said “ I can resist anything except Temptation.” That certainly applies to us and we hope that you will enjoy this part of the world as much as we do.
Keywords: La Petite Maison, an all year round elegantly cosy Cottage nestled in a forest of oak trees
Property Type
- Cottage
- 500 sq. ft.
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Meals
- Guests Provide Their Own Meals
Suitability
- Limited Accessibility
- Non Smoking Only
- Pets Not Allowed
Bedrooms
- 1 Bedrooms, Sleeps 3, Beds for 2-3
- Bedroom 1
- Other (See Description)
- King size beds (1), Twin or Single Beds (1)
Bathrooms
- 1.0 Bathrooms
- Bathroom 1
Kitchen & Dining
- Coffee Maker
- Toaster
- Kitchen
- Refrigerator
Amenities
- Towels Provided
- Hair Dryer
- Iron & Board
- Parking Off Street
- Linens Provided
- Washing Machine
Other Amenities
Entertainment
- Television
- Books
- Music Library
- DVD Player
- Satellite / Cable
- Video Library
Communications
- Internet
- Broadband Access
Pool & Spa
- Private Pool
Outdoor Features
- Lawn / Garden
- Bicycles
- Outdoor Grill
Theme
- Away From It All
- Historic
- Romantic
- Tourist Attractions
Location & View
Activities
- Museums
- Groceries
- Hospital
- Laundromat
- Massage Therapist
- Medical Services
- Freshwater Fishing
- ATM/Bank
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Tennis
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Golf
- Cycling
- Sailing
- Sight Seeing
- Antiquing
- Live Theater
- Zoo
- Cinemas
- Restaurants
- Churches
- Ruins
- Horseback Riding
- Winery Tours
- Paddle Boating
- Scenic Drives
- Walking
- Boating
- Wildlife Viewing
- Shopping
- Bird Watching
- Mountain Biking
Other Activities
Reviews
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Provencal ambience
Provencal ambience
- Guest Charlie
- Date of stay 09/18/12
- Review Submitted 09/29/12
This was our first stay at Le Chenaie, but hopefully not our last. We stayed 8 days in mid-September and loved every minute of it. Linda and Ivan are the penultimate hosts. The accommodations were perfect for my wife and me. Though a bit hard to find in the dark on arrival(no fault of Ivan's directions), once we got settled it was a peaceful, serene and "sympa" place to relax. We felt more like friends visiting friends than as guests. It is an excellent place from which to explore the Luberon valley with its quaint hill towns, as well as Aix-en-Provence, Arles and the Mediterranean coast. The gite was well-appointed and clean. We cooked several meals there and found the kitchen area nicely supplied. Lots of tourist info available in addition to Ivan and Linda's extensive knowledge of the area. We went to several local markets, took a self-guided tour of a vineyard(Chateau de Dorgonne in La Tour d'Aigue - excellent), saw the Roman sites in Arles, swam in the pool, saw the ochre cliffs in Rousillon, went to Cassis to see the calanques and a lot more. Les Tilluels restaurant, 5 minutes away, is excellent as is Les Temps Modernes in Cucuron. The film, "A Great Year", was partly filmed in Cucuron. We would highly recommend this gite to any couple wanting to experience the Provencal countryside. We have visited Provence once before this, but this was a far better experience thanks to Ivan and Linda. Si nous que vous remercions!!!Recommended for: Romantic getaway, age 55+, sightseeing.
Owner response: Charles has put his finger on it! it is more like ''friends visiting friends'' than guests visiting. And that is what makes it such a pleasure for Linda and myself. Our only regret that those who come for a week we want to keep for longer and what's more, they want to stay but their return trip is already booked!!! Maybe we'll have the pleasure of welcoming YOU next!
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Best part of the best vacation ever
Best part of the best vacation ever
- Guest nevertovec
- Date of stay 05/12/12
- Review Submitted 06/27/12
Our week in Le Chenaie was the highlight of a two-week mid-May adventure in France. Many months of planning and anticipating were rewarded when we arrived to meet Linda and Ivan. Their pride of ownership is evident, as aptly described in all other reviews herein. For us, this was the perfect gite: secluded, shaded, a the pristine pool to enjoy. We stocked enough food from the markets to allow us to start most days with a nibble of baguette and cheese and fruit, perhaps a cookie, while sipping our French-press coffee, Then off to one of the nearby villages of the Luberon to take in the countryside, the cafes, shops, etc. Midweek, we enjoyed a day in Cassis, then dinner in the small harbor town of Carry le Rouet which included a spectacular fish platter. Our first dinner, in Grambois at the exquisite Auberge des Tilleuls set a high dining standard. However, whether a five-star restaurant such as this or the local pizzeria in Tour d'Aigue, or McDonald's on a Sunday evening (they have Heineken!), each meal was a unique and delicious adventure. Our only fear is that others may discover this gem and steal our place the next time we wish to book! We planned our trip to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary, and now, over a month later, it's the gift that keeps on giving as the memories are some of the sweetest ever. Linda and Ivan gave us the perfect setting and degree of companionship with which to enjoy this beautiful area in the south of France. Truly, we can't wait to return. My husband has been checking airfares almost daily for our next trip.Recommended for: Romantic getaway, girls getaway, adventure seekers, age 55+, sightseeing.
Owner response: Joe and Nancy highlight the variety of all the fun things to do in our part of the world. Both touristic and culinary! ( One of our local Michelin starred chefs offers an inexpensive day cooking course!) We are fortunate to be living in the middle of a National park which prevents the spoiling of our beautiful Nature habitat with concrete and more concrete. This is still France like it used to be!
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A little slice of heaven!
A little slice of heaven!
- Guest Francine and Michel
- Date of stay 09/12/11
- Review Submitted 11/07/11
Our stay at La Petite Maison in mid-September could not have been more perfect. Our hosts, Linda and Ivan, were most welcoming. They were helpful in providing tips for sightseeing, market days, restaurants, etc. The comfortable cottage made us feel at home. It was located within short drives from most villages and points of interest. We spent our days going to market in Aix, Lourmarin, Pertuis, stopping in perched villages for lunch (Bonnieux for the view), visiting sights along the way, making a stop or two at wineries or the wine co-op…only to find ourselves back home at the end of the day to relax by the pool, pastis in hand before preparing our evening meal in the fully equipped kitchen. Dinner on the terrace, watching the sunset over the church steeple in Grambois, sigh…wish we were there right now!Recommended for: Romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Owner response: Perhaps, we as the hosts should write comments on our visitors also!! So far we have been extremely fortunate to have such nice people visit. You ALL get a '5'and we wish that you all lived a little nearer us so that, selfishly, we could enjoy your company throughout the year!! Just one comment more......we have seen that the age bracket is much wider than we thought and all you under 40'ties seem to have had a really good time. Long may it continue.
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Relaxing Bit of Heaven
Relaxing Bit of Heaven
- Guest Dino and Carol
- Date of stay 10/21/10
- Review Submitted 10/13/11
We just returned from a little over two week stay with Linda and Ivan in their wonderful woodland retreat. Not only did we completely enjoy our vacation in the charming cottage which was spick and span and competely equiped (they even had milk, coffee, butter and all sorts of extras on hand when we arrived) but we now have the added benefit of having acquirerd two new good friends. The owners could not have been more accomodating and helpful in advising about where to visit, market days in the various surrounding villages, directions, restaurants and fun things to see and do. The fact that they are English and multi lingual speaking was a real asst for us Yanks! Nearby restaurant in Grambois (Auberge des Tilleuls) near the winery was terrific and also a good value compared to many others in the Luberon. Others like Auberge du Cheval Blanc and Restaurant Du Lac in nearby villages were also very good and charming. The Petite Maison is very well located for little day trips to the villages and also to Aix and Avignon. You will require the excellent directions provided by owners to find it as the cottage is located about 800 yards off the main road within the National Park area. Gorgeous woods, lots of birds with great singing voices abound. We were there in late Sept. and early Oct. so the trees were turning, leaves and acorns falling and beautiful color everywhere. Weather was astoundingly blue and sunny every day! Day trips we enjoyed were to Lourmarin, Menerbes, Aix, Avignon. St. Remy, Rousillon, Bonnieux, Cavaillon and many others where outdoor cafes and reastaurants abound and the sightseeing is great. Also a day trip to Manosque where the Occitane en Provence factory is located where we enjoyed a tour and visit to their museum where we learned much about lavender and shea butter production and the emphasis on sustainability so prominent in their thinking. All in all, had a wonderful time which will stay in our memory banks for a long time to come.Recommended for: Romantic getaway, age 55+, sightseeing.
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Everything we hoped for
Everything we hoped for
- Guest Gina & John
- Date of stay 05/21/11
- Review Submitted 07/06/11
We had the pleasure of spending two weeks at Le Petit Maison. It is perfectly and centrally located, allowing one to discover the best of Provence through day trips in all directions. If you prefer to stay put, the cottage is a fully self-contained retreat with a boulangerie, vegetable mart, wine coop and cafe all within walking distance. We spent half of our vacation touring and marketing and the other half at "home" reading, relaxing and cooking our market purchases in the excellent kitchen. Ivan and Linda are wonderful hosts: the cottage was lovingly prepared for our arrival and they were always available to provide us with tourist or driving information or just have a great chat over a glass of wine. They are well plugged into the local scene and have great restaurant and activity recommendations. Thanks for a great experience. We would (and plan to) come back again and again.Recommended for: Romantic getaway, age 55+, sightseeing.
Owner response: We are always very aware of the responsibility to make someone's vacation the best that it can be. After all, we are also tourists when we go on our own vacation and so much appreciate when our hosts make it an enjoyable experience. We can only promise to try....but that is a real promise!
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Woodland Gem
Woodland Gem
- Guest Karen & Richard
- Date of stay 06/11/11
- Review Submitted 06/23/11
What a truly delightful woodland gem. If you like nature and peace, combined with easy access to some of the most picturesque villages, vibrant markets and restaurants in Provence, this is perfect. We had the joy of staying at La Petit Maison for 1 week, sadly not longer, the cottage has everything you need and is appointed to a very high standard. The weather was wonderful so the pool was a welcome cool down in the afternoon. The owners were extremely welcoming and provided a very useful book of information but were also on hand to help with restaurant choices, different places to visit and advise of any local events taking place. We went out every day, not only to nearby villages but to Aix for some retail therapy and to the coast for lunch, all very easy to get to, then in the afternoon it was a bottle of wine or two and chill out by the pool, heaven. Two restaurants well worth a visit were Restaurant Du Lac and La Closerie. A thoroughly enjoyable holiday. Thank youRecommended for: Romantic getaway, adventure seekers, age 55+.
Owner response: All our visitors seem to love Provence as much as we do. That makes our task very easy and indeed very pleasant. Long may it continue.
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Peace, quiet and tranquillity
Peace, quiet and tranquillity
- Guest Penny
- Date of stay 08/14/10
- Review Submitted 02/13/11
We have stayed in Provence many times and at this delightful cottage twice. It is completely self-sufficient, recently refurbished to a high standard in the provencal style with all new fixtures and fittings and with every mod con that one requires. There is a separate kitchen should one wish to cook but there are some splendid restaurants in the area that one simply has to indulge in (a lovely one nearby is the Restaurant du Lac in La Bonde). As this charming cottage is in a beautifully secluded spot, a car is a must for visiting the coast, Aix and the typically provencal villages. The owners live nearby and are extremely helpful and knowledgeable of their area and make one feel very welcome.Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, sightseeing.
Owner response: It is always a pleasure to be appreciated. Although we are in the adjoining house we recognise the importance of privacy and our visitors have a totally private approach and parking for their vehicle, but if needed we are always available.
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Waking up in the most beautiful spot
Waking up in the most beautiful spot
- Guest Provence#1Fan
- Date of stay 09/03/10
- Review Submitted 01/25/11
We've been lucky enough to stay here twice. Once in July and again in the Fall. It's as clean as a whistle, the owners are lovely and very helpful, but most of all, it's full of light and cross breezes and you wake up with the most beautiful woods in front of you. It's like 'camping' in the woods, except you are in this cute little cottage with all the modern conveniences you need. It's definitely far from the maddening crowds and has a shared pool to cool off in as well.Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, sightseeing.
Owner response: Our objective has always been to welcome guests as we would wish to be welcomed. It is a simple philosophy but it works. As for the pool......you only have us two to share with....and of course with the bird song all around.
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Rates
| Dates | Nightly | Wknd Night | Weekend | Weekly | Monthly * | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Rate 6 night min stay |
€100 | €700 | €2240 | |||
Before paying contact the owner to confirm payment details.
Call the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.
Owner info
Year Purchased: 2000
About the owner: We purchased our home in 2000 and lovingly created and built this wonderful cottage for our friends and family to visit and relax in. Now it can be yours to spend a week or two -- enjoying the ultimate 'off the grid' holiday. Relax and get back to normality here in our little corner of paradise.
Why the Owner Chose Grambois:
THE WEATHER
The South of France is a favoured part of the world when it comes to the weather and our part of it has an additional major plus. Even in high Summer, with the temperatures up in the nineties.it is never humid and therefore not draining. As dusk falls we have the best moments after the exertions of the day. The temperature drops down to the mid seventies and as the BBQ perfumes fill the air you can plan the details of the following days adventure. The key statement is that we have 300 sunny days in the year
The Unique Benefits at this Cottage:
THE OUTSIDE
Our property is located on several acres of woodland and the nearest neighbours are several hundred yards away. Gently sloping terraces go down to a stream at the bottom. It gurgles happily for most of the year except in the driest of Summers.
Back at the gite you can relax outside with a cooling glass of your favourite beverage, and , if you so choose, all your breakfasts can be al fresco.
When the sun is high in the sky and you don’t feel like driving to the Med you can enjoy the large swimming pool, which, incidentally is the same depth all over so that you do not need to tread water whilst you hold your gin and tonic, surrounded by oak trees and complete peace.
The story goes that the terraces were constructed in the 18th century in order to create vegetable growing for the village which lies just across the valley dip. Nature then took over and for many years brambles took over. Today we have cleared much of the old terracing and it does make a pretty walk.
Contact us
- Primary: 011.33.4.90779068
- Secondary: skype: ivankish
- Click Here to see All My Rental Listings
Photos
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bedroom
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entrance to La Petite Maison
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bedroom
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a glass of wine al fresco
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outside comforts
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poolside
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endless fields of future wine
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market fast food if cooking is not planned.........
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something the Romans left behind in Arles
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Roman mosaics....so beautiful
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the fabulous Roman aqueduct in Nimes
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a day trip.....near Marseille
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our perched village
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bedroom
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Fully equipped kitchen and dining area. Light filled, with cross breezes.
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going to the pool
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poolside
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chained to the BBQ
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the perfumes and colours of Provence
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our sylvan stream....table for BBQ nearby
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Gallo Roman town of Glanum....only partly dug out
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the man himself...Julius Caesar, the bust recently dredged up from the Rhone
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chateau d'IF, where the count of Monte Cristo was 'imprisoned'
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the mini fjords off Marseille
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Date last modified - Friday, May 24, 2013
011.33.4.90779068