Lagniappe in Vaucluse

In lovely, restored hamlet near several well-known medieval villages perched on hilltops (e.g., Roussillon, Gordes). ‘Lagniappe,’ which means pleasant, unexpected "extra" or gift, has large, private garden overlooking trees, mountains, and orchards. Walking, hiking and cycling are ideal in picturesque countryside. Rosemary and thyme grow wild in woods that one smells on walks to ocre cliffs of Roussillon. Wonderful area to explore, with many beautiful villages, each with its own market day. Avignon (45 mins by car) is famous for its truffle market, excellent shops, and summer festivals. All local villages have 'fetes' in summer. Famous market in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue has largest antique market outside of Paris on Sundays. The tranquil Cistercian abbey of Sénanque is close by as are excellent restaurants offering the special cuisine of rural Provence. Marseille, and the Camargue, with its wonderful flamingos, bulls, and wild horses, and Mediterranean coast are 1 ½ hours by car.

Features of house: Restored 19th c. stone house in beautiful restored village near the village of Roussillon. Peaceful, private, beautiful views, close to nature but only 5 km to nearest large town (Apt). Daily local markets in nearby villages. House has two levels and a basement with laundry room. Two terraces for meals and relaxing. One bedroom, en-suite shower room and WC on main level, three bedrooms, large terrace, one bathroom, one shower room and WC on second level. Newly painted in old Provencal colors, renovated kitchen in Provencal style, large living room (with terrace), spacious dining room, large Provencal fireplace. Completely private pool built in 2006, 8m x 4m.

Four bedrooms (two with doubles, one with singles and one with fold-out futon and single bed--a 'day bed'), 2 bathrooms, 1 ensuite salle d’eau, 2 WC’s. Exposed beams, cathedral ceilings upstairs. New, fully equipped Provencal kitchen, all amenities:  dishwasher, microwave, coffee and tea makers, full-size refrig, all utensils and cookware.

Stereo, CD player, TV, DVD player, video and music library, telephone.  Two terraces, BBQ grill, beautiful views. Large dining room and living room with Provencal fireplace. Enjoy cycling, hiking, local markets and the Luberon sunshine.

Activities in area: Many hiking and biking paths, GR 6 2 km from hamlet. Walk to ocre cliffs of Roussillon. Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, the spectacular Gorges du Verdon, Mont Ventoux and the Roman towns of Arles, Nîmes, Orange, Vaison-la-Romaine are all within an hour or two's drive, while Marseille, the Camargue, with its wonderful wild life, flamingos, bulls, and wild horses, and the Mediterranean coast are within easy reach (about 1 1/2 hours by car). Sports and Leisure: The area offers tennis courts in Gargas and two golf courses: GOLF ET COUNTRY CLUB in Pierrevert and PROVENCE COUNTRY CLUB in Saumane, near Isle sur la Sorgue.

Features of Region: 'grand' and 'petite' Luberon mountains, view of Mt. Ventoux from upper terrace, roughly 45 mins to Avignon (where Paris is 2 1/2 hour TGV train trip); one hour's drive to Aix-en-Provence (through the Luberon Mountain), skiing at Mt. Lure, about 1 1/2 hours to Arles, Nimes, Marseille, Camargue, Mediterranean beaches.

Winter (Nov. to Mar.): €950/week;   Christmas, New Year: €1150/week;    Low season (Apr., May, Oct.):  €1450/week;   High season (June, Sept.):   €1650/week;   Very High season (July, August):€2150/week