Mas du Diable is a very special place, set into the North East foothills of the Cévennes mountains, in the Languedoc region of Southern France. Perched high up in a mountain crevice looking out over the valley with mountains as far as the eye can see.
Mas du Diable was built in the Twelfth Century over a natural water source, which still wells up through a stone grotto below the house, and provides our water today. The Mas was originally a working farm, its 24 acres (9 hectares) of south facing terraced land produced the food, including the earliest potatoes of the region, for nearby Portes Castle. The donkey track that once connected Mas du Diable to the castle now forms part of a public walking path.
The house and farmland are sited at the top of small mountain valley, with two steep slopes, one facing due south and the other south-west. The slopes are terraced with dry stone retaining walls, some as high as 13ft, in the traditional Cevenol manner. The house and a small flower garden are high up on the south-facing slope. The terraces below are home to the vegetable gardens, orchards and polytunnel. The remaining land is forested, predominately with Sweet Chestnut and Maritime Pine.
Landscape and Climate
The landscape is breathtaking, the air is fresh and the climate is exciting with seasons that stretch from snow covered mountains in deep winter to the dry blistering heat of Mediterranean summers. read more
History
A house that has been around for such a long time is bound to have a history and Mas du Diable has more than most. Read more about its history and how the mas got its name.
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Just found your site whilst searching for a recipe. Just really looking at such a beautiful landscape and views. Completely stunning. Have added to my favourites and will come back and read some gardening tips later when I have some time.
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I am boggled at such beauty! What a fortunate place to live.