A charming 19th century home nestled in the heart of the village of Roaix, perched on a hill surrounded by Côtes du Rhône vineyards. This house was built in 1860 as a stone stable in the ancient village of Roaix. It was converted to a traditional stucco house in 2000 and remodeled by the owners in 2013.
Rue de l'Église is ideal for a couple and offers a great base from which to explore the history, culture and natural beauty of the region of Provence. Tile floors and exposed wood beam ceilings give the home a welcoming feel. Two large windows bring in lots of natural light.
Directly outside the front door is the heart of the village, filled with planted shrubs and flowering trees. A 150 year old fountain with a stone bench, a small table and portable chairs offers a spot for outdoor relaxation. There are extensive views over Provence from a nearby lookout point.
The living room has a sofa, large chair, writing desk and media cabinet. The decor is a mix of modern comfort and eclectic market finds.
Two steps lead up into the sunny eat-in kitchen, which is well equipped with all new appliances, full-size refrigerator/freezer, and quality cookware. A hardwood dining table seats four. Double windows open to the quiet village street.The newly renovated bathroom has a large all-tile shower, a large sink with storage drawers, a toilet, and a washer/dryer combination.
A ship’s ladder leads up from the living room into the loft bedroom, with a queen size bed and built-in shelving and storage. The ceiling is not full height but is very manageable, even for tall people.
The historic parish church and 12th century château are reminders of Roaix’s rich past. A nearby lookout point gives clear views of Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail. On all sides are the vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône region. Wines have been produced in these parts since pre-Roman times and were a favorite with kings and popes during the medieval Avignon papacy.
There are miles of walking paths and bike routes in the immediate area. The post office, butcher, baker, a hair salon, a restaurant and an antique shop are all within a short walk of the house. Within a quick drive are several beautiful villages including Sablet and Séguret, excellent restaurants, and vineyards offering wine tasting and sales.
Provence has the most fertile plains in France, evident in the abundance of products found at the year-round Tuesday market in the nearby town of Vaison-la-Romaine, just a few kilometres away. The many merchants on its narrow streets offer fruits, vegetables, fish and meat, figs, berries, truffles, artisanal honey, lavender, cheese, olive oil, cloth, olive wood products, and much more.Available locally are an outdoor pool, tennis courts, and two gyms. The region has three hundred kilometres of marked trails, so plan to take a picnic and enjoy the flora and fauna and the landscapes that inspired artists like Van Gogh.
Cycling enthusiasts will enjoy the ease of the country roads or the challenge of the mountain climbs, such as Mont Ventoux, a famously difficult stage of the Tour de France. Bikes can be rented from local merchants. History buffs will appreciate the Roman ruins and ancient theatre in the town of Vaison-la-Romaine. The town’s bridge, built by the Romans, has been in continuous use since the first century.The Vaucluse has a rich variety of landscapes - lavender fields, vineyards, forests, mountains, and rivers. There are many excellent day trips to take from Rue de l’Église. The Vaucluse region has seven villages that are officially ranked among the most beautiful in France, and each one is well worth a visit.
The town of Saint-Rémy, an hour’s drive, is home to some excellent shopping, but also the Roman archeological site of Glanum, and the Saint-Paul Asylum where Vincent Van Gogh painted over 150 canvases.The city of Avignon is also within an hour’s drive and offers art and cultural museums, historic sites, gardens, and the famous medieval Papal Palace, from the period when the papacy moved from Rome to Avignon.
If you enjoy antique and second-hand shopping, then don’t miss l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, with its world renowned market which is home to over 300 antique dealers.
Also within a short drive is the aqueduct of Pont-du-Gard, a stunning example of Roman engineering built in the first century. Visitors can walk all around and over the aqueduct, and the museum traces the history of this UNESCO World Heritage gem.There are also many opportunities for river kayaking and swimming in this region. The local tourist office can help you navigate through the choices. There are also wine tasting tours, cooking classes, French classes, art lessons, and truffle hunting excursions.
We will be very pleased to make suggestions for your stay. We live here for half the year, and are passionate and knowledgeable about our adopted home.