Cottage in Drôme Provencal, France

Rooms 1 or 2 details

Move your mouse over the thumbnail to view

This restored stone cabanon is surrounded by shady gardens

Meals taken in the shady garden

Twin bedroom

Double bedroom

Home description

"Many people suspect the 'real' Provence - of lavender fields, sun-warmed red wine and dusty roads through sleepy villages has long since vanished under tourist hordes lured by Peter Mayle's famous books. In fact, mythical Provence still exists: but it's moved, retreating north into the wooded valleys of the Vaucluse or Drôme..."  Gaby Hinsliff.  Travel Mail

Bed and breakfast in the real Provence

Nestled into the hillside below the ruined village of Suzette, between vineyard and apricot orchard, "La Traversière" is an old stone 'cabanon' that has been carefully restored to provide comfortable holiday accommodation for visitors to this wonderful region, whilst at the same time retaining its true provencal character and charm of yesterday.

Both rooms have ensuite facilities and private entrances.

There is also a small pool for cooling off in.

Continental breakfast is included in the price and can be taken on one of the sunny terraces.

Cooking is Pam's passion. The mediterranean diet, based on olive oil, fresh fruit and vegetables, garlic and fresh herbs in one of the healthiest - and tastiest - in the world.   Drawing her inspiration from the rich variety of regional recipes, Pam combines local ingredients to create meals with the true tastes, textures and colours of Provence. The meals are complimented by carefully chosen local cheeses, and what could be a better accompaniment than a glass or two of the excellent local wine?

Sample Menu

Salade de poivrons rouges grillés aux anchois frais.
----------------------------------
Thon à la menthe et au coriandre,sauce tomate.
Haricots verts et riz citroné
------------------------------------
Plateau de fromage du pays
-----------------------------------
Crêpes aux coings flambées au cognac
----------------------------------
Coffee and chocolates

Accommodation detail

Preparing the evening meal

Nearby Nyons

Move your mouse over the thumbnail to view

One double or one twin room both with en-suite facilities and private entrances. Continental breakfast is included in the price and can be taken on one of the sunny terraces.

About the location

From the 1/2 acre of shady gardens there are spectacular and far reaching views over the village of Condorcet and the valley of the Bentrix to the Baronnies hills and Mount Ventoux - the giant of Provence - beyond; yet the property is only 10 minutes from the lively and colourful old market town of Nyons with its cafes, restaurants and shops.

Both the Mediterranean and the high  Alps are within 90 minutes drive, but you do not have to go so far, there are much closer attractions.Within easy reach is the Ardeche Gorge, the high plateau of the Vercors, Mount Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail, the Côtes du Rhône vineyards and the ancient cities of Avignon, Orange and Vaison la Romaine

Sheltered from the Mistral, Drôme Provencale has a wonderful climate with almost as many hours of sunshine per year as Nice and Monte Carlo. Autumn is especially mellow - a little cooler but still with plenty of sun - and you'll have the whole of Provence to yourselves!  The climate, however, is the only point in common with the frantic Mediterranean coast. Drôme Provencale has remained unchanged for centuries - there are no crowds, except on market day , no traffic jams, no sky-high prices. Life moves at a relaxed pace, people still have the time to stop and chat, to sit in the shade with a cool drink and watch the world go by. This is the place to unwind, to relax and recharge the batteries, listening to the song of the cigales.

The house is within the boundaries of the proposed Baronnies Natural Park and the landscape is varied - this is where the foothills of the Alps meet Provence. Go north or east from 'La Traversière' and you will find twisty roads through steep sided gorges  where the vultures - yes vultures - and eagles soar above you, where the only sounds are those of burbling streams, buzzing insects and the  tinkle of goat bells. Go south or west and there is the Provence of lavender fields, fruit orchards, olive groves, vineyards and perched hilltop villages. The variety of landscape in this area is one of the reasons we were attracted to it.

Although this is an area of great natural beauty you will also discover the mark of man from Greek and Roman times to medieval churches and fortified villages.

Another great attraction of the area is the wine and food of course. Legendary names of the Côtes du Rhône - Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Vacqueyras, Gigondas, Beaunnes-de-Venise, Vinsobres etc., are just down the road. Local produce such as goat's cheese, apricots, nougat, the famous olives of Nyons, garlic, fresh fruit and vegetables are available all year round.

See Local guide and map for information on nearby towns and facilities.

Activities near by

Bird Watching, Drawing and painting, Gourmet dining, Hiking, Horse riding, Mountain biking, Paragliding, Photography, Photography, Rambling, Rock climbing, Sightseeing, Swimming, Via Ferrata, Walking, Wine tasting, Wine touring

See Activities and attractions for more information on nearby activities and places of interest.

How to get here

With the low cost airlines flying to Nimes, Marseille and Nice from England, it has never been easier to get here.

Published Testimonials

"Quality en-suite accommodation, excellent and plentiful home cooked food....so go, you won't be disappointed and like us you will be sorry to leave such a friendly and happy place" David Lockwood - Motorcycle Sport and Leisure

"...yours was such a lovely place to stay...and quite why you're not in any of the guides was beyond us" James Clarke - Daily Mail

"Our stay was made all the more enjoyable by Pam's wonderful cooking...We can certainly recommend "La Travèrsiere" as a base for touring this part of France.  The description in the advertisement is spot on". John Collins - Tourider Magazine

"Run by an English couple, this chambres d'hôtes lies among apricot orchards....we ate the freshly picked fruits for breakfast, under the tree they came from". Gaby Hinsliff - Travel Mail

If you would like any more information about us, the region, or available activities, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

We hope to see you soon at 'La Traversière'.

See Local guide and map for information on nearby towns and airports.