The Lotus Tree is in the middle of all that the South of France has to offer. It's easy to find too. It's situated in the old geographical region of Provence – so you will find Montclus in the Michelin Guide to Provence.
These days the village is in the region of Languedoc-Roussillon and the department of the Gard.
If you're looking into gay holidays in the South of France, then The Lotus Tree is the perfect launch pad. In fact, this gay guesthouse is ideally located to visit some of the most popular regions in the South of France – Provence, the Camargue and the Ardèche – as well as historic cities and fabulous beaches.
From the large private grounds you can look across to the thirteenth century village of Montclus. Its ruined chateau is spotlit at night. From The Lotus Tree it’s a pleasant stroll past vineyards and lavender fields to the village, where you can get a drink and something to eat close to the river.
The region's cities make gay holidays in the South of France extremely interesting. The Lotus Tree is 45 minutes from the historic city of Avignon, where you'll find the nearest gay bars and clubs. Every July Avignon hosts one of Europe's biggest arts festivals.
The coastal city of Montpellier is also near - with its relaxed cafes and big student population. And Nîmes is also close - with its roman ruins and modern architecture.
The Roman aqueduct, the Pont du Gard, is about an hour away. It is the biggest and best surviving example of a roman aqueduct in the world - and is absolutely enormous.
It wouldn't be a gay holiday in the South of France without gay beaches. L'Espiguette is the best of these - with mile after mile of sand and crystal-clear water, it's very popular with naturists and gay men. It's also close to the Camargue, with its flamingos and famous white horses, and the beautiful walled town of Aigues Mortes.
Even the famous naturist village of Cap d’Agde, popular with gay holidaymakers, is close enough to visit on a day trip.
GAYHOLIDAYS@LIVE.NL
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION:
Does the guesthouse provide meals? Yes, they offer breakfast everyday at €7,50 per person. Light lunches are available on request. They do not offer evening meals on a regular basis although the owners do organise dinner nights for all the guests from time to time.
Is there a bar? They have an honesty bar where you can help yourself to wine, beer and soft drinks and sign for what you take. You will be charged at the end of your stay.
Are there many restaurants nearby? There are lots of restaurants within a short drive of The Lotus Tree. They are at all prices from the very economical to haute cuisine. The owners will give you a full list when you arrive. Only one or two places are accessible by foot, however.
Are there gay bars and clubs close to The Lotus Tree? No. The nearest bars, clubs and saunas are in Avignon and Nimes , 45 minutes and one hour away by car. If you need regular clubs etc to enjoy your holiday then the lotus tree probably is not the place for you.
Do we need to have a car? The owners always recommend that their guests hire a car if they do not bring their own. They are in a rural location and you will need a car to see the area properly and to get to most of the restaurants etc. They have a car park away from the road for security. Cars can be hired at all the airports close to us and at Avignon TGV station. It is possible to get to there by bus but there are only one or two buses in each direction every day.
If we want to come by public transport how do we do it? There is a bus from Avignon TGV station. There is also a shuttle bus from Avignon Centre station to the TGV station. In July and August the bus leaves Avignon TGV at about 12.50. There is a second bus at 19.05 but this one does not run on Sundays. The journey takes just over an hour and the bus stops close to our house. Outside July and August there is only one bus Monday – Friday that leaves Avignon TGV at 14.25. There is no bus at weekends during these times.
Can you provide pick-ups from the airport or station? We can usually organise a pick-up if required. From Avignon TGV station (45 minutes away) it costs €60,00 each way. From Nimes Airport (an hour) it cost €70,00. You can expect to pay at least half as much again for a regular taxi. For other airports please ask.
Are the rooms air-conditioned? No. The rooms have thick stone walls that keep them cool in summer. All rooms have fans. Heat is never usually a problem in the rooms unless there is a severe heat-wave.
Are any of the rooms wheelchair-accessible? One of our studios in wheelchair accessible, but you should bear in mind that The Lotus Tree is on a hillside and there paths and steps around the buildings that are not suitable for wheel-chairs.
What is your smoking policy? All the rooms are non-smoking but you are free to smoke outside if you wish. Please don't leave cigarette butts on the ground and be careful as the grass can be very dry in summer. It is polite not to smoke at breakfast.
Is there internet access? If you have your own lap-top with a wireless connection you should be able to get connected, although this may depend on your computer and settings so it can't be guaranteed. In rural France broadband connections can be lost and will not be as fast as you are used to. There is, however, an internet café in Barjac, ten minutes away.
Are dogs welcome? Yes, so long as they are friendly and won't trouble the other guests. They are not allowed in or on the beds and you must clear up any dog mess immediately. There is a supplement of €5,00 per night for dogs.
Do you have a gym? There is a small weights area with a bench press, free weights etc. And, of course, a large pool. There is a public gym at Bagnols-sur-Cèze, twenty-five minutes down the road. Bikes can be hired in the vicinity.
What do we need to bring? In summer the weather is generally very warm so you will not need more than a light jumper or jacket in the evenings at most. Bring plenty of sun-cream and a towel for the pool or the beach. There are very few, if any mosquitoes but you might want some repellent just in case. They are more likely to be encountered in parts of the Camargue although not usually on the beaches.
Are the guests all gay men? The vast majority of the guests are gay men. Lesbian couples are very welcome also. Straight friends are welcome with gay guests but they should bear in mind that The Lotus Tree is very much a gay guest-house.
What is the average age of your guests? It is impossible to say what the average will be at any particular time. Over the years the guests have been from the age of 18 to 80! However, the majority are generally in their 30s and 40s.
Are single guys welcome? Yes, single guys are very welcome and there is a special single rate of €55,00 euro a night all season. There are usually more couples than single guys, but there is generally a mixture and single people are always made very welcome.
Is there any ‘action'? The Lotus Tree is a very laid-back, relaxed environment. It's not Ibiza or Sitges, which is why people come here. Of course sex isn't banned but you shouldn't expect a high sexual temperature. There is a gay naturist area down by the river which can be quite cruisy and a place to meet local guys and other tourists.
What does it mean that The Lotus Tree is ‘clothing optional'? It means that you can be naked if you want to but you don't have to. Most guys sunbathe by the pool naked but equally many prefer to keep shorts or trunks on. Nobody is made to feel uncomfortable either way. The grounds are very secluded. If you prefer to stay naked most of the time you may need to put something round your waist occasionally as some of the paths to the rooms can be seen from the road, but otherwise you are free to do what you like.
GAYHOLIDAYS@LIVE.NL
