Mas des Amelies

Taking its pretty name from the old Provençal word for almonds, this impeccably restored farmhouse is packed with charming original features, and ideally located midway between Avignon and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the vibrant heart of this iconic region. Traditional, powder blue shutters frame a classic, pale gold facade, flanked by 200-year-old plane trees that provide welcome shade for a long, lazy lunch en famille. And if the younger members of the party are eager to escape once the plates have been cleared, there are huge, tree-lined lawns for running around and rediscovering the pleasures of outdoor, off-screen play. Naturally there’s a private swimming pool too; fully fenced for peace of mind, and equipped with both sunbeds and a shady outdoor lounge for your morning coffee or a quiet nightcap once the children are in bed.

The house has five air-conditioned bedrooms including a practical children’s room where your little ones can delight in the thrill of a week or two of sleepover fun, perfect if you are two families travelling together. There’s a large farmhouse kitchen, ideal for sharing the meal preparations over a delicate rosé or a subtle red from nearby Les Baux de Provence, one of France’s newest and most exclusive AOP areas, numbering just 12 estates in the foothills of the Alpilles range. Local antiques complement the beamed ceilings and tiled floors, creating a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere for a holiday with family or friends. With two hectares of grounds at your disposal, there’s plenty of room for everyone to find their own private space, and when you feel like dipping into the many pleasures of the local area, you’ll find quiet villages, market towns and the Alpilles Natural Park all within a 15-minute drive from your door.

Local Area

For daily shopping, the local town of Chateaurenard (3km) is easily accessible by bike or car. Almost as close (a ten-minute drive) is delightful Saint Rémy, packed with inviting cafes, restaurants and those charming, one-off shops that have all but disappeared from most town centres. Van Gogh spent the last year of his life near here, cared for at the monastery of Saint Paul de Mausole where he painted some of his best-known works including Starry Night and Irises. The former monastery is a fine example of Romanesque style, and houses a small exhibition dedicated to Van Gogh. Visitors flock to historic Avignon to see the Papal Palace and of course that famous bridge, but there are plenty of other unmissables, including the fabulous city food market at Les Halles, and the UNESCO-classified Musée du Petit Palais, with its stunning collection of Renaissance paintings. Avignon also has a TGV station, making for fast train connections with the rest of the country and beyond. If cities feel like hard work in a Provençal summer, head for the hills and gently rolling landscapes of the Parc Naturel Régional des Alpilles (15 minutes by car). Wander the many marked trails through olive groves and vineyards or stroll around Les Baux de Provence, sleepy yet wonderfully scenic, and centre of the wine growing area of the same name.

Explore our pre-bookable experiences in Provence

Our choice of French properties is diverse, ranging from simple charm to genuine luxury and style. Much of our portfolio is privately owned, and price alone is therefore not a universal guide. We contract all our accommodation in person, and each property has its individual appeal.

To help you make the right choice based on your own priorities, we have devised a simple grading guide to be considered in conjunction with each individual property description, awarding up to a maximum of five stars for the below categories.