About this property
As the sound of the calming fountain greets you at the entrance of Maison Aurore, you know that this will be a special holiday home. Tucked away on a lane, it’s the perfect place for relaxation, just over a kilometre from the heart of a picturesque village in Provence’s Les Alpilles region.
You’ll find everything you need here for comfort and convenience amidst an eclectic range of furnishings, homely artefacts and art-work showcased by original wooden floors, beamed ceilings and stone steps. All this creates an atmospheric place to stay, full of personality. The walk-in bathroom in the master bedroom is particularly impressive and the rustic dining table and wrought iron dining chairs in the spacious living area are a feature in their own right.
Outside is equally lovely, the garden lined with trees and hedges with a cluster of pines at the rear providing privacy. Dine outside on the vine covered veranda or sit on the adjacent south facing terrace relishing the natural world around you. A shading plane tree sits centrally on the lawn and a row of olive trees is an interesting feature as you look down towards the swimming pool in front of the pool house. There are more private and shaded seating areas near the pool and adjacent pétanque court.
When you are ready to leave this characterful idyll, head to Fontvieille with its ancient stone houses, small museum, restaurants and pretty church. Mausanne-les-Alpilles is another delightful village in the heart of Les Alpilles Natural Park, just a short drive away, surrounded by beautiful countryside with plenty of lovely walks. Fine olive oil is produced here in its two windmills which visitors can sample alongside the region’s other gourmet produce such as cheese and honey.
There is so much to do in this area of vineyards, idyllic villages, world-renowned towns and vistas of summer sunflowers and lavender. The historic city of Arles is an unmissable stepping stone into La Camargue with its wild countryside, beaches, iconic white horses and pink flamingos. So many activities can be found here, ranging from riding, trekking and quad biking to jeep tours across this fascinating terrain.
Maison Aurore nestles on a residential lane by the edge of woodland, just 1.5km away from the authentic village of Fontvieille. Here, in Les Alpilles Natural Park, you’ll find requisite ancient stone houses, a small museum, restaurants, a pretty church and some lovely walks in the surrounding countryside. You are situated here in an amazing area filled with vineyards, pretty villages and famous towns both in this region and beyond.
Nearby Mausanne-les-Alpilles (10km), set in the Vallée des Baux, is one such delightful village set in the heart of the park. Fine olive oil is produced in its two remaining windmills which visitors are invited to sample. Painters, sculptors and other artists exhibit here every Friday in the central square.
Don’t forget to visit one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages, Les Baux-de-Provence (10km) with its charming squares, narrow streets and small shops. Set on a rocky spur it has fantastic views across the Crau plain, the Camargue and the city of Arles. If you are looking for a piece of local art, St-Rémy-de-Provence (18km) is the place to visit - many artists display and sell their works in the village galleries here.
Tarascon (12km) is a historic Provencal town situated between Arles and Avignon on the banks of the River Rhône. Here you will find a museum dedicated to the character Tartarin, a popular character in Provencal literature. Afterwards you deserve to find a pleasant terrace café for lunch and a glass of wine.
The wonderful city of Arles (10km) is known for its fascinating Roman remains, particularly the Amphitheatre which now hosts plays and concerts. Vincent Van Gogh was inspired to create over 500 works of art during his short time here, including the famous Café la Nuit.
Don’t miss the nearby 900 square kilometres of La Camargue with its wild landscapes of beaches, lagoons, rice fields, wild white horses and pink flamingos. So many family activities are to be found here ranging from horse riding, trekking and quad biking to jeep tours across this fascinating area.
Accommodation
The Villa
Villa Interiors (200m2 with steps)
- Entrance Hall
- Living room with air-conditioning, fireplace, seating and dining area, TV and doors to terrace
- Kitchen (via steps), well equipped including electric oven, induction hobs, microwave oven, fridge, freezer and dishwasher
- Master bedroom with double bed (160cm), air-conditioning and open-plan walk-in bathroom. Opens onto terrace
- Bedroom 2 with double bed (160cm) opening onto terrace
- Bedroom 3 with double bed (160cm) with access to outside
- Bedroom 4 with two single beds (80cm each)
- Shower room with two sinks
- Shower room with WC
- Separate WC
- Laundry room with washing machine and dryer
Outside Grounds (3000m2, enclosed)
- Swimming pool (10mx6m, depth: 0.80m to 1.8m) with safety alarm. Can be heated on request (excluding July/August)
- Pool house with living area, fridge, shower and WC
- Pétanque court with adjacent table and chairs
- Plancha-BBQ
- Private parking for 3-4 cars
Additional Facilities
- Reversible air-conditioning (in lounge, master bedroom and in hallway near bedrooms)