Welcome to Fontclaire
We are delighted to welcome you here! We put together this guide to give you an insight into the domain, the region and what there is to see and do during your stay.
Tap any section to see more:
The Domain 🏡
Practical Information 📝
Beverage and Nibbles 🍷
Eat Out 🍴
Markets 🥕
The Surroundings 🗺️
The Cellars 🍇
THE DOMAIN 🏡
We bought and renovated the property in 2015. At the time, the domain had been abandoned for over twenty years. The name ‘Fontclaire’ (‘font’ or ‘fontaine’ meaning ‘fountain’, and 'claire’ meaning ‘clear’) comes from the two forgotten but still active springs that once nourished the herds of the Sérignan plains.
A former hunting lodge, Fontclaire was transformed into a manor house at the end of the 19th century. The adjoining farm dates back to the 17th century and was part of a large agricultural estate where 40 people used to work.
The plane trees at the front of the house were planted over 150 years ago and have never been trimmed. The property is surrounded by 15 acres of land, mainly vineyards but also fields of lavender, and olive and almond trees. A beekeeper has recently installed several hives in different locations.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION 📝
Our home is a place for you to relax surrounded by nature. Feel free to take a stroll amongst the plane trees or to use the tables and seating areas at the front of the house. You are also welcome to use the pool but please supervise your children as there is no lifeguard.
Given its history, the house has a few quirks to it. You might find that some of the floorboards creak with age and some of the windows might be a little hard to close, so please be patient and kind with this old beauty. For the comfort of all our guests please be sure to close doors quietly and to keep noise levels at a reasonable volume early in the morning and late in the evening as well as when you use the swimming pool.
The wifi connection can sometimes be unsteady due to the house's thick walls. We apologize for the inconvenience.
If the Mistral blows - a local strong wind - make sure you don’t leave windows unsecured to avoid the window panes breaking. Merci !
The restoration of Fontclaire is a project in motion. As such, parts of the estate are still in ruins and therefore potentially dangerous. For this reason, please do not venture behind the house.
Breakfast ☕
Breakfast is served from 8am to 11am outside when the weather permits or in your room if not. It consists of fresh bread, homemade jams, a pain au chocolat and a croissant per each guests. Orange juice and tea/coffee are also included. Depending on the season we occasionally add local produce such as a fruit salad to the above.
Breakfast is not included (12€ per adult, 8€ for children up to 12 and free for under 4).
Make sure you have booked your breakfast as soon as you arrive so we can place the order with the local bakery in time.
Services 🛎️
In collaboration with local partners we offer a selection of services on the premises to help you relax. Simply call us on +33 4 90 40 90 21 so we can arrange the booking for you:
Massage 💆: A relaxing massage done by a certified masseuse on the premises.
Massage (1 hour): 60€
Bike rental 🚴♀️: We can book bikes and have them delivered here (additional 20€)
Regular bike (per day): 18€
Electric bike (per day): 35€
Prices decrease based on the number of days. Bikes for children are also available.
Commodities 🚕
Convenience stores: U Express in Piolenc (5 km) or a smaller one, Utile, in Sérignan (2 km).
Pharmacies: There are 2 pharmacies nearby in Sérignan and Piolenc, open until 7.15pm.
Taxi: Taxis des Dentelles - Tél: 04 90 46 89 42
Before you leave 🗝️
Don’t forget to give the room key back and clear your bill. We accept debit/credit cards, cheque and cash.
BEVERAGE AND NIBBLES 🍷
We offer a selection of beverage and nibbles on the premises. Don’t hesitate to let us know if you would like anything (opening times: 8am-12pm and 4pm to 8pm).
Other Beverage
Coffee (expresso) —- 1,5€
Tea —- 2€
Hot chocolate —- 3,5€
Still or sparkling Mineral Water - 1L —- 3€
Juices (Orange or Apple) - 25cl —- 3€
Ice tea, Perrier, Coca Cola - 33cl —- 3,5€
Cordial (grenadine, mint, peach, lemon)—- 2€
Alcoholic Drinks
Locally brewed craft beer “Améno”.
Lager - 33cl —- 3,5€
White - 33cl —- 3,5€
Côtes du Rhône from Domaine Saint Michel in Uchaux. In red, white and rosé wine.
Glass - 12cl —- 4€
Bottle - 75cl —- 15€
Côtes du Rhône, massif d’Uchaux (red). This wine is made by Domaine Saint Michel with grapes from our vineyards. It has an aroma of small berries, rosemary and thyme.
Glass - 12cl —- 4€
Bottle - 75cl —- 18€
Sweet or savoury nibbles from ‘La Biscuiterie de Provence’
Provence Crunchy biscuits with black olives - 90 gr —- 5€
Almond or chocolate Macaroons - 160 gr —- 6€
Orange flower water crunchy biscuits - 210 gr —- 5€
Chocolate chip cookies for kids (gluten-free) - 100 gr —- 5€
Dark chocolate and almond cake - 225 gr —- 9€
EAT OUT 🍴
The terrace of “Côté Sud” restaurant.
“Côté Sud” - Our firm favourite ! (book in advance) Very good provençale cuisine in a cosy setting in Uchaux (2 km). Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays - Tel: +33 4 90 40 66 08
“Le Temps de Vivre” - Traditional Provençale cuisine in a beautiful 18th century mansion in Uchaux (2 km). Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays - Tel: +33 4 90 40 66 08
“Côteaux et Fourchette” - Good restaurant with a great wine selection in Cairanne (13 km). Open everyday - Tel: +33 4 90 66 35 99
Fine dining
“Le Pré du Moulin” - French “Grande Cuisine” in Sérignan (2 km). Closed on Mondays - Tel: +33 4 90 70 14 55
“Le Parvis” - Creative Provençale cuisine in Orange (6 km). Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays - Tel: +33 4 90 34 82 00
Family friendly
“Les Acacias” - Delicious and typical cuisine on the main village square in Uchaux (2 km). Closed on Sundays and Mondays - Tel: +33 4 90 66 14 07
“À la Maison” - Restaurant located on a small square with a fountain, opposite the Roman Theatre in Orange (6 km). Closed on Sundays - Tel: +33 4 90 60 98 83
“Au Comptoir” - Brasserie in Piolenc (5 km). Closed on Sundays and Mondays - Tel: +33 4 86 71 67 81
“Le Bar à Vin’s” - A nice bar with a good wine selection in Rochegude (10 km). Closed on Monday evenings - Tel: +33 4 75 98 24 83
Tired of French food?
“L’Atelier du Burger” - Great burger place in Orange (6 km) - Closed on Sundays and Mondays - Tel: +33 7 89 31 25 29
“Le Petit Resto de Paul” - Homemade Senegalese and African cuisine in Orange (6 km). Open everyday - Tél: +33 6 70 22 28 93
“Le Bambou” - Chinese and Thai cuisine in Orange (6 km). Closed Sunday evenings and on Wednesdays - Tel: +33 4 90 51 65 19
MARKETS 🥕
Provencal markets open all year round (fruit & veg, flowers and local crafts)
Monday - Piolenc (5 km)
Tuesday - Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux (19 km), Grignan (30 km)
Wednesday - Bagnols-sur-Cèze (30 km), Buis-les-Baronnies (55 km)
Thursday - Orange (6 km) Nyons (35 km)
Friday - Châteauneuf-du-Pape (25 km), Suze-la-Rousse (12 km)
Saturday - Sainte-Cécile-les-Vignes (10 km), Uzès (60 km)
Sunday - Nyons (only in summer, 35 km), L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (55 km)
Seasonal Markets
Séguret’s Summer Food Market (Thursday evenings from May to September) - Night market with food trucks, concerts, etc.
Richerenches Winter Truffle Market - Saturday mornings from mid-November to mid-March. The city of Richerenches (26 km) is the capital of French truffles ! You will find fresh local truffles and many delicacies made with truffle (think Brie cheese truffle, saucisson truffle, etc.). There is also a standard fruit & veg market on site.
THE SURROUNDINGS 🗺️
The village of Gordes, up on the hill.
The region has many natural and cultural landmarks. Here is a selection of our favourite ones.
Orange
The closest town to Fontclaire (6 km). It was an important Roman city. You can still see and visit the well preserved Triumphal Arch and Roman Theatre which are both UNESCO World Heritage sites. The town also offers a nice pedestrian centre with a fruit and veg market.
Typical Villages
Séguret (23 km) - Tiny village hung on a hill with a stunning view of the valley. It features on the famous list of the ‘Most Beautiful French Villages’.
Vaison-La-Romaine (30 km) - Typical Provencal village with extensive Roman ruins.
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (59 km): A paradise for bric-a-brac and antiques shops running alongside a beautiful little brook.
Gordes (70 km) - Village with a Renaissance-style château. Don’t miss the Sénanque Abbey nearby with its lavender fields (lavender season mid-June to end of July).
Les Baux-de-Provence (70 km) - Old town with château. Don’t miss the immersive digital experience of ‘Carrières de Lumières’ in a former quarry.
Heritage sites
The Château of Suze-la-Rousse (15 km) - A former fortified castle transformed into a wonderful grand mansion in the 18th century. It has a well put together museum on the history of the region, especially around wine.
The Château of Grignan (33 km) - A Renaissance palace with a museum on French craftsmanship.
Pont du Gard (47 km) - An UNESCO World Heritage aqueduct from the Roman period. We recommend the underground museum on the history of the construction.
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (66 km) - A village built around an impressively large spring in a lush valley. You can do kayaking, fishing or shopping local crafts.
Kid-friendly activities
Naturoptère (Sérignan, 2 km): For nature lovers. An eco-building surrounded by themed gardens. It is also a learning centre dedicated to insects and plants.
Le Mas de la Gallinière (Roquemaure - 27 km) - An educational farm with all the farm animals - open everyday.
The caves: Perfect during the hot season, there are many of them in the region. Our favourites are Aven Marzal with its prehistoric zoo, the Grotte de Chauvet 2 and its stunning neolithic paintings, the Grotte de la Salamandre in which you can fly a hot air balloon and the Grotte de Saint Marcel and its wine tasting.
Ardèche River for canoeing (with ‘Ardèche Aventure’ - Tel: +33 4 75 98 73 44)
La Forêt d’Emile Zarbre, a theme park about trees - Tel: +33 6 52 23 18 49
⛰️ You can see its silhouette when you leave the property, The Mont Ventoux, a Tour de France attraction. It takes 45 minutes to drive to the summit for a stunning view! It is usually quite chilly so take a jumper with you.
WINE CELLARS 🍇
A selection of our top cellars, not always the most famous ones. Opening hours can change depending on the season so make sure you contact them before you go.
Near the house
Château d’Hugue : A small family domain from a long tradition of wine makers - Tel: +33 4 90 70 06 27
Le Domaine de Saint Michel : The Nicolas Family produces a typical wine from our terroir - Tel: +33 4 90 40 62 20
Château Saint Estève : This domain produces very fine wines since 1961 - Tel: +33 4 90 40 62 38
Along the Wine Route
Châteauneuf-du-Pape : “Clos Mont Olivet” - historic cellar, a grand classique of Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Tel: +33 4 90 83 72 46
Cairanne : “Clos Romane” - Created recently by wine lovers (first vintage in 2011), a promising cellar we really like - Tel: +33 6 15 52 05 34
Sarrians : “Domaine de Montirius” - First biodynamic (organic) vineyard for the Vacqueyras et Gigondas designation - Tel: +33 4 90 65 38 28
Roussas : “Domaine de Grangeneuve” - Independent winery which offers activities around wine - Tel: +33 4 75 98 50 22
Rasteau : “Domaine des Escaravailles” - This vineyard is cultivated in the old style with ploughing and organic fertilisers. Wines grow in half-buried cellars - Tel: +33 4 90 46 14 20