Location: Aups, Provence, France, Europe (1 & 1/2 half hours from Nice, Marseilles, St.Tropez, Aix)
Accommodations: House, 6 Bedrooms + Sunroom, 4.5 Baths (Sleeps 13)
Keywords: Home
Le Jardin du Couvent, located in the village of Aups in the Haut Var region, is our family vacation home. The Couvent was originally built between 1629-1639, when a 12th century Cistercian abbey was converted into an Ursuline convent. Our house, the adjoining chapel and the garden were all part of the cloisters of the convent and were originally used as places of prayer and meditation. After World War II, when the property ceased being used for religious and educational purposes, ownership of the property reverted to the Duc de Blacas, the hereditary feudal noble and ruler of Provence. Our family acquired Le Jardin du Couvent in 1972 and we completed its renovation in 1990.
The interior of the home has been carefully restored and maintained. It is a comfortable and attractive home with modern conveniences. The house has central heating and four fireplaces. There are six bedrooms with beds for twelve people, four and a half bathrooms, and several sitting rooms and dining areas. The general decor of the house retains the flavor of its origins. The house is furnished with French country antiques and Oriental rugs. The arched cloister walkway and the spacious walled garden provide complete privacy for outdoor dining and relaxing. The house contains in excess of six thousand square feet, with ample parking available at the rear of the house.
Enjoy village life in 12th century Aups: it's just a three minute walk to your morning croissant, cafes, restaurants, and the small shops. The village maintains a swimming pool and tennis courts in the summer months for which a small fee is charged. There is an open air market every Wednesday and Saturday. Village fairs are held in May and August and provencal celebrations at Christmas and Easter. Or take any number of day trips to picturesque villages in the region, the Gorges du Verdon and the Lac de Ste. Croix or to Avignon, Nice, Aix-en-Provence, St. Paul de Vence, and the beaches of St. Tropez.
Caretaker lives in the village and speaks English.
For additional photos, please contact owner.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Gas Fireplace
- Wood Fireplace
- Beds
- King Bed
- Queen Bed
- Twin/Single Bed
- Crib
- Entertainment
- TV (No Cable/Satellite)
- CD Player
- Ping Pong/Table Tennis
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- View/Location
- Mountain View
- Communications
- Telephone
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- Large walled garden,
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Parasailing
- Swimming
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Basketball Court
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Horseback Riding
- Rafting
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Restaurants
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
Rate Details (In US Dollars/Euros)
June through September .. $3300/week
Rest of the Year ........ $2750/week
25% of the rental required at time lease is signed.
Balance 60 days prior to commencement of rental term plus $500 deposit.
Tenant pays fuel oil propane, firewood & telephone.
Equivalent of 6 hours housecleaning per week & gardening included.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Property Photos
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- The Walled Garden - Aups, Provence, France Vacation & Holiday Home
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- The Vaulted Cloister Way Bordering the Garden - Aups, Provence, France Vacation & Holiday Home
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- Dining in the Garden - Aups, Provence, France Vacation & Holiday Home
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- The Old Sycamore
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- Garden Entrance to the Grand Salon
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- The Grand Salon
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- Another View of the Grand Salon
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- The Living Room
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- View from the Living Room to the Kitchen
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- One of Six Bedrooms
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- The Garden Room
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- A Village Fete
Traveler Reviews (3)
Please Pinch Me . . . Am I Dreaming?
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/24/11
Review Submitted: 01/04/12
My group of 3 was romanced by the age and history of le Jardin du Convent. I could list all the remarkable attributes of the property which photos can not do justice: the filtered sun in the huge garden with towering Sycamore tree, the arched windows and doors, the stained glass windows of the salon, abundant modern bathrooms, the wonderful sun room where we often read, and the spacious kitchen. Also, we found Rebecca gracious, professional and willing to answer repeated questions and offer travel advice. The local contact was also most responsive. More importantly, the peacefulness and beauty of this carefully restored ancient building, now comfortable expansive Provencal home is an ideal destination to visit the region and live the lifestyle. We felt immersed in the experience of this house and this town. The kitchen left me wanting to cook boeuf bourguignon rather than sight-seeing! (I rarely cook!) We day-dreamed the scuffle of novice footsteps in the cloisters, and wondered what dignitaries the Mother Superior entertained in the grand salon. My most vivid memory is of turning the 5” skeleton key in an ancient arched wooden door to enter the roadway behind the garden wall, and thinking, “pinch me, I’m living a dream!” I want to have this dream again: I will be back!
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, families with young children, sightseeing, age 55+.
Our amazing trip to Aups, France
Guest: Darlene
(Rohnert Park, California)
Date of Stay: 05/24/11
Review Submitted: 06/12/11
This private, unbelievable home is like no place we have ever stayed before. The description on the web-site depicts the property perfectly. It is like a step back in time, yet with modern conveniences! The house has been beautifully restored to a point where you feel very comfortable. The five minute walk to the center of the village for your expresso or pastise in the morning is such a treat. The farmer's market on Wednesday and Saturday was one of the highlights of our stay. Anne and Mira were very helpful and very friendly. Anne prepared us an excellent dinner and made sure we had the local cheeses, fruits and wines available. Aups and the surrounding area is definitely worth visiting. I would not only return to this house myself, but I would bring my friends and family to experience this beautiful house. Thank you, Rebecca!
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, sightseeing.
Unique and Wonderful
Guest: Chablis Charlie
(northern California)
Date of Stay: 07/10/08
Review Submitted: 10/14/08
Old world charm in this ancient village of Aups. This private residence, a converted 16th century Convent with modern conveniences, is a joy to behold. Spacious, centrally located, yet private, the Convent was a perfect way to enjoy Provence at its best. The village of Aups was in high season when we arrived in mid-July. Although busy, it was very manageable in the quaint village with all the local stores, boulangeries, charcuteries and cafes only a short walk from the Convent. Also perfectly situated for the numerous day trips we embarked upon, we parked the rental cars when back home and walked everywhere in the village. With our family of 12 (ranging from 6 to 86), we were able to find diverse accomodations to suit everyone in our group. We spent many evenings dining in the spacious yard. Not the typical vacation rush, we will be back. Greg and Sandy
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, families with young children, sightseeing, age 55+.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #35180
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