FOR SALE: Village House Apartment in one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France—Venasque

You may never have ventured up to the medieval village of Venasque…but I’ve had the pleasure many times thanks to our American clients and friends who have very special homes there. I first learned about it as long ago as 2006 when a New Orleanian came to me to help her buy two properties in the hilltop village—a member of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (The Most Beautiful Villages of France) Association…because it is!
Venasque is about 40 kilometers from Avignon, 13 kilometers from Carpentras, and 22 kilometers from Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. I wouldn’t have known it if Stephanie had not come to us to assist her in the purchase. She owned a large home on the edge of the village and a village house in the heart of town that she rented. Years later, once she was settled into the big house, she came to us again to sell the village house.
The very next day, clients, also from New Orleans, came to us to find a village house with a description that fit Stephanie’s to a tee. “You aren’t going to believe this,” I said, “but I have THE PERFECT HOUSE for you!” They didn’t believe me at first—it sounded like a real sales pitch, but I kept insisting, “I know the house. I know it’s perfect for you. It fits all of your parameters, and the owner is from New Orleans, too!”
Rick and Rob were skeptical, and I don’t blame them, but Stephanie was generous and allowed them to come months later to visit the house for themselves. It was over the Thanksgiving holidays. I had gone to Provence to be with friends. Patty Sadauskas was with me, as was our agent, Jennifer Parrette. We all met in Venasque—the potential buyers, the sellers, our team and friends.
I just laughed as we all entered the village and the house. Rick and Rob fell madly in love, bought the house and have not only enjoyed it every minute, but have also enjoyed the immediate friends they made—Stephanie and other Americans in the village and region.
Rick wrote me recently to say, “The village is close to everything. There are open-air markets at Bedoin and Pernes Les Fountain are close and fantastic. There are lots of great restaurants nearby. The best thing is it’s close to many sights but not touristy. You feel like you live there and there is an ever-growing number of renovated houses so we are seeing new things pop up fast—and new people.”
And here we are with another great property in this beautiful village FOR SALE:
11 Place de la Fontaine, Venasque 84210
Town Center
In a medieval town perched on a steep cliff, far from mass tourism, situated 11 kilometers from Carpentras, in the heart of the Vaucluse, this air-conditioned apartment with double-glazed windows is located in the very center of town.
Situated on the second and top floor of a 17th-century mansion, this charming atypical apartment features exposed beams, niches, a skylight, a mezzanine and a private terrace with beautiful views.
Enter into a spacious bedroom with an adjoining bathroom, then stairs lead you to a second level with a beautiful living room with a mezzanine, open kitchen, guest toilet and direct access to a 15.5m2 terrace with breathtaking views of the village and bell tower.
43.45m2 – Loi Carrez, 58m2 surface area, 76.97m2 – including terraces
Condition: Excellent
Orientation: Southwest with unobstructed views of the countryside, villages and plenty of sky
Heating: Electric, with air-conditioning
Hot water: Individual hot water tank
The apartment is free to let, with a possible rental income of around 700€ per month. Information on the risks to which this property may be exposed is available online.
Asking Price: 185,000€ inclusive of agency fees
Homeowner Association Fees: 1,370 €/year
Property Taxes: 377€/year
ABOUT VENASQUE:
Turn back time and lose yourself in the medieval town of Venasque. Perched defiantly on rocky outcrops overlooking the Vaucluse Valley in Provence, the small citadel of Venasque has withstood waves of invaders for millennia—from Celtic warriors and Roman legions to Visigoths, Moors, and French Huguenots. It remained under Vatican rule until 1791, when it officially became part of France, a transition that was far from smooth. Known for their fierce independence, Venasque’s residents, nicknamed “the wolves,” historically resisted outsiders, even discouraging marriages beyond the village.
Today, Venasque is a thriving destination with around 1,000 residents, having rebounded from economic decline in the 1950s. Ironically, it was an American composer, Gail Kubik, who helped spark a revival in the 1960s by restoring abandoned homes. By 1993, the village earned the official title of “One of the Most Beautiful Villages in France.”
Strolling through its narrow cobblestone streets, visitors are met with centuries-old stone homes, vibrant flower patches, and sleepy cats basking in the sun. The village exudes charm, from the aroma of fresh baguettes trailing behind a passing local to leisurely mornings spent savoring a citron tart from Clément Patisserie.
Dining in Venasque is just as enchanting. A meal at Les Remparts, perched above the rolling hills, might include a shoulder of lamb with baked tomatoes, paired with a Côtes du Ventoux wine. Alternatively, one can indulge in a blackcurrant ice cream while chatting at the village fountain, where conversations in multiple languages blend harmoniously.
Mont Ventoux looms in the distance, its limestone peak standing guard over the valley, a view enjoyed by the latest wave of visitors—Parisians, Germans, Americans, British, and Dutch—who have been warmly welcomed. Venasque now boasts charming accommodations, diverse dining options, and a multilingual tourism office showcasing local artists.
Even with modern tourism, the village retains its historical essence. Just a five-minute walk separates the Romanesque Church of Notre-Dame from the medieval towers marking the village’s entrance. More adventurous visitors can explore the countryside via well-mapped trails winding through vineyards, cherry orchards, and ancient ruins.
Beyond Venasque, day trips lead to nearby gems like Avignon, with its grand papal palace, and Vaison-la-Romaine, home to vast Roman ruins and an ancient bridge still in use after 2,000 years. With its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and undeniable charm, Venasque offers an immersive journey through time—where past and present effortlessly coexist.
Note: The easiest way to get to Venasque from Paris to take the TGV train to Avignon. It is a direct train and takes less than 3 hours. Rent a car from there. The village is only about 25 minutes from Avignon TGV. Or fly to Marseille and rent a car, about an hour’s drive away.
If you are interested in learning more about this charming village house apartment in the beautiful village of Venasque, visit our website page or email our listing agent:
Zerina Serulle
+33 6 16 35 39 34
A la prochaine…
Adrian Leeds
The Adrian Leeds Group®
P.S. This is your opportunity to make your dream to come true to live in one of France’s most beautiful villages. And at a great price! Email Zerina Serulle today or call +33 6 16 35 39 34!
P.P.S. Brian Dunhill, of Dunhill Financial, led the talk at Après-Midi in Nice January 23rd. I wasn’t there…since I was in Paris recovering from La Grippe, but Patty Sadauskas hosted the event. Here’s the report!
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