Tauleigne en Provence, Bollene.

Description for Gite

Tauleigne: A Stunning Vacation House

Location

Nestled on the southern side of a mountain, Tauleigne is surrounded by a vast forest spanning hundreds of acres. Boasting a magnificent view, the property is well-exposed and protected from the Mistral winds by nearby cliffs. It is located on the borders of Bollène, Vaucluse, and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur regions, with access through the charming village of Saint-Restitut in Drôme, Rhône-Alpes. The address is therefore listed in Saint-Restitut.

Easy access is provided via the A7 highway, taking the Bollène exit and following the provided itinerary for 7 kilometers.

The Property

Encompassing 32 acres of oak and evergreen oak trees, Tauleigne is situated amidst majestic rock formations and cliffs, with the ruins of Château de Chabrière adding to its serene ambiance. The property features winding pedestrian paths that lead to breathtaking views of the surrounding Bollène countryside, Dentelles de Montmirail, and Mont Ventoux. The front of the house boasts a grass garden adorned with laurel roses, lavender, snatolines, and rosemary, as well as a small oak wood that provides delightful shaded areas. This peaceful haven is perfect for those seeking tranquility or for families with children who can enjoy the swimming pool. Adjacent to the house, a refurbished ruin serves as a barbecue area, while a large garden table under the shade of oak trees provides a wonderful setting for alfresco dining. The property is well-lit, allowing for extended evenings. Additionally, there are terraces for playing pétanque near the pool, and a nearby cabana houses the pool filters, clothes washer, refrigerator, and toilets.

The garden and swimming pool are maintained twice a week, with automatic sprinklers.

The House

With the capacity to accommodate 10 to 12 people, Tauleigne is a charming Provençal house built in the early 19th century using regional stones, featuring stone windowsills, door frames, and ancient Roman tile roofing. The facade showcases two front doors, one leading to the living room and the other to the kitchen.

The first floor consists of three interconnected rooms, each separated by stone walls. These rooms include a kitchen with a dining area, a living room, and a dining room, all adorned with tiled floors.

The kitchen, located on the left upon entering, features a beautifully preserved antique mantle. Equipped with modern amenities, it offers a sink with draining board, four electric burners, an extractor fan, an electric oven, a dishwasher, a chopping block, multiple sockets, and all necessary utensils for preparing meals. In the front of the room, a table and chairs create a cozy dining spot. On the right, an original stone sink is integrated into the wall, adjacent to the living room door.

The living room, situated in the center of the house, boasts well-preserved stone walls and a ceiling made of wooden logs and large planks. The room also features a wood fireplace, perfect for colder seasons, which adds to its warm and inviting atmosphere. A staircase leading to the second floor conceals a small toilet and a cupboard. Comfortable couches and armchairs invite guests to relax, with a well-stocked library, including children's books, for reading pleasure. Additionally, a cordless telephone is available for communication in the garden.

The dining room is adorned with stone walls and houses a large table to accommodate all guests.

All three rooms on the first floor feature small Provençal-style windows that filter in gentle light, contrasting with the bright outdoor sunlight. The shutters can be adjusted to maintain a cool temperature during the early morning hours.

The second floor is accessed via a hallway leading to two rooms and a bathroom. Another hallway leads to three more rooms and a staircase.

The first room, located above the living room, is the largest and offers a double bed, two night tables, and a dresser with ample storage space. Two windows in a stone wall provide views of the garden and swimming pool. Upon request, this room can also accommodate an infant's bed and includes a telephone jack.

The second door in the hallway leads to a closet that is not accessible to tenants.

The exterior door in the old wall serves as a window, providing some additional light and air. The window on the door can be opened, but the door itself cannot.

The third door in the hallway leads to a bathroom with a bright ambiance, featuring white tiles with orange flower designs. The bathroom includes a sink and a shower/bath with a mixer tap and thermostatic control.

The fourth door in the hallway grants access to the second room, featuring a double bed positioned between two night tables. The wardrobe is built into the closet.

The old door on the left of the staircase opens into the entrance of the second hallway, leading to three doors and a staircase.

The first door in this hallway leads to a toilet.

The second door is the entrance to the second bathroom, which features vibrant colored tiles, a shower/bath, a sink, and shelving.

The third door leads to a youthful room equipped with two single beds, with one of the beds offering an additional pull-out bed.

The staircase leads to a dormitory on the mansard-roofed third floor, divided by a wardrobe into two sections. Each section includes two beds, with two of the beds featuring pull-out options. The dormitory can comfortably accommodate up to six people.

All rooms on the second and third floors, excluding the bathrooms and toilets, feature polished and finished pine wood floors.

Local Attractions

Tauleigne benefits from its proximity to the massive cliffs, which offer delightful walking and mountain biking opportunities. Visitors can explore the charming stone-age village, Château de Barry, and the medieval castle of Chabrière, while enjoying panoramic views from the nearby plateau and visiting the aging cellars of Celliers du Dauphin. Saint-Restitut is known for its converted ancient stone quarries, which now serve as a theater of images, projecting various themes onto the stone walls.

During the lavender season from mid-June to the end of July, the region showcases its most typical Provençal charm. Lavender fields provide a picturesque backdrop for walkers and nature enthusiasts. Beyond Tauleigne, there are numerous attractions to explore, including Mont Ventoux, Avignon with its July festival, Palais des Papes, Pont Saint-Benezet, Forteresse de Mornas with costumed actors, Roman ruins in Orange and Vaison-la-Romaine, Château de Grignan associated with Madame de Sévigné, Château de Suze-la-Rousse (Wine University), Abbey de Sénanque, Baux-de-Provence, traditional stone houses known as "bories," Château des Adhémar, Poète-Laval village, Garde-Adhémar de Gorde, and renowned markets in Carpentras, Orange, Pont-Saint-Esprit, and Malaucènes. Antique markets in Isle-sur-Sorgues and seasonal markets in Barjac and Saint-Restitut also offer unique experiences. For those seeking outdoor adventures, the Verdon Gorge, Nesque Gorge, and Ardèche Gorge (for kayaking) are within reach, while the Bamboo Forest in Anduse provides a tranquil escape. The region is also famous for its wine routes, such as Tricastin and Côtes du Rhône, and hosts various festivals throughout the year. Regional museums showcasing silk, railways, shoes, vineyards, and santons, as well as caves like La Madeleines and Laven d'Orgnac, offer cultural and educational experiences.

For beach lovers, the sea is just over an hour away, with Le-Grau-du-Roi and La-Grande-Motte located 115 km (70 miles) from Tauleigne. The mountains are also within reach, with the Verdon Massif only an hour away and the Alps offering skiing options within a two-hour drive.