Welcome to tranquillity!
The Bijou is an elegant villa located within the extraordinary beauty, tranquillity and opulence of Languedoc Roussillon, France.
The Bijou is an independent dwelling with its own gates, driveway, parking for 3 cars and entrance door.
The owners live conveniently next door and are therefore available to offer help and suggestions to maximise your holiday experience.
Relax, barbecue and dine alfresco under the magnificent 300 year old oak tree after an energetic game of Petanque!
The views are spectacular with a different stunning twilight every evening as the sun sinks behind the Oppidum (Roman ruins), bathing the villa in a golden glow.
There is a 10m x 5m floodlit swimming pool adjoining the covered terrace with a further sizeable sun terrace, equipped with sun beds and parasol, directly outside the salon.
The Bijou has been designed for comfort and relaxation. It has been built to a very high specification, incorporating numerous authentic Provencal features such as exposed reclaimed beams and roof tiles, combined with the needs of modern living like double glazed windows and under-floor heating and cooling. It is decorated with art collected by the owners who travelled all over the world the last 30 years.
It comprises:
Two double bedrooms (one with 2 single beds 90cm which can be pushed together), each with its own opulent en-suite/walk-in shower. Expansive fitted wardrobes, exposed beams.
A fully fitted dining/kitchen area and a magnificent salon with a "cathedral" ceiling.
Features include: electric cooker, microwave oven, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, Nespresso coffee machine. There is also a 4-burner gas barbeque on the covered terrace.
For your comfort you will find Wi-Fi access, a 42" plasma TV/DVD/Home Cinema system and a UK Freesat system.
Our rental includes the exclusive use of the swimming pool, the grounds adjacent to the villa including the boules/petanque court, all bed, bath and kitchen linens and pool towels.
On request we will gladly shop for your first necessity before your arrival.
Bookings for the Gaujac restaurant ‘La Maison’ need to be made well in advance.
Should you wish to enjoy manicure, pedicure, head massage, it can be arranged for you.
Chauffeur driven tours can be arranged (wine tastings, visit to festivals, etc).
The Bijou has been designed to comfortably accommodate four adults. Accompanied young people over the age of 16 are welcome , but for safety reasons younger children cannot be accepted.
It is a non-smoking villa and no pets are allowed as 3 pussy cats are living next door.
We regret that the villa is not wheelchair friendly and a car is highly desirable (available to rent at airports and TGV stations).
The Bijou is located at 30330 Gaujac, Department of Gard in the Languedoc-Roussillon. Gaujac is a very tranquil village surrounded by vineyards and orchards. It has its own chateau (privately owned and open to visitors), its own wine producers (visits and tastings are highly recommended) and even La Maison, an excellent restaurant mentioned in the Michelin Guide. Gaujac is situated 10kms south of Bagnols-sur-Ceze and 15kms north of Remoulins on the RN86.
A short 15 minute drive to the west will take you to the exquisite town of Uzes, France's oldest Duchy. Take in the sights, smells and sounds of the colourful Wednesday and Saturday morning market then enjoy a drink at the many charming outdoor cafes in the Place aux Herbes.
There are plenty of festivals of dance, theater, music, pottery, truffles, harvesting, gardening and antiques. Chateauneuf du Pape, Avignon, Nimes, Orange and the Gorge de l'Ardeche are half an hour away. The golden Mediterranean beaches are within an hour’s drive.
A trip to the tallest Roman Aqueduct the Pont du Gard, will take just 20 minutes. Whilst there, don't forget to look in at the museum, which will explain as much as you could wish to know about the history of this incredible monument, constructed to carry water across the river Gard on its way from Uzes to Nimes. The Pont du Gard is the second most photographed site in France, after the Eiffel Tower.
Chateauneuf du Pape is the jewel in the crown of the Cotes du Rhone wine region, where you can partake of a degustation (tasting) at many of the caves in the village - with no obligation to buy. 30 minutes drive.
Why not take a drive to the Gorges de l'Ardeche and experience some breathtaking scenery and maybe a spot of lunch under the shade of a mulberry tree?
Orange also has some spectacular Roman monuments including this incredible theatre which stands 38 metres high and 103 metres long. It is the most beautiful and best conserved antique theatre on earth and hosts fantastic operas and all sorts of music concerts.
Take a look at the Triumphal Arch which was constructed during the period of Augustus and has also been well preserved.
Avignon has the famous festival each summer in July and the Palais des Pape is a must see. Maybe take a boat trip down river and check out the Pont St-Benezet (Pont d'Avignon). Wander the streets within the walled city then enjoy lunch from a bewildering choice in the buzzing Place de l'horloge.
The Roman presence in Nimes is everywhere, nowhere more so than the Arenes and the Maison Carree, right in the centre of the town. These remarkably well preserved monuments were constructed under Augustus over 2000 years ago. Don't miss Les Jardins de la Fontaine.
You can reach the Camargue in about an hour. Experience the spectacular bird life and perhaps see the famed wild white horses, pink flamingos and the occasional bull.
Call in at Arles on the way back and have a look at the Roman theatre, amphitheatre and the museum of ancient history. Be aware at Easter and the first week of September when they have "Bull running" in the streets preceding each Corrida.
The Dutch impressionist Van Gogh lived at Arles and completed much of his better known work here. The town is justifiably proud of its artistic cultural links displaying much of Vincent's presence here. Oddly, none of his works are on display at Arles!
Golf, kayaking, swimming, hiking, cycling, tennis, nature walks and wine tastings are amongst the more popular pursuits in the region.
Near Gaujac you will find four of the officially nominated “Ten most beautiful villages of France” (Aigueze, La Roque sur Ceze, Montclus and Lussan). If you are taken by the romantic landscapes of 'First dates hotel' on Channel 4, then this village is also close by and even reachable by bicycles..
Languages spoken, English, French, German and Italian.