LE MAS DE LA ROSE
Fabulous rustic retreat in quintessentially pastoral Provence SET AMONG OLIVE AND PINE GROVES in the heart of a lavender-laced Van Gogh landscape, Le Mas de la Rose – a
little piece of provençal heaven – sprawls at the foot of the Alpilles.
Serene in 75 acres of lawned and wooded grounds, this former 17th century farmhouse exudes peaceful provençal charm. Ancient stone walls and duck-egg blue shutters are set off by sunny terraces and shady shrubs, while an
infinity style pool sparkles in the sunlight.
Inside, Le Mas de la Rose is all chic rusticity and simple, stylish elegance. Ancient beams, exposed stone walls and terracotta tiled floors are teamed with huge sofas and easy chairs, while
fires blaze in the old stone fireplaces on chilly days. Clean-lined country chic shades of linen, dove grey and sage are beautifully set off by oil paintings and antique pieces. It’s all chicest Provence.
Hit the spotClose to the village of Eygalières, near St Rémy de Provence.
BedtimeHoneymooners adore Room 14, with its antique rolltop bath and carved wooden bed. Room 4 has an intimate terrace, while Room 2 has great views over the pool.
Be savvyThere’s no restaurant as such, but you can book delicious dinners in season.
Be smittenChic French farmhouse B&B.
Afternoon siestasReached by an ancient stone staircase, bedrooms at this super-luxurious boutique B&B are made for spoiling. All overlook the gardens or pool, and some have
terraces or a small private garden, too. Expect beds enfolded in crisp white linen and luxurious marble bathrooms – some with clawfoot baths, power showers and dual sinks – with fluffy robes and baskets of L’Occitane lotions.
Outside, flawless lawns scattered with sun loungers (perfect for that afternoon siesta) surround Le Mas de la Rose’s inviting infinity style pool and jacuzzi.
Acres of parkland melt into pine and olive groves, while lavender bushes scent the air in summer. There’s a tennis court or pétanque if you’re feeling energetic, a golf range for honing your shots and bicycles to pedal around on.
Dinner – a treat not to be missed on al fresco summer evenings – is cooked to order during the season. You’ll enjoy
dining at a candlelit wrought iron table on the terrace with pastoral Provence all around. Cooking is packed with regional favourites, and you can start the night with a drink from the serve-yourself honesty bar.
Impeccable service and a real at-home feel make Le Mas de la Rose just the place for a peaceful chillout stay – though there’s plenty to do nearby. Drop in for some wine tasting at the vineyard next door or head for the landmark towns of St Rémy, Arles, Avignon or Les Baux.
Le Mas de la Rose was reviewed by
Room for Romance
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Dining in Dinner is cooked to order during the season on most nights. It’s generally a set table d’hôte menu though specific likes and dislikes are catered for. Dishes are seasonal and packed with provencal favourites – try local
roasted lamb with olive tapenade, ravioli with langoustines or
marinaded artichoke hearts.
Breakfast is served on a sunny terrace or in the pretty breakfast room, and light lunches – salads, quiches and sandwiches – can be eaten poolside.
Dining outLa Maison Jaune in St Rémy-de-Provence has a well-deserved Michelin star. Places worth trying in nearby Eygalières (4km) include Bistrot L’Aubergine and Sous les Micocouliers.
Where? Le Mas de la Rose
What’s cooking?Dinner might start with goat’s cheese tart or prawn brochettes, followed by local lamb and provencal vegetables and rounded off with an assiette of cheeses or delicious fig tart with almond cream.
Top table?At a candlelit table in the courtyard on summer evenings, with views of pastoral Provence.
See & DoExplore the nearby Alpilles hills by bike or on foot, play pétanque or tennis in the grounds (lessons can be arranged), or simply lounge by the pool. Nearby towns to explore include St Rémy-de-Provence (great for its market and many restaurants) and the clifftop village of Les Baux de Provence, with its little galleries and squares.
A day in ancient Arles – once home to Van Gogh – is a must, while antique hunters should head for L’Isle de la Sorgue, with its hundreds of weekend stalls. Avignon, the Camargue and the pretty villages of the Luberon are also within easy reach.
SpaBook a de-stressing Shiatsu massage or physio session through reception for the ultimate wind-down.
DatesMay Tap your foot at the lively Luberon Jazz Festival.
June-JulyThere’s a packed theatre and music calendar at the Aix en Provence Music Festival.
JulyTune into a riot of music, theatre, food and party atmosphere at the Avignon Festival.
GETTING THERE
LocationRoute d’Eygalières, 13660 Orgon.
ParkingThere is plenty of free guest parking.
TrainsAvignon – 20km or Aix-en-Provence. Both towns are served by high-speed TGV trains, with a journey time from London of around six hours.
TaxisEUR 150 from Marseille, EUR 85 from Avignon.
AirportMarseille – 49km; or Nimes – 65km. EasyJet flies to Marseille from London Gatwick and Bristol, while Ryanair flies to Nimes from London Luton.
Rooms and suitesFive rooms and three suites
Special featuresAir conditioned rooms have internet access and flatscreen TVs (there’s a DVD library to choose from at reception), L’Occitane toiletries and fluffy robes. Some have a terrace or garden.
Also…There’s a tennis court and golf range, plus a gorgeous outdoor pool and jacuzzi, and bicycles for guests’ use.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guideEUR 180 – 350. Rates include tax but not breakfast (EUR 22).
Open/closedClosed most of January – February
Check-in15.30.
Check-outMidday
Minimum night stay?No
BreakfastServed until 11am. Choose from a buffet table laden with fresh pastries, cheeses, cereals and fresh fruit, with eggs cooked to order.
Room serviceAvailable for breakfast.
ChildrenWelcome. Cots and extra beds can be provided, and babysitting can be arranged with a local nanny. Special rates for children.
PetsNo
Air conditioningYes – all rooms
Wedding license?Yes – it’s a lovely spot for a wedding, and you’ll need to book the Mas on an exclusive basis. Up to 110 guests can be catered for in the open-sided barn in the grounds.