Welcome to VILLA CELESTINE 5***** Furnished holiday accommodation

Transcription

1 Welcome to VILLA CELESTINE 5***** Furnished holiday accommodation WELCOME! We are very pleased to welcome you to Villa Célestine, a charming contemporary property located in the heart of the Uzès region and near the famous Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct. Your hosts have made every effort to ensure that your stay is unforgettable. To make your arrival comfortable, we have provided a wide range of basic products to start you off. There is coffee, tea and other such staples at your disposal. Below, you will find lots of useful information regarding the villa itself as well as details on local shops, restaurants and tourist sites as well as health care. For more details, we have provided a large number of excellent reference books in the Villa for use during your stay.

2 Contacts You will have been met by Luc, Florent or one of our property managers. We remain at your disposal throughout your stay. Below, please find our contact details: Luc Florent Karine Christine In an emergency: Firemen: 18 Ambulance service : 15 Police call center : 17 ou 112 (when using a mobile / cell phone) Municipal police station: Villa Louise address : Arrival and Departure Check-in is at 3pm Saturday unless otherwise agreed with the landlord. Check-out and final inventory generally take place on Saturday at 9:30 am at the latest. It is possible to leave the premises earlier if agreed in advance. In that case, your security deposit will be returned several days after your departure. If you paid the security deposit by cheque, it will be returned by post. If the safety deposit was paid in cash or by bank transfer it will be returned by bank transfer.

3 Sites of outstanding interest SAINT-SIFFRET SAINT SIFFRET Pont du Gard

4 Sites of outstanding interest SAINT-SIFFRET The village Saint-Siffret is a charming, small, medieval village built into the rock on a limestone cliff and offers uninterrupted views of the surrounding valleys. The tower and a small portal are all that remain of its castle which was fortified in the XIII century, A second, more recent castle is located to the west of the village. The visitor can enjoy strolling through the village s narrow streets and vaulted passageways. They can admire the restored medieval houses, the belfry and the Roman church. Le chemin de ronde, the street that encircles the village, opens out onto a landscape which has inspired more than one great painter. The villages of Vallabrix, le Mont Bouquet and Uzès are visible in the distance. Note: From the garden, you can reach the path that leads visitors through the garrigue scrubland.

5 Sites of outstanding interest UZES [5 km] Ucetia (UZES), city of water It is along the Alzon River, at the source of the Eure River, that the first traces of human activity were found in Uzès. At the beginning of our era, the Romans collected abundant quantities of water which were carried to Nîmes by a 30-mile-long aqueduct of which the Pont du Gard is the most exceptional part. The Uzès diocese was created in the V century A.D. following the Roman model and Uzès has held the title of the First Duchy of France since the XVII century. The castle, in the heart of the town, has remained the residence of the ducal family for over 1,000 years. Zan, the flagship of the liquorice industry in Uzès, which later became Haribo-Ricalè-Zan and the Pichon potteries founded in1802, have both contributed to Uzès international reputation.

6 Sites of outstanding interest UZES [5 km] Haribo Museum Haribo Museum delights young and old alike. From a display of its original advertising to modern videos, the visitor is in the world of sugary, colourful candy. At the end of the visit, you make your choice and a machine packages your selection. An olfactory and visual adventure! The Duchy The ducal castle called LE DUCHE, situated in the heart of the town, dates back to the XI century. This protected monument is a fortified quadrangle with three towers. It has been home to the Crussol family for over 1,000 years. The visit of this private residence includes rooms furnished with antiques. There is a panoramic view from the top of the donjon. The wine cellars have been renovated. Opening hours January to May and September to December: from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 6pm. During July and August: from 10am to 12:30pm and from 2pm to 6:30pm. Shut December 25 and January 1. Saint- QuentinlaPoterie The world of ceramics Saint-Quentin-la Poterie is located at the heart of a region which fused Earth and Fire to create its long pottery-making history. In 1995, the town was awarded the City of the Creative Arts label. The visitor can stroll through the town or join a visit organised by the Cultural Office every Tuesday at 11am. There are nearly 30 workshops, a museum, a gallery and a bookshop to visit.

7 Sites of outstanding Sites not to miss Sites of outstanding interest LE PONT DU GARD [18 km] Le Pont du Gard, an ancient work of art The Pont du Gard aqueduc is one of the most beautiful examples of Roman architecture in the region. The 400-acre site offers a range of attractions, including a museum, an arboretum, outdoor activities and scheduled workshops. Swimming is allowed but beware of the currents. SITE : Le pont du Gard

8 Sites of outstanding interest NIMES [25 km] Nîmes was founded in the VI century AD and offers the visitor hundreds of years of history, architecture, art and passion. The Nemausus spring, after which the town was named, the nearby aqueduct, the Pont du Gard, and the numerous fountains within the city are examples of the close relationship water and stone hold for this ancient town. Nîmes offers a rich range of architecture and art. Nîmes has a long industrial history in textiles. Did you know that the French de Nîmes which means from Nîmes became one single word used to describe denim jeans! SITE : Maison carrée

9 Sites of outstanding interest AVIGNON [40 km] Avignon was the capital of Christianity during the Middle Ages of which it has preserved many grand tributes: The Papal Palace, the ramparts, numerous churches and chapels and Saint Benezet Bridge, better known as the Pont d Avignon because of the often sung children s song, Sur le Pont d Avignon. UNESCO granted this outstanding architectural site world heritage status. Avignon hosts a prestigious contemporary theatre festival and was named European Capital of Culture in In addition to its many ancient sites of great interest, Avignon offers the tourist a conference centre with up-to-date technology, shops with local products and restaurants serving local cuisine. Avignon is located near numerous villages that are well worth visiting. The surrounding area is also of outstanding natural beauty. WEBSITE :

10 Sites of outstanding interest CEVENNES Anduze [45 km] Anduze is the gateway to the Cevennes National Park, In the XVI century, the city already had over 7,000 inhabitants within its walls. The network of narrow streets and the tall apartment buildings that line them resulted from the need to save space within a limited area. Many noteworthy monuments and windy streets delight the visitor. Potteries Anduze is home to legendary potteries. Two of the most well-known are: - Les Poteries de la Madeleine : Route de Nîmes Lézan Les Enfants de Boisset Route de Saint-Jean du Gard ANDUZE

11 Sites of outstanding interest CEVENNES La Bambouseraie The Anduze Bamboo Plantation 45 km] LA BAMBOUSERAIE, the Anduze Bamboo Plantation, is a unique site dedicated to this amazing, exuberant plant. The park offers a vast area of greenery and endless surprises. It is the ideal destination for a day out for visitors of all ages. A magical way to arrive at the park is by Steam Train, le Train des Cévennes. The train runs through the Gardon Valley, between Anduze and Saint-Jean-du-Gard, and offers magnificent views. You can hop on and off the train to fit in your visits. The Cevennes Steam train [Saint-Jean-du-Gar - 55 km]

12 Sites of natural outstanding beauty Les Gorges du Gardon [Collias 10 km] There are many outstanding rambling and hiking opportunities in the region. Over 6 million years, the Gardon River has carved out a magnificent landscape through the rock. Hidden in the Gardon Valley there are numerous caves which served as shelter during the Prehistoric period. The Celts, Greeks and Romans were all attracted to this valley as were the monks who founded the Collias Hermitage monastery located to the south of the village. Visitors should be in good physical condition and have proper equipment: hiking boots, sufficient water, head protection, sun cream and so forth, to undertake any of the circuits referenced in the link below.

13 Sites of natural outstanding beauty Les Gorges du Gardon [Collias 10 km] From Collias, you can also admire the natural landscapes of the gorges by canoe. Visitors can stop to picnic and swim. Beware the strong current. A number of different routes are available among which the following are the most pleasant: Collias - Pont du Gard Not to be missed. 8 kms Open all season. Ideal for families. Goes under the Pont du Gard. Time required: 2 hours, but can also be done as a day trip. Collias - La Baume A less frequented route through the gorge. Open all season. A shuttle leaves you above the Collias dam. Pont Saint Nicolas Pont du Gard An unforgettable experience. 20 kms. Open March to June. Can be done as a day trip. Russan - Collias Fantastic ride through a natural landscape. 23 kms. Open March to May. You will discover the cliffs, meanders and sources.

14 Food Shopping SUPERMARKETS OTHER SHOPS

15 Markets MARKET DAYS 4 colourful, weekly markets are held in UZES and nearby. SAINT-QUENTIN-LA-POTERIE Friday mornings, the covered market is home to fruit and vegetable producers. UZES The producers gather at the Place aux Herbes on Wednesday mornings. Saturday mornings, UZES hosts 200 stall holders at the Place aux Herbes and in the boulevards which encircle the village. There is also a flea market at the rugby stadium located at the entrance to the village. Stall holders also set up all along the boulevards. Address & contact: UZES Tel: +33 (0) Evening markets : Near Uzès :

16 Health HEALTH General Practitioners Ferré Martine Les Briargues rte St Maximin, SAINT SIFFRET Physiotherapist Arino Philippe Espa Briargue rte St Maximin, SAINT SIFFRET Osteopath Rodot Julien Espace Charaou Ch des planes imp Garennes, SAINT SIFFRET Pediatrician Allard-giran Jacqueline clos de la Diligence 4 bd Alliés, UZES Hospitals Hôpital Local 510 rte Nîmes, UZES Hôpital Carémeau (CHU) pl Prof Robert Debré, NIMES CEDEX

17 How the house runs Network name : Password : al ins You have unlimited wireless internet access throughout your stay. You are, however, not allowed to use the internet connection for the reproduction, presentation or communication / sharing of public property or of property protected by copyright or other legal instrument. IMPORTANT : THE VILLA IS NOT CONNECTED TO THE SEWERAGE SYSTEM. PLEASE DO NOT THROW ANYTHING WHATSOEVER INTO THE TOILETS: sanitary towels, wet-wipes, nappies / diapers, food of any sort, cooking oil AIR-CONDITIONING The villa is equipped with a system that provides both air-conditioning and heating. Each appliance works independently and can be adjusted using the remote control unit in the room. REMINDER : Please keep all the windows and glazed doors shut while using the air-conditioning. All excessive electricity use will be billed to you upon your departure. ELECTRIC SHUTTERS There is a control unit on the wall next to each glazed window with electric shutters. INDOOR SWIMMING POOL The swimming pool functions totally automatically. The water is heated to between 80 and 85 F (27 and 29 C). The white unit in the pool area is a dehumidifier. PLEASE DO NOT PUT ANYTHING OVER IT. To maintain the water at a constant temperature, we advise you to put the pool cover back in place after each session.

18 How the house runs RUBBISH AND RECYCLING Rubbish bins should be put out on Monday evenings. There is a recycling bin for glass in the center of the village.

19 RULES YOU MUST NOT Smoke inside the house or pool area. throw cigarette ends on the ground outside as there is a high fire risk in the area. have pets without the landlord s authorisation. move any of the furniture. throw sanitary towels, nappies / diapers, wet-wipes, food of any sort or cooking oil into the toilets., so as not to disturb your neighbours, play all sound devises (radio, TV, DVD player ) at a low level and when outdoors, also keep all noise to a reasonable level. BEFORE CHECKING-OUT empty all bins and ashtrays. empty the dishwasher. empty the refrigerator, freezer and cupboards. empty the cold ashes from the wood burning stove and spread them at the foot of a tree in the garden. clean the barbecue. This is not included in the cleaning fee. leave all the keys together in one place inside the villa.