Le Val d`Amour (OBE.39)

Le Val d'Amour is a 2-bedroomed cottage, sleeping 4 (+baby), on the outskirts of the village of Chamblay (Jura), some 10km N of Arbois, 47km N of Lons-le-Saunier, 40km SW of Besançon, 25km SE of Dole and some 60km from Switzerland (Michelin map: 520). VFB is delighted to have featured this property since 2003. Saturday arrival.

This south-west facing gîte dates back to 1895 and was originally a tile-maker’s home (his ‘tuillerie’ was next door and is now a store for tiles and stone). The gîte was fully restored and renovated by the owners in 2001, to provide accommodation of a very high standard. The interior is rustic but modern, tastefully decorated and very well maintained and equipped (with dishwasher, washing machine, Hi-Fi, video, books). The rooms are light and airy, and the use of lemon and white colours keeps the interior fresh. Outdoors, guests have the use of a covered barbecue area and a terrace, shaded by a cherry tree, as well as free roam of the 4000m² enclosed garden, dotted with fruit and willow trees. The friendly owner, a local teacher, lives next door with his young family and their cat, and will be responsible for welcoming guests.
 
In the area, mediaeval Arbois, birthplace of Louis Pasteur and capital of Jura winegrowing; Besançon, the capital of Franche Comté, with its old quai on the banks of the Doubs and the ancient grand rue birthplace of Victor Hugo; la Forêt de Chaux, extending to 22,000 hectares for walks, mushroom picking or just observing the flora and fauna; Ornans (25km), one of the most picturesque towns in Franche-Comté, built on stilts along the River Loue.

Accommodation: All on ground floor: kitchen/dining room, living room, 1 double and 1 twin-bedded room, shower room, separate wc, cot.

Activities: Swimming in river with beach at La Loue (1km); swimming pool (June – Sept) at Ounans (3km). Tennis at Ecleux (2km); horse-riding, adventure playground, bicycle hire and sports centre at Ounans. Golf (9 holes) at Parcey (10km), adventure playground at Salins (15km).

Services: Grocery, bakery and supermarket at Villers Farley (3km). Supermarket at Mont-sous-Vaudrey (8km). All other shops and services at Mouchard (5km). Market at Dole (25km) on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Market at Arbois Friday mornings and small market on Tuesdays at Ounans during the summer. Parking at the property or in garage.

Location
On the outskirts of the village of Chamblay (Jura) with 300 inhabitants, some 10km N of Arbois, 47km N of Lons-le-Saunier, 40km SW of Besançon, 25km SE of Dole and some 60km from Switzerland. Altitude: 350m. Michelin map: 520.
 
Activities
Swimming in river with beach at La Loue (1km); swimming pool (June – Sept) at Ounans (3km). Tennis at Ecleux (2km); horse-riding, adventure playground, bicycle hire and sports centre at Ounans. Golf (9 holes) at Parcey (10km), adventure playground at Salins (15km).
 
Services
Grocery, bakery and supermarket at Villers Farley (3km). Supermarket at Mont-sous-Vaudrey (8km). All other shops and services at Mouchard (5km). Market at Dole (25km) on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Market at Arbois Friday mornings and small market on Tuesdays at Ounans during the summer. Parking at the property or in garage.
 
Description
This south-west facing gîte dates back to 1895 and was originally a tile-maker’s home (his ‘tuillerie’ was next door and is now a store for tiles and stone). The gîte was fully restored and renovated by the owners in 2001, to provide accommodation of a very high standard. The interior is rustic but modern, tastefully decorated and very well maintained and equipped (with dishwasher, washing machine, hi-fi, video, books). The rooms are light and airy, and the use of lemon and white colours keeps the interior fresh. Outdoors, guests have the use of a covered barbecue area and a terrace, shaded by a cherry tree, as well as free roam of the 4000m2 enclosed garden, dotted with fruit and willow trees. The friendly owner, a local teacher, lives next door with his young family and their cat, and will be responsible for welcoming guests.
 
In the area, mediaeval Arbois, birthplace of Louis Pasteur and capital of Jura winegrowing; Besançon, the capital of Franche Comté, with its old quai on the banks of the Doubs and the ancient grand rue birthplace of Victor Hugo; la Forêt de Chaux, extending to 22,000 hectares for walks, mushroom picking or just observing the flora and fauna; Ornans (25km), one of the most picturesque towns in Franche-Comté, built on stilts along the River Loue. Featured by VFB since 2003.
 
Accommodation
 
All on ground floor - access from driveway into hall with doors to:
 
•     Kitchen – Diner (4m x 4m) with dual hob (1 electric/3 gas rings), electric oven, fridge
 with freezer compartment, dishwasher. Tiled floor
 
•     Living room (4m80 x 3m95) with television, video with cassettes, hi-fi. Wooden floor
 
•     Bedroom 1 (4m x 3m80) with 1 double bed (1m40). Wooden floor
 
•     Bedroom 2 (4m x 4m20) with 2 single beds (0m90). Wooden floor
 
•     Shower room with shower cubicle, washing machine. Tiled floor
 
•     Separate wc
 
Gas for cooking and electricity included – Oil for central heating included (radiator in each room) – Bed linen included, household linen available.
 
Where household linen is available, payment should be made direct to the owner (one set will cost 20€ for two people and each additional person staying at the property pays 5€).
 
Breakage Deposit: 100€   Sleeps : 4 + baby MAXIMUM (Wooden cot available: length 120cm: width 63cm, depth 62cm)
 
Note: There is a local tax (taxe de séjour) applicable at this property for all guests. The cost is 0.50€ per guest (over 13) per day, and should be paid directly to the owner.
 
Comments
“Thank you for a warm welcome and an excellent gîte. We have had an extremely enjoyable two weeks – what a lovely area for pottering around.” “The house is lovely and very generously equipped.” “Thank you for a warm welcome and an excellent gîte.”
 
Description updated May 2009