Mas La Levade | 8-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Lalevade Fabras

Fourteen guests arrive at Mas La Levade and immediately understand why the Ardèche region stops people mid-conversation. This 17th-century manor house commands the edge of Lalevade, a quiet riverside village in France’s Rhône-Alpes, positioned perfectly where the Upper Ardèche Gorge meets the gentler slopes that roll toward Provence. The architecture tells a story—two substantial wings connected by a galleried hallway stretching twenty metres, the kind of scale that absorbs large groups without anyone feeling crowded.

Inside Mas La Levade

Mas La Levade sleeps 16 guests across 8 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms, distributed across two distinct wings that each maintain their own character. The property’s skeleton is its hallway—a light-filled gallery with open wood-burning fireplace, substantial English-language library, and television—a genuine gathering space rather than mere circulation. From here, spaces branch organically: a salon with garden access and wood fire; a separate study lined with books; a dining room anchoring its own hearth.

The converted stables merit specific attention. These vaulted spaces—kitchen and dining combined—operate at a scale unusual for French properties. Two refrigerator-freezers, gas hob with five burners, electric fan oven, two dishwashers, microwave, toaster, washing machines (two), tumble dryer, and a traditional wood-burning stove make this the operational heart. The vaulting overhead, original stone walls, and working stove mean cooking here is functional theatre rather than hidden labour. Above, upper mezzanines extend the usable area without adding square footage.

The basement hosts an unexpected guest amenity: a semi-underground games room where table tennis tournaments materialise. Cell-like coolness in summer, insulated warmth in winter.

The Prades Wing contains three bedrooms: one double with ensuite shower, one double, one twin, sharing a bathroom across the corridor. The Lalevade Wing distributes five additional bedrooms with mixtures of double, twin, and triple beds—three with ensuite bathrooms, two with separate bathrooms positioned across a shared corridor. This configuration suits multi-generational groups where some guests require privacy, others accept shared facilities.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The pool sits deliberately above the main house, accessed by steps that become a ritual of descent each morning. This elevation grants the pool an unobstructed view south-west across the valley, ridge lines and distant mountains forming the backdrop to swimming. The safety cover operates electrically. A gated pool house, furnished with teak, provides afternoon shade and shelter for lunch without returning indoors—the kind of detail that separates estates from ordinary villas.

The poolside terrace extends the living outward. Teak tables and chairs, weathered to silver-grey, remain setup year-round. The south-west aspect means extended evening light.

Beyond the pool, a south-west-facing garden drops gently toward valley views. An outdoor dining zone anchors a substantial teak table with seating for twelve—meals here absorb the landscape into conversation. The courtyard nearer the house provides secondary dining with built-in barbecue.

A walled garden across the village road functions as evening drinks territory—a separated retreat where guests migrate as day temperature falls. A stream marks the property’s lower boundary, adding the sound of running water to the sensory experience of the grounds.

Parking accommodates multiple vehicles within gated access.

Location: Lalevade and the Surrounding Area

Lalevade positions guests at the precise frontier where outdoor adventure transitions from optional to unavoidable. The Ardèche River—that glacial green ribbon—lies 20 minutes’ walk downhill. Here, kayaking and canoeing operations run from May through September, and the upper reaches hold rock pools cold enough to reset the nervous system. Many guests combine pool time at Mas La Levade with river-based days.

Aubenas, the region’s principal town, stands 8km away. Its medieval ramparts enclose a market square where Tuesday and Saturday mornings fill with vendors selling goat’s cheese (Ardèche produces exceptional varieties), wild mushrooms, seasonal stone fruits, and chestnut products. The town itself rewards wandering—narrow streets, good restaurants, practical shops for forgotten items.

Vals-les-Bains, 6.5km away, operates as a thermal spa town with Belle Époque architecture and a riverside setting. Its character differs markedly from Aubenas—more refined, quieter, centred on water-based wellness rather than commerce.

For ambitious day trips: Alba-la-Romaine (33km) preserves Roman ruins within a medieval hilltop village, an archaeological site that rewards two hours of exploration. Montélimar (50km) anchors the nougat industry, with factory tours and markets demonstrating why this confection remains emblematic of southern France. Avignon (120km) and Nîmes (130km) anchor the cultural authority of the region—papal palaces, Roman amphitheatres, museums of weight and consequence. Uzès (91km) offers a Duke’s castle and Renaissance squares. Orange (95km) preserves one of Europe’s finest Roman theatres.

Cycling routes penetrate vineyards and olive groves. The Ardèche wine region produces characterful whites and light reds—dozens of cellar doors welcome visitors within 15-30km. Tennis courts operate in Lalevade itself. Hill walking extends from the doorstep up into the Massif Central’s gentler foothills.

Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (150km, approximately 2 hours’ drive) and Marseille Provence Airport (180km, approximately 2.5 hours) both serve the region. Smaller Nîmes-Alès-Camino Airport (110km) offers domestic and limited European connections.

Best visiting periods: May-June offers warmth without midsummer heat, wildflowers, river water cold but manageable, and smaller crowds. September-October reverses the pattern—excellent weather as summer fades, harvest activity in vineyards, morning mists in the gorge by October. July-August brings peak temperatures, peak tourism, and river water warm enough for extended swimming but accommodation constraints region-wide.

When planning your visit to this remarkable corner of France, explore our villas throughout Cassis and browse our full collection of luxury properties in France. For broader destination inspiration, our Rhône-Alpes travel guide provides comprehensive seasonal and cultural context for the region.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended families spanning three generations find Mas La Levade’s layout manages complexity gracefully—eight bedrooms allow grandparents and parents separate retreats, children have room to develop their own territories, and shared spaces (that twenty-metre hallway, the games room, the pool terrace) enforce periodic gathering without eliminating privacy.

Groups of friends numbering 12-16 discover the scale accommodates different energy levels simultaneously: some guests kayaking, others wine-tasting in Aubenas, others poolside reading—no rigid group itinerary required. The conversion of stables means catering for the group becomes feasible rather than exhausting.

Couples seeking a standalone retreat will find the property oversized but the Prades Wing, with its three bedrooms, functions as a independent cottage connected to main amenities only when desired.

Corporate groups and wedding parties benefit from the multi-wing configuration and professional kitchen.

Outdoor enthusiasts—kayakers, walkers, cyclists—position themselves optimally. The river lies minutes away. Trails begin at the gate.

Practical Information

Mas La Levade accommodates 16 guests maximum: 8 bedrooms across the Prades and Lalevade wings, 7 bathrooms (ensuite and shared configurations), with flexible configuration accommodating double, twin, and triple bed setups. A supermarket operates in Lalevade village itself, useful for forgotten items or supplementing weekly deliveries. Professional maid service is available on request for full weeks, enabling guests to arrive to prepared spaces and depart without deep-cleaning obligations. Wi-Fi covers the property. Pets arrive on request with advance notice. The heated pool operates seasonally. All utilities, linen, and towels are included in rental pricing. Check-in typically allows 4pm arrival, check-out 10am departure, with flexibility negotiable based on bookings.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mas La Levade

How many guests does Mas La Levade sleep?

Mas La Levade accommodates 16 guests across 8 bedrooms: three in the Prades Wing (one double ensuite, one double, one twin with shared bathroom), and five in the Lalevade Wing (various double, twin, and triple configurations with three ensuite bathrooms and two shared). Bedding flexibility allows adjustment for specific group compositions.

What is the nearest airport to Mas La Levade in Lalevade?

Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (150km, approximately 2 hours by car via the A7 motorway) is the primary gateway. Marseille Provence Airport (180km, approximately 2.5 hours) and Nîmes-Alès-Camino Airport (110km, approximately 1.5 hours) provide alternatives. Ground transportation can be arranged through local providers.

What is the best time of year to rent Mas La Levade?

May-June offers ideal conditions for most guests: warm daytime temperatures (22-25°C), river water warming after winter, wildflowers visible on hillsides, and the season before July-August peak tourism saturates the region. September-October reverses the appeal—harvest activity in vineyards, lower accommodation costs region-wide, and September temperatures matching June without crowds. July-August suit guests prioritising hot weather and warm river swimming (water often exceeds 20°C), though crowds and midsummer heat (often exceeding 30°C) can intensify the experience negatively. Winter (November-February) is possible but brings occasional rain, cooler temperatures unsuitable for pool swimming, and reduced outdoor activity options.

Is Mas La Levade suitable for families with children?

The property suits families well. The heated private pool includes an electric safety cover and gated access, eliminating unsupervised water access. A riverside beach exists in Lalevade village itself for supervised swimming. The games room accommodates rainy-day activity. Nearby attractions suit children—Montélimar’s nougat factories, Aubenas’ river walks, rock pools in the Ardèche River’s upper reaches, and multiple cycling trails. Family restaurants in Aubenas and Vals-les-Bains provide reliable cuisine. However, the property’s size (16 guest capacity) suits larger families or multi-family groups better than couples with one or two children.

What is included in the rental price at Mas La Levade?

Rental rates include all utilities (electricity, water, heating), Wi-Fi internet access throughout, bed linen and towels, and seasonal pool heating (May-October typically). Maid service available on request for an additional fee enables arrival to cleaned spaces and departure without deep-cleaning. Gas for cooking and heating is included. Air conditioning is not present but French stone construction and south-west-facing garden design maintain comfortable temperatures through summer. Check specific rental terms with the booking agent regarding pet fees or seasonal surcharges.

What restaurants and shops are near Mas La Levade?

Lalevade village contains a supermarket for essentials. Aubenas (8km)—the region’s principal town—offers multiple restaurants ranging from casual bistros to formal dining, plus Tuesday and Saturday morning markets featuring local goat’s cheese, mushrooms, seasonal fruits, and chestnut products. Vals-les-Bains (6.5km) provides spa cuisine and refined restaurants reflecting its thermal heritage. Village restaurants throughout the Upper Ardèche region within 10-20km offer authentic Ardèchois cooking emphasizing wild mushrooms, goat’s cheese, and river fish. Wine bars and cellar doors scattered across vineyards 15-30km distant welcome visitors for tastings and light meals.