Sous la Glycine

The villa

Bathed in the soft light of Provence, Sous la Glycine is a beautifully restored farmhouse surrounded by olive trees between the Alpilles and the Camargue. With characterful interiors and space for up to 13 guests, this generous farmhouse is made for families and friends seeking leisurely days together in southern France.

Inside, weathered beams and exposed stone walls preserve the farmhouse’s heritage, while thoughtful refurbishment brings warmth and comfort throughout. The spacious living room centres around a handsome fireplace, particularly atmospheric on cooler evenings. In the open plan dining area, large arched windows frame views across the garden, creating a bright setting for convivial meals prepared in the traditional kitchen. Five double bedrooms offer plenty of space to unwind, three of which feature air - conditioning, while younger guests have a dorm - style triple air - conditioned bedroom with sofas and a TV. 

Outdoors, Provençal life takes centre stage. Lunch beneath the wisteria covered arbour as dappled sunlight filters through the leaves, then retreat to the swimming pool, which is surrounded by olive trees. Loungers invite long afternoons in the sun, while pétanque and table tennis add a playful touch to relaxed days at home. As evening approaches, gather around the barbecue and linger over dinner on the terrace. 

Sous la Glycine also places guests within easy reach of some of Provence’s most compelling landscapes and historic towns. Fontvieille and Arles are both a short drive away, with Arles offering extraordinary Roman heritage and a rich artistic legacy. The limestone hills, walking trails and picture - perfect villages of Les Alpilles stretch northwards, including Les Baux de Provence. To the south - west, the wetlands of the Camargue reveal a different side of the region, known for white horses, black bulls and flamingos.

Whether exploring Roman monuments, wandering through Provençal villages or simply spending the day beneath the wisteria, Sous la Glycine offers an evocative setting for sharing the rhythms of southern France.

Sous la Glycine enjoys an enviable position between Fontvieille and Arles, surrounded by farmland, olive trees and Provençal scenery in this artistic corner of southern France. Days can be spent following quiet country roads towards historic towns and villages or venturing into Le Parc Naturel Régional des Alpilles, where limestone hills rise above pine woodland and silvery olive groves.

Fontvieille (7.5km) is a charming Provençal village of stone - built houses and sun - dappled squares, with a rich connection to the writer Alphonse Daudet. The Moulin de Daudet, a historic windmill associated with his celebrated Letters from My Windmill, stands amid the surrounding countryside. Beyond the village, Les Alpilles invite further exploration, with walking trails, sweeping viewpoints and picturesque settlements including Paradou (10.5km), Maussane - les - Alpilles (12km) and the spectacular hilltop village of Les Baux - de - Provence (13.5km).

In the opposite direction, Arles (7.5km) can be reached within around a 15 - minute drive. Once an important Roman city, its remarkable heritage includes the Roman amphitheatre and other UNESCO - listed monuments. Arles is equally renowned for its artistic character, famously inspiring Vincent van Gogh and today combining its ancient streets and monuments with a vibrant contemporary cultural scene.

Venture south from Arles and the landscape gradually gives way to the Camargue, an extraordinary expanse of wetlands, lagoons and salt flats. This distinctive environment is celebrated for its white Camargue horses, black bulls and flocks of flamingos, as well as traditional manades, where bulls and horses are raised on the region’s open plains.

For an enticing day trip, Roman history continues in Nîmes (39km), home to the exceptionally preserved Arena and Maison Carrée. Nearby, the magnificent Pont du Gard (41km) spans the Gardon River in three graceful tiers - an awe - inspiring feat of Roman engineering and a memorable finale to exploring this history - rich corner of southern France.