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Sitting
quietly for over 1000 years in an area of outstanding
natural beauty, Montpezat sous Bauzon is a typical ancient
Ardeche
village of approximately 700 people. At 575 metres in
the
foothills of the Ardeche mountains, between the Rhone Valley and the
Plateau, commanding unparalleled views over the surrounding hills
and valleys.
Les Chatenes is one of five properties in the hamlet of La Blachere,
about one mile from and overlooking Montpezat and the valley of the
river
Fonteauliere, a tributory of the Ardeche. From here the view stretches
over the Ardeche region across the Rhone Valley towards Mont Ventoux
and the Southern Alps some 90 kms away. The air is pure and clear and
the light changes dramatically throughout the day. At night you can
look down across the twinkling lights of many distant villages.
Amenities
All necessary amenities can
be found here: General Store, Post Office, boulangerie, butcher, pharmacie etc. There
is also a Thursday market and a supermarket just 15 minutes away.
Local
attractions
The Ardeche is possibly one of the lesser known (at least to the
English) of the French departments. If you would like further information
about the area, the owners would be more than happy to forward it onto you. Here are a few of the many diverse attractions to be
enjoyed:
River sources, wildlife and mountain flowers
On the plateau, a legacy of volcanic activity, can be found the sources
of many French rivers including the Loire and the Ardeche. This is a
beautiful, natural, unspoilt area abounding in wildlife and the
profusion of mountain flowers must be seen, especially in Spring time.
Grottoes, gorges, rockpools and beaches
The Ardeche geology is renowned for its limestone features. There
are numerous
grottoes and cave formations and the Gorges de l'Ardeche with the
Pont d'Arc, a massive natural
arch, are especially spectacular. Volcanic and granite formations
complete the amazingly diverse landscape, rising from lowland valleys
towards the Massif Central, via the Cevennes Mountains. Secluded
rock pools and small beaches
can be found along the Ardeche river and its many tributaries for
swimming
and fishing. Canoeing is a popular activity.
Cycling, water sports, tennis, footpaths and skiing
Cycling is enjoyed in the area and bicycles can be hired if you wish to
strike out further afield and leave the car behind. Locally, tennis
courts are available for hire.
Lac d'Issarles offer summer water sports and there are many delightful
walks, discreetly signposted, along innumerable footpaths and ancient mule
trails throughout the area. In Winter, ski de fond can be enjoyed on
the plateau.
Prehistoric sites and wine tasting
The Ardeche is noted for its many prehistoric sites and dolmens.
Around Aubenas and along the Rhone Valley ,wine co-operatives and
small private vineyards welcome you for wine-tasting (degustation)
and direct sales. Local wines include Cotes du Rhone, Cotes de l'Ardeche and Cotes du Vivarais.
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Unless otherwise acknowledged, the
contents of this site are © Tony and Rita Patton.
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We are always happy to answer queries
that you may have about Les
Chatenes and to discuss
your requirements.
E-mail
info@leschatenes.com
Telephone
France: +00 33 4 75 94 58 94
Address
Tony and Rita Patton
Les Chatenes
La Blachere
07560 Montpezat sous Bauzon
France
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