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Interaction with guests: I live in London but I have someone who manages the property and is at hand if anything goes wrong. He also maintains the garden and pool. I also have a cleaner who cleans the house throughly after each stay. I am always at the end of my mobile and any problems are immediately attended to. I have been renting for several years and I am happy to say, 99.9% of guests have a wonderful time and a few return year after year. I would say, I am far away but I easily build up a warm rapport with guest through emails and phone.
This house lingers on in my mind - I'm obsessed! The house itself is pure Provence with plenty of original stonework inside and out alongside some fabulous modern elements and interior features that harmonise beautifully with the rest of the house. Valerie has thought of everything that makes the stay super comfortable without being excessive or wasteful and the style is very tasteful. Maryise the housekeeper is very detail oriented and at hand if you need anything urgent. The outside of the house is wonderfully kept and so peaceful and private you can't fail to relax. The area of Gordes is really striking. Set on a hilltop getting to the old village is a great 25-30 minute morning walk for coffee and croissants. We took our Brompton bikes and cycled around the beautiful Luberon area and kayaked in the clear waters of Ille Sur la Sorgue about 25 minute drive away. We will definitely return next year! Thanks so much Valerie!
Visited June 2022
Written June 22, 2022. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Valerie B
Thank you for your review. I love happy guests. Makes my day. You are certainly welcome anytime. Just for the record Google Maps sets the walk to Gordes as 20 minutes if you take the shortcut through the hamlet. and 24 minutes on the road. The shortcut is a lovely walk with no cars at all for most of the way.
Written June 29, 2022. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Storyteller96582
1 contribution
Home from home glamour
Hi just needed to write this review as I returned to my penthouse flat in gorgeous Hampstead London and felt it pale in comparison to the idylic few day I spent at this glorious little house. I loved every moment of the house from the immaculately kept pool overlooking the grounds, the dreamy bedrooms with quality furnishings and decorative touches- a nice counterpoint to the historic building that has also been kept to exacting standards. The area is great for active cyclists or walkers as there is some much to see; the many unique hamlets a short drive away for a drink or ice cream, the epic nature and river Sourge, the fantastic atmosphere of the closet town of gordes which we sometimes walk to, sometimes drive. Gordes is picture perfect with a wide selection of restaurants but we liked the straight forward hospitality and Italian food at the Pierre De Bastides. there are more beautiful restaurants like Le Tigre (proper Asian food) and all moments baked in the famous Provencal light. And to all who adore France and the so close to the Cote D Azure or Marseille for a trip out if staying a long time. Cant recommend this enough. enjoy!
Visited June 2022
Written June 17, 2022. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Valerie B
Thank you very much for your review. Next time stay longer. It gets better and better the longer you stay.
Written June 19, 2022. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ruby A
1 contribution
Magical Provençal getaway
My husband and I spent the most perfect week with our two children at this charming house just outside the village of Gordes - considered one of the most beautiful in France! The location is nothing short of magical - nestled away in nature but boasting a sun filled terrace and pool area, and stylishly decorated home.
We can’t wait to come back next summer - if not before!
Visited May 2019
Written July 23, 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Valerie B
Thank you for your lovely review. Come back again anytime.
Written July 23, 2019. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SueMeech
Oxford, United Kingdom3 contributions
Provence at its best - a hidden gem
A fabulous house, completely private, just a mile from the delighful Gordes, one of France's 100 most beautiful villages, in some lovely typical Provencal countryside. The house is nicely furnished - it doesn't feel like a holiday rental, much more home from home - and it's got everything you need (including good wifi!). There's lots to do (and eat!) around & about, but it is equally lovley staying put and enjoying the house and the swimmming pool, with a good book and a glass of the local rose. What's not to love? We have been there at leat 5 or 6 times, and we are already planning our next trip - we simply love it.
Visited June 2018
Written July 29, 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Valerie B
I was speaking to someone who hosts in Greece and she put it quite simply that it makes one happy to be part of a good life experience. Thank you too. It was great to have you stay.
Written August 16, 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John Ormerod
Winchester, United Kingdom4 contributions
Returned for the 3rd year in succession
This is the perfect spot for a perfect holiday. It always feels like home. It is a few minutes down the hill from Gordes. There are a few houses around, but you can't see them through all the trees and bushes, so it feels, and is, completely private.
The extension since last year is a stunning success. When you open the all the doors you have a wonderful view of the pool and the rising landscape of trees and vegetation behind.
The must-do is Sunday lunch outside at the Cafe de la Poste in Goult. A mix of pure theatre and really a original menu de jour.
This year's discovery (on our last evening, sadly) is Cabrieres d'Avingnon. It's only a couple of miles away and is 'real' lived-in village. The reason for highlighting it is that is has food shops open until 7.00pm, on your dooorstep: butcher/deli, baker, greengrocer.
Visited June 2018
Written July 14, 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Valerie B
Thank you so much. Always thrilled that you had a wonderful time and always happy to have you stay. Perfect guests.
I must try out some of your finds.
Written July 15, 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John Ormerod
Winchester, United Kingdom4 contributions
Our second stay and ot was twice as lomng as last year.
Wonderful house, grounds and pool, with some mysterious spots at the boundaries. Get your bread and patisserie at Mamie Jeanne in Gordes - simply the best. Sunday lunch outside at the old post office in Goult is great. Bristrot des Roques in St Pantaleon is a delight. Everywhere you go has wonderful scenery. Easy day trips to Aix, Cassis, St Remy andf the Alpilles, for instance.
One word to the wise - don't hire a big car. The lane to the house is very narrow with scratchy hedges. We were better off last year with a Clio.
Visited September 2017
Written October 3, 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Emmanuel B
6 contributions
Très bel endroit
Nous avons réservé la maison Belle de Jour pour le week end du 1er mai 2017. Excellent contact préalable avec Valérie la propriétaire, qui a gentiment répondu à toutes nos questions. La maison est charmante, meublée avec beaucoup de gout et très propre. Elle est située tout près de la ville de Gordes, mais est suffisamment isolée pour être parfaitement au calme, loin de l'agitation touristique. Parfait pour un séjour découverte de la région !
Visited April 2017
Written August 21, 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Valerie B
Merci. C'etais un grand plaisir de vous accueillir chez moi. J'espere que vous retournerez un jour et trouver aussi une plus belle maison. Merci encore.
Written August 21, 2017. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
misstree
Oturehua, New Zealand54 contributions
A PIECE OF PARADISE. Highly recommended.
My husband and I spent three perfect days at this magical villa. We loved it when we rented it 4 years ago. We loved the stylish modern decor with attention to details .The pool was beautiful and the garden charming and secluded. I love this villa at this time of year because of the gorgeous irises the location is quiet and secluded amd I noticed a lot of upgrades in the villa which was lovely
i saw A recent bad review.and was a bit supirisee and wondered what had happened but I think that must have been a weather fluke or something we decided to book the place again based on our good memories of our previous stay.
It was super the pool looked redone and fresh . The pool area faces to the sun amd is wind free and you can't be overlooked so good for tanning if you know what I mean . Inside cosy and characterful . We loved it
Visited April 2017
Written April 29, 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Valerie B
Thank you for the great review. Just want to point out that the upgrades were done some years ago, previous to the bad review. In fact that is why the review was also particularly upsetting. and untrue.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Written May 2, 2017. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LovelyLisaQ
10 contributions
Terrible Holiday Experience resolved by Holiday Lettings
We arrived at this house to find a green murky pool.
The owner Valerie initially accepted there was an issue but gave no reassurances over the time to resolve the situation. We decided to move on to alternative accommodation after a while rather than wait for the pool to be resolved. Valerie agreed to a full refund but after sleeping on it reneged on the agreement based on the income she would lose. She also started disputing the fact there was an issue with the pool sending obfuscating emails. At one point Valerie sent a series of photographs to prove the pool was OK. These showed a crystal blue pool, and one included a child, yet we are childless.
The holiday rental is also advertised as having air conditioning but there is none in the bedrooms where you most need it. The owner also asks guests not to use the air conditioning on the ground floor in the welcome notes.
Whilst in an idyllic setting we would not be able to recommend this holiday rental. We left after 5 days instead of the 10 days booked, and had to change our holiday plans.
In the end Holiday Lettings were very helpful in resolving the situation on our return to the UK. We have used Holiday Lettings regularly and will continue to do so as we believe our experience with this holiday owner was an isolated incident.
Visited July 2016 Traveled as a couple
Written August 23, 2016. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Valerie B
I will most certainly respond. The guests contacted me as soon as they arrived to complain about the pool. I contacted my pool person immediately who explained to me that there had been a massive storm a few days previously which caused the PH of the pool to be unbalanced and it had to settle down for the products to work. Even though the pool was not at its clear best, it was absolutely useable ( just like the Rio Olympic pool...). Regardless of this, the same day, I contacted a highly reputable and recommended pool company to come and see what they could do. Mr. Carnaudo of Bleu Luberon assured me that the pool was not perfect but the colour was not that bad ( I was very surprised to hear this given Mr. Quilter's description) and that the pool was completely useable. He also told me that it would be fine in two days (this is a company recommended by the prestigious Rosier Estate Agents in Gordes ...I wanted the best and was prepared to pay for this). I conveyed this to the guests and to my surprise, they were insistant on leaving ASAP and told me they had already booked somewhere else. I explained again that the second opinion and intervention to sort out the pool assured me it would be fine in two days. On the 29th June, I was sent photos by this new pool company to assure me that the pool had improved a great deal. I have these photos and I certainly didn't see any child. My pool man Jonathan also came to attend to the pool. He has a child so as he also photographed the pool ( to show me that it was fine). Perhaps his child was in the photo but certainly the photo showing a clear pool was definitely my pool taken at that time Mr. Quilter was staying there. Jonathan has worked for me for 13 years. He has never taken a photo of my pool except on this occasion and I also vouch for his honesty. the suggestion by Mr. Quilter that I or Jonathan or the second pool company I had called in had produced another photo taken another time is absolutely UNTRUE.
Mr.Quilter left on the afternoon of the 6th day ( I was surprised, he had stayed so long). I contacted Holidaylettings and explained the situation and that I had at first immediately agreed to return all payment to Mr. Quilter based on his complaints from the first day. I explained and sent Holidaylettings photos taken by the two pool men showing the pool and asked what sort of refund I should be giving. They assured me that the Quilter's complaints did not warrant a refund at all and that the issue was resolved in less then 3 days and they could have stayed and enjoyed the greater part of their holiday instead of deciding to leave on day one.
My gardener also told me that the guests said they didn't like the house and wanted to leave. I has already sensed that there were alterior motives for this immediate decision to leave the house.
I would normally not hesitate to refund money. I had to do that two years ago when the pool had some algae. Because of this I spent €10.000 refurbishing the pool last year...so it is in essence ...a new pool.
I take my role as a host very very seriously. I get anxious if things go wrong...but as people can see from all my reviews, guests love the place and fully appreciate how attentive I am to make their stay something special and it is a great pleasure.
I took my advise from Holidayletting regarding the refund so I don't think I did anything wrong.
There is air conditioning in the whole of the downstairs ( living room and kitchen/diner) and an electric fan in one of the bedrooms. There are three double patio doors and a window downstairs and if these are open, there is plenty of through breeze to cool the house and it is lovely. I ask guests not to use the aircon unnecessarily in both summer and slightly colder months when it can be used to heat the house too. This is what we practice in our own homes. When I rent other people's homes I am mindful of all these things including leaving lights on unnecessarily and some hosts do remind guests . I don't see how that is wrong. I would rather keep all costs down so the rates are also lower rather then increasing rates because guests are extravagant and careless of consumption. Besides, aircon only really works if you close all the doors and windows and allow the cold air to cool the house. Natural breeze does it even better..
Finally, I also am happy to say that this is very much an isolated incident. I am sorry the Quilter's felt the pool problem which was resolved in two days warranted leaving five days into their holiday with five more days to enjoy themselves. Its always sad when people are not happy but I do a lot to ensure a wonderful experience all round and so far I am thrilled by the acknowledgement of so many wonderful guests over 14 years.
Written August 24, 2016. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
69dan2015
Nanuet, NY5 contributions
Outstanding!!!
The only word to define our stay at Belle de Jour is outstanding. We chose to stay there as a way to relax prior to our return home. We loved the ambiance and blissful setting. What is wonderful about the house, it is on one hand so delightfully relaxing yet close to animated areas for dinner and shopping. Valerie , the owner, is a delight. Belle de Jour is a must for anyone visiting the Luberon. It is certainly a must on my list.
Visited June 2015 Traveled with friends
Written July 23, 2015. This review is the subjective opinion of an individual traveler and not of Tripadvisor LLC nor of its partners. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Valerie B
It gives me great joy to know you had such a great time. I agree the region is a perfect blend of nature and culture. I hope to see you again.
Written July 23, 2015. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gordes is a popular destination in the Luberon. The 17th C village built on a hillside is one of the most beautiful places in the whole region with a spectacular wide range of things to do and see. The villa is beautifully secluded and tranquil just a five minute drive to the village centre with all its restaurants, galleries, bars, market and cultural events. It takes 25 minutes to walk. This walk takes you through one of the most stunning views in the world. The villa is also close to the famous Isle Sur Sorgue and Avignon ( described as mini Barcelona and the most beautiful town in France. The villa is a charming authentic 17th Century stone house. Attention to interior and outdoor decor gives this villa a fresh, modern look.
Getting around
Its best to have a car and if you can hire in advance the price is very good. However local bus services are available. It’s best to pick up a time table from the GORDES tourist office or check on line. Cycling is a popular activity so there are many cycle hire places.
Access
Car required
How to get there
Marseilles Airport is 40 minutes by car and one hour to the town itself. Nimes is about 50 minutes away. Avignon is 25 minutes. The villa is situated in the Vaucluse or Luberons. Its best to hire a car to pick up from an airport. I book in advance of course. I send full instructions to my guests with the booking.
100% refund within 24 hours after booking (provided the stay is at least 60 days away).
50% refund* if you cancel at least 4 weeks before check-in
No refund available once booking is confirmed
Notes from owner
There is a fully refundable security deposit of €500 with all bookings. Any deductions will be in line with damages. There is a cleaning fee of €120 for the cleaning of the house after guests depart.
About this property
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