Gite Amandier, Ferme Bel Air, Riez

Ideally situated less than 10 min from Lac Ste Croix and 5 min from the market town of Riez. This charming gite, is one of two gites in the old farmhouse of Bel Air situated just off the Riez to Quinson road on the Plateau de Valensole, surrounded by lavender fields, truffle oaks and olive groves.

Previously a lavender farm, the building is over 250 years old, full of character with exposed beams and stone walls. The garden has olive trees and old almond trees which give the gite its name.

From the parking area the property is accessed via a little path onto a large private terrace which is equipped with a table and chairs and a parasol for shade.

The front door into the gite is directly off the terrace and leads into a large open plan living/dining/kitchen area with a lovely exposed stone walls and old beams. The antique furniture is original to the property. There is a comfortable sofa which converts into a double bed for extra guests. The dining table seats four and the kitchen is modern and very well equipped with beautiful marble work tops.

An antique spiral staircase leads to the first floor landing, on the left is a modern bathroom with large shower and ahead is the bedroom with a king size bed, a beautiful old armoire, antique chairs and original beams. The bedroom has a lovely view over the garden to the lavender fields beyond.

In the front garden there is additional seating under the olive trees.

The driveway opens into a large front garden area which is solely for the use of the guests. There is a parking space for one car.

The gite has its own private entrance path and 24m/2 terrasse.

The gite is completely independent and guests have their own privacy. We are available if required for anything.

Gite Amandier is in the heart of the Park Naturel Regional duVerdon , an area of outstanding beauty. Lavender fields, olive groves and truffle oaks meet the foothills of the Alps.

The park is home to a wealth of flora a fauna as well as wonderful scenery. The Verdon gorges, Plateau de Valensole and Verdon Lakes are some of the sights not to be missed.

Lac Sainte Croix the most impressive Lake is less than 10 min away and has stunning blue water, perfect for swimming and watersports.

The Plateau De Valensole embodies the quintessential image of Provence, with vibrant purple lavender fields, sunflower-filled valleys, and peaceful charming hilltop villages. The flowering fields are interspersed with shimmering olive groves and neat truffle oak plantations.

The local weekly markets, particularly in our nearby town of Riez, have everything one would expect to find in a provencal market.

The plateau changes though the seasons: the snowy peaks in the distance and the blooming almond trees of March are replaced in July with the purple of lavender, the yellow of sunflowers and the golden wheat. Also in June and July you will find huge colourful fields of pink Clary Sage, perfumed yellow fields of fennel and beautiful white scented fields of coriander flowers. On wild ground and uncultivated land the scarlet poppies are a breathtaking sight in May. Then later in October and November, the ochre of the land contrasts with the pure blue winter skies. The air is clear and pure and the light, beloved by artists over the centuries is crystal clear with the mountains clearly visible over 50 km in the distance.

Although there are many beautiful walks from the front door it is essential for guests to have their own transport to explore this wonderful area.

Moustiers sainte Marie, the Gorges du Verdon, Greoux les Bains, many lovely old villages and the stunning scenery of Provence are on your doorstep..

There is a 3 night minimum booking period . In high season this will be 7nights with Sunday changeover.

Please note - bed linen and towels are not supplied as standard. These can however be supplied if required at and additional charge of 25€ (for 2 people).