Mas Des Cevennes | 9-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Gard Lussan

Eighteen guests spread across nine bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and one sprawling French estate that transforms group holidays into something unforgettable—this is what awaits at Mas Des Cevennes in Gard, Languedoc. Positioned on the edge of a private lake, this converted farmhouse commands views across three hectares of woodland and water, offering the kind of space where large families and friend groups discover they can actually breathe together. The Gard department’s quieter corners hold their secrets well, and this lakeside property sits perfectly positioned to unlock them.

Inside Mas Des Cevennes

Mas Des Cevennes sleeps 18 guests across 9 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms spread through the main house, attic spaces, and a separate annexe. The ground floor anchors daily life around a substantial kitchen built for serious cooking—the kind of space where a hired chef can orchestrate dinner for eighteen without feeling cramped. Adjoining the kitchen, the formal dining room sets the stage for long meals, while the study provides quieter corners for those who need to step away. A dedicated TV lounge opens directly onto the terrace, and the salon features a working fireplace fed with supplied logs for those cooler evenings when the Languedoc wind picks up.

The first floor splits across two wings. One wing houses a library—increasingly rare in rental villas, increasingly valuable for anyone seeking refuge with a book. Here you’ll find a double bedroom with its own dressing room and en suite bathroom, a separate twin bedroom, and shared facilities including a bathroom and shower room. The second wing mirrors similar comfort with another double bedroom and twin option.

The attic floor, accessed via open-tread stairs, offers two additional double beds and a twin setup with a shared bathroom between them. The second attic wing provides four more sleeping spaces: two doubles and one twin, each with private en suite bathrooms. Notably, one attic double opens directly onto a lake-view terrace—the kind of room where early risers watch mist clear from the water while coffee steams on the wrought iron table. This wing also contains a separate lounge and kitchenette with dining area, functioning as a semi-independent space ideal for guests seeking some autonomy.

The annexed structure—connected to the main house but distinct—contains a double bedroom, kitchenette, and bathroom, offering additional sleeping space or a private retreat for guests who prefer separation from the main gathering areas.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The grounds unfold across three hectares of working lakeside property. The swimming pool measures 10 by 4 meters with variable depth ranging from 0.7 to 1.5 meters, equipped with safety alarm systems and open roughly April through October. Positioned near the lake’s jetty, the pool commands views across the water while maintaining safe separation from the deeper fishing areas.

Outdoor dining happens beneath a pergola-covered courtyard with substantial tables and seating for the full group—the kind of setup where you can host aperitifs and watch the light change across the water without anyone squeezing past anyone else. Additional outdoor seating scattered through the grounds offers quieter corners for morning coffee or afternoon reading. A built-in barbecue handles the heavier cooking when the kitchen needs respite.

The lake itself functions as the property’s centerpiece. A small boat sits ready for fishing expeditions; guests bring their own equipment and observe the tradition of returning their catch. The water holds pike, black bass, and carp—the kind of fishing lake that rewards patient anglers while also attracting rare birds including the little grebe. The estate’s classification as a zone of special ecological interest reflects the wetland’s importance to regional wildlife; the water itself becomes increasingly precious in an otherwise relatively dry region of southern France.

Badminton equipment sits ready for court games, while board games stock the indoor spaces for rain-bound afternoons. Life jackets hang by the jetty for anyone venturing onto the water.

Location: Gard and the Surrounding Area

Mas Des Cevennes occupies the Gard department’s quieter northeast corner, sixteen kilometers north of Uzès, that exquisite medieval town where market days on Wednesday and Saturday mornings still gather beneath plane trees on the main square. The immediate surroundings maintain genuine rural character: a boulangerie and café sit in the small village just two kilometers away, while a higher-end auberge operates approximately one kilometer along the main road (note: the walk lacks pavement, making it more suitable for driving).

Lussan, a fortified village four and a half kilometers by car, punches above its size with excellent restaurants and countryside views from medieval ramparts. The ceramics studios housed within its walls attract makers and collectors alike.

The region’s wine country radiates outward. Laudun-l’Ardoise sits twenty-seven kilometers away, serving as the heart of southern Rhône valley wine production. The appellations of Lirac and Tavel occupy nearby vineyards—both producing distinctive reds that pair perfectly with lakeside suppers. Saint-Victor-la-Coste, twenty-six kilometers distant, offers a village square ideal for lunch and local wine, with castle ruins ascending the hillside for post-meal exploration. The legendary Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards lie forty-seven kilometers away across the Rhône, though less celebrated than its northern cousin, the southern Rhône’s output reveals genuine character and value.

Cultural landmarks punctuate the landscape: Le Pont du Gard, the magnificently preserved Roman aqueduct and UNESCO World Heritage site, sits thirty kilometers away and functions perfectly for riverside picnics, swimming, or kayaking expeditions. Nîmes, forty kilometers distant, showcases Roman architecture so intact it feels less like history and more like interrupted daily life—the amphitheater, temples, and city gates rival anything in the Mediterranean. Avignon, fifty-two kilometers away, anchors the region with its papal palace, famous bridge, UNESCO World Heritage sites, vibrant markets, and restaurants perched along the Rhône.

Nature lovers should note that Alès, twenty-six kilometers away, serves as the gateway to Cévennes National Park. A scenic steam train runs from Anduze, forty kilometers distant, through the mountains to Saint-Jean-du-Gard—a half-day excursion that reveals the Cévennes’ dramatic terrain. Hiking trails spider through the park’s forests and ridges, rewarding walkers with views across three regions and genuine solitude.

For arrival and departure, Nîmes Airport sits fifty-four kilometers away with roughly an hour’s drive time; Montpellier Airport extends the journey to ninety-five kilometers but may offer better flight connections. The TGV train station at Avignon, fifty-five kilometers distant, connects to Paris and other major European cities. Regional train stations at Bagnols-sur-Cèze (twenty-two kilometers) and Alès (twenty-six kilometers) serve local connections.

For property inspiration throughout the region, explore our villas in Gard, browse our broader luxury villas in France, and discover our full collection in Lussan. Our Languedoc travel guide provides deeper context for planning your stay across this compelling corner of southern France.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Multi-generational families discover Mas Des Cevennes particularly well-suited to their dynamics. The combination of semi-independent spaces (the annexe, the separate attic wing with its kitchenette and lounge) allows teenagers and adult children their autonomy while keeping everyone under one roof. Grandparents find quieter bedrooms for earlier bedtimes, while younger children stay entertained by the pool, badminton court, and lake activities without requiring external childcare arrangements.

Large friendship groups—especially those celebrating milestones like landmark birthdays or reunions—benefit from the villa’s scale and variety. The formal dining room handles group meals while quieter spaces allow breakaway conversations. The combination of organised activities (badminton, board games, fishing) with open relaxation space suits the rhythm of group holidays where some people want structure and others seek unstructured time.

Professional groups and corporate retreats work here too. The study and library support those requiring quiet working space, Wi-Fi coverage reaches throughout the property, and the scale permits breakout sessions while maintaining a central gathering hub. The hired chef option transforms mealtimes from logistical challenges into team-building opportunities.

Couples seeking space to explore a region without commuting from accommodation will appreciate the central location for day trips—nowhere in the Gard falls more than an hour’s drive away, yet the villa’s lake position maintains genuine escape and privacy.

Practical Information

Mas Des Cevennes accommodates 18 guests maximum across 9 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. The property includes Wi-Fi coverage, supplied firewood for both fireplaces, linen and towels, pool safety features, and a pre-stocked fridge option. The swimming pool operates seasonally from approximately April through October. Life jackets, badminton equipment, board games, and the fishing boat come included.

Optional services include: a professional chef or cook available for meal preparation, babysitting arranged through the management company, and airport transfers from either Nîmes or Montpellier airports (approximately 54-95 kilometers, 1-1.5 hours drive time). Pets are permitted by request with advance notice.

The property operates with flexible check-in and check-out times subject to management availability. A laundry room with full facilities supports longer stays for large groups. A second kitchen on the top floor provides additional food preparation options when the ground floor kitchen reaches capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mas Des Cevennes

How many guests does Mas Des Cevennes sleep?

Mas Des Cevennes sleeps 18 guests maximum across 9 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. The bedroom mix includes six double beds, one twin setup sharing a bathroom, and two additional twin arrangements in the attic space. The separate annexe contains one additional double bedroom. Most bedrooms feature private en suite bathrooms; two twin rooms in the first floor section share a combined bathroom and shower room facility.

What is the nearest airport to Mas Des Cevennes in Gard?

Nîmes Airport lies the closest at fifty-four kilometers away, approximately one hour by car. Montpellier Airport, ninety-five kilometers distant, takes roughly ninety minutes but may offer broader flight options and competitive pricing. Both airports provide car rental and taxi services. The property arranges transfers by request. For international connections, consider flying into Marseille or Lyon and driving south through Provence toward Gard.

What is the best time of year to rent Mas Des Cevennes?

May through September offers warm, reliably dry weather ideal for lake swimming and outdoor dining. July and August peak as warmest months but also bring the season’s highest prices and busier attractions. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) provide excellent compromises: warm days, fewer crowds at landmarks like Le Pont du Gard, and notably lower accommodation costs. The pool operates April through October. Winter months (November-March) see cooler temperatures, occasional rainfall, and minimal pool access—though the fireplaces become attractive features and regional wine harvests create festive atmospheres in Laudun-l’Ardoise and surrounding villages. Wednesday and Saturday markets in Uzès function year-round.

Is Mas Des Cevennes suitable for families with children?

The villa accommodates families effectively. The swimming pool features safety alarms and variable depth (0.7-1.5 meters), permitting safe swimming for younger children alongside deeper water for experienced swimmers. Life jackets provide additional security for any lake activities. Babysitting can be arranged through the management company if parents wish evening time away. Board games and badminton equipment entertain during quieter hours. Nearby villages contain basic shops and pharmacies. The closest larger towns—Alès (26km) and Uzès (16km)—contain full medical facilities. However, the villa location lacks pavements on some connecting roads, making it less walkable for very young children; car access becomes essential for exploring the broader region. The lake fishing and boat activities appeal to children aged 7+.

What is included in the rental price at Mas Des Cevennes?

The base rental includes: accommodation across all 9 bedrooms, use of all bathrooms, Wi-Fi internet, linen and towel provision, utilities (water, electricity, heating where applicable), pool access (seasonal April-October), swimming pool safety features, life jackets, badminton equipment, board games, the fishing boat and lake access, barbecue use, and firewood for fireplaces. The pre-stocked fridge option requires advance arrangement. Optional services—chef or cook services, babysitting, airport transfers, and pet accommodation—incur additional fees arranged directly with the management company. Pool heating, if desired during shoulder seasons, may carry separate heating charges.

What restaurants and shops are near Mas Des Cevennes?

The immediate area maintains rural character with minimal foot traffic. A village boulangerie and café sit two kilometers away (accessible by car), serving morning pastries and coffee. An upscale auberge operates approximately one kilometer along the main road toward Bagnols-sur-Cèze. Lussan, four and a half kilometers away, concentrates several notable restaurants and village shops within its medieval walls. Uzès, sixteen kilometers distant, hosts the region’s most robust dining and shopping scene: Wednesday and Saturday market days bring food stalls, fresh produce vendors, wine merchants, and prepared food sellers to the main square; permanent shops throughout the historic centre provide grocers, bakeries, wine merchants, restaurants ranging from casual cafés to fine dining, and specialist shops serving both locals and visitors. Bagnols-sur-Cèze, twenty-two kilometers away, functions as the nearest conventional town with supermarkets and chain retailers. For wine purchasing, the Laudun-l’Ardoise wine region (27km) offers direct winery visits and tasting rooms. Saint-Victor-la-Coste village (26km) supplies lunch options and village shop basics.