Montclus – The Village

Set on a mound of rock beside the Ceze, surrounded by vineyards and lavender fields, the village of Montclus retains to this day the character of its medieval origins. With walls of honey coloured limestone from the surrounding hills, under the roofs of pink provencal tiles the village is peaceful even at the height of summer. The high walls shade the narrow twisting streets, and the breeze cools the heat of the day. French television and film companies have often used the village as a backdrop for filming due to its unspoilt buildings and lanes.

The Local Amenities

In the summer months there is a busy market on Tuesday morning in the main square where you can restock the wine supplies and buy other local specialities as they are in season, but otherwise the village has no shops. Vans bringing bread, groceries and meat call on the village on various mornings if you do not want to range far from home. The nearest town is Goudargues, a beautiful village some 10 km away, where water from springs above the village flows in a wide channel running down the main streets under the shade of the plane trees, where there are 2 local supermarkets, the baker, butcher and various local shops. Further afield Bagnols sur Ceze, Pont St. Esprit and Bollene are sources of larger supermarkets and hypermarkets.

Flowing below the house is the River Ceze; where families meet, sunbathe, swim and canoe. The river is suitable for all ages shallow waters for young ones at the edge – with rocks to swim to and dive from for other ages and for teenagers who like to get away from their families – just further down the river is a marvellous stretch of deep water to swim in and warm sunny rocks to sunbathe on. Canoes can be hired in the village. 40 minutes away is St. Martin d’Ardeche where again you can hire canoes to canoe down the Ardeche which can take a day or even an overnight stop if wished. Bicycles can be hired in Goudargues for cycling around the local villages. Opposite the house on the other side of the river are acres and acres of garrigue for walking. So there is plenty for the active!

There is a restaurant in the village – a simple buvette supplying simple meals - which has recently changed ownership and across the bridge on the other side of the river is a guinguette for drinks and meals also. – these two are only open during the main holiday seasons. Outside the village there are places too numerous to mention.

Goudargues alone contains five restaurants, as well as other snack bars and cafes and there are about 10 other villages within 20 minutes drive of Montclus supplying in excess of 50 restaurants. In summer even farmhouses, become restaurants supplying visitors with memorable meals at reasonable prices.

We are ideally positioned for you to explore the historic towns of Avignon, Nimes, Uzes and Orange and within easy reach of the Pont du Gard, the Ardeche, the Camargue and the Cevennes.

A very full house book awaits you – packed with information, brochures and suggestions of things to do, local markets to visit, excellent places to eat and wonderful wines to taste.

Travel: We are within a 40 minute drive from the Bollene exit of the motorway – or you can take the T.G.V. or Motor Rail to Avignon, or Fly Drive to St. Etienne (Lyon), Montpellier or Marseilles. A car is essential!

Accommodation

The house at Montclus is built on the wall of the village with its terraces overlooking the river. The terrace, shaded by a fig tree, is furnished for eating out and/or sunbathing. From the terrace there is access through a back gate to the river for swimming.

The Ground Floor of the house has a large, high ceilinged salon with enormous fireplace and windows overlooking the river, an elegant dining room with French windows opening onto the terraces, a well equipped kitchen and large master bedroom with double bed and bathroom en suite.

The First Floor has four more bedrooms, one a double, two with twin beds and one with three single beds, and three bathrooms – making four bathrooms in all.

Below the House are the "caves" or cellars which contain the games room with table tennis tables, darts etc., another laundry room, the boiler for the oil fired central heating, hot water tank and wood storage for open wood fires in winter.

The Terraces: There is a large table, chairs, umbrella, mobile barbecue for eating outside and sun loungers. The Swimming Beach and River Access is reached by back gate from the lower terrace.

Recent photos of the house

Parking is almost always possible within 30 metres of the house, and in any event in the parking area below the house.

Facilities include:

• Large 'walk in' Fireplace in sitting room
• Telephone – outward (local services only) but receive all inward calls
• Satellite Television and video player
• Music Centre
• Barbecue
• Garden and terrace furniture
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Fridge/freezer
• Dish washer
• Laundy room
• Central Heating

Linen: Linen is provided (duvet cover, sheet, pillow slips and bath towel) free of charge.