The 300+ square meter, 400 year old Mas on the west edge of the Plateau de Coiron overlooks vineyards and lavender fields, and on the horizon, the Cevennes. Luxuriously restored first in 2002, then again in winter 2011 with a new pool deck, new Finnish sauna, new indoor and outdoor kitchens, and a complete renovation of the adjoining barn, the Mas sleeps 14+ in its six large bedrooms - five with queen size beds, one a bunk style room that comfortably sleeps up to six children in four beds. Five of the bedrooms overlook the 10 x 5 meter salt-water swimming pool, the Ardeche river valley, and the sunset horizon 80km to the west. There are three full baths, all with separate toilets (continental European style). The kitchen is fully equipped, ready for the epicurean gourmands, and as of spring 2012, there is a second, outdoor kitchen next to an outdoor dining pergola. Private garden is surrounded by raspberry and blackberry bushes, and basil, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, verveine abound...
Morning Markets:
Saturday: Aubenas, Les Vans, Privas
Sunday: Alba-La-Romaine, Vals les Bains
Monday: Vogüé – (July and August)
Tuesday: Jaujac, Largentière, Viviers
Wednesday: Joyeuse, Villeneuve de Berg, Privas
Thursday: Vallon Pont-D’Arc
Friday: Jaujac, Thueyts, Ruoms
Evening Markets (summertime!)
Tuesday: Villeneuve de Berg, Les Vans, Vallon PontD’Arc
Wednesday: Aubenas
Thursday: Vals les Bains,
Friday: Largentière
Sunday: Joyeuse
Our favorite places:
Balazuc – Beautiful, and great place to swim. Much less crowded than Vallon Pont D’Arc. Other water sport favorites are the streams that descend from the Massif Central – towards Antregues, and Le Puy. Pont de Diable is great – go early to beat the crowds.
Villages: Our favorites include: Alba-La-Romaine, Miribel, L’Argentiere, St Pierreville, Avignon, Viviers, Uzes, Vals les Bains
Ardeche is the world chestnut capital. The beams of the house are chestnut, many of the trees outside are chestnut. Visit the 'Museum de Chataignes' in Joyeuse. Enjoy 'marron glaces' (candied chestnuts), or simply a salad l'Ardechoise (with chestnuts & goat's cheese!)
Bourganel – Ardeche’s local beer – you can tour the brewery in Vals-les-Bains. They make lager (blonde), and then several local varieties; chestnut, blueberry, miele de chataigne, verveine. Closed on Mondays.
Vineyards - There are many local vineyards, and local 'caves', (collectives) in the villages. Southern Ardeche is home to the Cote du Rhone appellation, the oldest wine growing district in France...try the Grand Ardeche from Louis Latour. You can visit Latour’s chardonnay caves in Alba-la-Romaine.
Paragliding
Tél. +33 4 75 39 36 67
Fax: 33 4 75 39 36 67
Portable: 06 08 98 22 92
barbule@parapente-fr.com
Caves - There are huge caves and spectacular grottos, majestic valleys, canoeing and white water rafting, spelunking, mountain climbing, gliding and parasailing, and on the many quieter streams, fly fishing. Nearby is 'la Grotte Chauvet', evidence of one of the earliest European settlements.
