Every corner of this lovely and stately villa for rent in France is full of discovery. Located in the small village of Uzer in the heart of the Ardèche region, it's surrounded by the stunning natural beauty and history of the Rhône-Alpes.
The medieval era chateau is beautifully preserved, with restorations focusing on preservation versus intervention, and both the exteriors and interiors have remained remarkably undisturbed.

The oldest parts of the property date back even further to the 12th and 13th centuries, where dungeons, a guard room, and the 'aula', or lord of the manor's quarters are housed, while subsequent additions like the chapel and main keep were added in the 15th century.

The grand staircase greets you at the main entrance and leads you to the graceful interiors, with a large fireplace that welcomes you, and a library in the old chapel. One floor up is the amazing winter garden with a glass roof and colorful frescoes.

Owners Veronique and Eric possess an inspiring sense of style and creativity for eye-catching detail, and a spirited approach to design, with a collection of antiques and vintage items alongside the works of contemporary artists such as Jean Arene, Ingrid Christoffels, Pamphyle and Franck Girard.

There are five large suites with private baths within the chateau, each uniquely styled in keeping with the historic atmosphere and all supremely comfortable. The sixth suite is located across the courtyard.

There are also charming gypsy caravans tucked away among the gardens. The larger of the two is comprised of a trio of trailers: a living area and kitchenette, the second, a double en suite bedroom, and the third, a fun escape for kids with three beds. A rustic cabin is adjacent to the kitchen garden and is a romantic suite built for two, with a cast iron bathtub and private views. The petite La Vie en Rose caravan is a cozy space for one. For those staying in the caravans or cabin, there is a large, well-equipped guest kitchen with a dining area and a private fridge for guest's use. 

The rambling gardens are an experience in themselves. Designed in the early 20th century with a collection of exotic and centennial trees, and heritage roses, they have been officially classified as a "remarkable garden." The large pool is a cool respite on warm summer days with lounge areas for lazy afternoons and offers up a kid-friendly playground.

And make sure to stop in at the little boutique called "La Cerise sur le Château" which offers a melting-pot of intriguing finds brought back from the owner's world travels, in addition to handcrafted textiles and crafts created by Veronique.

Once you've roamed the village and gardens, you can access hiking trails directly from the property into the surrounding forests and vineyards.

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ADDITIONAL FEATURES

For guests staying in the chateau, a lovely breakfast spread is served daily in the vaulted dining room or even better, outside on the terrace (the separate suite and the caravans are self-catering). Table d'hôte lunches and dinners are offered by arrangement (July and August served Monday, Wednesday and Saturday only), with a rotating menu of what's fresh and delicious from the kitchen garden and local markets that day. 

Veronique hosts a morning yoga class to start your day and there are relaxing massages on offer to wind down. Grab one of the electric bikes (when available) to explore the picturesque villages and countryside. 

The owners are also both avid aviation enthusiasts and can arrange small aircraft flights for a scenic overhead tour of the region. 

A NATURE LOVER'S PARADISE IN ARDECHE

The Ardèche region is a magical land of river gorges, national parklands, forests and stunning natural scenery along with important cultural sites and settlements dating back to Paleolithic times. 

The area lies along a strategic route of fortified chateaux and villages that form a fascinating picture of medieval times in the region. One of its more iconic natural sites is the striking Pont d’Arc, a natural stone bridge carved by the river which lies thirty minutes south and features a lovely swimming spot, and the fascinating Chauvet-Pont-d'Arc Cave featuring the best-preserved, Paleolithic cave paintings in the world (the replica museum is open to the public NOT the actual cave). 

The area is a natural playground where you can enjoy sports like hiking, rock-climbing, biking, kayaking through the massive national park. 

The charming and quiet village of Uzer is surrounded in this nature park and makes for a quiet but central jumping-off point for all the nearby sites as well as the picturesque villages of Balazuc, Labeaume, Largentière, and Aubenas.

Nimes and Avignon are within ninety minutes and make perfect day trips. Just north of Provence, the coast is about a two-hour drive to the Mediterranean and Montpellier.

LOCATION

Ardèche, France. Nearest Airport: Nimes (114km), Montpellier (151km) or Marseille (190km)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through Fall to enjoy the pool and the nearby river gorges