Character and rusticity abounds in this renovated 17th century hunting lodge just outside Mausanne-les-Alpilles. Situated on a verdant hill in the midst of olive groves, it has easy access to the delightful landscapes of Les Alpilles and the Camargue.
The air-conditioned house has a quirky layout, showing off its feature combinations of stone, wood, white plaster and curved archways. The hall, kitchen-diner, and living room with stone fireplace are all situated on the main floor.
There are four double bedrooms on different levels each side of the living area, one with a dressing room and another with an additional single bed. You may have to draw lots for the en suite fifth double bedroom which is in a popular garden annexe opposite the pool, perfect for a midnight swim beneath the stars.
The tree and flower-filled garden has pretty south-facing al fresco terraces perfect for soaking up the sun and sheltering from the Mistral. The lovely views are sure to tempt you to a walk down the hill towards the olive groves below.
Maison Huguette is ideally situated for visiting the delights of this region of Provence and is only a five minute drive from the centre of the pleasant village of Mausanne-les-Alpilles, nestled at the foot of the spectacular landscapes of Les Alpilles. Immerse yourself in Provençal life as you explore the shops, restaurants, weekly market and taste the excellent olive oil produced at the two mills.
There are so many outdoor activities to enjoy in Les Alpilles as well as visits to some of the idyllic hill villages such as Les-Baux-de-Provence and Eygalières. Don’t miss the famous Wednesday market and artistic ambience of vibrant St-Rémy-de-Provence, where artist Vincent Van Gogh created his masterpiece “Starry Night”.
The historic city of Arles is easily accessible and is a gateway to the iconic wild white horses, black bulls and pink flamingos of the Camargue, an amazing landscape of salt marshes with plenty of opportunity for more outdoor adventure while nearby Saint-Martin de Crau is situated in a vast and protected natural landscape of wild steppes. Plus, the beaches of the Mediterranean are less than an hour’s drive away.
Features:
Maison Interiors
Main Floor (split level)
- Lounge with stone fireplace
- Kitchen-diner with dishwasher, fridge, freezer, electric oven, microwave, gas hobs, Nespresso, kettle and toaster
- Laundry room/cellar
Wing I (on right-hand side)
Upper Level (half-way)
- Bathroom with bath and walk-in shower
- WC
Upper Levels
- Mezzanine lounge with TV
- Bedroom with double bed (160×200cm) and sink. Direct access to outside on the rock
- Bedroom with double bed (140×190cm) and single bed (90×190cm)
- Bedroom with double bed (140×190cm) and direct access to outside
Wing II (on left-hand side)
Upper Level (half-way)
- Bathroom with shower and WC
Upper Levels
- Bedroom with double bed (180×200cm) and dressing area
Garden Annexe (separate, opposite the pool)
- Bedroom with double bed (180×200cm) and shower room with WC
Outside Grounds
- Swimming pool (11×5m, depth: 1.2-1.65m with ‘plage’ area of 1×5m, depth: 0.25m) with electric cover
- Sun loungers
- Terraces for al-fresco dining and relaxation
- Barbecue/Plancha
- Garden (2400m2, enclosed)
- Well
- Private parking
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning
- TV (x2)
- Hairdryers in every bathroom
- Table football
- Washing machine
Location:
Maison Huguette is located in rural Provence, in the Vallée des Baux in the Bouches-du-Rhône region of southern France. It is conveniently close to the main road connecting Maussane-les-Alpilles and Saint-Martin-de-Crau. Avignon TGV station is 35km away while Marseille Provence airport is 62km away.
Mausanne-les-Alpilles (3km), known as “the village of a thousand streams”, stretches out in the valley surrounded by olive groves. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to choose from there and excellent local produce can be found at its lively Thursday morning market. The village used to be situated on the ancient Roman road between Arles and Aix-en-Provence and its history is closely linked with nearby Les-Baux-de-Provence where its villagers sought refuge during times of war.
Mausanne and its neighbour Mouriès are the most important olive oil producers in France. Mausanne’s two remaining windmills still produce fine olive oil which can be tasted on a piece of French bread or a chunk of goat’s cheese for an authentic Provençal experience.
Les Alpilles Natural Park is not only beautiful but offers so many opportunities for climbing, hiking, mountain biking and horse riding along its many marked trails. The hills are a paradise for nature lovers and the whole area is renowned for its landscapes of vineyards, olive groves, cypresses, orchards and bright summer sunflowers.
There are some idyllic hilltop villages in Les Alpilles such as Eygalières (20km) and Les Baux-de-Provence (7km), both officially classified as two of the most beautiful villages in France. Several of the restaurants in Les Baux enjoy an international reputation and there are many beautifully restored buildings, museums and galleries to be found as you explore the village by foot.
The fabulous views of Arles from the rocky plateau of Les Baux may tempt you to take the 20km drive south westwards towards this historic city, another great place which inspired the paintings of Van Gogh and still has the remains of its Roman amphitheatre.
Continue southwards from Arles towards the fabulous Camargue Regional Park renowned for its wetlands, special breed of wild white horses, black bulls and pink flamingos with plenty of opportunities for horse riding, hiking and bird watching. Its capital, Sainte-Maries-de-la-Mer, is only 60km away from home and has some fine sandy beaches.
Another gateway to the Camargue is the country town of Saint-Martin-de-Crau (8km), on the edge of the vast delta laid down more than two million years ago, a protected wild area of steppes where Merino sheep graze and peaches, nectarines, tomatoes and peppers are grown.
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, changed weekly for stays of 14 nights or more.
Pool towels included?
Yes, changed weekly for stays of 14 nights or more.
Energy costs included?
Yes.
Minimum stay?
14 nights in July and August. 7 nights during all other periods.
Changeover day?
Saturday. All other changeover days on request.
Tax?
French Visitors Tax payable locally (typically costs €1-€10 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required).
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?
Please note that there is also a compulsory concierge fee of €400 for stays of 7 nights.
