Cosy apartment-private garden, terrace, patio-in typical village near Lourmarin

THE ATYPICAL

If you’re drawn to places with a touch of the unusual, full of character and charm, come and explore our Garden Apartment at Chez David – fully renovated in late 2024, with its covered patio, terrace, and semi-wild garden, right in the heart of the village of Vaugines (just next to Lourmarin).

It’s an intimate space: whether you’re in the garden, on the patio, or on the terrace, you’re surrounded by greenery.

THE APARTMENT

Park right in front of the house, push open the garden gate, climb a few steps, and wander through the semi-wild, partly-walled garden – planted with fig trees, an olive tree, rosemary, and lavender (plus a few picnic tables) – until you reach the Garden Apartment...

Step inside (yes, a few more steps) and you’ll find the bedroom with its vaulted ceiling, windows overlooking the garden (including a window seat), a double bed, and an en-suite shower room.

A hallway leads to the lounge with its brand-new built-in kitchen (microwave, fridge, etc.), a toilet (with washing machine), two sofas, bookshelves – and two outdoor spaces...

The covered patio faces south (but is shaded from the sun), while the more secluded terrace (with iron table, wooden sofa and chairs, etc.) faces east – both overlooking the garden, of course, with Cézanne’s famous Sainte-Victoire in the distance.

The renovated décor blends contemporary and Provençal styles, with large windows that flood the rooms with light.

AUTUMN IN THE LUBERON

September & October – the new July and August (almost)!

Why visit us in September or October?

The obvious reasons:
- Fewer crowds!
- Lower prices!

But also the weather: it’s still warm and sunny, often reaching 25–30°C in September and early October. Perfect for outdoor activities – from cycling to hiking (the mountain trails reopen). And the cooler evenings make dining outside a real pleasure.

But autumn is especially magical for the changing colours of the leaves and trees (take a look at our photos): it’s like being in New England, but closer to home – and the vineyards, with their golden, brown, and yellow hues, are simply breathtaking.

WHY CHOOSE US?

Our gîte is ideal for visitors seeking charm and comfort, and who enjoy the outdoors – especially walking and cycling.

It’s also a peaceful retreat if you’re looking to recharge… while staying close to historic cities like Aix, Avignon, or coastal gems like Marseille and Cassis.

As our home is a traditional Provençal house, it’s unfortunately not suitable – despite our best efforts – for guests with mobility issues or for young children.

OUR VILLAGE

The village of Vaugines is a peaceful hamlet, roughly halfway between Aix and Avignon – two of France’s great cultural centres – making it a perfect base for the Cézanne exhibition in Aix or the Avignon Festival.

To the north lies the Luberon mountain range; elsewhere, you’re surrounded by vineyards. Vaugines sits on a ridge between Cucuron and its better-known neighbour Lourmarin, the final resting place of Albert Camus.

This picturesque village is popular with cyclists (that’s why we chose to live here!), walkers, and horse riders. It has a combined grocery and bakery, a bar (serving pizzas and simple fare), and a top-notch restaurant.

Vaugines is also known for being one of the filming locations for Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources.

A HOME (NOT A HOTEL)!

When you rent our gîte in Provence, the most important thing to remember is also the simplest: your holiday home is our home too!

During your stay, it will be your home – and we truly hope you’ll feel comfortable and welcome. It’s your private, cosy space, and we won’t intrude.

But once you’ve left, we’ll be using the same space again – the same lounge, terrace, shower, bed, and toilet – so please take good care of these precious things!

In short: please treat the apartment like a home, not like a hotel.

Think of it as staying at a friend’s place – how would you leave your friend’s apartment?

(Okay, okay, you probably already knew that – but it’s important to us.)


SMALL PETS

If you’re thinking of bringing your (small) pet to the gîte, here’s what works for us as proud and animal-loving owners:

Your pet is not allowed on our three (brand-new) sofas or on the bedding (also brand-new)! Never = never (please!).

Your dog or cat must not be left alone in the apartment.

Their human is responsible for any little accidents (and any necessary cleaning)!

If you feel these “rules” (yes, we know, it’s a harsh word) are unfair, then sadly we won’t be able to host your pet.

Sorry.

But if that all sounds fine, then we’ve got plenty of sticks and balls in the garden for your dog to play with!

And if your dog (or cat) gets along with other dogs, we’d be happy to introduce them to our cocker spaniel, Sir Bobby (who, by the way, is also not allowed on the beds or sofas).

We can point you to the best walks around the village (and where to find poop bags)!

We can also recommend the best local vet, just in case.

And don’t forget to bring your pet’s food and water bowls!

Still unsure? Just send us a quick message.

We hope all of this sounds clear – and above all, fair.