The Ardèche, one of France's warmest regions, remains beautifully unspoilt. It has much in common with neighbouring Provence in terms of scenery (mountains/ rivers), climate (Mediterranean) and lifestyle (informal), but is far less developed and has fewer tourists, even at the height of the season.

The area

The area Ribes recently became a ‘paysage labellisé’ because of its award-winning vine terraces. It’s a very attractive country village with groups of small, colourful hamlets dotting the mountainside. There are lovely local walks in the village itself and in the surrounding woods, full of flora and fauna (with occasional sightings of deer and boar). It has a shop/café, providing a good range of food and wine, a travelling bakery several times a week (every day in high season) and its own charming restaurant, Le Côquou, located in the pine forest 2.5kms higher up the mountain and serving excellent local dishes.

The rivers are reachable on foot, but a car trip is advised. If you are prepared to drive up the valley for longer than the 5-10 minutes to the nearest beaches, you will find private places to bathe. The water is clean and soft and the scenery magnificent. There are tennis, cycling, canoeing and horseriding facilities nearby and plenty of other things to see and do in the area. The famous Pont d’Arc and Ardèche Gorges are 40 minutes away by car.

Joyeuse, historical ‘City of Charlemagne’ - 7kms away - offers all the necessary amenities - supermarket and other shops, post and tourist offices, a medical centre, chemists, garages, cafés, hotels and restaurants. There is a large, colourful market once a week as well as a fascinating old town to explore. The nearby villages of Rosières and Lablachère have co-operative cellars, where highly regarded regional wines can be bought cheaply in bulk. Local produce includes fresh fruits – cherries, melons, peaches, apricots – as well as salads, olives, chestnuts, pork charcuterie and goat cheeses. Restaurant menus range from about 60F to 150F and table d’hôte meals can be arranged at the house.

The weather

The early and late summer climate is variable, but temperatures remain in the 20s°C (70-80+°F). The Mediterranean sun can be pretty hot, particularly in July and August. At this mountain level (about 350m at Ribes) there are occasional, spectacular storms - very welcome after the heatwaves! Spring and autumn are especially pleasant, with abundant wild mountain flowers in spring and vivid autumn colours and the vendange (grape harvest) just some of the delights to the senses in September/October.

The house

La Clède is a typical Ardèchois farmhouse, built some 200 years ago in stone. Part of a small hamlet of other period houses, it sits on the mountainside - at the foot of its garden terraces - overlooking the village church and ‘château’, terraced vineyards and the tree-covered valleys of the Alune and Beaume rivers. Vines and sweet chestnut trees are everywhere. The name, la clède, is the local word for the building where the nuts, once a staple part of the villagers’ diet, were dried.

The facilities

The spacious and well-furnished accommodation at La Clède particularly suits two couples, though it can sleep up to six, with a floor area on two levels of over 100m². The living area comprises: kitchen/diner (with washing machine and dishwasher), large lounge with easy chairs and dining alcove, and a combined shower room/WC. On the upper floor there are two double-bedded rooms, one with an extra single bed, plus another separate space with one single bed, and a combined bathroom/WC. TV, stereo (albums/cassettes/radio) and an extensive paperback library are provided.

The house is set in a ¾-acre plot with four garden terraces linked by sloping paths and steps, comprising grassed areas, trees, shrubs and flowerbeds with private spots in which to sit, sunbathe, read or paint, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountain countryside. Guests may enjoy any part of the garden and have exclusive use of the top two levels and the furnished patios at both front and rear (covered) with its stone barbecue. There are also hammocks and sun loungers.

The owners, English and French-speaking, are in an adjacent property to settle guests in and provide help and information. If you need us we’re available; otherwise we keep a low profile!

Bedlinen, towels and tea towels are for hire. Cleaning and catering services can be provided, if required, for which additional charges are made in euros.

Prices

The accommodation is available from Easter to October. Prices quoted on the booking form are for up to four people, inclusive of water, gas, electricity, although reductions can be offered for one couple only or for two-week bookings (except in peak season July/August). There is an extra charge for metered electric heating if required (usually only in April and October).