Close to one of France’s prettiest villages, L’Artisanale exudes bygone character alongside artistic flair, set in the most glorious Provençal gardens just over 2km from Les Baux-de-Provence.
Built with local stone keeping its traditional interiors cool, this charming holiday home dates back to the 17th century and parts of its original chapel still remain. This is authentic Provence at its best with rustic style adding character alongside modern touches for the comfort of guests. Admire works of art and sculptures as well as a wealth of fascinating books and soak up the historic ambience of the courtyard and terraces.
With its attractive and sometimes quirky layout, up to 8-10 guests are made welcome here with an assortment of five bedrooms including the air-conditioned double upstairs with a TV and DVD player, reached via stone steps and the prettiest of balconies, and the two enchanting bedrooms on the ground floor which showcase some of the heritage of this charming house.
From the upper balcony and terrace, perch yourself on a bench and gaze towards the surrounding landscapes of Les Alpilles. Then wander down the steps and enjoy lazing in the 15m long swimming pool, set amongst the 2.8 hectares of wonderful grounds. Make the most of one of the many terraces, listen to the trickle of the water fountain and stroll around the garden looking out for lavender, oleander and fruit trees beside cypresses and pines. Kids will love playing in the treehouse whilst grown-ups settle for a relaxed game of pétanque.
L’Artisanale is in such a tranquil position, yet it’s only a short drive to the idyllic village of Les Baux-de-Provence, officially classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ with its medieval lanes, historic monuments, pretty restaurants and impressive château. Sample some of the excellent olive oil in nearby Maussane-les-Alpilles, soak up the artistic ambience of Saint-Rémy and look out for A-list celebrities in Eygalières, all gems of the Parc Naturel Régional des Alpilles.
Avignon, Arles and Aix-en-Provence are other fantastic days out or venture towards the Luberon with its iconic perched villages, vineyards and yet more stunning scenery of Provence. On your adventures, look out for seasonal produce from inviting delicatessens and farmer’s markets to take back to your rustic terrace for al-fresco dining beneath the century-old shady tree in this bucolic Provençal setting.
Features:
Villa Interiors (250m2)
Ground Floor
- Entry hall
- Large living room with fireplace and door leading to courtyard
- American-style kitchen, fully-equipped including dishwasher, gas stove, electric oven and microwave with doors leading to south-facing terrace
- Open-plan dining room leading through to the library
- Back kitchen
- Bedroom 1 with double bed (160×200cm), door leading to north-facing terrace and bathroom with WC
- Bathroom with shower, WC and laundry facilities
- Bedroom 2 (with independent access via courtyard, sloping ceilings) with double bed (160×200cm) and open bathroom with shower, sink and WC
First Floor (via external steps leading to large balcony)
- Bedroom 3 with double bed (160×200cm), fireplace, sofa and TV/DVD player. Door leads to shared balcony
- Bedroom 4 with drop-down double bed (140×200cm) concealed in a closet. Connects (via sliding door) to bedroom 5 with one set of bunkbeds (90×200cm each). Doors lead to shared balcony
- Bathroom with bath and sink
- Separate WC
- Mezzanine level with office
The first-floor bedrooms are each accessed via the balcony. Bedrooms 4 and 5 are also interconnecting via a sliding door.
Outside Grounds
- Salt-water swimming pool (15×5m, depth: 1.2-1.7m) with safety alarm
- Large terrace with benches, tables and chairs
- Other terraces
- Courtyard (with two tortoises)
- Plancha-style barbecue
- Pétanque court
- Children’s play area (wooden treehouse)
- Fishpond and water feature
- Vast grounds with olive trees and orchard including almond tree (2 hectares, some terraced levels)
- Car port parking area
- Gate
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning (bedrooms)
- TV
- DVD player
- Office
- Books
- Hairdryers
- Washing machine
Location:
In the Parc Naturel Régional des Alpilles, just over 2km from Les Baux-de-Provence, one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, L’Artisanale enjoys a rural setting close to some of Provence’s prettiest villages and towns.
It’s only a 5-minute drive to the perched village of Les-Baux-de-Provence, loved by visitors from across the world. Explore the village’s medieval lanes, coming across charming squares, historic monuments, idyllic fountains, inviting restaurants and artisan shops. Visit the impressive Château des Baux-de-Provence and admire the breath-taking views of the valley – you can even see as far as Arles and the Camargue on a clear day.
Maussane-les-Alpilles (4.5km) is also a short drive away, home to a small supermarket, boulangerie and a number of excellent restaurants. Some of France’s finest olive oil is produced in the surrounding olive groves (nearby Mouriès is also known for its olive oil) and it’s a wonderful spot for a relaxing lunch on a picturesque restaurant terrace.
It goes without saying there are many incredible walking and hiking opportunities as well as horse-riding, pony-trekking, mountain biking and rock-climbing across the glorious Parc Naturel Régional des Alpilles. Water lovers should head to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (48km) for canoeing and kayaking along the Sorgue river whilst keen cyclists have so many trails across Les Alpilles, the Luberon, the Vaucluse plains and even as far as the foothills of famous Mont Ventoux (Bédoin is just over an hour by car).
Visit vineyards to sample the wines produced in this part of France (there are also many excellent wineries in the neighbouring Luberon region and of course along the Rhône valley) and visit farms or markets to buy fresh, seasonal produce from Provence. You’ll find a market everyday across the region including artistic Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (9km) on a Wednesday morning, Fontvieille is on a Monday and Friday and picture-perfect Eygalières also on a Friday morning. A little further afield, an atmospheric brocante takes place on a Sunday morning in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (42km) alongside its usual bustling Farmer’s market.
Arles (20km), Avignon (30km) and Aix-en-Provence (68km) are all wonderful days out, as is Nîmes with its rich Roman heritage, reached in under an hour by car. The perched villages of the Luberon also await with gems such as Ménerbes, Roussillon and Oppède le Vieux, all around an hour’s drive.
Terms & Conditions:
Arrival time?
5.00 p.m. Late arrivals after 9.00 p.m. may be charged a late arrival fee of €120.
Departure time?
10.00 a.m.
End of stay cleaning included?
Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit.
Linen & towels included?
Yes.
Pool towels included?
Yes.
Energy costs included?
Yes.
Heating costs included?
Yes.
Minimum stay?
14 nights. All other durations on request.
Changeover day?
Saturday.
Tax?
French Visitors Tax is included
Insurance?
Guests are required to be in possession of a valid insurance policy, which covers them for civil liability as well as cancellations, personal belongings, public liability and any accidental damage caused during their stay. A copy of this policy may be requested by the owner before arrival.
Other Ts and Cs?
Air-conditioning is featured in the bedrooms only.
Pool opening dates?
Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming.
