Stay in this gorgeous pied-à-terre just a 15-minute stroll from the Provençal village of Maussane-les-Alpilles, a fine location for exploring the stunning landscapes of Les Alpilles Natural Regional Park and beyond.

In a residential quarter just north of the village, Villa Le Perroquet is such a chic holiday abode. Walk through its front gate and admire the little swimming pool, just right for cooling off after a morning wandering around the village. Steps lead up to the upper decked terrace for al-fresco dining and relaxing in the Provençal sunshine, perhaps with a local glass of rosé in hand.

Step inside and fall in love with the décor of bold yet warming colours and beautiful fabrics. The open-plan lounge and dining area features two sets of doors opening out to the upper terrace and there is a contemporary and well-equipped kitchen for dining at home. The three double bedrooms are just as stylish, one with an open-plan shower room, and there is a shared modern bathroom. Guests benefit from air-conditioning throughout.

Walk along local roads and within 700m you will be at Place Henri Giraud where the Thursday morning market takes place – be sure to pick up some of the area’s extra virgin olive oil as well as a wealth of other Provençal products. Meanwhile, the main village square is around a kilometre from your home – sit on a café terrace overlooking the pretty fountain and church before pottering around the shops.

Gastronomes take note that Le Bistrot du Paradou is just over 2km away or come across other wonderful restaurants across the likes of Arles, Saint-Rémy and hilltop Eygalières. Visit vineyards close to Saint-Rémy or venture further afield towards the wineries of the Rhône valley or Luberon.  

Avignon is another fine day out or just stay closer and be inspired by the endless olive groves and pine forests as you discover the dreamy Provençal landscapes surrounding Maussane, Les Baux-de-Provence and Les Alpilles.

Villa Le Perroquet is located a short walk from Maussane-les-Alpilles, a Provençal village in the heart of Les Alpilles Natural Regional Park around 30km south of Avignon.

In a residential neighbourhood, it’s around 1km to Maussane-les-Alpilles’ pretty village square with its restaurant and cafe terraces, fountain and church. Potter around the village shops including a grocery store, bakery and butchers, and make sure you try some of the region’s famous extra virgin olive oil, some of the finest in France. The bustling Thursday morning market is another great way to pick up a wealth of local delights.

The perched village of Les Baux-de-Provence (4km) is a very short drive away – head there early before the day-trippers arrive and take your time exploring the medieval village with its impressive château ruins – it’s classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’.

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (10km) is loved for its art galleries, restaurant terraces and vibrant Wednesday morning market whilst hilltop Eygalières (17km) is a joy to explore with its beautiful houses, old cobbled lanes and glorious vistas of olive groves, vines and valleys. Gastronomes should look out for Michelin starred establishments in both destinations (always book well ahead).

Other superb days out include historic Arles (20km), so loved for its Van Gogh heritage and annual photography exhibition, and the Roman aqueduct at Le Pont du Gard (41km), a wonderful spot for a picnic overlooking the incredible unesco World Heritage site.

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