Mas Mayeaux | 6-Bedroom Villa in Vaison la Romaine Roaix

Fourteen guests arrive in Vaison la Romaine and immediately understand why Provence has captivated travellers for centuries. A luxury villa rental in Vaison la Romaine means stepping into the kind of space that erases the boundary between indulgence and authenticity—where the medieval castle opposite glows amber at sunset and the river l’Ouvèze whispers through the valley below. Mas Mayeaux sits on a 5600-square-metre estate, hidden behind country lanes yet within sight of the historic town centre, offering both seclusion and the convenience of everything you actually want to do.

Inside Mas Mayeaux

Mas Mayeaux sleeps 12 guests across 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, distributed between a main residence and a separate stone annexe. This dual-building configuration means families and friend groups can have genuine privacy while remaining steps apart—the architecture mirrors how Provence itself feels: close-knit villages where everyone has their own front door.

The main house anchors the property. Built in the early 1950s from local pierre de Vaison stone, its thick walls maintain that perfect coolness even during August heat. Push through the entrance and you enter an open-plan living and dining space with air-conditioning, its doors framing views toward the garden and terrace beyond. The kitchen sits adjacent—not hidden away—a country-style room stocked with everything serious cooks expect and casual ones appreciate. You’ll find yourself cooking dinner here not because you have to, but because the space invites it.

Upstairs, the master bedroom claims the property’s best light. It comes with its own en suite bathroom and air-conditioning, a detail that matters when the Provençal heat peaks in July. Three additional bedrooms occupy the ground floor, each fitted with ceiling fans and designed for comfort rather than cramped sleeping. Two bathrooms serve these rooms, one en suite to the bedrooms and one separate. Beyond the bedrooms sits a library—an actual room with a billiards table, the kind of space that transforms rainy afternoons or extended stays.

The annexe, accessible via steps from the main house, operates as a self-contained unit. Its loft-style architecture creates drama: one open space flowing from living area through dining zone to kitchen, with a small terrace facing Mont Ventoux across the valley. Two bedrooms and a full bathroom plus separate WC ensure this space functions independently, accommodating four guests who want their own rhythm.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The grounds transform the villa from residence to resort. Picture yourself on the terrace on a June evening—lavender releases its scent as the sun turns the stone golden, and the medieval castle across the river becomes silhouette. This isn’t accident; it’s the entire experience of Provence distilled into one sightline.

A 4-by-8-metre heated pool commands the garden’s heart, its salt ionization system removing chlorine harshness. Safety alarm systems run automatically—families with younger children appreciate knowing the pool monitors itself. The pool typically remains open from May through late September, warming in spring faster than you’d expect and holding heat through October if you arrive early for autumn.

Around the pool, natural stone terracing creates multiple zones for living. Sun loungers scatter across the paved area, each facing the same view—river, castle, hills. A separate outdoor dining pavilion overlooks everything, equipped with a gas barbecue for grilled vegetables and meat. Tables accommodate full-group dinners, but the real magic happens when you pull up a lounger, pour a glass of Côtes du Rhône, and let conversation drift.

The enclosed garden contains mature trees—oak, olive, fig, mulberry, and kaki—creating natural shade and the feeling of stepping into Provence’s agricultural heart. Fragrant oleander bushes in pink frame the poolside, while herbs like rosemary and thyme grow throughout the grounds. Parking for three vehicles sits at the drive’s top, keeping the garden feeling uninterrupted.

Location: Vaison la Romaine and the Surrounding Area

Vaison la Romaine sits as one of Provence’s most historically layered towns, where Roman streets still form the town centre and medieval ruins crown the hilltop across the river. Walk from Mas Mayeaux through quiet country lanes and you reach the pedestrian shopping quarter in minutes—marché provençal operates every Tuesday, filled with seasonal produce, local cheese, and the kind of honey that tastes like flowers. The main square buzzes with cafés where locals actually sit, not just tourists, and restaurants range from casual crêperies to Michelin-serious establishments.

Directly across the historic Roman bridge sits the medieval quarter, where narrow stone alleyways lead upward to castle ruins with views extending to Mont Ventoux and beyond. This isn’t a reconstructed theme park; it’s a living medieval village where residents have maintained homes for generations. The town’s two major Roman antiquity sites sit in the centre—the Théatre Antique stages concerts and dance performances during summer, transforming a 2,000-year-old open-air theatre into a living performance space.

Mont Ventoux rises 23 kilometres northeast, its lunar landscape famous from Tour de France broadcasts. Cycling routes range from gentle circuits through village vineyards to steep alpine climbs. Hikers find trails at every difficulty level, with the Dentelles de Montmirail mountains forming a dramatic ridge 15 kilometres north. For something gentler, the riverside walk along the Promenade dans le Toulourenc extends 16 kilometres with shaded sections and swimming spots.

This region defines Côtes du Rhône wine country. Châteauneuf-du-Pape (20 kilometres south) produces some of France’s most celebrated reds—visit the papal ruins and tour cellar doors. Gigondas (12 kilometres north) specializes in peppery reds and welcomes visitors to hillside tastings. Smaller villages like Sablon, Roaix, Cairanne, Rasteau, Baume de Venise, and Vacqueyras each produce their own designated wines and host tasting rooms. Plan a wine exploration day and you’ll understand why this corner of Provence attracts serious collectors.

Beyond wine, adventure activities dot the region. Oxygène adventure park sits 750 metres away—ziplines, climbing walls, and tree courses for families wanting outdoor energy. Canoeing beneath the Pont du Gard (66 kilometres) follows rivers through limestone gorges. The Papal Palace in Avignon (54 kilometres) showcases 14th-century grandeur. Mediterranean beaches near Marseille (142 kilometres) offer sea swimming if inland heat becomes overwhelming. Rock climbing in the Dentelles, horse-riding through vineyards, and rafting on the Drôme River all sit within 30 kilometres.

Golf courses exist nearby—Provence Country Club stands 46 kilometres south, while the Seve Ballesteros-designed Pont Royal course (80 kilometres) provides a full-day excursion. A smaller 9-hole course operates in Orange, 30 minutes by car, perfect for a casual round.

For arrival logistics, Avignon (60 kilometres) offers the nearest major train station with Paris connections, while Marseille Provence Airport (110 kilometres) handles most international flights. Nîmes Airport (96 kilometres) provides a smaller alternative. By car, you’ll reach Mas Mayeaux in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours from either airport.

Best timing varies by preference. May through June brings warm days, manageable crowds, and wild lavender in bloom. July and August peak with heat and tourism—crowds at restaurants and markets thicken noticeably. September emerges as perhaps the ideal month: weather remains hot and stable, summer crowds thin dramatically, and wine harvest season creates energy in villages. October offers extended autumn light perfect for hiking and wine touring. Winter rarely freezes this corner of Provence, though rainfall increases and pool season closes.

Explore our luxury villas across Europe, browse our villas in Cassis, and discover our full collection in France. For deeper destination inspiration, read our Provence-Alpes travel guide.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Multi-generational family groups thrive here. The dual-building layout gives grandparents, adult children, and grandchildren each their own space while enabling shared meals on the terrace. Teenagers find entertainment through the game consoles, while younger children enjoy safe pool time with the security system active.

Groups of friends—six to twelve people—appreciate how Mas Mayeaux accommodates both togetherness and separation. Cook together in the main kitchen, then retire to the annexe with its own food preparation space. The billiards library becomes a gathering point for evenings.

Couples seeking a longer stay or those traveling with another couple benefit from the main house’s master bedroom and guest rooms, maintaining privacy within shared common spaces. The quiet location means peaceful mornings and undisturbed sleep.

Wine enthusiasts find themselves at the centre of Provence’s most accessible wine region—cellar doors and tastings require short drives rather than complex logistics. The outdoor spaces encourage leisurely afternoons with local wines and cheeses.

Photographers and artists gravitate toward this property instinctively. The light quality, medieval castle views, and mature garden create natural composition opportunities. The quiet setting supports creative work without isolation.

Practical Information

Mas Mayeaux sleeps 12 guests maximum: 6 bedrooms across 4 bathrooms. The main house sleeps 8 (4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms), while the annexe accommodates 4 additional guests (2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom with separate WC). This configuration allows flexible booking—rent just the main house for eight guests or both structures for full capacity.

Marseille Provence Airport (110 kilometres) represents the primary arrival point. Ground transfers take approximately 1.5 hours by car. Avignon Airport (80 kilometres, 1 hour 15 minutes) handles some international routes. The property arranges chef service, maid cleaning, and pre-stocked fridge preparation—discuss your needs upon booking.

Vaison la Romaine’s main supermarket sits within the town centre, a 5-minute walk from the villa’s periphery. Local shops line the pedestrian streets—bakery, butcher, cheese monger, wine merchants—all accessible on foot. The marché provençal (Tuesdays) offers seasonal produce, prepared foods, and local specialities.

The rental includes Wi-Fi internet throughout both buildings, air-conditioning in the main living area and master bedroom, heating for the pool, all linen and towels, utilities, and parking for three vehicles. PlayStation 2 and DVD selection provide entertainment; Netflix streaming works via your own account login. Board games, Xbox/PlayStation/Wii consoles, and boules/pétanque equipment support outdoor and indoor activities. Check-in flexibility accommodates varied travel schedules; discuss your timing during booking.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mas Mayeaux

How many guests does Mas Mayeaux sleep?

Mas Mayeaux accommodates 12 guests maximum across 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The main house provides 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms for 8 guests, while the adjacent annexe adds 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom with separate WC for 4 additional guests. The master bedroom in the main house includes an en suite bathroom. You can also rent just the main house for 8 guests if your group size requires fewer bedrooms.

What is the nearest airport to Mas Mayeaux in Vaison la Romaine?

Marseille Provence Airport stands 110 kilometres south and typically requires 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours by car. Avignon Airport (80 kilometres) offers an alternative approximately 1 hour 15 minutes away. Nîmes Airport (96 kilometres) provides a smaller option about 1 hour 15 minutes distant. All three airports have car rental facilities, and the property can arrange private transfers if preferred.

What is the best time of year to rent Mas Mayeaux?

May through June offers warm weather with manageable tourist numbers and spectacular lavender blooms throughout the region. July and August bring peak heat and maximum crowds—restaurants and markets become noticeably busier, though summer festivals and performances occur regularly. September emerges as many travellers’ ideal month: temperatures remain warm and stable, crowds thin significantly, and wine harvest season activates villages with seasonal energy. October provides extended autumn light excellent for hiking and wine touring, with Mediterranean warmth persisting through mid-month. Winter rainfall increases though freezing remains rare; the pool closes seasonally from October through April.

Is Mas Mayeaux suitable for families with children?

Yes, the property accommodates families well. The heated pool includes a safety alarm system and depth variation (0.6 to 1.8 metres), making it safe for younger swimmers. Console gaming systems (PlayStation, Xbox, Wii) and board games provide indoor entertainment. The enclosed 5600-square-metre grounds allow children safe play space away from roads. Oxygène adventure park (750 metres) offers family activities, and multiple gentle hiking trails begin nearby. Shallow beach swimming exists at the Mediterranean (142 kilometres), though inland water play at the pool usually suffices. The dual-building layout lets parents maintain sight lines while children play independently.

What is included in the rental price at Mas Mayeaux?

The rental price covers Wi-Fi internet access, all linen and towels, utilities (electricity, water, gas heating), pool heating (May through late September), parking for three vehicles, and access to all furnished common areas. The kitchen arrives fully equipped for cooking. Entertainment systems including PlayStation 2, DVD selection, board games, Xbox/Wii consoles, and boules/pétanque equipment are included. You supply your own Netflix account login for streaming. Maid service, chef/cook services, and pre-stocked fridge preparation are available for additional fees; discuss these options during booking.

What restaurants and shops are near Mas Mayeaux?

Vaison la Romaine’s pedestrian shopping district sits within a 5-minute walk—bakeries, butchers, cheese shops, and wine merchants line the streets. The main supermarket operates in the town centre. The marché provençal (Tuesday mornings) fills the square with seasonal produce, prepared foods, and local cheese. The medieval quarter across the Roman bridge contains restaurants ranging from casual to refined—several overlook the valley with castle views. Vaison’s main square hosts multiple café-restaurants with menus ranging from simple lunch plates to evening tasting menus. Châteauneuf-du-Pape (20 kilometres) and Gigondas (12 kilometres) both offer restaurants and wine-focused dining. For fine dining, Avignon (54 kilometres) contains Michelin-starred establishments and modern cuisine.