Villa Des Papes | 3-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in LE PONTET

Le Pontet sits on Avignon’s quieter doorstep, and Villa Des Papes is the kind of luxury villa rental in this Provence location where eight guests arrive as a group and leave as lifelong friends. This 18th-century converted stable property combines heritage charm with contemporary comfort, spreading across 1,500 square metres of manicured grounds where mature olive trees cast afternoon shadows and a heated swimming pool catches the southern light.

Inside Villa Des Papes

Villa Des Papes sleeps 8 guests across 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, distributed across two floors connected by open-tread stairs that flood the space with natural light. The ground floor contains a living-dining room anchored by a working fireplace—the kind of feature that transforms chilly evenings into memorable gatherings—alongside a fully equipped kitchen where serious cooks and casual breakfast-makers alike find everything they need. Storage abounds. The laundry room houses both washing machine and dryer, a detail families and longer-stay groups genuinely appreciate.

Upstairs, two double bedrooms provide peaceful sleeping quarters with period furnishings softened by air-conditioning and modern amenities. A quad bedroom (sleeping four) rounds out the sleeping arrangements, making this villa particularly practical for multi-generational groups or two families travelling together. Both bathrooms service the bedrooms efficiently—one with a traditional bath, the second featuring a shower room—so morning routines rarely become bottlenecks.

Throughout the villa, the owner’s meticulous restoration work shows in every detail: original stone walls breathe naturally, WiFi and heating systems operate invisibly in the background, and a library stocked with books spanning childhood through adulthood keeps rainy afternoons entertaining. Board games line shelves in the living area, transforming downtime into friendly competition.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The terrace stretches from the villa’s main entrance, angled to capture southern exposure. From here, sliding glass doors frame unobstructed views toward the swimming pool (13 metres long, 5 metres wide, 1.7 metres deep) where a safety shutter and alarm system mean parents can relax knowing the water remains secure when not in use. Pool inflatables float beside the deep end—the villa comes prepared for children’s water play and lazy adult afternoons alike.

Al-fresco dining happens at the terrace table, where a Weber barbecue sits ready for grilling. Beyond lies the landscaped garden itself: structured yet organic, with strategic plantings creating natural privacy screens and shaded retreats. Olive trees, some genuinely ancient, punctuate the landscape with silvery-green foliage. The boules pitch sits near the garden’s edge—a Provençal tradition made accessible—while ball and racket equipment hangs ready for impromptu garden games.

The overall effect: standing on this terrace at sunset with a glass of Côtes de Provence rosé, watching light soften across the Vaucluse plains, feels less like rental accommodation and more like temporary ownership of your own Provençal retreat.

Location: Le Pontet and the Surrounding Area

Le Pontet positions Villa Des Papes just 7 kilometres south of central Avignon, within the Vaucluse department’s heart. This location offers genuine advantage: close enough to the UNESCO-listed Palais des Papes and Pont d’Avignon (also known as Pont Saint-Bénézet) for morning exploration, yet far enough removed to retreat from tourist crowds by afternoon.

Avignon itself rewards wandering. The old town’s atmospheric quarter near the Sorgue river hosts working artists, riverside cafés, and wine bars where locals outnumber visitors. Wednesday and Saturday markets overflow with seasonal produce—April through June brings asparagus and strawberries from local farms, July-August peaks with stone fruits and tomatoes, autumn brings mushrooms and truffles. Excellent restaurants range from casual bistros serving ratatouille and bouillabaisse to Michelin-starred establishments tucked into medieval streets.

Five kilometres from the villa lies a five-star auberge offering fine-dining and spa facilities (hammam, jacuzzi, indoor pool, professional treatments). Supermarkets and local shops cluster 2-3 kilometres away. An 18-hole golf course sits within a five-minute drive, welcoming visiting golfers to its championship layout.

Beyond Avignon, Provence unfolds in every direction. Châteauneuf-du-Pape (14 kilometres north) hosts world-class wineries where Grenache-based wines spend seasons in barrel. The Luberon region spreads eastward—hilltop villages like Gordes and Ménerbes cling to limestone ridges amid vineyards and lavender fields. Carpentras, Pernes-les-Fontaines, and Orange (28 kilometres north) each merit visits, particularly on market mornings when farm vendors set up under plane trees.

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence lies 30 kilometres away, the town that inspired Van Gogh’s most famous works. Visit its Wednesday Provençal market or combine with nearby Les Baux-de-Provence (40 kilometres), one of France’s officially designated most beautiful villages. The surrounding Les Alpilles Regional Nature Park spans endless olive groves producing some of France’s finest oils.

History buffs drive to Pont du Gard (33 kilometres south)—a UNESCO World Heritage Roman aqueduct spanning the Gardon river, accessible for walks, picnics, and canoe excursions along its banks. Nîmes (53 kilometres southeast) preserves extraordinary Roman architecture including the Maison Carrée and Arena, often called France’s finest classical remains.

Cyclists treat this region as serious terrain. Mont Ventoux (approximately 36 kilometres northeast via Bédoin) challenges serious riders with its infamous Tour de France climb. Less demanding routes thread through Vaucluse’s flatter plains or trace Luberon’s hillside switchbacks past vineyards and stone villages.

Provence-Alpes’ climate makes late April through May ideal, when spring vegetables peak and crowds remain moderate. September-October offers warm days, cooler nights, and harvest-season energy in wine regions. Explore our luxury villas across Europe and our complete collection of properties in France. For deeper destination inspiration, read our comprehensive Provence-Alpes travel guide.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Multi-generational groups: The quad bedroom plus two doubles comfortably separate sleeping arrangements for parents, children, and grandparents without enforced shared walls. The boules pitch and board games keep mixed-age groups entertained together.

Two families travelling together: Eight-guest capacity distributes naturally across three bedrooms, with enough bathrooms that morning schedules don’t conflict. The kitchen and terrace accommodate communal meal preparation and dining.

Couples seeking cultural immersion: Villa Des Papes’ location puts UNESCO sites, markets, wineries, and museums within day-trip distance. The guest library and quiet terrace suit readers and planners between outings.

Families with younger children: The heated pool includes safety features. The library contains children’s books. The boules pitch, ball and racket games, and garden space encourage outdoor play. Nearby Avignon offers child-friendly attractions and restaurants adapted to family dining.

Cyclists and active travellers: Mont Ventoux, the Luberon’s rolling routes, and Vaucluse plains’ gentle trails all fall within accessible range. The villa’s position avoids mountain valleys while remaining close to major cycling destinations.

Practical Information

Capacity and Layout: Villa Des Papes accommodates 8 guests across 3 bedrooms (2 double, 1 quad), with 2 bathrooms distributed across two floors.

Nearest Airport: Avignon-Provence Airport sits 8 kilometres from Villa Des Papes—approximately 12-15 minutes by car. International connections operate through Paris Charles de Gaulle (approximately 3.5 hours by car) or Marseille (approximately 1.5 hours away).

Amenities Included: Heating, air-conditioning, WiFi throughout, pool inflatables, library, board games, boules pitch, ball and racket equipment, washing machine and dryer, Weber barbecue, and al-fresco dining table. Pool heating maintains comfortable water temperatures April through October.

Nearest Supermarket: Supermarkets and local shops cluster approximately 2-3 kilometres away in residential Le Pontet, reachable by car or bicycle.

Check-in Process: Flexibility around arrival times can be arranged directly with the owner, who lives on the estate and takes personal pride in guest comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions about Villa Des Papes

How many guests does Villa Des Papes sleep?

Villa Des Papes sleeps 8 guests across 3 bedrooms: two double bedrooms and one quad bedroom (sleeping four). No additional sofa beds or annexes exist, so the maximum occupancy remains 8. This layout works well for two families or multi-generational groups planning to share one property rather than book multiple accommodations.

What is the nearest airport to Villa Des Papes in Le Pontet?

Avignon-Provence Airport lies 8 kilometres from the villa—roughly 12-15 minutes by car. For international flights, Marseille-Provence Airport (90 kilometres, approximately 1.5 hours’ drive) and Paris Charles de Gaulle (approximately 700 kilometres, 3.5+ hours’ drive or domestic flights) offer wider connection options. Car rental at Avignon airport makes the drive to Villa Des Papes straightforward via the N7 highway.

What is the best time of year to rent Villa Des Papes?

Late April through May offers ideal conditions: spring temperatures (18-24°C), peak vegetable and fruit markets, and manageable crowds. September through October mirrors these advantages with harvest-season energy in vineyards and slightly warmer daytime temperatures. July-August remains warm (28-32°C) and sunny but brings peak tourist density to Avignon and popular villages. Winter months (November-March) see cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall, though the property’s heating and fireplace make off-season stays comfortable for those seeking quiet escapes.

Is Villa Des Papes suitable for families with children?

Yes, definitively. The pool includes a safety shutter and alarm system, addressing primary water safety concerns. The quad bedroom allows children to sleep together with a parent nearby in an adjoining double. The library stocks children’s books spanning multiple age groups. The garden provides safe outdoor play space away from roads, with boules equipment and ball games encouraging active entertainment. Nearby Avignon offers child-friendly attractions, and surrounding villages like L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue provide gentle, walkable environments. Restaurant options in Avignon accommodate family dining readily.

What is included in the rental price at Villa Des Papes?

Villa Des Papes includes heating, air-conditioning, WiFi, pool inflatables, the library, board games, boules pitch equipment, ball and racket games, washing machine and dryer access, the Weber barbecue, and outdoor dining furniture. Pool heating extends comfortable swimming seasons from April through October. Utilities (electricity, water, heating) are included. Linens and towels are provided. The property comes prepared for arrival—guests need not purchase or arrange basic necessities.

What restaurants and shops are near Villa Des Papes?

Supermarkets and everyday shops cluster 2-3 kilometres away in central Le Pontet. A five-star auberge offering fine-dining sits within walking distance (approximately 800 metres through a tree-lined park), accessible for both lunch and dinner service. Central Avignon, 7 kilometres north, hosts dozens of restaurants ranging from casual bistros serving traditional Provençal cuisine (ratatouille, bouillabaisse, daube provençale) to Michelin-starred establishments. Markets operate Wednesday and Saturday mornings, selling vegetables, fruits, herbs, cheeses, and prepared foods from regional producers. L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (20 kilometres northeast) offers speciality shops, antique stores, and Sunday morning brocante markets.