Maison D’Elegance | 8-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in APT

Fourteen guests across eight bedrooms. A swimming pool that catches afternoon light. Apt, the ochre-dusted market town of Provence-Alpes, lies just beyond the gates of Maison D’Elegance—a sprawling villa that began its life as an Archbishop’s summer residence in the 11th century. This is not a restored period piece frozen in time; it is a working family home that happens to have survived five centuries of French history.

Inside Maison D’Elegance

Maison D’Elegance sleeps 14 guests across 8 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. The ground floor establishes the rhythm: entrance hall opening onto a living room anchored by a working fireplace, flanked by two substantial three-seater sofas, a television, and a hi-fi system. The air here carries the quiet of old buildings. Adjacent, the dining room stretches across space designed to seat fifteen or sixteen at a single table—the kind of table where strangers become friends by dessert. Beyond lies a kitchen that functions at scale: properly equipped, lined with character, ready for the kind of cooking that occupies a full day. A practical laundry room houses two washing machines and a tumble dryer, essential infrastructure for any large group.

The chapel—70 square metres of consecrated space, now restored—serves as a secondary lounge and dining area for twelve to fifteen people. Its high ceilings and restored stonework create an atmosphere entirely different from the main house, useful for separating groups or hosting a formal dinner apart from daily life.

First floor: three bedrooms, each with a double bed and private ensuite bathroom, plus a guest WC. Second floor: four further double bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, and a children’s room containing four bunk beds, one double bed, and its own ensuite. This arrangement—eight separate bathrooms—means fourteen people never compete for water or mirrors.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The grounds absorb as much thought as the interiors. A terrace with seating for fifteen people stretches in front of the villa, with multiple lunch tables positioned to catch particular angles of light throughout the day. Fourteen garden chairs, twelve deckchairs, and an outdoor bed scattered across the gardens create zones for different moods: group gathering, solitary reading, afternoon sleep. The swimming pool measures 10 by 5 metres—intimate rather than olympic, but sufficient for the kind of lazy swimming that defines Mediterranean summer. Poolside lounging is supported by proper furniture, not afterthought seating.

A ping-pong table occupies one corner of the grounds, the kind of detail that prevents entire days from passing without laughter or competitive energy. An outdoor lounge area with a coffee table invites conversation that drifts from aperitif hour into evening. The gardens themselves are planted with the low-maintenance vegetation typical of southern Provence: olive trees, lavender blocks that release their fragrance as the day cools, fruit orchards that produce far more than any household can consume.

Location: Apt and the Surrounding Area

Apt sits at the geographical centre of the Luberon, a region defined by red ochre cliffs, medieval villages perched on steep hillsides, and agricultural land that has sustained humans since Roman occupation. The town itself—population around 11,000—functions as a weekly market hub. Wednesday and Saturday mornings fill the central square with vendors selling vegetables from local farms, goat cheeses still warm from production, baked goods, herbs, and textiles. The market is not theatre; it is functioning commerce, the backbone of local food culture.

Within 8 kilometres lie Roussillon and Gordes, both villages famous for their architectural preservation and tourist infrastructure. Roussillon’s ochre-quarried buildings create an almost artificial colour saturation; Gordes clings to a hilltop with feudal castle views across the Vaucluse plateau. Both contain restaurants, galleries, and the kind of cobblestone streets that demand slow walking. Five kilometres from Apt, the Aiguebrun river valley supports hiking trails that wind through oak and pine forest, with walking routes ranging from 45 minutes to full-day circuits. The GR9 long-distance path passes nearby, connecting the Luberon to the Mont Ventoux region.

Packing a picnic basket from Apt’s markets and cycling the Luberon’s flatter agricultural routes takes a morning. Wineries dot the region—Château de Mérges, Domaine de la Citadelle—offering cellar tours and tastings within 10-15 kilometres. For beach access, the Provençal coast at Cassis lies 65 kilometres south (approximately 50 minutes by car), with calanques—steep limestone coves—offering swimming in water that ranges from pale turquoise to deep blue depending on light and season. The Étang de Vaccares (saltwater lagoon) near Arles, 45 kilometres away, supports bird watching and flamingo spotting during migration seasons.

Avignon, the medieval papal city, lies 50 kilometres northwest; Aix-en-Provence, 70 kilometres south. Both support museums, galleries, and culinary traditions. The nearest major airport is Marseille Provence (Aéroport de Marseille-Provence), 90 kilometres from Apt, with approximately 90-minute transfer time by car. Nîmes airport, 70 kilometres away, serves as an alternative.

Explore our luxury villas in France, browse our villas in Cassis for coastal alternatives, and discover our full collection of properties in Apt. For deeper destination insight, read our Provence-Alpes travel guide, which covers seasonal rhythms, driving routes, and cultural events across the region.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended families requiring multiple bedrooms and bathrooms without dormitory-style sleeping arrangements. The eighth bedroom’s four bunk beds plus one double makes it specifically functional for children aged 5-14, with parents able to supervise from the double bed. Groups of eight to ten adults celebrating anniversaries, milestone birthdays, or simply taking time together appreciate the chapel as a separate entertaining space and the ground-floor layout that allows different rhythms to coexist—early risers at breakfast while others linger in bedrooms.

Families returning to the same location annually find that a villa’s stable infrastructure and familiar geography reduce planning friction. Multi-generational groups (grandparents, adult children, grandchildren) benefit from the private pool, contained gardens, and the absence of stairs to access outdoor areas from ground-floor bedrooms.

Practical Information

Capacity: 14 guests across 8 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. The property includes Wi-Fi throughout, two dishwashers, a pod coffee maker and filter coffee maker, two hi-fi systems, and a library of books in multiple languages. Pool heating is available (fee applies). Linen and towels are provided. The nearest supermarket is Carrefour Market in Apt’s town centre, approximately 3 kilometres away (5-minute drive or 20-minute walk through agricultural land). A smaller convenience store, Petit Casino, operates within Apt’s old quarter.

Check-in flexibility is available with advance notice. Pets are accepted on request (contact Excellence Luxury Villas directly). Pool safety features include shallow-end access suitable for children. The property is not wheelchair-accessible; ground-floor bedrooms have steps at their entrances.

Frequently Asked Questions about Maison D’Elegance

How many guests does Maison D’Elegance sleep?

Maison D’Elegance accommodates 14 guests across 8 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. The first floor contains three double bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. The second floor holds four additional double bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, plus a children’s room with four bunk beds and one double bed sharing an ensuite. This configuration ensures every guest has private bathroom access, eliminating queuing and maximising comfort for families or large groups.

What is the nearest airport to Maison D’Elegance in Apt?

Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), France’s third-largest airport, lies 90 kilometres south of Apt, requiring approximately 90 minutes by car via the A7 motorway. Nîmes-Alès-Campsada Airport (FNI), a smaller regional hub, sits 70 kilometres northwest (approximately 75 minutes by car). For travellers from the UK or northern Europe, Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (130 kilometres away, 2 hours by car) offers more frequent international connections but involves a longer transfer.

What is the best time of year to rent Maison D’Elegance?

May through September offers reliable heat, long daylight hours, and active local markets and festivals. June is optimal: warm enough for swimming, before July-August peak tourist season when villages become crowded and accommodation prices peak. September, after schools resume in France, sees visitor numbers drop sharply while weather remains excellent—many regard it as the true Provence season. April and October suit visitors content with variability: daytime temperatures reach 15-18°C, swimming is possible but chilly, and regional attractions remain open with minimal queuing. December through March brings rainy periods, occasional snow in distant hills, and the closure of many rural facilities, though December’s Christmas markets and February’s almond blossom have their own appeal.

Is Maison D’Elegance suitable for families with children?

Yes, with appropriate age consideration. The private pool includes shallow-end access for swimmers aged 4 and above; younger children require constant adult supervision. The children’s bedroom, with bunk beds and a double, provides family sleeping arrangements. Nearby Apt has schools and medical facilities. The villa’s enclosed grounds prevent unsupervised access to nearby roads. Gordes and Roussillon, both within 8-10 kilometres, contain family-friendly restaurants and ice cream parlours. Cycling the flatter Luberon routes is feasible with trail-a-bike attachments for children aged 3-5. The absence of a beach means families should plan car journeys to Cassis (65 kilometres) or Plan d’Aups lakes (40 kilometres) if swimming in open water is essential to the holiday.

What is included in the rental price at Maison D’Elegance?

The rental price includes Wi-Fi, all linen and towels, electricity, water, and gas heating (or air conditioning where installed). The kitchen’s appliances—two dishwashers, refrigerators, stove, microwave—are included. Pool access is included; pool heating incurs a separate fee based on usage. Cleaning at checkout is included; additional cleaning during stays is available for an added cost. Parking for at least three vehicles is included. Towel and linen laundry is the guest’s responsibility using the provided washing machines, or laundry services can be arranged with the property manager.

What restaurants and shops are near Maison D’Elegance?

Apt’s weekly markets (Wednesday and Saturday mornings) stock fresh produce, cheese, bread, and prepared foods from local producers. The town contains multiple boulangeries, a Carrefour supermarket, and smaller grocery shops. For restaurant dining, Apt offers bistros including Le Passage and L’Auberge du Luberon, casual establishments serving Provençal cuisine using seasonal ingredients. In Gordes, approximately 10 kilometres north, restaurants range from casual crêperies to established establishments like L’Artégal offering gastronomic menus. Roussillon, 8 kilometres east, contains cafés and restaurants positioned on village squares with views across ochre cliffs. For wine-focused dining and cellar visits, wineries at Ménerbes and Bonnieux (both 12-15 kilometres) offer lunch menus paired with their productions.