To discover a little corner of paradise, you often have to venture further afield, take paths that wind their way uphill, leave your daily routines behind and step into a world where nature reigns supreme. Perched on its rocky outcrop, Montaulieu is one of those places. A few medieval houses clustered around a single street, several of them forming a single ensemble, with a rolling expanse of green mountains on the horizon beneath the blue sky of Provence. The facades have been designed to allow light to flood generously into the rooms, all of which have been decorated with care and great attention to detail. Walks filled with a thousand scents amongst olive groves, almond trees and vineyards, sunshine galore, a refreshing swim, dinners under the stars… all you have to do is let go. There’s everything you need here to live a happy life.
I was looking for a holiday home built of old stone, a place where I could bring my large family together. I’ve always loved old buildings, transforming spaces and interior design. What brought me here was an article in “Le Figaro” which told the story of a village with just one inhabitant: the mayor himself. I found the anecdote amusing. That particular village was not available for purchase, as the mayor had already bought the entire hamlet. So I broadened my search to cover several kilometres in all directions, until I discovered this place, which is part of a hamlet.
The property comprises old Provençal stone houses, topped with tiled roofs typical of the region. It forms part of a medieval hamlet that is entirely pedestrianised, organised around a single circular street. I own two houses on the village side and, on the other side of the lane, a block of eight terraced houses. These were originally modest peasant dwellings. Before I arrived, a property owner had gradually acquired these houses and created openings to connect them, forming a large complex comprising several units. Each restoration project is carried out in keeping with the original architecture, using traditional materials already present on site.
This hamlet was originally a farming village. The houses, modest and narrow, were built on several levels: the animals were kept on the ground floor, the families lived on the upper floors, and the crops were left to dry under the eaves. Like many remote villages, it was gradually abandoned in the late 1950s. In the 1960s, young Parisian artists, inspired by the spirit of May ’68, discovered the place and gradually bought up the entire hamlet, plot by plot, for modest sums. Keen to preserve this history, I have retained the original names of the houses as far as possible – such as the Maison du Cordonnier – as well as features that reflect their original purpose.
I welcome guests seeking peace and authenticity in an extraordinary setting. The property enjoys panoramic views of the Pre-Alps, set in an unspoilt valley, free from any noise pollution. The main house can accommodate up to 14 people. A small detached cottage, situated about 50 metres away, may also be made available, subject to availability, to accommodate an additional couple. Guests can enjoy the swimming pool and, on request, a catering service. It is also possible to organise activities or events in the village hall, which is can be booked.
In the heart of the old village, on the church square, “Le Bistrot de Venterol” serves up local cuisine to be enjoyed under the plane trees in a friendly atmosphere. "La Cuisine du Marché" in Nyons offers seasonal, authentic and inventive cuisine, prepared using fresh produce, in a warm, simple and friendly atmosphere. Situated in the heart of a village in the Baronnies, L’Auberge de l’Aygues invites you to enjoy seasonal, home-cooked food on a shaded terrace overlooking the river, accompanied by local wines and beers. The surrounding area offers a wide range of outdoor activities: hiking (the Goudon, Ey and Saint-Jaume passes), rock climbing and horse riding. La Scourtinerie de Nyons, France’s last remaining scourtin factory, has been carrying on a family tradition for over 140 years, specialising in the production of these traditional filtres used for olive oil extraction
3500 € - 5250 € / week
2100 € - 3150 € / week-end
The houses are arranged around the hamlet’s pedestrian lane. The main house comprises two living rooms and a dining room with panoramic views, a kitchen, a study and a bedroom on the ground floor. Upstairs there are two bedrooms, one of which has an en suite bathroom and a private terrace. Opposite, on the other side of the alley, the “Maison de la Grange” and the “Maison du Cordonnier” each have two bedrooms spread over two floors, three of which have en-suite bathrooms. The outdoor areas are laid out in a series of terraces, featuring a swimming pool, a pool house and a boules court. 50 metres away, a small detached house with a bedroom, kitchen and private garden is available to rent as an additional option, subject to availability. The weekend rate is for three nights.
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