Mas Du Platane

The villa

Stay in a characterfully luxurious abode designed by the architects behind some of Oliver’s Travel’s most prestigious villas in Les Alpilles. Mas Du Platane showcases the high standards we have become accustomed to with its exquisite interiors and beautiful grounds with a heated swimming pool, private tennis court, spa and gym, located in the heart of charming Paradou.     

This is a truly idyllic getaway - relax beneath the centuries - old plane tree in the garden of this Provençal home that was once the mairie and village school. The 18m heated salt - water swimming pool is surrounded by olive trees, lavender, sun loungers and a pool house for outdoor relaxation and al - fresco dining by the summer kitchen. There’s a private tennis court within the grounds alongside pétanque and a fitness room and spa.  

Inside, admire wood - beamed ceilings, exposed stone walls, original fireplaces and antique furnishings alongside ample 21 st century amenities. Relax in the vast living room with local artwork across the walls whilst keen gastronomes will appreciate the elegant kitchen with high - end appliances and dinnerware made by a Provençal ceramist. There is also the option to hire a chef to cook in the second kitchen, accessed independently, equipped to a professional standard.

Underfloor cooling is featured throughout the ground floor whilst the beautiful bedrooms each have air - conditioning, king - size double beds and independent bathrooms with limestone showers and gorgeous toiletries - we also love the copper bathtub in one of the bathrooms.

This is a lovely location for reaching picturesque villages such as nearby Les Baux - de - Provence and Eygalières, both with Michelin starred restaurants. Appreciate the art and history of  Saint - Rémy and Arles, follow the windmill trail near Fontvieille and visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Le Pont du Gard, Nimes and Avignon across this remarkable region of southern France.

Mas du Platane is located in Paradou, a charming little village in the heart of Les Alpilles Natural Regional Park.

Once the village’s mairie and school, this historic home is in the centre of the village. Walk out of its gated grounds and within just a few steps you will find yourself by the bakery, a café - bar with tables on the street, bike - hire shop and grocery store. The village is also home to the highly regarded restaurant, Le Bistrot du Paradou (open Tuesday to Saturday), as featured on Rick Stein’s BBC series about France.

The larger village of Maussane - les - Alpilles (1.8km) is a short cycle or drive away with its charming restaurants, café terraces, little shops and Thursday morning market - pick up some of the village’s extra virgin olive oil, known to be some of the finest in France.

Surrounded by olive groves, perched Les Baux - de - Provence (4.5km) is also close by, classified as one of France’s ‘ Plus Beaux Villages ’ with its medieval lanes and old château with incredible views of the Baux valley. The famous Restaurant L'Oustau de Baumanière (with three Michelin stars) is just below the village.

A little further afield, Saint - Rémy - de - Provence (12km) awaits for a greater range of amenities and a large supermarket alongside its historic quarter with art galleries, high - end restaurants (including the Michelin starred L’Auberge De Saint - Rémy) and Van Gogh trail ending south of the town at Monastery Saint - Paul de Mausole. Experience yet more Michelin starred dining in hilltop Eygalières (22km).

Paradou is also well located for exploring further afield in southern France whether venturing to the iconic villages of the Luberon, spending the day at Le Pont du Gard, visiting more UNESCO World Heritage sites in Avignon or admiring the art and history of Arles, the gateway to the captivating landscapes of the Camargue.