Discovered some 30 years ago by its owners who fell in love with this corner of Provence, Le Pigeonnier is a home that provides the perfect setting for a family holiday. Essentially and originally a traditional French farmhouse, the owners, with great care and sensitivity to the character of its origins, have incorporated every modern comfort to create an ambiance of settled and established luxury. It is every bit a much loved family home. Spreading over 3 levels and with views that extend over its own vineyard and a valley to the hills beyond, the gardens are an exquisite feature of Le Pigeonnier and include a tennis court and heated swimming pool.
Le Pigeonnier
Grimaud, South of France
Overview
The Main House: Sleeps 12
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
4 double bedrooms
2 twin bedrooms
4 ensuite bathrooms, one share bathroom
Rent per week
€6000 to €12000 per week depending on the season. Saturday to Saturday.
Key features
All bedrooms are air conditioned
Provencal farmhouse of great comfort, style and character
Main house and annexe (Le Pigeonnier)
Spacious rooms and bedrooms
Beautiful garden, grounds and vineyard
7m x 12m Heated outdoor swimming pool
All weather tennis court
Beautiful views over the vineyards and valley to the hills
Utterly private and peaceful yet accessible
Testimonials
The Main House and Accommodation
Main Dining Area and Hallway: A large and naturally light living and dining space with generous windows open to the gardens and separately French doors to the terrace. Classical Provencal tiled floors and splendid oak beams running its full length form a perfect setting for the long dining table and chairs.
The kitchen: With a breakfast table, electric cooker, ovens, hotplate, microwave, full height fridge/freezer, dishwasher, espresso coffee maker and all ancillary equipment. Open to the Dining area on one side, with fully equipped base and wall units on two sides and a door opening to a convenient path to the parking area on the North side.
The sitting room: Two generous sofas either side of a coffee table adjoin an open fireplace. Two pairs of French windows open onto a terrace which enjoys views over the garden and across the vineyard. There is a flat screen TV and Sky with terrestrial channels (French and English).
Bedrooms & bathrooms
Bedroom 1: Master Bedroom
With King Size Double bed (6’w x 6’6”). French windows open onto East facing balcony overlooking the garden, pool, vineyards and to the hills. There is a sun umbrella on the balcony with small round table and two chairs. It has an ensuite bathroom 1 with bath, twin wash basins, walk in shower and WC.
Bedroom 2
With King Size Double Bed (6’w x 6’6”). With windows facing North and East and an ensuite bathroom with bath, walk in shower, wash basin and WC.
Bedroom 3
With twin beds (3’w x 6’) which can be placed together to form a double bed. North facing window. It uses a family bathroom opposite Bedroom 3. With bath, walk in shower, washbasin and WC.
Bedroom 4
This bedroom is on the ground floor. Accessed from the outside through French windows from the terrace on the ground floor. With a double bed (5’w x 6’) and its ensuite bathroom with a small bathroom, igloo shaped, with bath, washbasin and WC.
The Pigeonnier and Accommodation
A short distance across the terrace from the house is a charming little dovecote/pigeonnier converted into one double bedroom with ensuite Bathroom downstairs and one double bedroom, accessed by external steps on the first floor.
Bedroom 5
Accessed from the outside through either one of two attractive external doors. With Double bed (5’w x 6’) and Shares a bathroom with bedroom 5 which has a walk- in shower, washbasin and WC.
Bedroom 6
Accessed by steps from the outside. Twin beds (3’w x 6’) which can be placed together to form a double bed. Two East facing and one North facing window. With washbasin. Shares a bathroom with bedroom 5 which has a walk in shower, washbasin and WC.
Garden and Grounds
The beautifully maintained gardens, developed and improved over many years by the owners, are a particularly impressive feature of Le Pigeonnier.
Arranged over three levels it bursts with colour and fragrance, landscaped with roses, lavender, azaleas, other flowering shrubs and distinctive cypress and olive trees. The immaculately tended and irrigated lawns are a paradise for children and there are numerous peaceful corners and spaces for relaxation. The gardens give way to Le Pigeonnier’s own vineyard which produces a delicious Cote de Provence Rose, available to purchase if you wish.
In a quiet spot at the bottom of the garden is a La Boule Court with a seating area.
Badminton on the lawn provide another option for gentle exercise. The various different areas of lawn, garden and yard areas provide a variety of further natural sites for La Boule.
Additional buildings, terraces and eating areas
There is an outdoor kitchen and barbecue forming part of a covered terrace beside the pool. It has generous seating for a large group around its edges and there is also a table sufficient for a large family group to sit/eat.
Games Room
The old barn adjoining the swimming pool forms a super Games Room in which there is a table tennis table and Table Football. Should you experience a rainy day this is also an excellent place for indoor football, cricket and for children to let off steam.
Swimming Pool & Tennis Court
Occupying a position within sight and a short stroll of the house is the heated, filtered and alarmed Swimming Pool measuring 12m x 5m. It is 3ft at the shallow end and 10ft at the deep end. There are 12 sunbeds and sun umbrellas arranged around the pool. There are a selection of pool toys for children.
The pool can be heated at a cost of £400/week in May and June and £310/week in July and August. The pool alarm should be switched on when the pool is not in use or unattended.
Further out and framed by trees and flowering shrubs on two sides is a superb all weather Tennis Court.
Location
The final approach along unmetalled roads through local vineyards lend an air of Provencal remoteness, charm and rural simplicity. Le Pigeonnier is an oasis of complete comfort, peace and privacy and yet, remarkably, is only 4kms from Grimaud and 12 kms from St Tropez.
Grimaud is a 10 minute drive and the closest port of call for freshly baked croissants. Grimaud has adequate shopping for everyday needs and a nice choice of good to excellent restaurants.
The glamorous harbour town of St Tropez with its famous beaches, old harbour, restaurants, clubs and bars, luxury yachts and marina’s is only 12kms. Port Grimaud, with its beaches, pretty houses and restaurants lining canals and squares is much the same distance.
How to get there
Airports
Nice Airport is 1½ hrs
Toulon (Hyeres) airport is 1hr 30 mins.
Train / TGV
From Paris stops at Les Arcs, St Raphael, Frejus and Cannes all of which are within easy reach.
Things to see and do nearby
Markets
Local produce amid colourful hustle and bustle. Normally in full swing by 8am and finished by lunchtime. Suggest St Tropez (Tuesday and Saturday), Cogolin (Wednesday and Sunday), La Garde Freinet (Sundays) or Grimaud (Thursdays)
Restaurants
There is an extensive choice of good to outstanding restaurants for all budgets. A recommended selection are contained in The House Information Folder.
Beaches
The best known is Pampalonne Beach near Ramatuelle. A nice destination for a family lunch is at Les Salins on La Plage des Salins near St Tropez. The beach at Gigero has several restaurants by the beach and the bay is charming. It is a super walk also from here to Escalet.
Walks / Walking
There are wonderful walks all over the area some starting from Le Pigeonnier itself and a more extensive choice locally.
Children's Riding
There is an excellent local riding school for small children where there are also lots of farm animals to see and even a wild boar! There are led rides on Shetland and other ponies. There is also a good playground. Its only a 20 minute walk from Le Pigeonnier.
Tennis
There is a tennis court in the garden. There is a selection of tennis rackets but guests should bring their own tennis balls. Tennis lessons may be arranged if booked in advance.
Golf
There are good courses locally at Beauvallon (15 minutes), St Maxime (35 minutes), St Endreol (50 minutes) and Barbaroux (60 minutes). There is also an excellent new Golf driving range just outside Grimaud. A most impressive driving range and a 9 hole pitch and put course on synthetic grass which is great fun even for non golfers.
Skiing
The ski slopes of The Alpes Maritimes are only two hours away for those wishing to ski in the winter months.
Wildlife
There is much of interest. In May and June cuckoo’s will be heard and often a hoopoe in the garden. Nightingales sing delightfully and with great amour at this time also. A Herman Tortoise may also appear and the frogs strike up a fine chorus in Spring and early summer.
Vineyards & Wine
There are a wide choice of local vineyards most of which encourage tastings and on the spot purchases. Le Pigeonnier has its own vineyard which produces a delicious Cote de Provence Rose, available to purchase should you wish.
Tourist Office
There is a tourist office in Grimaud.
Additional Information
Arrival welcome and departure: Tenants will be met on arrival and will be shown how everything works, both inside and out.
Wifi and Broadband & Telephone: There is a telephone for local calls. An allowance of €50 is included for guests each week. Reimbursement will be requested if this is exceeded. There is WiFi broadband internet access.
House Information Folder: There is a very helpful House Information Folder with details of recommended local shops, restaurants, markets, cultural, sporting and recreational activities plus many other suggestions on what to do and where to go in the vicinity. The folder also includes maps, brochures and contact details of local doctors, dentists, plumbers, electricians and services. Further details of all matters referred to on this website are available in The House Information Folder.
Additional entertainment: There are a number of English books and a choice of boardgames, chess, backgammon and playing cards for the use and enjoyment of the tenants.
Music and TV: There is a TV in the sitting room with terrestial channels (French and English) and Sky. The DVD player with a selection of DVD’s is beneath the TV. There are a selection of CD’s below the stereo system in the sitting room.
Services included: 3 hours of cleaning per morning will be carried out on Mondays and Wednesdays each week. The garden, grounds and surrounding land are the responsibility of Mathieu who may make the occasional discreet appearance to attend his duties. Grass cutting is normally carried out on Saturdays during the period between guests departing and arriving.
Optional / additional services available: Provided sufficient notice is given, a part time cook can be found. His/her/their wage will be the guest’s responsibility, and can be ascertained in advance should guests wish.
Utilities: There is a washing machine and dryer in the cave area below the main house. An iron and ironing board are stored in the Master Bedroom wardrobe.
Air conditioning and heating: There is air conditioning in five of the six bedrooms.
Children: There are two cots for children up to 2 years and two high chairs.
Pool safety: Children must be supervised at all times. The pool alarm to be turned on whenever the pool is left unoccupied.
Car Parking: There is plenty of parking outside the house.
Rents
2024
| Period | Rent per week |
| 4th May – 18th May | €6,000 per week |
| 18th May – 25th May | €7,200 per week |
| 25th May – 1st June | €8,400 per week |
| 1st June – 29th June | €7,200 per week |
| 29th June – 7th September | €12,000 per week |
| 7th September – 21st September | €7,200 per week |
| 2st September – 5th October | €6000 per week |
For all other months please enquire.
Terms & conditions and the booking process
The Booking Process: A deposit of 25% of the rent will be payable to Anglo French Properties Ltd on signing the Rental Agreement, with the 75% balance to be paid 10 weeks prior to the commencement of the tenancy.
Security Deposit: A Booking and Security Deposit will also be payable to Anglo French Properties Ltd on signing this Rental Agreement. This will secure the booking and will cover (a) the cost of telephone calls over and above €50 made on the landline during the tenancy, (b) the cost of replacing/making good any losses, breakages and/or damages incurred during the rental, (c) the cost of pool heating @ £400 per week in May, June and September and £310 per week in July and August and (d) any exceptional cleaning work which may be required at the end of the tenancy. It will be refunded (less any deductions as outlined above) within 4 weeks of the conclusion of the tenancy.
Minimum stay: Unless otherwise agreed, all rentals will be for a minimum of one week and will begin and end on a Saturday.
Arrival Time & Departure times: Tenants should arrive between 3 pm and 4pm on the commencement day. They will be welcomed on arrival, given a tour of the property and shown how everything works. Tenants should leave by 9.30am on the agreed day of departure.
Number of People: Unless otherwise agreed, there should not be more than 8 people prior to 25th May and 12 people thereafter staying in the property at any one time.
Security: The owners’ insurance policy requires that all doors are locked, and that all windows and shutters are closed when tenants are away from the property.
Energy costs are included: The energy costs are included in the rental price.
Heating costs are included: The heating costs are included in the rental price.
Pool Heating: The pool can be heated at a cost of £400/week in May and June and £310/week in July and August. The pool alarm should be switched on when the pool is not in use or unattended.
Linen and towels: Linen and towels, and the cleaning of the linen and towels are included in the rental price. These will be changed on a weekly basis.
Pets: permitted by prior agreement.
Smoking: No smoking allowed inside the property. Caution should be taken when smoking outside during the summer months as the risk of fire can be extremely high.
Internet access: yes, included in the rental price.
Optional / additional services available: any additional services, if available, (eg extra cleaning or cooking) will be agreed in advance at a pre-agreed rate per hour. These costs will be the sole responsibility of the tenant.