House in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
5 guests · 3 bedrooms · 1 bath
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About this house rental
You can rent this property for unusual holidays, in a picturesque dig (troglodyte or 'baumes') on a hill in Baou, Saint-Chamas (13), where the lagoon of Berre dominates as the main tourist site. This small Provençal village (7500 inhabitants), with it fishing harbour and marina, is close to the medieval village of Miramas-le-Vieux, Salon-de-Provence,and Aix-en-Provence.
The house is located in a protected place of Saint-Chamas, overlooking the small fishing harbour and marina. There is a superb view, from the terrace, of the lagoon and the village. 2 min walk, you can find shopping facilities and the centre of the village centre, as well as the hill for nice hiking discovering the village. This 60 sq.m house consists of 2 main rooms and small additional cavities (kitchen, bedroom/cabin, and shower room). Temperature remains constant all the year long, 18° (natural air-conditioning), ideal during hot periods, but it is also equipped with electric radiators if necessary.
In 1640, a large cave went through the hill from east to west. The house is well lighted during the day. The morning sun illuminates the courtyard, and in the afternoon the sunset illuminates the terrace. This house is very appreciated for clients interested in nature, rock, history of villages, hiking, fishing in the river, and the lagoon (The largest salt-water lagoon in Europe).
The uniqueness of this village relies on the troglodyte houses that were dug in the 'safre bleu' on the hill of Baou. Some of these caves (or 'baumes') are natural. The others were created by humans between 1610 and 1650.
Three levels of caves spread fro the road bordering the lagoon in the limestone layer where the medieval houses were built. Some of these have been equipped with oil mills. Other serve as ware houses, sheepfolds, store rooms, etc. For everyone who needs a port. The most antique dates back from 1610 to 1616.
They became inhabited at the end of the eighteen century.
This house has belonged to the Bras-Ravel family for 103 years. It served as a henhouse for grandfather, and was used as a shelter during the war of 39-35 and a house since the 50s. It has been restored by the owner (small sons) beginning in 2000, and it has been turned into a holiday house for family and friends. Recently, a private parking space has been built 5 m away from the entry.
The house, due to its location, is very sunny and ventilated, without humidity problems.
On the edge of the lagoon, you will find, depending on the season, swans, flamingoes, gulls, and migratory birds in the humid zone.
The house is located in a protected place of Saint-Chamas, overlooking the small fishing harbour and marina. There is a superb view, from the terrace, of the lagoon and the village. 2 min walk, you can find shopping facilities and the centre of the village centre, as well as the hill for nice hiking discovering the village. This 60 sq.m house consists of 2 main rooms and small additional cavities (kitchen, bedroom/cabin, and shower room). Temperature remains constant all the year long, 18° (natural air-conditioning), ideal during hot periods, but it is also equipped with electric radiators if necessary.
In 1640, a large cave went through the hill from east to west. The house is well lighted during the day. The morning sun illuminates the courtyard, and in the afternoon the sunset illuminates the terrace. This house is very appreciated for clients interested in nature, rock, history of villages, hiking, fishing in the river, and the lagoon (The largest salt-water lagoon in Europe).
The uniqueness of this village relies on the troglodyte houses that were dug in the 'safre bleu' on the hill of Baou. Some of these caves (or 'baumes') are natural. The others were created by humans between 1610 and 1650.
Three levels of caves spread fro the road bordering the lagoon in the limestone layer where the medieval houses were built. Some of these have been equipped with oil mills. Other serve as ware houses, sheepfolds, store rooms, etc. For everyone who needs a port. The most antique dates back from 1610 to 1616.
They became inhabited at the end of the eighteen century.
This house has belonged to the Bras-Ravel family for 103 years. It served as a henhouse for grandfather, and was used as a shelter during the war of 39-35 and a house since the 50s. It has been restored by the owner (small sons) beginning in 2000, and it has been turned into a holiday house for family and friends. Recently, a private parking space has been built 5 m away from the entry.
The house, due to its location, is very sunny and ventilated, without humidity problems.
On the edge of the lagoon, you will find, depending on the season, swans, flamingoes, gulls, and migratory birds in the humid zone.
Amenities at Unusual holiday in a troglodyte house in Saint-Chamas.
Non-smoking
No pets allowed
Map of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Ratings and reviews
8 / 10Excellent·Sep 2024
The troglodyte house was exactly as described - made from a cave set in teh side of a hill. It was comfortable and well furnished, and we received a very warm welcome from the owners. The balcony with its view over Saint Chamas was the best part. The house is well situated for exploring Provence but if you're hiring a car, don't choose anything too big - the lanes leading to the property are narrow and the parking is best-suited to a small-medium car!
10 / 10Outstanding·Aug 2024
The hosts were absolutely lovely despite the language barrier tried to assist with any questions. Our 12 year old son slept in the double bed that folds down. He found this very comfortable! We slept in the larger double both beds were super comfy. There are also two bunk beds in a tiny space for two more kids which cute & cosy! The property is lovely & clean & well equipped. I would say that asking about closing & opening times for everything nearby is worth doing. There is a market close by on a Saturday morning. There’s a lovely bakery you can walk down to with delicious croissants etc. it does get quite warm inside but we found by opening the doors at both ends & hooking them open to stop them slamming shut created a good draft. There’s a little beach with lifeguards you can walk down to this has lifeguards until 6pm.there are jellyfish but we were were reassured by the lifeguards they are harmless. Some good restaurants close by just check opening times. There are all towels provided including beach towels. If you like coffee it might be worth taking your own instant but there is a brilliant Lidl a short drive away! The view from this property is breath taking & the balcony is perfect for chilling. We used the little bbq provided. We will be going back we loved it here!! We flew to Marseille airport & drove a hire car which takes about half an hour to this property & there is parking right outside.Thank you for a wonderful relaxing stay!
10 / 10Outstanding·Dec 2022
We stayed for 10 days and enjoyed the accommodations and small town atmosphere tremendously. What an amazing experience, you can explore the entire Provence area from this central location and we certainly took advantage. Marseille, Aix, Salon, Avignon, Arles and the villages of Luberon are all within 30-45 minutes by rental car. It was fun driving the round-a-bouts, visting vineyards, partying in Salon with soccer fans and visiting ancient Roman theaters, bridges and aqueducts. A small car is vital for parking and managing the narrow alleys. The hosts are the nicest people, it felt like we were family. We spoke no French, but it didn't matter, they showed us how to use all that we needed. The written communication before the stay was in both French and English and was very clear, so we had no worries. The view from the terrace was incredible!
We were lucky to have great weather in late November, highs in the 50's and 60's, so it was nice relaxing on the terrace. Everything you need is within walking distance, such as a grocery, bakery, cafe, tourist office, including restaurants, ATM, shops, walking trails, and even a small beautiful museum. It was offseason, so sometimes things closed more often, but we had no troubles finding food and things to do. The locals we came across were so very friendly, hardly anyone knew English (or Spanish), but we had fun trying to communicate, eventually I was being greeted at the bakery and grocery store like a local and even the bar tender knew exactly how I liked my morning double-sized coffee "to go" without having to ask. Just loved our whole experience. My only regret was not seeing the many local farmer's markets and not going to Le Champs de Mars Restaurant sooner, we went there on our last day and I think they had the best food at good prices, the owner David spoke a little English and it felt like we were friends after only one meeting.
10 / 10Outstanding·Sep 2018
Fantastic view of the lake , great places to visit within 30 mins drive and wonderful apartment in a cave !!
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Top rated by guests
10Outstanding
(55 Ratings)
"The hosts were absolutely lovely despite the language barrier tried to assist with any questions. Our 12 year old son slept in the double bed that folds down. He found this very comfortable! We slept ..."
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