Maison Achard | 4-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Oppede Mazan

A 14th-century stone manor rises from the Luberon hillside above Oppede, its mullioned windows catching afternoon light across terraced gardens that cascade 2000 square metres down the slope. Maison Achard sleeps 10 guests across 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, offering the kind of sprawling family or group retreat where generations separate into their own wings yet gather naturally around the 10-by-5-metre pool set in a stone courtyard. This is not a renovated farmhouse playing at history—it is history, preserved with medieval fireplaces still functioning, original terracotta tiles underfoot, exposed wooden beams overhead, and a spiral stone staircase that has carried visitors up through five centuries of Provençal life.

Inside Maison Achard

The ground floor operates as the villa’s social spine. A contemporary kitchen spans the western wall with granite worktops, industrial-scale refrigerator, freezer, and dishwasher—the kind of space that transforms holiday cooking from chore into pleasure. A separate dining room with beamed ceiling and wooden interior shutters adjoins it, opening onto the garden through double aspect windows. Beyond these spaces sits a remarkable vaulted room housing a full-size ping pong table, while a utility room conceals the washing machine, keeping domestic realities neatly out of view.

The second floor holds three bedrooms and two bathrooms, anchored by a living room that demands attention. Medieval fireplace, terracotta flooring, stained glass windows from centuries past, exposed beams, triple-aspect windows—this room channels the villa’s historical bones while functioning as a modern gathering space with television and sound system. The master bedroom (Bedroom 1) accommodates four guests flexibly: two double beds or four singles on original floor tiles. Bedroom 2 provides two beds configured as one double and two singles. Bedroom 3 offers a double bed with an ensuite shower room and separate WC. A fourth full bathroom with bathtub and shower serves the floor’s eastern side.

The third floor ascends to Bedroom 4, a bedroom that demands superlatives without seeming boastful. Dual access, numerous windows, 360-degree vistas across the Luberon hills—this is where guests wake to uninterrupted views of the landscape rolling toward Mont Ventoux. A private bathroom with bathtub, shower, basin and WC adjoins a dressing room. A ten-square-metre terrace extends outward, the kind of outdoor bedroom where morning coffee tastes different, where afternoon reading happens without distraction, where sunset turns the entire horizon into varying shades of amber and rose.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

Below the main house, accessed by its own dedicated path, the swimming pool occupies a stone courtyard planted with Mediterranean vegetation. Ten by five metres, with a diving fossa and angled three-step entry, it maintains year-round temperature through heating and chlorine treatment with automated robot cleaning. Lounging space surrounds it on heated stone, backed by the villa’s climbing walls and facing open sky.

The terraced garden extends across 2000 square metres—not manicured lawn but a series of outdoor rooms. Shaded lunch areas carved into the hillside, woodland sections offering natural cooling, stone stairs linking each level, pathways that encourage wandering through what becomes almost an arboretum. At the uppermost level, a vine-covered trellis shelters a wooden table suitable for ten. Beneath it, a basement summer kitchen contains gas barbecue, refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, WC and basin—the infrastructure for outdoor living that actually functions rather than frustrates.

From any point in these gardens, the eye travels south and east across the Luberon Valley. This is not a view that competes with interior spaces for attention—it dictates the rhythm of the day, drawing guests outside progressively as light shifts from morning clarity through afternoon softness to evening drama.

Location: Oppede and the Surrounding Area

Oppede itself functions as two villages: the lower town with contemporary services, and Oppede-le-Vieux perched 300 metres above, accessible on foot within 15 minutes from Maison Achard. The old village clusters around a 12th-century church and the ruins of a feudal fortress, its narrow stone streets and ancient architecture attracting history enthusiasts without generating tourist crowds outside peak August. The location provides authentic Provençal settlement without the commercialism of Gordes or Lourmarin, both within 20-minute drives.

Cavaillon, nine kilometres south, hosts Wednesday and Saturday markets famous across France for Charentais melons and seasonal produce. The Cavaillon melon enjoys protected geographical indication status—August through September varieties at the market represent the region’s agricultural heartland. The town itself contains a substantial Roman synagogue museum and excellent local restaurants focused on regional cooking.

The Luberon Valley supports over thirty commercial wineries. Châteauneuf-du-Pape lies 35 kilometres north, the prestigious wine region accessible for tastings and cellar tours. Closer options include family-run domaines around Ménerbes (12 km) and Bonnieux (15 km), where proprietors offer informal tastings and often provide picnic supplies. Cycling routes connect vineyards, villages and natural features across the entire valley—the Velo Loisir network provides detailed maps for routes ranging from gentle valley circuits to challenging climbs toward Mont Ventoux’s foothills.

Hiking trails radiate from Oppede into the Luberon massif, ascending through Mediterranean scrub toward viewpoints overlooking the entire valley toward the Alps. Mountain biking terrain ranges from gentle forest tracks to technical single-track on the north face. The Durance River, 18 kilometres west, permits kayaking and canoeing for water sports beyond the villa’s pool.

Avignon train station lies 35 kilometres northwest, providing TGV connections to Paris (2.5 hours), Lyon and Marseille. Marseille Provence Airport, 65 kilometres south, handles international flights and offers convenient car rental. The A7 motorway sits 15 kilometres west, connecting northbound to Paris and southbound to the Mediterranean coast. Local supermarkets (Carrefour, Intermarché) stand within 5 kilometres in Cavaillon and Pernes-les-Fontaines.

For dining beyond Maison Achard’s summer kitchen, Oppede contains several respected restaurants emphasising local ingredients and traditional preparation. The region’s restaurants cluster in villages—Lourmarin (20 km) alone contains fifteen establishments ranging from casual bistros to Michelin-recognised houses. For destination inspiration, explore our Provence-Alpes travel guide, which details seasonal markets, wine routes and cultural events. You might also browse our villas in Cassis for Mediterranean alternatives, or our full collection in France for properties across different regions.

May through June offers ideal weather—warm without excessive heat, wildflowers still visible, restaurants operating with fewer crowds than July-August. September presents similar conditions with slightly less tourist presence. October-April experiences variable weather and reduced availability at attractions, though winter offers solitude and significantly lower accommodation costs. July-August guarantees sunshine but brings significant crowds to market towns and popular villages.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Maison Achard functions optimally for multi-generational family groups. The four separate bedrooms with individual bathrooms eliminate the friction that often characterises close quarters—grandparents occupy the top-floor bedroom with its panoramic views and ensuite privacy, while adult children and their offspring inhabit the lower levels, yet everyone shares the living room, dining areas and gardens. The ping pong table and games room entertain teenagers without requiring external activities. The pool serves as central gathering point while permitting independent sunbathing and swimming.

Friend groups of 8-10 individuals find the layout less hierarchical than traditional villas—no single ‘master suite’ dominates, but rather four equal bedrooms allowing flexible sleeping arrangements negotiated by the group itself. Kitchen capacity accommodates shared cooking or hired chef services, converting meal preparation into group activity rather than burden falling to one person.

Couples seeking extended stays appreciate the property’s scale without requiring full occupancy. The top-floor bedroom functions as a private retreat, the vast gardens permit solitude at multiple points, yet the living spaces encourage engagement when desired. Historians and architecture enthusiasts find the medieval elements and restoration standards satisfying rather than touristic.

The property proves less suitable for guests requiring flat, level walking surfaces—the terraced garden involves multiple staircases and sloped paths. Similarly, extremely young children (under five) need close supervision around pools and stone staircases given the property’s historical rather than child-proofed design.

Practical Information

Maison Achard accommodates a maximum of 10 guests distributed across four bedrooms and four full bathrooms. The property includes Wi-Fi internet throughout, DVD player, television, and sound system. Pool heating operates during spring, summer and autumn months. Standard utilities (water, electricity, heating) are included in rental rates. Maid service, professional chef or cook services, and childcare remain available on request at additional cost.

Marseille Provence Airport, the nearest major international hub, stands 65 kilometres south—approximately 90 minutes driving time via the A7 motorway and A8 towards Avignon, then secondary roads eastward. Avignon train station, 35 kilometres northwest, offers TGV connections to Paris and other major cities; trains arrive within 35-40 minutes drive from the property.

The nearest supermarket (Carrefour) operates in Cavaillon, nine kilometres distant, approximately 15 minutes by car. Local restaurants and cafés operate within Oppede’s lower town and surrounding villages. Golf courses exist within 20 minutes’ drive; the Cavaillon Golf Club maintains an 18-hole championship course five kilometres south of Cavaillon itself.

Flexible check-in and check-out arrangements can be negotiated subject to availability and turnover schedules. Early arrival or late departure may incur additional fees. Linen, towels, and pool towels are provided and changed weekly during extended stays. Pets are not permitted.

Frequently Asked Questions about Maison Achard

How many guests does Maison Achard sleep?

Maison Achard accommodates a maximum of 10 guests. The property contains four bedrooms configured as follows: Bedroom 1 contains two double beds or four single beds; Bedroom 2 provides one double bed and two single beds; Bedroom 3 offers one double bed; Bedroom 4 sleeps two guests in a double bed. All rooms contain en-suite or nearby bathroom facilities. The property does not include sofa beds or rollaway sleeping options—the stated capacity reflects bed quantities only.

What is the nearest airport to Maison Achard in Oppede?

Marseille Provence Airport (MPL) serves as the nearest major international airport, located 65 kilometres south of Maison Achard. Standard travel time from airport to villa via motorway and secondary roads averages 75-90 minutes depending on traffic and exact drop-off location. Avignon airport, 45 kilometres northwest, offers fewer flight options but reduces transfer time to approximately 50 minutes. Both airports maintain car rental agencies and taxi services. For international guests, connections typically route through Paris Charles de Gaulle, Lyon, or Nice airports.

What is the best time of year to rent Maison Achard?

May through June offers optimal conditions: daytime temperatures range 22-28°C, evening cooling permits comfortable sleeping without air conditioning, Mediterranean wildflowers remain visible across the landscape, and tourism crowds have not peaked. September provides nearly identical weather with slightly reduced visitor populations at local attractions. July-August guarantees maximum sunshine but brings crowds to markets, restaurants and village streets; accommodation costs peak during this period. October through April experiences variable weather—some days offer brilliant sunshine, others bring rain or cool temperatures; however, this season provides significant cost advantages and genuine local life experience without tourist infrastructure. Spring (April-May) remains the preferred season by most visitors seeking balance between guaranteed good weather and manageable crowds.

Is Maison Achard suitable for families with children?

Maison Achard accommodates families with children age five and above comfortably. The property includes a heated swimming pool with safety features including alarm system and three-step entry stairs positioned at angles for stable footing. The 2000-square-metre terraced gardens provide multiple outdoor play areas with natural shade from mature trees. The games room with ping pong table entertains older children during inclement weather. Maid and babysitting services are available on request. However, the property’s medieval architecture, stone staircases, multiple levels, and pool surroundings require appropriate supervision of younger children (under five). The cobbled village streets of Oppede-le-Vieux are narrow and steep, making stroller navigation difficult. Family-friendly beaches exist 50-60 kilometres south at Cassis and the Calanques; however, this represents a substantial day trip rather than casual excursion.

What is included in the rental price at Maison Achard?

Standard rental rates include full property access with all furnishings, linens and towels; Wi-Fi internet access throughout the villa; satellite television and DVD player; kitchen equipment (refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, oven, microwave); utilities including water, electricity, heating and pool heating (seasonal); pool maintenance and cleaning; and weekly linen and towel changes. Weekly housekeeping cleans public areas and refreshes bathrooms. Additional services—maid service beyond weekly cleaning, professional chef or cook, babysitting, laundry service—incur supplementary fees arranged directly with the villa manager.

What restaurants and shops are near Maison Achard?

Oppede’s lower town contains several cafés and casual restaurants within walking distance (5-10 minutes on foot). Cavaillon, nine kilometres south via local roads, offers supermarkets (Carrefour, Intermarché), the famous Wednesday and Saturday morning markets, and numerous restaurants ranging from casual bistros to fine dining establishments. Restaurants specialising in local Provençal cuisine cluster in Lourmarin (20 kilometres), Bonnieux (15 kilometres) and Ménerbes (12 kilometres). For more substantial dining, Avignon’s restaurant scene—35 kilometres north—encompasses establishments across all price categories. Picnic supplies can be assembled from Cavaillon’s morning markets or purchased at village bakeries, fromageries and wine shops throughout the region. The summer kitchen at Maison Achard permits self-catered outdoor dining regardless of external restaurant availability.