Picture yourself stepping through the French doors onto a sun-warmed terrace, coffee in hand, as morning light filters through ancient plane trees bordering your 8,200-square-meter private garden. The air carries the scent of lavender and wild herbs from the garrigue, while birdsong echoes across the peaceful hamlet of Goudargues. This is the daily rhythm waiting for you in this thoughtfully restored 103-square-meter stone house, where the authentic character of rural Languedoc meets the practical comfort international vacation homeowners seek. This property represents more than a vacation home in southern France—it's an invitation to embrace the celebrated art de vivre of the Gard département, where medieval villages crown limestone hills and the Mediterranean lifestyle flourishes just 90 minutes from coastal beaches. Goudargues itself, often called the Venice of the Gard for its canal-lined streets and stone bridges, offers an authentic French village experience without tourist crowds. Weekly markets fill the square with local producers selling olive oil, goat cheese, and seasonal vegetables, while waterside cafés serve pastis under dappled shade. The house welcomes you into a 50-square-meter living and dining space where exposed beams and a wood-burning stove create the cozy atmosphere essential for cooler months, yet French doors flood the room with the golden southern light that makes this region famous among painters and photographers. The interior reflects careful restoration that honors original character while incorporating modern comfort—a balance that appeals to vacation homeowners seeking authenticity without sacrificing convenience. The kitchen provides direct terrace access, transforming outdoor dining into an effortless daily pleasure during the eight-month-long season when southern French weather permits al fresco living. Two well-proportioned bedrooms accommodate family or guests, with the first bedroom offering 9 square meters and built-in storage, while the primary 16-square-meter bedroom includes an unusual but practical feature: an integrated sink that reflects traditional French country house design. The converted 16-square-meter attic space provides flexible accommodation options, whether you envision a children's retreat, an artist's studio, or guest quarters for extended family visits. A 15-square-meter veranda adds valuable living space, serving as a sun-drenched breakfast room in cooler months or a shaded reading nook during summer afternoons. What truly distinguishes this property is the extraordinary 8,200-square-meter plot—nearly two acres of private land that includes mature trees, a productive vegetable garden with rainwater collection systems, and even a chicken coop for those who embrace the full experience of rural French living. The garden provides complete privacy with no neighboring properties overlooking your space, creating a secluded sanctuary rare at this price point. Even more compelling for investment-minded buyers: a portion of the land carries building permission already granted, with independent access allowing future development. This opens remarkable possibilities—construct a guest cottage for rental income, create a separate residence for extended family visits, or develop a gîte to tap into the thriving Languedoc vacation rental market. The Uzès area commands strong rental rates, with weekly bookings ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 euros depending on season and property size. Location delivers the perfect balance between tranquility and accessibility. Uzès, just 25 minutes away, ranks among France's most sought-after market towns, where Saturday mornings draw visitors from across the region to its famous covered market. The town's Duchy, Renaissance architecture, and refined dining scene provide cultural richness, while Nîmes (45 minutes) offers Roman monuments, international rail connections, and a commercial airport with seasonal flights to London, Brussels, and northern Europe. Avignon TGV station sits 55 minutes away, placing Paris just 2 hours 40 minutes distant by high-speed rail—practical for international owners maintaining professional ties or family connections. Marseille-Provence Airport, the region's major international hub, lies 90 minutes south, with year-round connections to dozens of European cities. The Mediterranean coast beckons 90 minutes to the southeast, where beaches stretch from Le Grau-du-Roi to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. The surrounding Gard département unfolds as a playground for vacation homeowners. Spring brings wild asparagus foraging and cycling through blooming orchards. Summer revolves around village festivals, open-air concerts, and lazy afternoons by the Cèze River, where natural swimming holes and kayaking provide relief from the heat. Autumn harvest season transforms the countryside into a patchwork of vineyards ready for picking, with wine estates offering tastings and cellar tours. Even winter holds appeal, with truffle markets, cozy bistros serving cassoulet and daube, and crisp walks through depopulated medieval villages. The climate delivers approximately 300 days of sunshine annually, with July and August averaging 30°C, while January rarely drops below 3°C—allowing year-round use unlike northern European vacation properties that sit empty half the year. For food enthusiasts, this region rivals any in France. Local markets overflow with Cévennes onions, Pélardon goat cheese, olives from nearby groves, and wines from Côtes du Rhône appellations. Restaurants range from Michelin-starred establishments in Uzès to family-run auberges serving authentic regional cuisine. Truffle season runs November through March, when the prized black diamonds appear on every menu. The property requires no immediate renovation—move-in ready condition means you can begin enjoying your French vacation home immediately rather than managing construction projects from abroad. The wood-burning stove provides atmospheric heating for spring and autumn visits, while the efficient layout minimizes maintenance demands. The 21-square-meter garage protects vehicles from the intense summer sun, essential for preserving car interiors in this climate. For international buyers, French property acquisition follows straightforward procedures, with notaire fees of approximately 7-8% on properties at this price point. Many vacation homeowners establish a Société Civile Immobilière for tax optimization and simplified succession planning. Annual property taxes in rural Gard communities typically range from 800 to 1,200 euros, while utilities remain modest given the property size. The vacation rental market in Languedoc continues strengthening as travelers seek authentic experiences beyond the overtouristed Provence hotspots. Properties offering privacy, outdoor space, and proximity to both cultural attractions and natural beauty command premium rates. With proper marketing through specialized platforms, this property could generate 15,000 to 25,000 euros annually in rental income while remaining available for personal use during peak family vacation periods. Key features include: 103 square meters of thoughtfully designed living space across multiple levels; two comfortable bedrooms with practical storage solutions; wood-burning stove creating cozy atmosphere for cooler seasons; 50-square-meter light-filled living and dining room with fireplace; direct terrace access from both kitchen and living areas; 15-square-meter veranda offering flexible additional living space; converted 16-square-meter attic suitable as third bedroom or studio; exceptional 8,200-square-meter private garden with complete privacy; building permission granted for portion of land with independent access; mature landscaping including productive vegetable garden and fruit trees; rainwater harvesting system supporting sustainable gardening; 21-square-meter garage providing secure vehicle storage; traditional stone construction with period character preserved; 25 minutes from historic Uzès and vibrant weekly markets; 90 minutes to Mediterranean beaches and coastal activities; excellent connectivity to major airports and TGV stations. This property serves multiple visions: a peaceful retreat for escaping northern European winters, a family gathering place for creating lasting memories, a rental investment in a strengthening market, or a future full-time residence for retirement years. The combination of immediate usability, expansion potential through the buildable plot, and location in an increasingly desirable yet still accessible region of southern France creates compelling value at 399,000 euros. Villages like Goudargues retain authentic character while offering modern conveniences, attracting discerning international buyers who appreciate the difference between tourist destinations and real communities. The weekly market, local artisans, and year-round residents create the social fabric that transforms a vacation house into a genuine second home where you're welcomed as part of the community rather than viewed as a temporary visitor. Don't let this opportunity slip away—properties offering this combination of livable space, land, building potential, and location rarely remain available long in the current Languedoc market. Contact Homestra today to arrange a viewing and begin your journey toward owning a vacation home in one of southern France's most authentic and rewarding regions.
