Le Martinet

About this property

This jewel of a holiday home sleeps 6-8 guests and is found in the heart of an authentic medieval village close to the Cévennes National Park.

Dating back over 300 years, Le Martinet’s restoration has been a labour of love for its dedicated owners over the last few years. They have brought this three-storey village house back to life with carefully chosen furnishings, modern fittings and works of art whilst respecting its great heritage. The three pretty bedrooms with king-size doubles feature air-conditioning alongside beautiful detail in the en suite bathrooms. Two extra guests can stay on an additional bed in the pigeon tower’s reading room/office.

The gorgeous kitchen-diner and stylish lounge both have doors leading to the upper terrace with its summer flowers, herbs, swimming pool and decked terrace, a truly wonderful spot for warm summer days. There’s the option for al-fresco dining by the barbecue and another table on the lower terrace near the wooden doors opening out to the street.

There’s a lovely bistro just a short stroll away that serves small dishes and good wine with stunning views from its terrace. The exquisite town of Uzès, around half an hour by car, is home to several excellent restaurants and an atmospheric twice-weekly market that takes place beneath the shady plane trees. Look out for good local wine and olive oil alongside sweet onions and goats cheese from the Cévennes.

Hikers will love the close proximity of wonderful trails – Anduze, the gateway to the Cévennes National Park, is 19km away. If you are not a keen walker then hop on the steam train that runs to Saint-Jean-du-Gard.

Visit the vineyards of Sommières, Languedoc or the Rhône valley, marvel at the historic sites of Nimes and Avignon and canoe or picnic by the incredible Pont du Gard, just one of many UNESCO World Heritage sites across this captivating part of southern France.

In the Gard department of southern France, 47km from Nîmes Airport, Le Martinet is located in the heart of a charming medieval village close to the Cévennes National Park.

You could also fly into Montpellier Airport (70km) or arrive via TGV train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Nimes with onward connections to Alès (12.5km), taking just over four hours.

The village is so pretty and authentic – wander down the narrow cobbled lanes, stop off for crêpes and coffee and dine out in the local bistro just down the road serving good local food and wine on its outdoor terrace. There are glorious views of the surrounding countryside and vineyards from the village’s hillside position.

Soak up the charm of this region in the market town of Uzès (28km), a delightful place to explore with its historic architecture and enchanting twice-weekly market that takes place beneath the shady plane trees of Place aux Herbes on a Wednesday and Saturday morning. It is often regarded as one of France’s most beautiful markets and gastronomic specialities to look out for include olive oil, sweet onions, goat’s cheese, truffles (in the winter), good wine, honey alongside seasonal fruit and vegetables. Uzès is also home to a variety of excellent restaurants showcasing the best regional cuisine.

The towns of Alès (12.5km) and Anduze (19km) are both considered to be the gateways to the Cévennes National Park – Le Gardon River runs through both. Try Pélardon goat’s cheese from Anduze’s Saturday morning market and look out for the steam train that takes you to the lovely village of Saint-Jean-du-Gard. It goes without saying that the Cévennes National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with its hiking trails.

Elsewhere, visit the fascinating cities of Nimes (35km) and Avignon (65km), canoe beneath Le Pont du Gard (40km) and sample wines across the Rhône valley, Languedoc region or around the historic wine town of Sommières (35km).

Accommodation

House Interiors (across three storeys, reached via steps)

-    Living room with door leading to terrace
-    Kitchen and dining area, fully-equipped. Door leads to terrace
-    3 x bedrooms with king-size double bed and en suite bathroom
-    Pigeon Tower with office/reading room (and additional bed for 2 guests if required)

Outside Grounds

-    Swimming pool (8x2.5m, depth: 1.2m) accessed via safety gate (in lower part of the garden). Open approximately mid-April to end-October
-    Raised herb beds
-    Al-fresco dining table
-    Lower courtyard (via steps) with dining table
-    Barbecue

Facilities

-    Wi-Fi
-    Air-conditioning/heating 
-    Wood burner 
-    Smart TV with Netflix and Amazon
-    Ironing board
-    Washing machine and drying rack