Set in an untouched perched hamlet in the South of France this magical Cevenol Bastide offers breathtaking views : a haven for genuine gatherings in a refined and spacious place for up to 11 people.
A most atmospheric, esthetic retreat from the busy world cooled by mountain breezes in the blistering summer, with superb walks, rivers for swimming or canoeing down in the valley, unusual excursions galore - and just 6 kilometers from all shopping. It is totally peaceful and calm. Unforgettable memories. Wonderful Swimming in nearby rivers and hikes.
The space: La Bastide d'Esparon is a special place to stay -a haven in Provence- full of breathtaking views of the Cevennes mountains in a big and tastefully restored stone house.
You are in the South of France and you feel you are on the top of the world. You are living indoor and outdoor with constant views from the windows and terraces on the untouched and intact sunny countryside of Les Cevennes Meridionales with its rolling mountains, high plateaux and big sky.
A Bastide is an ancient fortified house in Provence. The house still has old sinks, carved stones, vaulted ceilings and thick walls which attest to its past history. Some say it was the location of the old Merovingian castle. A well-restored place, much loved by the creative, colour-conscious family who have owned it for 50 years. A refined atmosphere, with high ceilings, white walls, and a great feeling of luminousness. Everywhere are lovely kilim rugs and pieces brought back from the owners' travels – fine old wooden chests, antique wardrobes, contemporary art and books. La The indoor lLving Room and Dining Room have magical vaulted ceilings which maintain the house cool in the summer.
Located in the Languedoc-Roussillon in the Cevennes National Park- a Unesco natural site. Great excursions to Montpellier, Nimes, La Camargue, the Mediterranean and Avignon. La Bastide d'Esparon is situated in the Languedoc-Roussillon. 1 to 2 hours from Montpellier, Nîmes, Marseilles airports, bus or train stations.
Description of the House:: The house is called La bastide d'Esparon. La Bastide is a typical Provencal stone house. Probably dating back from the VIIth century.
In a Nutshell: The Bastide d'Esparon is big and vast as it has 200 square meters indoors and a big 80 square meter outdoor terrace.
9 rooms.
5 bedrooms for up to 11 people :
4 Double Bedrooms : 2 Doubles with Queen beds, 2 Doubles with 2 Single beds.
1 Single Bedroom with Single bed
1 Sofa Bed for 2
4 bathrooms
1 Dining Room with big table
1 living room with fire place
1 Family Room with TV
1 Office with big desk
1 big outdoor Terrace with big outdoor dining table, 4 lounging chairs and a barbecue
1 Kitchen
You will live inside and outside on the great terrace, where we usually have our meals or lounge or nap. Your sleep will be perfect. The local market is fantastic with only local products, most organic. Perfect for nature-lovers who love to walk and hike on the great trails, go to the surrounding rivers and picnic. Cook at home and enjoy the sunsets and sunrises.
The hamlet of Esparon is an untouched medieval village dating from the XI th century in a very picturesque ensemble of 25 houses with a medieval chapel and a running fountain, a communal oven and remains of ramparts and towers. You can walk into the village and admire the 25 houses with their typical architecture, untouched and you can meander into the old streets. You can take many hikes leaving from Esparon.
Guest access: You have access to the whole Bastide d'Esparon, just for you and your guests.
Other things to note: All my guests always say the house is magical. They all want to come back. There are hardly any cars in the hamlet. It is like being back in another time. With its breathtaking views from every where on the sky and the hamlet and the soft Cevennes mountains, airy but colorful and contemporary decoration.
In the summer, there are many rivers to go to for great swimming, beautiful water and no one along the river:
1/ 10 minutes away where you can go and swim.
The nearest is at Breau, easy trail to get to. Great for kids.
Another one is au Coudoulous, great in the morning.
2/ 20 minutes away: L'Arre: At Ganges in the direction of Saint-Laurent du Minier.
3/30 minutes away: Le Cirque de Navacelles. A spectacular canyon with miles of river, where you can picnic and walk on trails.
4/ 30 minutes away: Laroque. Canoe-kayak. for half a day or a whole day, you can go canoeing in the easy Gorges of L'Herault.
5/2 hours away. Near Montpellier, the beaches of the Mediterranean and la Camargue. You can go for the day and bathe in the Mediterranean.