Sauve, France, OCCITANIE: a 2 bedroom country cottage with private garden and with shared Salt pool access, a short 15 min walk to the MEDIEVAL village of Sauve
(Map and Photos shown below)
Welcome to "Rejuvenate into a Creative Life," a charming two-bedroom cottage nestled in the idyllic south of France. This serene retreat offers the perfect escape for artists, writers, and dreamers seeking inspiration and tranquility.
Our cottage features two cozy bedrooms and a well-appointed bathroom, providing a comfortable haven for up to three guests. The inviting living space is designed to spark creativity, with ample natural light streaming through the windows, offering picturesque views of the surrounding countryside.
Step outside into your private garden, a peaceful oasis where you can sip your morning coffee, meditate, or sketch the vibrant flora and olive treees. When the weather permits, take a refreshing dip in the shared pool, a delightful spot to unwind and soak up the sun. Just a ten-minute walk away lies a medieval artistic village, where cobblestone streets and historic architecture transport you back in time. Here, you can explore local galleries, meet fellow creatives, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of the region. Daily activities, special events, and a tennis court are available in the village. With 300 days of sunshine a year, the opportunities for outdoor adventures are endless. Paint en plein air, write your next masterpiece, or embark on scenic hikes and bike rides through the breathtaking landscape. For culinary enthusiasts, nearby farmer's markets, the fully equipped kitchen invites you to experiment with fresh, local ingredients and savor the flavors of Provence.
Whether you're seeking solitude for reflection or inspiration from the vibrant surroundings, "Rejuvenate into a Creative Life" offers the perfect setting to rediscover your passions and explore the beauty of the south of France. Why Sauve?: The natural beauty of this area is amazing.
A bit about your hosts: We are Suzanne and Jean, and we made the full-time move to Sauve in 2019 from San Francisco—a decision we’ve cherished every day since. Each morning, we’re greeted by the radiant sunshine, stunning natural surroundings, and a peaceful way of life that fuels our creativity. Suzanne has taken up acquarelle painting with a local group called Sauve Inspire, meeting every Tuesday morning (you’re welcome to join us!), and is blossoming into a talented artist. Jean, also a painter and writer, finds endless inspiration in the lush landscapes and has developed a thriving garden. Our village is a vibrant community, home to many international residents, artists, and writers, and warmly welcomes newcomers throughout the year.
Sauve: Sauve is situated at the base of the Cevennes mountains with many vineyards, many small french villages, numerous hiking and biking trails, and kayaking/ canoeing during the summer. On the heights above the village of Sauve is the famous, La Mer de Rochers -(known as an energy center) - the ocean of rocks, which provides hikers with magnificent views, sculpted rocks, wild nature, known for its restorative and transformative powers.
Country Cottage Description:
The cottage with terrace is 112sqm (1205 sqft) fully equipped with 2 king size beds, an open living room area with kitchen, 2 bar stools, a round kitchen table with 4 chairs, two couches, coffee table and TV with French channels and a smart TV to log into your apps such as, Netflix or Amazon to watch your favorite movies or TV programs. WIFI is available throughout the cottage and garden. The cottage has a shower and toilet (not a bathtub), a laundry room with washer and a dryer and outside clothesline. Outside the large bedroom is a covered terrace with table and 4 chairs which overlooks the garden with 4 Adirondack chairs and two lounge chairs for hanging out in the shade under trees. Walking out into the garden you step into an area of faux grass followed by a pebbled garden and beautiful trees for shade (see photos). We also have Air conditioning and mosquito screens for your comfort. Watch Video of the Cottage at Cottage Domaine de Saxe-Roux video
Outside Area: The cottage has a private garden, a terrace, and you will have access to our salt water swimming pool between April-September. The cottage is located next door to our Bastide-style stone house, but is totally private. You will be within a 10 minute walk to the village of Sauve which has over 10 restaurants, cafes, and hosts many festivals during the summer.
Green Walking and Biking Path: There is a “green” walking and bike path within a 10-minute walk connecting you to over 50 km of bike trails in two directions. Bikes can be rented at the nearby village. Hiking is numerous throughout the area.
Car required (unless on custom retreat): You will need a car to maximize your visit beyond the village of Sauve. There are many terrific 1/2 day and day trips available in the Gard area within an hours drive, then come home to relax in your private garden, resting in your living room, or taking a swim in our salt-water pool.
Day Trips: Sauve is within an hour drive of many amazing towns, activities, hiking, rivers, and natural beauty. The cottage is situated 20 minutes by car from the village of Sommieres, where there is a well-known Saturday market and Sunday Brocante to explore. Driving 50 minutes by car on beautiful small country roads will take you to beautiful medieval town and Duchessy of Uzes, which has another well-known Saturday market which is definitely worth visiting. If you are interested in wine tasting visit the numerous wineries in the Pic St Lou area. Drive 20 minutes to the famous potters town of Anduze or take the old Steam Train to St-Jean-du-Gard for lunch and then return. The train also stops at the Bambouserie (Bambou forest and gardens) along the way which is an amazing garden of bamboos and various other plants. If you love gardens, this is a wonderful place to go for a day visit and to plan on a picnic or eat at a local restaurant. Kyaking at LaRoque (near Ganges is available throughout the summer for 7, 8, and 15 km trips. A variety of caves are nearby for cave dwellers as well as numerous hiking areas.
Click on Link for all information in the area by the Tourism office Piemont -Cevenol tourisme
The larger historic Roman town of Nimes with its colosseum is a 30 minute by car ride with Arles an additional 30 minutes down the road. If you are interested in the city of Montpellier (“the Paris of the south”) for great shopping or many of the fabulous sandy beaches and beach villages such as Palavas, AIgues-Mortes, Carnon-Plage, La Grande Motte, Le Grau du Roi, you can reach them all within1 hour.
Day trips are extensive in every direction. Plan on going to visit a local site and come back in the late afternoon and relax by the salt-water pool or in your private garden. In the evenings have a great meal at a nearby restaurant in Sauve. Alternatively, cook for yourself and eat in your garden or on your terrace.
Ideas of places nearby are seen in this link https://www.francethisway.com/places/a/sauve-gard.php or you can visit any local tourist office which is in every village.
Why Sauve?: The natural beauty of this area is amazing. Sauve is situated between the Parc National des Cévennes (National Park of the Cevennes) and Le Parc naturel régional de Camargue (the Natural Regional Park of the Camargue). Within a radius or a 1 hour drive of Sauve there are ocean and beaches, mountains, rivers, beautiful nature and hiking and numerous historical villages plus the cities of Nimes (old Roman City) and Montpellier with great universities and a regional airport. Additionally, the international airport at Marseilles is within a 2 hour drive and the TGV (Fast speed train) connects between Nimes and Montpellier for about a 3.5 hour easy train ride to Paris. If you are traveling through France and want a week in the French countryside, this is a perfect place to embrace the French Joie de Vivre.
Occitanie Region: The Occitanie region has always been famous for the focus on delicious food, fabulous wines, many traditional festivals throughout the summer, wine tasting, art, music and culture, lavender distelleries, driving beautiful country roads through the vineyards, lavender and sunflower fields, picnicking in the country side next to ancient olive trees in beautiful nature or tanning on a beach or skiing in the winter.
Hiking and Biking:
Mers des Rochers: Above the village of Sauve is the famous 2 km hike over the Mer des Rochers (Sea of Rocks). This site has magical energy and a history of Sauvians being saved from invaders. Close to the sea of rocks is the vestiges of a “secret garden” on the hill, where foods were grown for royalty and to survive when under attach by invaders.
The trail is on rocks, so be sure to bring and wear good sturdy shoes, bring walking sticks if desired, carry water and bring your camera or phone camera. Take time to enjoy this magical place as the village of Sauve sits on massive rocks formations and for centuries there has been a belief that the natural stone holds powerful, restorative healing and transformative energies.
Trails nearby: Just about on every country road in the area you will find hiking signs through the fields and valleys. Hiking maps are available at the Sauve tourist office and a book of hikes in the area is available in the cottage for your use. Right at the bottom of the old Sauve village is a 45 minute walk along an old road by the river to an old Mill House. This is an easy stroll during all seasons with views of the numerous small gardens, vineyards and hills.
The Cevennes Mountains and National Park: Sauve is situated at the base of the Cevennes mountains with some of the most unspoiled natural rugged beauty in France. The Cévennes National Park covers 90,000 hectares. It is a low mountain range with Mont Lozère (1700 m) and Mont Aigoual (1565 m) as its highest peaks. The landscape is rough and savage. Saint-Hippolyte-du-Fort is located at the foot of this area. From the village you have a view of the beginning hills of the Cevennes. The Cevennes area is an ideal walking, hiking, biking, mountain climbing and canoeing. See information above on driving to Anduze (Potters town) and other sites to visit.
Stevenson hiking trial: In 1878 the Scottish author, Robert Louis Stevenson, traveled through the Cevennes area. He made the trip on foot and in the company of Modestine, his famous donkey. You can still read this enthusiastic travelogue in his fascinating book “Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes”. One thing we can still learn today from Stevenson is: to explore this beautiful region, it is best to put on your hiking boots or good tennis shoes and take a hike in every season as each season is so unique and charming. Chriscrossing the landscape there are several grand randonnees (hikes) so that you have quite a few combination options. In 1978, the Grande Randonnee 70 was created, a 250-kilometer walking route that closely follows Stevenson’s travelogue. The tour is now a tourist attraction in the area for avid hikers, complete with donors, guides, accommodations and restaurants to replicate Stevenson’s travel route.
Climate: Since the area is close to the Mediterranean Sea, the climate is Mediterranean, meaning - beautiful springs and falls and with hot summers (August is the hottest month). Winters can be cold but there is sunshine over 300 days a year.
Train Stations and Airports: The nearest Train Station is Nimes Centre. There is also a new TGV station called Nimes Pont du Gard is further in the country with fast trains to Paris. Nimes, Montpellier, and Marseilles all have airports and flights across Europe.
Important Notes:
The cottage is non-smoking and non-vaping to best serve all of our visiting clients (some of whom have allergies).
No loud noises or music are permitted to maintain harmonious relationships with our neighbors.
The cottage is on a septic tank therefore no chemicals, oils, fats or other items (for example, feminine products) can be flushed down the toilet.
All debris in the kitchen sink, where there is a filter, must be removed and placed into the garbage. Garbage must be sorted and once full, garbage bags placed in designated area.
No pets are allowed.
Availability:
The cottage is available for rent for 5 day minimum Sept-May and 7 day minimum June-August. Longer stays can be arranged with discounts provided
Please inquire early as to availability as we have repeat clients and are typically booked about a year in advance during high season.
For any information or questions please email us at ssaxeroux@gmail.com
If you are a bigger group looking to rent at the same time (for example 2 or 3 families), we can connect you with our neighbors with a bed-and breakfast or cottage or with other local Sauve accommodations.
Prices:
High Season
(includes Summer months, over Christmas/New Years and during Easter Break)
By the Week minimum:
June 1- Aug 30: 1200 Euro per week, additional days are available if you are staying longer at 150 euro per night
10% Monthly discounts available
Low Season
Sept 1- June 1
110 Euro a night with a minimum of 4 nights.
There is an additional 50 Euro Cleaning Fee.
4 nights minimum
10% Discounts available for Monthly Stays
Deposit and Cleaning Fee
50% Deposits are required for reservations and deposit at time of booking.
A cleaning fee of 50 Euro will be charged.
The cottage will be expected to be left at the same state it was found upon arrival .
Welcome Drinks and Orientation
To ensure you have a great stay, we will Host a welcoming Apero (drink) at about (17:00 or 5pm) will be offered after you have settled in with an orientation to the cottage, parking, pool, and things to do in the area.
Cancellations:
Reservations can be cancelled and will be refunded in full up to 30 calendar days in advance of start of booking date.
If cancelled between 15-30 days the 50% deposit will not be refunded.
Full Payment is due 15 days prior to start of booking date.
Important: Please consider buying trip insurance if there is any possibility that you may need to cancel your trip for work or any other reasons.
Payments:
Payments can be made via Zelle. or PayPal
Contact during your Stay:
You can text or SMS during the day for any question or needs at (0)6 31 82 69 40 or (0)7 86 27 81 52. We will respond as soon as possible.
Map:
The Map of the Area is shown below as well as photos
