Villa Des Ocres | 4-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Rustrel Apt
Holiday Home Rental Description
A four-bedroom luxury villa rental in Rustrel sits within walking distance of the Colorado Provençal’s ochre-coloured cliffs, one of Provence’s most distinctive natural landmarks. Villa Des Ocres sleeps 6 guests across 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, positioned in the heart of the Luberon region where vineyards meet prehistoric hiking trails and medieval villages crown hilltops in every direction.
Inside Villa Des Ocres
The ground floor opens with a partially open-plan living area anchored by a decorative fireplace, flowing seamlessly into a fully-equipped kitchen with professional-grade appliances and substantial counter space for meal preparation. An adjacent dining zone connects all three spaces to the main terrace via glass doors, creating an uninterrupted sightline between interior and garden.
Two double bedrooms occupy the main floor alongside a reading room furnished with a double sofa-bed—useful for accommodating a sixth guest or providing a quiet retreat with books and afternoon light. Two shower rooms serve this level, ensuring minimal morning queuing for families or friend groups.
The loft level features sloping ceilings characteristic of Provençal farmhouse architecture. A third double bedroom and a fourth bedroom with two single beds (90x200cm each) sit beneath the eaves, connected to a full bathroom with a freestanding bathtub. The mezzanine incorporates dedicated office space with fast Wi-Fi—essential for guests managing work commitments during their stay. A children’s play room on this level keeps younger visitors entertained during quieter hours.
Throughout, the villa marries original features—exposed wooden beams, thick stone walls that naturally regulate temperature—with contemporary furnishings and striking artwork adorning the walls. The aesthetic feels lived-in rather than showroom-perfect, encouraging guests to settle in genuinely rather than tiptoe around preservation concerns.
Outdoor Spaces and Living
The covered terrace functions as an extension of the kitchen-dining area, shaded from the intense summer sun yet open to morning light and evening breezes. An 8.5-by-4.5-metre swimming pool anchors the garden, surrounded by lounging space and accessible via direct paths from the terrace. The pool’s dimensions suit lengths for lap swimming or simply cooling off between excursions into the Luberon countryside.
Mature gardens provide privacy despite the villa’s position within a small neighbourhood of holiday rentals and gîtes. Parking is available on-site, essential for exploring the dispersed villages and landscapes throughout the region. The combination of covered dining space, pool, and garden allows guests to construct entire days without leaving the property—though few choose to do so given the attractions immediately surrounding Rustrel.
Location: Rustrel and the Surrounding Area
Rustrel itself—a working village of approximately 300 residents—sits 2km from Villa Des Ocres, reachable on foot through countryside lanes (though without formal pavements). The village centre hosts a handful of traditional cafés and restaurants serving local produce, a small épicerie for daily provisions, a boulangerie supplying bread and pastries daily, and an olive oil mill where visitors observe traditional pressing methods. The 17th-century château dominating Rustrel’s elevated position commands views across the Luberon plateau.
Three kilometres south, the Colorado Provençal announces itself through distinctive terracotta and golden ochre striations cutting through the landscape—remnants of ochre quarrying that operated until the mid-20th century. The site now functions as both geological wonder and hiking destination, with marked trails navigating the coloured earth formations. The GR6 long-distance footpath passes directly through Rustrel and the Colorado Provençal, connecting day-hikers to multi-day trekking routes throughout Provence-Alpes.
Within 30 minutes’ drive lie the iconic perched villages classifying as France’s “Plus Beaux Villages”: Roussillon (19km) with its red ochre-dusted architecture, Ménerbes (33km), Gordes (26km), and Bonnieux (27km). Each commands elevated positions offering panoramic views across terraced vineyards and forest. Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt (10km), famous for cherry orchards and quality wines, hosts a lively Tuesday morning market where local producers sell directly to visitors.
Apt (11km from Villa Des Ocres) hosts the region’s largest weekly market every Saturday morning—a sensory cascade of strawberries, melons, garlic, cherries, locally-produced wine, olives, lavender products, and seasonal specialities. Avignon (80km), with its papal palace and vibrant arts scene, is easily reached for cultural excursions. Between June and August, lavender farms near Sault (31km) and Simiane-la-Rotonde (16km) bloom brilliantly, with distilleries offering tours explaining lavender oil production.
Marseille Provence Airport and Avignon-Caumont Airport both lie approximately 90 minutes’ driving distance; Gare d’Avignon TGV station receives direct trains from Paris and Lille. For destination planning, explore our luxury villas in France, browse our villas in Cassis for coastal alternatives, and consult our full collection in Apt for nearby options. Our Provence-Alpes travel guide provides detailed seasonal recommendations and cultural context for the wider region.
Who This Villa Suits Best
Families with children thrive at Villa Des Ocres, particularly those aged 6-14 who benefit from the nearby tree-top adventure centre (within the local neighbourhood), the on-site swimming pool, and the children’s play room on the loft level. The villa’s internet connectivity allows parents flexibility for work, while the kitchen’s size accommodates family meal preparation without crowding.
Multi-generational groups of 6 guests—combining older adults with their children and grandchildren—find the sofa-bed reading room and separate bedrooms offering both privacy and proximity. The villa’s gentle topography and nearby gentle hiking trails suit guests seeking outdoor activity without extreme fitness demands.
Couples seeking active holidays appreciate the Colorado Provençal’s hiking infrastructure and the density of villages within short drives. Art enthusiasts will value the villa’s gallery-like interior and access to local craft workshops including ceramics courses and painting classes (Maison 70 offers instruction in drawing, watercolours, turning, and pottery-making techniques within the neighbourhood).
Practical Information
Villa Des Ocres accommodates 6 guests across 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The property includes Wi-Fi suitable for remote work, a fully-equipped kitchen with quality cookware, and a heated swimming pool (climate control essential during shoulder seasons). Linen and towels are provided. A seasonal pizzeria operates Wednesday through Sunday within walking distance; Rustrel’s cafés and restaurants are accessible either on foot or by short car journey.
Marseille Provence Airport (approximately 120km) and Avignon-Caumont Airport (approximately 80km) are the nearest major landing points, each a 90-minute drive. Car rental is essential for exploring the Luberon effectively, given the dispersed villages and scenic drives. The nearest supermarket is in Apt (11km), with daily provisions available in Rustrel’s small épicerie (2km).
Frequently Asked Questions about Villa Des Ocres
How many guests does Villa Des Ocres sleep?
Villa Des Ocres sleeps 6 guests across 4 bedrooms: two double beds on the ground floor, one double bed on the loft level, and one twin with two single beds on the loft level. The reading room’s double sofa-bed provides additional flexible sleeping for a potential seventh guest. Three bathrooms (two shower rooms on the ground floor, one full bathroom on the loft level with a freestanding bathtub) serve the accommodation.
What is the nearest airport to Villa Des Ocres in Rustrel?
Avignon-Caumont Airport lies approximately 80km from Villa Des Ocres, a typical 90-minute drive via the A7 motorway. Marseille Provence Airport (120km distant) offers additional flight options, also requiring approximately 90 minutes’ transfer time. Both airports are served by international carriers and domestic connections. Gare d’Avignon TGV rail station, 80km away, connects directly to Paris Gare de Lyon and Lille.
What is the best time of year to rent Villa Des Ocres?
May through June and September through October offer ideal conditions: warm daytime temperatures (22-26°C), minimal rainfall, and manageable crowds at popular sites. July and August bring peak heat (28-32°C) and village congestion, though swimming becomes less optional and evening temperatures encourage outdoor dining. Winter (December-February) averages 8-12°C with occasional snow on higher elevations; spring wildflowers and autumn colours make shoulder seasons particularly appealing for photographers. Lavender blooms peak late June through early August in regional fields.
Is Villa Des Ocres suitable for families with children?
Yes. The property includes a children’s play room on the loft level, an on-site swimming pool, and direct proximity to a tree-top adventure centre within the local neighbourhood—ideal for children aged 6 and above. Rustrel’s village environment involves minimal traffic, and surrounding countryside offers gentle walking suitable for younger hikers. The nearby Colorado Provençal has marked trails of varying difficulty. However, families with very young children should note that the village lacks a medical centre; Apt hospital (11km) provides emergency services. The loft-level bedrooms have sloping ceilings—measure carefully before booking if accommodating tall teenagers.
What is included in the rental price at Villa Des Ocres?
The rental includes Wi-Fi internet throughout the villa, all utilities (electricity, water, heating), linen and towels, pool access and heating, and standard kitchenware and crockery. Cleaning typically occurs before arrival and after departure; mid-stay cleaning can often be arranged. Pet accommodation is available by request and may incur additional fees. Check-in and check-out times should be confirmed during booking, as some flexibility is often possible outside peak seasons.
What restaurants and shops are near Villa Des Ocres?
Rustrel village (2km) contains three cafés serving lunch and dinner with traditional Provençal cuisine, plus a small épicerie for daily provisions and a boulangerie for fresh bread. A seasonal pizzeria (open Wednesday to Sunday) operates within the local neighbourhood. Apt (11km) hosts a major Saturday morning market, multiple supermarkets, restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining, and food shops specialising in local produce. Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt (10km) offers wine tastings at several domaines and a Tuesday market. For gourmet shopping, Gordes (26km) contains artisanal food shops and restaurants with Michelin recognition.
