Mas Pinède et Pierre - Saint-Julien-de-Peyrolas

Christelle Marek

Un endroit charmant, très bien tenue et avec de superbes et charmantes personnes qui sont à nos moindres services je recommande vivement

Alexis

Super accueil, je recommande

Chad Small

My stay at Mas Pinède et Pierre was easily one of the best vacations I’ve ever had. Abby and Nath are wonderful and incredibly knowledgeable hosts, and their accommodations are incredible. I stayed in the Les Agaves room during my trip, and it was such a beautiful and cozy room – I can’t think of a better place to get over jetlag. You can lounge by the pool to help expedite the jetlag recovery process, as well. There are about a million different things to do and sights to see in Saint-Julien-de-Peyrolas. If you want to check out the Ardeche River, Mas Pinède et Pierre is incredibly close to it. If you want to get one of the best and most interesting views of the River, you’re only about 40 minutes from Pont d'Arc (see photo). There’s also a system of caves nearby if that kind of exploring interests you. Abby and Nath were incredibly helpful in helping navigate websites and tour logistics for any of the excursions on my trip. They both speak English and French fluently which is helpful for someone like me with next-to-no French language skill.

Additionally, if you’re going to or from Paris, you can use the high-speed train system to get back and forth pretty efficiently. Overall, I have nothing, but good things to say about my experience!

Jennifer DeVore

We had the most magical vacation at Mas Pinède et Pierre. Upon arrival, we relaxed in the beautiful pool to ease our jet lag. Then we stocked up on local produce and charcuterie at the local market, which happens to be in the most beautiful medieval town of Aiguèze. We settled into the airy studio apartment, which had a perfect combination of clean, modern renovation with old world French charm. The bed was so comfortable that we trying to find the same one in the US! Our hosts Nathalie and Abby were incredibly warm and helpful as we planned activities- alternating between cultural excursions (exploring ancient cave formations and cave art, checking-out Roman ruins, chateaux and castles) and outdoor adventures (zip lining, hiking in Ardeche national park, and swimming and paddling on the Rhône.) Nath and Abby would happily call or navigate websites to book tours and tickets for us based on our interests and would offer advice on the most scenic travel routes and best restaurants. They would even call in our restaurant reservations as our French speaking is quite rudimentary. Having hosts who are so fluent in English and in French was such a bonus when planning anything- even train travel. We got to really relax into the vacation, enjoying the pool and property, knowing that there was so much to do nearby, and that we had Nath and Abby's guidance at our disposal. We had such a great time that we are thinking of going back next summer. I highly recommend Mas Pinède et Pierre!

Earl Maneein

I stayed here with my family in July of 2022. What an AMAZING place. The vibe is super warm and our hosts were so fun and helpful, ESPECIALLY since we're Americans who aren't fluent in French, since the owners- Nat, who is fluent in English, having lived here in New York for some years and her partner Abby, is an American expat. (We had so much fun talking to them!) They were particularly helpful when it came to places to see in Provence- and (some would say most importantly) where to eat! Thanks to them, as far as sightseeing goes, we were pointed in the direction of the amazing Chauvet cave, Aven d'Orgnac, the Pont du Gard and so on. The house itself is so welcoming, with a beautiful separate studio with a super comfortable bed, and a giant pool that my kid had so much fun swimming around in. We had some trouble getting her out to go see the sights, it was that much fun! Highly highly recommended for Americans in particular who want to come to Provence and experience the south of France and want a warm and friendly place to call their home base while over there!

Kristin Hoesl

I highly recommend staying with Nat and Abby at their rustic and charming gîte in Saint-Julien-de-Peyrolas! The property is unique, relaxing, and secluded. The surrounding area is full of activities—everything from kayaking to cave exploring. But most of all, your two hosts are a wealth of knowledge and will make your time there fun and comfortable. During your stay, you can enjoy Abby’s beautiful pottery studio or unwind in one of her fantastic yoga classes. Or, work up a sweat doing Muay Thai training with Nat, who is an expert teacher with over twenty years’ experience in the sport. My boyfriend and I had such a great experience exploring this special part of France, and staying at Mas Pinède et Pierre made it all the more memorable! Five stars.

Charles Small

As a Frontline worker, I had to physically go to work during the entire pandemic. I still have this very surreal memory of the early months of the pandemic. As I traveled to and from work – empty streets, vehicle-less highways, everyone wearing gloves, masks, etc., losing co-workers through illness and death – it was as bad as it could get. Having endured this and not taking a real vacation in more than 2 years, I was ready for a vacation.

I had always wanted to visit France. As a kid in secondary school back in the Caribbean (many moons ago), I took French as a foreign language. I performed very well back then, but had forgotten much of it over the years. Going to France would realize a lifetime dream.

As a rural kid from the Caribbean, I know first hand that a great vacation must include spending time in the rural areas. For where does one get fresh produce, take in the fresh air and immerse oneself in the native culture – only in the countryside. I have never seen vegetables or fruits grown in the capital; it's always in the countryside. Hence, my trip would be a mixture of Paris and the rural areas.

Through the advice of a friend, I chose Mas Pinède et Pierre located in Saint Julien de Peyerolas, for my rural stay. As a starter, the accommodation price fitted my budget perfectly. I then theorized that the convenience of being able to take the high-speed train from the airport in Paris for 640 miles to Orange – an above ground trip – would be a great excursion. Then, I could explore the Ardèche area, with its many caves and historical sites, eat some fresh grapes and vegetables, and take in wine country. Commuting from the train station in Orange to Mas Pinède et Pierre, seemed straightforward. The final tipping point – I would be staying with people who are fluent in both French and English.

Looking back, I can say unequivocally that the proprietors of Mas Pinède et Pierre, Nath and Abby, exceeded my expectations. They were receptive, provided ideas on how to navigate the area and gave very insightful suggestions on fitness. The days that I just wanted to kickback and chill, I was able to take a dip in the pool and sit around. If watersports is one's thing, there is kayaking on the river or you can just take a swim.

If you are taking a trip to France and looking for a place to spend some time in the countryside, or even if you are not planning to spend time in the countryside, I highly recommend adding some variety to your stay. Mas Pinède et Pierre would provide that variety.