This website was designed around two priorities: being accessible to as many people as possible and keeping its energy use as low as possible.
We therefore chose a limited colour palette, strong contrasts and highly optimised images to keep pages light and quick to load. Photographs are initially displayed in black and white in a lightweight format; a click will, however, let you view them larger and in colour.
These choices make the site comfortable to browse at zoom levels from 100% to 250%, while following W3C recommendations and the principles of “low-tech web design”. The entire site is approximately 40 MB, including the stylesheet and images.
A modest approach, but one that reflects what matters to us here: enjoying nature while trying to look after it.
Welcome to Gîtes les Saules
Nicole and Gérard welcome you to Gîtes les Saules, among the hills of Ardèche Verte, in northern Ardèche. Close to the hamlet of Pojot and the remains of the Rochefort Tower, in the municipality of Saint-Félicien, the two cottages offer a green, peaceful setting where you can slow down. The village is also the starting point of the well-known cycling event L’Ardéchoise.
Gîtes les Saules
Here you can enjoy a quieter side of Ardèche, away from the bustle of the major tourist sites, while keeping plenty of places to discover within easy reach. Visit Saint-Régis Basilica in Lalouvesc, wander through the villages of Lafarre and Boucieu-le-Roi, stop at a local farm or taste a Picodon. And if you feel like exploring the must-see sights of southern Ardèche, the Pont d’Arc makes a fine day trip.
Saint-Félicien village (by Peter Stevens)Lalouvesc BasilicaLafarre villageBoucieu-le-Roi village (by BMR & MAM)
Sheltered by the willow trees, the cottages enjoy a particularly peaceful setting. Each cottage has its own private terrace with outdoor furniture: your own spot to read, eat outside or simply linger over a drink at the end of the day.
The pond below the cottagesOur furry friends......and our feathered onesDe Musset cottageJoseph & Étienne cottage
Each cottage comfortably sleeps 4 to 6 guests.
For a simple and comfortable stay, each cottage includes the following facilities:
4G internet*
Non-smoking
No pets
*Internet is provided via 4G. Fibre is available in the area, but we have chosen not to subscribe: after all, it would be a shame to come all the way to Ardèche only to spend your holiday on Netflix. Switching off is part of the holiday too.
Kitchen
Induction hob
Electric oven
Microwave oven
Refrigerator
Coffee maker
Toaster
Dishwasher
Crockery and cutlery
Cooking utensils
Living / dining room
TV (French digital terrestrial channels)
Table and chairs
Sofa bed (140 cm)
Two bedrooms
One 140 cm double bed
Two 90 cm single beds
Generous storage
Bed linen set (per bed)
One fitted sheet
One flat sheet
One or two pillowcases
Bathroom
Large shower tray (90 x 90 cm)
Washbasin (double washbasin in the De Musset cottage)
The cottage “De Musset” is named after Alfred de Musset (11 December 1810 – 2 May 1857). The Romantic poet celebrated the willow tree in the verses engraved on his monument at Père-Lachaise cemetery — a fitting reference for a cottage shaded by these very trees.
“My dear friends, when I die,
Plant a willow in the cemetery.
I love its weeping foliage;
Its pale hue is gentle and dear to me,
And its shade will rest lightly
Upon the earth where I shall sleep.”
The cottage “Joseph & Étienne” pays tribute to two emblematic figures from northern Ardèche: the Montgolfier brothers. Joseph and Étienne put Annonay on the map in the history of ballooning; even today, hot-air balloons are a familiar sight in the surrounding skies.
Gérard is passionate about horses, especially draught horses. He patiently trained Biscotte, a Comtois mare whose name playfully echoes the biscuit colour of her coat.
Biscotte shares the property with two companions: Mogador, Mérens horse, and Chocolat, Provence donkey. You are welcome simply to admire them, give them a gentle stroke, or take a little time to get to know them.
Biscotte
Just a few steps from your door, a pétanque court is ready for impromptu games. Anglers can also enjoy the pond and its largemouth bass, better known here as black bass, preferably on a catch-and-release basis.
The pétanque courtThe black bass
The property has a few more surprises to discover during your stay: animals, shady corners, paths and small places where everyone soon finds a favourite spot.
The swingPath beneath the willow treesArdèche under snowThe hensThe geese......and their shelterThe little goats......Bounty and Flocon
Saint-Félicien village
In Saint-Félicien, craftspeople, shopkeepers and local producers give the village a lively local character. Market days, on Fridays and Sundays, are a chance to fill your basket with charcuterie, cheese and chestnut specialities. Take time to wander through the small streets and visit the church, founded in the 10th century by monks from the Saint-Barnard collegiate church in Romans-sur-Isère.
Saint-Félicien villageRuins of Rochefort Tower
For a slightly more adventurous walk, the ruins of Rochefort Tower can be reached after a hike of around an hour and a half from the cottages — the remarkable view is well earned. Dating from the 10th century, this former watchtower occupied a strategic viewpoint over the Rhône and Doux valleys. A local legend even tells of a tunnel between Rochefort and Saint-Félicien.
Located in the former « École des Frères » school building in Saint-Félicien, the hotel and restaurant « Le Félicien » offers an elegant setting and a well-regarded table. A nearby address for continuing your discovery of the village over a meal.
Run by Fabrice Falibaron & Cédric Revol, « La Récré » is a welcoming restaurant serving “bistronomic” cuisine. The menus range from simple to more elaborate dishes, carefully showcasing local produce. A pleasant gourmet stop in the peaceful village of Vaudevant.
Want to get out, explore or simply be surprised? Here are a few ideas around the cottages, from nearby outings to full-day trips, to discover the many sides of northern Ardèche.
Some of the information below is based on the official websites of the attractions concerned, so that the descriptions remain as close as possible to what they offer.
Vivarais Railway: Le Mastrou & rail bikes
Climb aboard the « Mastrou », a historic steam train, and travel the full line from Tournon Saint Jean station to Lamastre. The railway offers a unique way to admire the wild landscapes of the Doux Valley, following the river for 28 kilometres across bridges, viaducts and tunnels. From the Doux gorges to the Ardèche plateau, through orchards and chestnut groves, it is a fine introduction to northern Ardèche.
Halfway along the route, a 15-minute stop allows the steam locomotive to take on water; at the terminus, the 44-tonne engine is turned by hand on the turntable.
When the « Mastrou » is not running, you can still take to the tracks under your own power on the Doux Gorge rail bikes. Trips range from 1 hour 45 minutes to 4 hours for the sportier visitor, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the scenery of the Doux gorges.
Housed in the home of the Montgolfier brothers (the famous Joseph & Étienne), the paper museum « Canson & Montgolfier » traces the history of papermaking in Ardèche through documents and surviving objects from its industrial past. Visitors can also try making paper by hand and creating paper hot-air balloons.
Since the Montgolfier brothers, hot-air ballooning has become a tradition at the foot of the Vivarais and especially in the town of Annonay. Several balloon operators can take you aloft to discover the varied landscapes of this part of Ardèche from above.
A few decades ago, Ardèche villages would fill once a year with the aromas of fruit and alcohol: the traditional travelling distiller was at work. The Still Museum at the Jean Gauthier distillery brings this tradition to life and presents both historic and modern distillation methods.
A unique place covering four continents across 80 hectares, Peaugres is the largest wildlife park in the Rhône-Alpes region. Its routes and activities let you encounter many animals in spacious, semi-free settings.
At 1,551 metres, Mont Gerbier-de-Jonc offers a short but energetic climb through the landscapes of the Ardèche plateau. At its foot rises the Loire: a good reason to extend your walk to its springs and enjoy their cool water.
If you are arriving from the north (Lyon – Paris), leave the A7 motorway at Chanas (exit 12) towards Annonay. Then follow signs for Quintenas and then Saint-Félicien.
If you are arriving from the south (Valence, Montélimar, Avignon), leave the A7 motorway at Tain-l’Hermitage (exit 13). Cross the Rhône to Tournon, then follow signs for Lamastre. After the campsites along the Doux, follow signs for Saint-Félicien.
On entering Saint-Félicien, take the road towards Colombier-le-Vieux and continue for about 3 km. After a small stone bridge, turn right onto the small road marked « Pojot par Pojonnais ». Another about 2 km and you have arrived: welcome to Gîtes les Saules.
Or, more simply, you can of course let your GPS guide you.
4G internet*
Non-smoking
No pets
Induction hob
Electric oven
Microwave oven
Refrigerator
Coffee maker
Toaster
Dishwasher
Crockery and cutlery
Cooking utensils
TV (French digital terrestrial channels)
Table and chairs
Sofa bed (140 cm)
One 140 cm double bed
Two 90 cm single beds
Generous storage
Large shower tray
Washbasin
Towel rail
Hair dryer
Washing machine
Ironing equipment
Two WCs in the Joseph & Étienne cottage
