Rent Domaine D’Argens France

Close to the picturesque village of Lorgues, Domaine d’Argens is for guests longing to be surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes whilst embracing the estate’s rich heritage. Take long walks through the 130-hectare domaine of vineyards, forest and lucerne, picnic by the banks of the Argens then cool off in the gorgeous swimming pool. If you can bring yourself to leave the estate, Saint-Tropez, Cannes and Aix-en-Provence are all wonderful days out.

This historic residence has undergone an extensive restoration which shows great respect to the domaine’s past whilst ensuring guests can experience 21st century comforts and elegance. The main bastide dates back to the 17th century – the land it sits on may even predate nearby L’Abbaye du Thoronet.

Inside, the living and dining spaces have been styled with classic furnishings and refined décor with traditional features reminding you of the bastide’s heritage. This contrasts the impressive contemporary kitchen with high-end appliances. A private chef can be arranged whilst 2 hours of cleaning is included six days a week.

Nine individual bedrooms are scattered across the three floors, all exuding a sense of restfulness with calming décor and characterfully tiled floors alongside modern en suite bathrooms.

The hammam is another touch of luxury as is the outdoor hot tub and heated swimming pool. Prepare feasts in the outdoor kitchen to be enjoyed on the terrace by the grand stone arches overlooking the swimming pool. Elsewhere, enjoy your morning breakfast beneath the pergola, sip coffee in the shade of the plane trees or take a picnic down to the lawn with the sound of the flowing river below. Follow trails through the vast domaine passing vineyards, streams, woodland and other farmland as you appreciate this spectacular natural setting.  

Wine and food lovers note that Michelin starred Chez Bruno is just 6km away whilst there are seemingly endless vineyards to discover including the wine cellars of Château de Berne and Château d’Astros within a short drive. The authentic hilltop village of Lorgues awaits with its pretty squares, fountains and famous Tuesday morning market, one of the largest in the region.

Canoe, kayak or paddle-board along the Argens River near the wine-town of Vidauban or head further north to the incredible Lac de Sainte-Croix and Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon for more water-based adventures. Cycle through the idyllic landscapes of the Dracénie region, perhaps following the much-loved ‘Vigne à Velo’ cycling network, or spend your time pottering around other charming villages such as Flayosc, Aups and Ampus.  

The allure of the French Riviera also awaits – drive through the Massif des Maures’ chestnut and oak forests passing flower-filled Grimaud, and reach Saint-Tropez in around an hour. You may prefer the family-friendly beaches of Sainte-Maxime, the sophisticated Côte d’Azur town of Saint-Raphaël or even the palm-fringed shores of Cannes, all fantastic days by the Mediterranean.

Domaine Interiors

Ground Floor

–    Lounge and dining area
–    Kitchen, fully-equipped including dishwasher, two fridges and freezers, gas/electric range, oven, microwave, wine cabinet, coffee maker (pod and filter), juicer, blender, toaster and kettle
–    Bedroom suite (separate entrance) with twin beds (90cm each) and bathroom with sink, shower and WC
–    Annexe games/meeting room First Floor

–    TV lounge
–    Hammam
–    Bedroom with king-size double bed (180x200cm) and bathroom with two sinks, bath, shower and WC
–    Bedroom with king-size double bed (180x200cm) and bathroom with two sinks, shower and WC
–    Bedroom with king-size double bed (180x200cm) and bathroom with two sinks, shower and WC
–    Bedroom with twin beds (90cm each) and bathroom with sink, shower and WC (connects to below bedroom)
–    Bedroom with king-size double bed (180x200cm) and bathroom with two sinks, bath, shower and WC

Second Floor

–    Bedroom with king-size double bed (180x200cm) and bathroom with two sinks, shower and WC
–    Bedroom with king-size double bed (180x200cm) and bathroom with two sinks, shower and WC
–    Bedroom with four-poster double bed (150x200cm) and bathroom with two sinks, bath, shower and WC

Outside Grounds

–    Heated swimming pool (13x4m, depth: max 1.4m) with safety cover. Open approximately May to September
–    Pool house with summer kitchen and dining area
–    Hot tub
–    Barbecue
–    Courtyard
–    Pergola with al-fresco dining table and chairs  
–    Terraces (different levels and steps)
–    Garden lawns
–    Vast grounds (120 hectares) of vineyards and woodland
–    River’s edge and stream

Facilities

–    Air-conditioning (bedrooms only)
–    Piano
–    Steam room

In the Dracénie region of the Var department, Domaine d’Argens is set within a 120-hectare estate with forests, a stream, vineyards, lucerne and other crops. The domaine borders the Argens River and is only 9km from the pretty Provençal village of Lorgues.

The three nearest airports are Toulon Hyères Airport (73km), Nice (92km) and Marseille Provence Airport (124km). You can also arrive by train into Les Arcs -Draguignan (15km) with direct TGV trains from Paris (or change at Marseille). A car is essential to be able to explore this beautiful region.

Lorgues (9km) is a charming and authentic village with a vibrant Tuesday morning market, one of the largest in the region. Explore the village’s old lanes and admire pretty squares, fountains and historic houses. Sample wine in local vineyards and visit the prestigious wine cellar of Château de Berne (12.5km). It is also worth noting that the Michelin starred Chez Bruno (6km) is just over a 10-minute drive away.

Vidauban (9km) is also loved for its wine, close to Château d’Astros (8km) where the enchanting French film ‘Le Château de la Mère’ was filmed. Discover canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and other summer activities along the Argens River in Vidauban and beyond. Mountain biking, cycling and horse-riding can also be enjoyed close by.

Venture south to the mountain villages of the Massif des Maures passing oak and chestnut forests as you reach La Garde-Freinet (28km), then continue on towards the enchanting hilltop village of Grimaud (38km) overlooking Saint-Tropez bay. Saint-Tropez (50km), one of France’s most popular destinations, is around an hour by car (summer traffic dependant).

Alternatively, head through the hills to seaside town of Sainte-Maxime (40km) with its sandy beaches, watersports and lovely restaurants. You could also drive east to the historic town of Fréjus (39km) and its neighbouring Saint-Raphaël (41km), again with glorious beaches, fantastic restaurants, shops and a wonderful Côte d’Azur ambience.

Indeed, so much of the French Riviera is easily reached with the main A8 road passing south of Vidauban. In one direction you can reach Cannes (72km) in just over an hour, also possible by train from Les Arcs-Draguignan, or alternatively drive west towards the beautiful University town of Aix-en-Provence (103km), just under a 90-minute drive away.