Description of the Property

"Le Voltaire-Zidane" is a spacious two-bedroom apartment for four in a sophisticated country retreat in Lourmarin, one of "the most beautiful villages in Provence".

This charming and well-known village is set in the idyllic Luberon countryside and is conveniently located between Avignon, Arles and Aix-en-Provence.

Set in a traditional Provencale 'bastide', or farmhouse, 'Le Voltaire' and 'La Zidane'- which are, in fact, two connecting but independent apartments - are ideal for a family of four or for two couples traveling together.

°°°°° Le Voltaire-Zidane together take up the entire upper floor of Les Olivettes and together offer plenty of living space for four or five persons: 580 sq ft in the main rooms, and 300 sq ft in living-dining area on the covered terrace -not to mention the 170 sq ft sunning terrace which also has a great view over the properties swimming pool and olive grove. Le Voltaire also has a comfortable, and cosy mezzanine -a good place to curl up on the sofa and read a book.

As for decoration, on the Voltaire side everything is elegant and traditional; Over in the 'Zidane', the décor is casual, with a vivid North African influence.

°°°°° Lourmarin, where author Albert Camus lived towards the end of his life, is associated in the French mind with culture, relaxation and prestige in an unspoilt Provençal village. It is one of only a handful of villages in Provence to be given a coveted 'Most Beautiful Village in France' award.

Home to two of Provence's most famous restaurants, as well as numerous other fine dining establishments, Lourmarin now has an international reputation for gourmet food and wines, as well as for its galleries, craft shops and cultural events.

°°°°° Location, Location, Location °°°°°

'Le Voltaire-Zidane ' and the other deluxe apartments at Les Olivettes offer a peaceful rural setting with panoramic views of the village and the hills,and yet are only a short walk from the main street of Lourmarin.

Le Voltaire-Zidane at Les Olivettes is centrally located for exploring Provence. Within easy breach of Avignon, Arles and Aix-en-Provence, it is also close to the hilltop 'perched' villages like Gordes, Menerbes, Bonnieux, which dot the Luberon area. In addition, it is a short car-ride away from the vineyards of Châteauneuf du Pape and the Côtes du Rhone to the west, and Les Baux,Cassis and Bandol to the south.

For those especially interested in nature, the National wildlife Preserve in the Camargue just south of Arles makes a fascinating day trip.

There are many world class cultural events within very easy reach too. The Opera Festival in Aix, the Theatre Festival in Avignon and the Inetrnational Piano Festival in La Roque d'Anthéron, among others.

°°°°° Attractions and Activities °°°°°

Aix-en-Provence, one of the loveliest cities in Southern Europe, birthplace of Cézanne and Zola, 25 minutes from Lourmarin.

Avignon - the Popes' palace, the famous bridge and the medieval city, just a 45 minute drive.

Arles - Roman Coliseum and amphitheatre, Romanesque cathedral and Van Gogh's inspiration - 50 minutes.

The Cistercian Abbey of Sénanque and the celebrated hilltop villages of Gordes, Bonnieux, Ménerbes and Roussillon with its ochre quarries - 20 to 40 minutes.

The nearby vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône, Chateauneuf-du-Pape and the Côtes du Luberon - 20 minutes to 1 hour

And, of course, the 14 restaurants of Lourmarin, within easy walking distance of the apartment.

Hiking, biking and horse-riding in the Luberon hills.

Features common to both Voltaire and Zidane: Telephone; Fax machine; Internet access; Satellite Television; Stereo; Shower; Linen and Towels provided; Clothes Dryer; Kitchen; Washing machine; Central Heating; Non-Smoking

° ° ° ° °

Airport: Marseille International Airport
Distance: 45 minutes

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