Welcome to the Jas de Bounaou, one of the most beautiful Provencal bastides of the Sainte Baume Regional Natural Park.
In the middle of a hill, in the setting of the 84 thousand hectares of the Park, on a plateau overlooking the Caramy gorges, the Jas de Bounaou is an authentic stone sheepfold from the 18th century, classified as a heritage site and currently being restored. Embellished with an olive grove, facing south, the site offers a magnificent view of the mountain of La Loube (and its sunsets) whose starry nights are worth the detour!
Here, while we have internet, we are in energy autonomy only on photovoltaic.
It is very important that the future campers/gampeurs know what to expect when they book (to avoid any disappointment!): Here, it is really to get away from it all, to cut oneself off from the world, which does not exclude conviviality or pleasure, but it is really a trip "into the wild" à la Marcel Pagnol.
Two possible accesses :
1- By car by the DFCI on about 4 km : rocky path requiring a 4x4 or elevated vehicle !
2- By foot, mountain bike, horse... by the GR 99 from the Gorges du Caramy, about 1,5 km up to the plateau of Cassède. About 35 minutes from the Roman bridge with a very nice itinerary.
The setting
In the heart of the Sainte Baume Regional Nature Park, about 4 kilometers from the trail in the middle of the forest, you will have the impression of having left all civilization to immerse yourself in nature. Here, it would seem natural to meet Jean de Florette or Manon des Sources... so much water is a precious and coveted commodity. The architecture, certainly agricultural, but nevertheless remarkable of the bastide in the course of restoration will enable you to appreciate the beauty of this unique place, since most of what is called "the dispersed habitat" in Provence fell irreversibly in ruins. The preservation of this heritage being for us essential as much as the protection of the biodiversity in this protected site, you will have understood it, your stay will contribute to finance the continuation of the restoration site while making you benefit from this place of exception.
In addition to the particularly beautiful starry skies, here, the smell of thyme, rosemary and wild mint will accompany your sleep... and the crickets will lull you, taking over from the daytime cicadas...
Moreover, the Caramy river, below my property, will guarantee you fresh baths which will contrast advantageously with the often torrid heat of the Var summer. You can also go swimming on horseback as I do with my horses...
The Caramy river is known for the beauty of its gorges and also its caves decorated with cave art.
Further in the village, there is also the Musée des Gueules Rouges (the old bauxite mines) which will allow you to understand why the earth is of this shade of red ochre.
In addition, the GR 99 hiking trail, which goes from the Verdon to the Calanques de Cassis, is located right next to the property.
The spots
The property is more than 6 hectares and the favorite place is the olive grove which benefits from a beautiful view, but other places, more distant from the bastide can be considered.
Riders and their horses are welcome (under certain conditions to be worked out together and in particular presentation of up-to-date vaccinations before booking).
The sanitary facilities
Dry toilets and bathroom point in the house available and solar showers outside. Running water in the house but no hot water for the moment.
The amenities
Internet in wifi.
Possibility to use the kitchen of the country house. Cookware available but no microwave oven.
Possibility of recharging electrical appliances in the house for free.
Possibility to have electricity by extension cord.
Parks for horses (in project and especially according to the demand)
In case of sudden bad weather, it will always be possible to sleep inside the bastide, while the storm passes!
Concerning the access: Without appropriate vehicle and too much loaded to come on foot: I can come to seek you and accompany you with a small supplement of 5 euros the round trip.
The activities
Very beautiful region, river nearby, located halfway between Aix-en-Provence and Marseille.
Other things
In proposing our domain as a gamping site, we wanted to share this exceptional site and the perpetual wonder that it offers.
The risk of fire will sometimes require changes to the reservation which can either be postponed or cancelled with a refund. The rules are indeed drastic since we are in a protected park.
Dogs are not accepted, I'm sorry but this is incompatible with my two guard dogs. There are also 4 cats, 1 world famous dwarf goat (who is convinced he is a dog) and two horses and a pony.
Caroline A.
