About this property
It is said that Napoleon Bonaparte was one of the many illustrious guests to have visited this historic home over the centuries. In some ways, little has changed – you can still appreciate a wealth of original features as well as gorgeous views of the Rhône river from some of the bedrooms. In more recent times, a swimming pool has been added to the one-hectare walled garden.
By the banks of the Rhône, how wonderful to be a short stroll from the historic heart of Beaucaire, a traditional Provençal town a little away from the usual tourist trail yet an ideal base for visiting the likes of Avignon, Arles, Pont du Gard and Nimes. Just step out of Maison Napoleon’s grounds, pass locals playing boules next door beneath the plane trees or walk along the river’s edge until you reach Beaucaire’s old town, attractive marina and atmospheric restaurant terraces. The owners recommend wandering to nearby Château de Beaucaire for the most idyllic sunrises and sunsets.
The maison is steeped in history, originally built in the late 17th century by a wealthy Provençal family who most likely created it for a noble wedding. In 1733 it was sold to a bourgeois family and played various roles over the centuries including being a warehouse for goods passing Beaucaire and as stables for horses ascending boats on the Rhône.
Its most recent owners have created a such a welcoming and handsome home. The main part of the house can be rented for up to 10 guests. Admire the arched ceilings of the entrance hall, prepare breakfasts in the pretty kitchen, experience the grandeur of the dining room and relax in the upper floor salon. There are five first-floor double bedrooms and one bathroom here including an especially beautiful master bedroom with an extra-large bed and air-conditioning.
The adjacent guest house is included in the 16-person price with its delightful lounge, little kitchen, two bathrooms and two impressive bedrooms upstairs via the well-trod historic stairs. There is air-conditioning throughout the guest house and both bedrooms feature king-size double beds, one also with twin beds on a mezzanine level above.
Another great highlight of Maison Napoleon is the one-hectare walled garden with ancient trees and lawns alongside so many mature plants and flowers – it feels like a real privilege to have to have much space close to a town. Find a corner for reading in the Provençal sunshine, enjoying a peaceful morning coffee or evening aperitif and dining al-fresco with family and friends.
What’s more, the garden’s swimming pool is just right for warm summer afternoon after a morning pottering around the local markets of Beaucaire and Tarascon or exploring further afield with gems such as Uzès, Saint Rémy and Les Baux-de-Provence so near.
A short walk to the heart of Beaucaire in the Gard department of southern France, it feels like such a privilege to stay in such a beautiful and historic house – only a road separates the maison and walled garden to the banks of the Rhône.
If flying, you are almost equidistant to Nîmes Airport (26km) and Avignon Airport (32km) or take the train from Paris/Lille Flandres to Nîmes Pont-du-Gard (16km) with onward connections to Gare de Beaucaire (1.5km).
Listen out to the sound of locals playing boules on the communal court next to the house and the house is also very close to the bullring (behind the property) and riverside park with the castle just a little further.
Follow the path by the river for picnic tables beneath the shady trees, a skate park and play areas. You will eventually reach the Rhône-Sète canal’s picturesque marina lined with restaurant terraces specialising in moules frites alongside an arts and crafts market on Friday evenings in the height of the summer. Year round, look out for the brocante on a Wednesday morning and the main outdoor market on a Thursday and Sunday morning.
Pick up guides from the tourist office to help you explore Beaucaire and discover its rich heritage. As you wander around, come across medieval lanes, 18th century townhouses, pretty squares, plenty of shops and restaurants. Beaucaire has been officially classified as a ‘Town of Art and History’.
A large festival takes place in Beaucaire at the end of July (usually starting 21st July) when there are bull runs through the streets, music concerts and other events and festivities across the town – embrace the especially vibrant ambience during this time (late July is not suitable for guests seeking a peaceful getaway as the bullring is very close to the house).
You only need to walk across the river to reach Tarascon (2km) in the Bouches-du-Rhône. The town is most famous for its medieval château by the banks of the Rhône – visit inside and admire glorious views from its rooftop. Potter around the historic town with its Provençal squares with shady plane trees and visit the bustling market on a Tuesday morning.
Although a car is useful to be able to fully explore the region, there is no need to depend on one all the time. Gare de Beaucaire is only 1.5km away with departures to various destinations including Avignon (the central station), Nimes, Montpellier and onwards to Narbonne.
If you do have a car, other highlights of the Gard department include the incredible Pont du Gard (18km), a unesco World Heritage site and perfect for riverside picnics and canoeing/kayaking opportunities, as well as the beautiful town of Uzès (34km) and its exquisite market on a Wednesday and Saturday morning. Venture further towards the incredible landscapes of the Cévennes National Park – Anduze (75km) and Alès (65km) are both gateways to the mountains, both reached in less than 90 minutes by car.
Meanwhile, to the south is Arles (21km) with its rich artistic heritage and Roman sites, on the edge of the captivating Camargue. Spend the day by the Mediterranean at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer (52km) or discover more historic sites at Aigues-Mortes (61km).
It is also wonderful being so close to so many gems of Provence from the art galleries of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and the olive groves of Maussane-les-Alpilles (22km) to Les Baux-de-Provence (22km), one of France’s classified ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. Furthermore, Les Alpilles region is a gastronomes’ dream with lovely markets, Michelin starred establishments and delightful restaurants including Le Bistrot du Paradou (20km) so loved by the likes of Rick Stein and Heston Blumenthal.
Accommodation
1) Main House only - 10-person price (5 bedrooms, 1 bathroom)
2) Main House and Guest House - 16-person price (7 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms)
Main House Interiors (over two floors)
- Entrance
- Dining room
- Living room
- Kitchen with breakfast table
- Master bedroom with emperor king-size double bed (200x200cm) and air-conditioning
- Bedroom with double bed (140x190cm)
- Bedroom with king-size double bed (180x200cm)
- Bedroom with queen-size double bed (160x200cm)
- Bedroom with queen-size double bed (160x200cm)
- Bathroom and WC
- Separate WC
There is also a first-floor study at the front of the house that is not accessible to guests
Guest House Interiors (with air-conditioning)
- Lounge and dining area
- Small kitchen
- Bathroom with bath/shower and WC
Upstairs (via well-worn historic stairs)
- Master bedroom with king-size double bed (180x200cm)
- Master bedroom with king-size double bed (180x200cm) and mezzanine level (via open-tread stairs) with two single beds
- Bathroom (via more steps)
Outside Grounds
- Swimming pool (7.5x4m, depth: max 1.5m) including plage/paddling area (30cm deep). Pool safety alarm
- Al-fresco dining area
- Barbecue
- Large garden
Other Facilities
- Air-conditioning (Master bedroom in main house and Guest House only)