Our destination, Domaine Le Mistral, a holiday home near the village of Saint-Rémy-de-Provenceon on the old Roman road from Arles to Rome, named after the Nobel Prize winning poet, Frédéric, is a 300-year-old Provençal traditional farmhouse called a mas that has been lovingly restored. Sitting on a 25 acre property, the house has seven bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, an impressive lounge, a library, a large dining room with fireplace, a main kitchen, and a staff kitchen, along with a storied wine cellar and a tasting room. Amidst lavender bushes and 600 plus farmed olive trees, guests are free to enjoy a boating lake and outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, gym, spa, open-air cinema or wander peacefully in the lovely gardens.
Ready for some forest bathing? There is also a chic log cabin—the perfect spot for a special occasion getaway. Located north of the Domaine’s main house, the cabin is set within a gorgeous forest that is part of the Alpilles national park (little Alps). As well as some lovely nature trails, visitors can partake in a local truffle hunting expedition or a woodland adventure before finishing off with a romantic dinner among the trees.
Nearby there are interesting Roman ruins. Elsewhere in the beautiful surroundings of the Alpilles there is the opportunity for those who enjoy being more active to hike, cycle and glide. The Camargue is nearby plus the beaches of the south coast are an easy drive, as are the cities of Arles, Avignon and Nîmes.
To arrange for family-friendly and personally guided activities and provide top-drawer service, there’s even an onsite English-speaking concierge for those not brave enough to try their hand at asking for assistance or directions in French.
Out and about
The local area has lots to see and do including the home of Mistral’s namesake poet Frédéric. Ideas include:
• Moulin à Huile d’Olive du Calanquet (Olive farm, mill and shop): 1.5 km
• Site Archéologique de Glanum (Roman ruins with tours available): 7 km
• Monastery Saint-Paul de Mausole (part of the Van Gogh trail): 7.5 km
• Musée Estrine—Présence Van Gogh (Art museum with section on Van Gogh): 8.5km
• Les Baux-de-Provence (UNESCO-listed): 8.5 km
