The Ardeche Eco-Hideaway

Rooms

We loved the villa's contemporary architectural design, with clean lines and bright open spaces. There are 4 double bedrooms on the first floor, 2 of which can be twinned. Each thoughtfully weaves together Danish design pieces and traditional French charm, with splashes of colour, reclaimed wood and natural linens. All have big picture windows, and open onto a wraparound balcony that overlooks the garden, river and mountains. Two shared bathrooms feature gushing rainfall showers and L'Occitane toiletries.

On the ground floor, the expansive living-come-dining-come-library room makes you want to move in permanently. The bookcases creak with books, the kitchen is state-of-the-art and the dining room begs to be used for a dinner party. But the pièce de résistance is the stunning free-standing fireplace. No trip here is complete without an evening aperitif in front of a roaring fire, whatever the season.

Features include:

• Hairdryer
• Washing machine
• WiFi

Eating

In a region bursting with exceptional fresh produce, self catering is a joy. The indoor kitchen is fully equipped with everything you could possibly need (even 2 huge teapots), along with basic ingredients (salt, pepper, oil), coffee and a huge selection of teas. The open-plan dining room, which opens into the garden, boasts the biggest table we’ve ever seen.

You get an outdoor kitchen, too, which is smaller but very well equipped and ideal for prepping barbecues. An outdoor table with neon-bright chairs means you can have lazy summer evenings on the terrace.

As you'd expect, there are numerous regional markets (ask Annick for recommendations) and great restaurants 10-15 mins' drive away. There's a bakery and grocery store in the village, 5 mins' walk.

Features include:

• Barbecue
• Coffee maker
• Dishwasher
• Fridge
• Full kitchen
• Hob or stove
• Microwave
• Oven
• Toaster
• Basic grocery provisions

Activities

• Chill in the garden: swing in the hammock, stroll among the roses, splash in the stream, and swim in the freshwater pool
  
• Hike and bike through the Ardèche’s spectacular scenery: weave along gorges or scale mountains. Annick and Michel have plenty of trails to recommend, and can arrange bike hire
  
• Spend a day kayaking along the Ardèche gorges, preferably under the Pont d’Arc, a striking natural stone bridge carved by the river. Or go canyoning and rock climbing
  
• The region is home to beautiful, character-filled villages, nestled at the foot of steep limestone cliffs. Cobbled Labeaume is particularly charming
  
• Day trip to the source of the Loire River, located at the top of Mont Gerbier de Jonc. The view from the top is stunning. On your way down, go wild swimming in the turquoise Lac d’Issarles
  
• The region was at the heart of the religious wars, which means there are dozens of fortified hilltop towns. Be sure to visit Aubenas for its castle
  
• Start the day Zen - Annick can arrange yoga in the garden. Or play tennis on the courts next door

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Birdwatching
• Canyoning
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Kayaking
• Mountain biking
• Private guided tours
• Shopping / markets
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Wine tasting
• Yoga

Best Time to go

Our Top Tips

Location

The Ardeche Eco-Hideaway is located in the village of Vesseaux in the southern Ardèche region of France.

By Air:
The closest airports are Nimes (161km), Lyon (178km), Montpellier (192km) and Marseilles (207km). Although Annick can arrange airport transfers, you’ll need a car to get around and make the most of the area; see our car rental recommendations.

By Train:
There’s a TGV station at Aix (191km / 2hrs), and you can hire a car from here too.

Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.