Le Grand Platane | 3-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Chateaurenard

Ten guests arrive at Le Grand Platane expecting a typical countryside villa experience, then step onto 3,000 square metres of private grounds and realise they’ve found something far more generous. This luxury villa rental in Avignon sits just 8km from the Papal Palace, yet feels utterly removed from the city’s medieval streets—nestled instead in open farmland that rolls toward the Durance River, with only scattered neighbouring properties and the shelter of a magnificent plane tree overhead.

Inside Le Grand Platane

Le Grand Platane sleeps 10 guests across 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, spread across 158 square metres of thoughtfully designed living space. The ground floor opens into a bright, spacious living room flooded with southern light—the kind of room that naturally draws everyone in without anyone needing to ask where to gather. The kitchen commands serious attention: fully fitted with electric oven, induction hob, dishwasher, microwave, fridge-freezer and Nespresso machine, it’s equipped for anything from simple breakfasts to ambitious dinner parties. An adjoining dining area connects seamlessly, perfect for long lunches where conversation stretches across courses. A separate laundry room handles the practicalities, and a WC on this level keeps guests independent.

Upstairs, the master bedroom offers a 180cm double bed paired with its own shower room—partially open-plan, maintaining that modern Provençal aesthetic. Two further bedrooms provide flexibility: each contains a 160cm double bed at ground level, with a 140cm double bed on a mezzanine level above, creating sleeping arrangements suited to families with teenagers or groups of close friends who don’t mind heights and intimacy. A full bathroom with bathtub serves these upper rooms, supplemented by a second separate WC.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The real revelation at Le Grand Platane emerges once you step outside. An 8 x 4-metre swimming pool sits at the heart of the grounds, maintained at 1.35 metres depth and equipped with a submerged safety alarm—a feature that matters when children are around. The pool accepts heating during cooler months, transforming April and September swims from brave to genuinely pleasurable. Six sun loungers position themselves at varying angles, responding to the shifting sun throughout the day. The iconic plane tree casts substantial shade across a garden lounge where afternoon temperatures drop noticeably in summer.

A plancha—that Spanish cousin of the barbecue—sits ready for outdoor cooking, while the terrace accommodates dining al fresco with table and proper seating for the full group. The 22-metre boules court runs the length of a side garden, an unexpected addition that transforms rainy afternoons and post-dinner hours into competition. Three televisions stationed throughout the villa ensure different rooms never argue over programming, while Wi-Fi reaches every corner, and an electric car charging outlet addresses the practical needs of modern travellers.

Location: Avignon and the Surrounding Area

Le Grand Platane occupies that rare sweet spot in Provence-Alpes—deep enough in countryside to feel genuinely rural, yet close enough to everything that remoteness never becomes inconvenience. The traditional town of Châteaurenard sits merely 3km away by car, a medieval settlement crowned by castle ruins that overlook the surrounding landscape from a hillside perch. The weekly market here floods streets with lavender, olives, artisanal cheeses and the kind of produce that makes menus write themselves. Supermarkets stock what you’ll need, but locals know the market is where the region’s flavours actually live.

Avignon itself rises just 8km north across the Durance River—the historic City of Popes where the Palais des Papes still dominates urban geography after seven centuries. Walk the Pont Saint-Bénézet, immortalised in that French children’s song, or lose hours in the narrow streets where Renaissance architecture shares walls with contemporary galleries and restaurants occupying medieval buildings. The main avenue pulses with activity, while quieter quarters reveal atmospheric terraces where coffee costs less than you’d expect and time moves slower.

Wine enthusiasts should drive 23km to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where world-class vintages emerge from vineyards that have supplied European courts for centuries. The Rhône Valley extends well beyond this single appellation—entire valleys dedicated to Grenache, Syrah and old-vine Carignan varieties, many offering cellar tastings where winemakers share both bottles and stories. Explore our full collection in Châteaurenard for other properties in this wine country.

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence lies 15km south, a town that remains forever linked to Van Gogh’s turbulent stay—the hospital where he admitted himself still stands, now a museum. Wednesday mornings bring market stalls to the central square, while independent galleries line cobbled streets. Further south, Les Alpilles mountains offer hiking trails through cypress-studded hills and olive groves that have occupied this landscape for millennia, with views that reward every uphill effort.

Roman history dominates further reaches of the region: the Pont du Gard, an aqueduct standing 48 metres high and stretching 275 metres across a river valley, sits 33km west and represents one of Europe’s finest surviving Roman structures. Nîmes, 40km away, preserves a complete Roman amphitheatre and showcases the region’s classical past through elegant streets and exceptional museums. For destination inspiration, read our Provence-Alpes travel guide.

Montpellier airport sits roughly 95km south (approximately 90 minutes’ drive), making it the closest international gateway. Marseille Provence airport, 100km away, offers more flight options but identical drive time. Both airports connect to motorway networks that reach Le Grand Platane within comfortable reach of southern France’s broader attractions.

Explore our luxury villas in France for alternative properties across the country.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended families spanning three generations find Le Grand Platane intuitive—the mezzanine bedrooms suit adolescents and older children without forcing them into infant dormitories, while grandparents enjoy ensuite privacy in the master bedroom. The ground-floor layout prevents constant stair climbing for those with mobility considerations.

Groups of friends—six to ten people with flexible sleeping arrangements—thrive here. The living and dining spaces allow people to congregate or scatter. The boules court and pool transform ordinary evenings into events without requiring anyone to leave the property.

Couples celebrating significant milestones appreciate the quiet countryside setting combined with easy access to Avignon’s restaurants and wine country’s cellars. The heated pool accommodates shoulder-season visits when daytime temperatures drop but swimming still appeals.

Home workers with flexible schedules benefit from strong Wi-Fi, a genuine kitchen that encourages cooking over restaurant cycles, and outdoor space that separates work-from-home life from relaxation.

Practical Information

Le Grand Platane accommodates 10 guests maximum across 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The property includes Wi-Fi throughout, three televisions, a fully equipped kitchen (including Nespresso machine), washing machine, electric car charging outlet, and pool heating available upon request. Linens and towels come with the rental.

Montpellier airport serves as the most practical arrival point at 95km distant (approximately 90 minutes by hired car). Marseille Provence airport, 100km away, offers comparable distance and drive time but superior flight options for international travellers.

Châteaurenard’s supermarkets lie 3km away for emergency supplies, though the weekly market delivers superior produce at better value. Check-in timing remains flexible—discuss specific requirements directly, as villa schedules often accommodate requests outside standard windows.

Frequently Asked Questions about Le Grand Platane

How many guests does Le Grand Platane sleep?

Le Grand Platane sleeps 10 guests across 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The master bedroom contains a 180cm double bed; the second and third bedrooms each feature a 160cm double bed on the main floor with a 140cm double bed on a mezzanine level above. This configuration suits families with older children and groups of friends equally well.

What is the nearest airport to Le Grand Platane in Avignon?

Montpellier airport sits 95km away, approximately 90 minutes’ drive via the A9 motorway. Marseille Provence airport lies 100km away (also roughly 90 minutes), making both airports equally practical. Marseille typically offers superior flight frequency and international connections, while Montpellier serves those arriving from Paris or northern Europe. Both airports provide car hire desks and taxi services.

What is the best time of year to rent Le Grand Platane?

May through September delivers warm, predictable weather with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 32°C and minimal rainfall. July and August guarantee heat and blue skies but attract maximum tourist crowds to Avignon and wine country. April and October provide shoulder-season conditions—still warm enough for pool use with heating—and vastly fewer visitors. Spring brings wildflowers to Les Alpilles; autumn offers harvest celebrations and vendanges (grape-picking) events throughout the Rhône Valley. Winter transforms the region into a quiet escape with cool temperatures ideal for exploring cities without heat-induced fatigue.

Is Le Grand Platane suitable for families with children?

Yes, with appropriate considerations. The pool features a submerged safety alarm and maintains 1.35 metres depth. The mezzanine bedrooms suit children aged eight and above who can navigate stairs confidently. The surrounding countryside offers space for outdoor play, though the property sits on unenclosed grounds without perimeter fencing. Local supermarkets stock familiar supplies, and nearby Châteaurenard and Avignon contain pediatric services. The boules court provides entertainment without screen time, and numerous family-friendly restaurants operate throughout the region.

What is included in the rental price at Le Grand Platane?

The rental includes Wi-Fi access, three televisions, all kitchen equipment and appliances, washing machine access, linen and towels, use of sun loungers and outdoor furniture, and the boules court. Pool heating requires an additional supplement. Utilities, cleaning, and vehicle fuel remain the guest’s responsibility unless specified otherwise in your booking terms.

What restaurants and shops are near Le Grand Platane?

Châteaurenard’s weekly market operates every Thursday and stocks regional produce, cheeses, and prepared foods at approximately 3km distance. The town contains standard supermarkets (Carrefour, Leclerc) for bulk supplies and specialty items. Avignon, 8km away, hosts two major markets—Les Halles (covered market with restaurants) and the Saturday morning Farmers’ Market—plus countless restaurants spanning from casual bistros to Michelin-recognised establishments in converted medieval buildings. The region’s wine villages, particularly Châteauneuf-du-Pape (23km), house cellar restaurants pairing food with estate wines. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (15km) offers boutique cafés and galleries alongside Wednesday morning markets.