Location: Ansouis, Luberon Area, Provence, France, Europe (25 min from Aix en Provence (TGV), 60 min Marseille airport)
Accommodations: House, 2 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 2 Baths (Sleeps 4-6)
Chez Ellen is nestled in the hillside of the perched village of Ansouis, which is rated one of the loveliest villages in France. In the middle ages, Ansouis held control of the pass between Apt and Aix en Provence. The Chateau d'Ansouis, which sits at the top of the village, was built around 961 and still retains its watchtower, iron entrance gate, and gardens. It is a short walk (5 minutes)from the house through the narrow maze of streets and the chateau is open for tours.
Take a morning stroll to our village boulangerie for a fresh baguette, or chocolate croissant, or to the new grocery for last minute items. Also located within a 5 minute walk are the Musee Extraordinaire, visitor's center, Bar des Sports (sports bar), the Tabac (gift shop & misc.,) our highly rated restaurants, and the Church of St. Martin.
In need of some exercise? Enjoy a hike through the vineyards and around the country homes at the base of the village. Take our bikes out for an afternoon ride. Go for a hike or swim at Etang de la Bonde (great spot for a picnic) or visit the nearby public swimming pool,there are 4 pools to choose from.
Day trips can include: the beach at Cassis (the Cote d' Azur or St. Tropez), Roussillon, the Camarque, Arles, Gordes, Marseille, Cannes, the Pont du Gard.... Take in the fresh air market offered in Ansouis (at the bottom of our street) or a nearby village almost everyday.
After your exciting day, return to Chez Ellen to relax. The first floor is designed for relaxing and entertaining. The fully stocked kitchen opens to the dining room where you will find beautiful provencal table linens. The kitchen cabinet doors were rescued from a ruined chateau as were all the house's interior doors. The living room has a candlelit fireplace along with media equipment, a large selection of DVDs and video tapes (children and adults in english and french,) wireless internet, puzzles, cards, games, and a small toybox. There is also a convertible sofa bed in the livingroom. In the sitting area, you can relax and read a book while sipping an espresso or a glass of wine while taking in the beautiful view of the Luberon through the large picture window.
Provence sunsets can be viewed from the terrace and the second floor balcony. Enjoy a beautiful summer breeze while grilling on the terrace and dining al fresco.
The two master bedrooms (located on the second level) have cozy queen-sized beds made with luxury linens. The larger of the two masters has an adjustable bed. Both bedrooms have writing desks perfect for penning postcards and each room has access to the spacious balcony where you can watch the sunrise. Along the second floor hallway is the library wall filled with an abundant collection of fiction, non-fiction, and France tour books.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Linens Provided: High quality linens.
- Beds
- Queen Bed (2) : Bed in larger master bedroom is an adjustable bed
- Convertible Bed: Very comfortable bed.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen: Newer oven, microwave, and dishwasher.
- Cooking Utensils Provided: Completely stocked kitchen for family meals and entertaining. Quality cookware and serveware. All the conveniences of home plus many more.
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill: with a chimney and an open front that doubles as a standing fire
- Deck/Patio: Covered dining area, patio furniture and a hammock.
- Lanai: Furnished with a table and chairs.
- View/Location
- Mountain View: An unobstructed view of the Luberon
- Communications
- Telephone (3) : Free local calls
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- High Quality Linens, Hairdryers (3),picnic items (cooler, water container, thermos, umbrella), swimming noodles for the lake, games, puzzles, 2 adult size bicycles
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Rock Climbing
- Basketball Court
- Antiquing
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Live Theatre
- Museums
- Horseback Riding
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Other Activities
- Wine Tours, Classical music festival, concerts held at the chateau.
Rate Details (In Euros)
Low Season ...... Jan-Mar;. .... 950.00 Euros/week.
Mid Season ....Apr,Oct,Nov,Dec...1150.00 Euros/week.
Shoulder Season..May,Jun,Sept,..1350.00 Euros/week
High Season......Jul-Aug........1450.00 Euros/week.
Long term rental discount available
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Property Photos
- Front Entrance from the Street - Provence, France Rental
- Summertime view of Ansouis and the Chateau from nearby vineyard - Provence, France Rental
- Dining Room overlooking French countryside - Provence, France Rental
- Sitting area near picture window
- Cozy kitchen with view of village
- Terrace dining with BBQ grill
- View from terrace
- Village of Ansouis
- View from bedroom balcony
- Village street
Guest Comments (5)
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #60771
There have been 20084 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2005.
This listing was first published here in 2005.
Date last modified - August 16, 2009


Positive Rating
Christine Frazier , Dallas, TX
Positive Rating
George & Karen B. , Westlake Village, CA
Positive Rating
We loved it! It was one of those special and magical places. In fact, it set the standard so high that our next place couldn't begin to live up to Ansouis. We loved our week at Chez Ellen and Ansouis, many happy pictures and memories. We were there 1 week and would definitely recommend it. It was our 2nd trip to Provence. Liked the 'charm', small village feel, and its proximity to other neat areas: Les Baux, other Luberon villages, market at Lourmarin.....
Positive Rating
We loved Ansouis. Wow, what accommendations. We had everything we needed. Well stocked spices & herbs...cutlery...hair dryers... We had an excellent stay at Chez Ellen and would consider staying there again. What a fantastic time and place and I have rented at least 10 different places in Provence!
Positive Rating
Beautiful area. We;ve already recommended it to our friends and family. Chez Ellen was very homey. It was very clean. We had everything we needed. Chez Ellen was beautiful. We had a wonderful time.