On-site activities
The swimming pool
Spend the day relaxing by the pool. Swim, sunbathe, relax, disconnect in quiet environment while enjoying the breathtaking scenery!
From May to September, depending on the weather, you can enjoy the 8m x 4m swimming pool, from 10:00am to 7:00pm.
It is heated by heat pump when necessary, at the beginning and end of the season, and on certain summer days when the mistral cools the atmosphere.
It is treated with salt hydrolysis, without aggressive chlorine for skin and eyes.
And it is secured by an electric shutter during closing hours.
The large panoramic terrace is sunny from sunrise to sunset.
The sun loungers invite you to laze, in the shade of umbrellas, fig trees, catalpa or linden.
Pool towels are provided.
Access to the pool is strictly reserved for our guests and prohibited to unaccompanied minors. The pool is not supervised and the children are under the full responsibility of their parents or accompanying adult.
The garden
A green haven invites you to relax in the forests of the Regional Nature Park of the Monts d'Ardèche of which we are labeled "Valeurs Parc".
Sit down. Rest. Relax.
The 6000m² garden in "faïsses" (or terraces) welcomes you to relax in the shade of large trees of various species, read a good book or make a small botanical visit.
Accompanied by the singing of birds, frogs, cicadas, depending on the season.
Pines, cedars, firs, cypresses, oaks, holm oaks, chestnut trees, lindens, hazelnuts, etc. are all found in the forest.
Over the seasons, shrubs and flowers compete in shimmering colours.
Camellias, mimosas and magnolias give way to lilacs, wisteria and cercis trees, then rhododendrons, and finally laurels, bignonias, althéas and summer lilacs.
The spring bulbs - hyacinths, daffodils, tulips - pass the relay to the ancolies, valerians and iris. Then it’s the turn of lavender, hydrangeas and ipomées.
And the botanical garden allows you to discover the aromatics that perfume the dishes you will taste.
Part of the garden consists of forest and meadow, maintained but left in the wild.
The plants are adapted to the climate, chosen for their low need of water to limit watering, partly made with recovered rainwater.
The maintenance of the garden and the forest generates wood, branches and green waste. The wood is used to heat the house, and incidentally for the barbecue.
The branches are crushed into mulch for the beds to limit the need for watering and the growth of weeds.
Green waste is composted, as is vegetablet waste from the kitchen.
We do not use fertilizers or pesticides for the garden.
Hiking and cycling
Directly from the house, without taking your car, you can hike or make bicycle tours in the middle of the forests of the Regional Natural Park Monts d'Ardèche.
Enjoy nature, scenery and wide horizons.
Discover an almost 360° panorama, from the Col de la Croix de Bauzon to the Dent de Rez, from the path that leads from the Col de Farges to the hamlet of Chalencon.
Reach the village of Lentillères over the ridges, with views of Mont Ventoux on one side and Ardèche mountains on the other.
Go down to the village center of Mercuer to discover the Saint Loup church and its bell tower in comb form, listed as Historical Monuments. Then go back up…
Make a bike loop (or drive if you prefer) in the Lande valley, and visit the scenic villages Ailhon, Vinezac and Chassiers.
More information in the Welcome Booklet that awaits you on site.
Possibility to park your bikes securely in the garage.
The wine tasting activities
Beyond the menu with food and wine pairing of the Table d'Hôtes, we offer thematic tastings with an introduction to oenology allowing you to discover the wines of the Ardèche in a relaxed and playful way, in line with the oenotouristic label "Vignobles & Découvertes".
A theme to choose together according to your wishes, for example:
- 1 white wine, 1 rosé wine, 1 red wine
- 3 white wines or 3 rosé wines or 3 red wines of different grape varieties, blends, producers
- 3 sweet white wines
- Served with bread, Ardèche cold cuts and cheeses
An introduction to the different tasting stages, explanations on the grape varieties, terroirs and aromas, on the winemaking:
- 15€ per person.
- Book the day before.
- Plan 1h30.
If you have enjoyed some wines tasted at the table d'hôtes and/ or during the initiation to wine tasting, a list of winegrowers nearby is at your disposal in the Welcome Booklet, to buy directly from the cellar and take home, and thus extend the holidays.
NEW: WELLNESS MASSAGES
Looking for an even more relaxing stay in Ardèche?
Need to disconnect and reconnect to yourself?
Need to relax after a day of hiking or cycling?
We now offer wellness massages in partnership with Séverine Spiandore / LES MAINS AU COEUR, trained in wellness massages, FFMBE member.
Depending on the season, the weather and your wish, your massage will take place inside the house, or outside in the garden.
Book now your moment of relaxation and well-being by contacting Séverine directly:
- by phone: +33 (0)6 99 24 93 04
- by email: lesmainsaucoeur@gmail.com
