Maison Napoleon

A short walk to the heart of Beaucaire in the Gard department of southern France, it feels like such a privilege to stay in such a beautiful and historic house – only a road separates the maison and walled garden to the banks of the Rhône.

If flying, you are almost equidistant to Nîmes Airport (26km) and Avignon Airport (32km) or take the train from Paris/Lille Flandres to Nîmes Pont-du-Gard (16km) with onward connections to Gare de Beaucaire (1.5km).

Listen out to the sound of locals playing boules on the communal court next to the house and the house is also very close to the bullring (behind the property) and riverside park with the castle just a little further.

Follow the path by the river for picnic tables beneath the shady trees, a skate park and play areas. You will eventually reach the  Rhône-Sète canal’s picturesque marina lined with restaurant terraces specialising in moules frites alongside an arts and crafts market on Friday evenings in the height of the summer. Year round, look out for the brocante on a Wednesday morning and the main outdoor market on a Thursday and Sunday morning.

Pick up guides from the tourist office to help you explore Beaucaire and discover its rich heritage. As you wander around, come across medieval lanes, 18th century townhouses, pretty squares, plenty of shops and restaurants. Beaucaire has been officially classified as a ‘Town of Art and History’.

A large festival takes place in Beaucaire at the end of July (usually starting 21st July) when there are bull runs through the streets, music concerts and other events and festivities across the town – embrace the especially vibrant ambience during this time (late July is not suitable for guests seeking a peaceful getaway as the bullring is very close to the house).

You only need to walk across the river to reach Tarascon (2km) in the Bouches-du-Rhône. The town is most famous for its medieval château by the banks of the Rhône – visit inside and admire glorious views from its rooftop. Potter around the historic town with its Provençal squares with shady plane trees and visit the bustling market on a Tuesday morning.

Although a car is useful to be able to fully explore the region, there is no need to depend on one all the time. Gare de Beaucaire is only 1.5km away with departures to various destinations including Avignon (the central station), Nimes, Montpellier and onwards to Narbonne.

If you do have a car, other highlights of the Gard department include the incredible Pont du Gard (18km), a UNESCO World Heritage site and perfect for riverside picnics and canoeing/kayaking opportunities, as well as the beautiful town of Uzès (34km) and its exquisite market on a Wednesday and Saturday morning. Venture further towards the incredible landscapes of the Cévennes National Park – Anduze (75km) and Alès (65km) are both gateways to the mountains, both reached in less than 90 minutes by car.

Meanwhile, to the south is Arles (21km) with its rich artistic heritage and Roman sites, on the edge of the captivating Camargue. Spend the day by the Mediterranean at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer (52km) or discover more historic sites at Aigues-Mortes (61km).

It is also wonderful being so close to so many gems of Provence from the art galleries of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and the olive groves of Maussane-les-Alpilles (22km) to Les Baux-de-Provence (22km), one of France’s classified ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. Furthermore, Les Alpilles region is a gastronomes’ dream with lovely markets, Michelin starred establishments and delightful restaurants including Le Bistrot du Paradou (20km) so loved by the likes of Rick Stein and Heston Blumenthal.  

Read more about Avignon

Stay in and around the region of Avignon to discover picturesque villages, historic towns, Côtes du Rhône vineyards and beautiful landscapes of summer sunflowers, olive groves and rural countryside. This is a fantastic base for exploring much of Provence and beyond.

With its historic, gastronomic and cultural riches, the small city of Avignon stands proudly by the banks of the Rhône, home to vibrant markets, restaurants, wine-bars and impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites.

One of the most visited monuments of France, Le Palais des Papes is in the heart of the old city, next to the 12th century cathedral and leafy Jardin des Doms where you can admire gorgeous views of the river and Provençal countryside beyond. Soak up the rich history of Le Pont d’Avignon on a guided tour before heading over the river to capture photogenic shots of the city from île de la Barthelasse, France’s largest river island. Avignon’s little tourist road train is a great way to explore the historic city with young children.

Stock up on seasonal fruit, vegetables and regional delights at the beautiful covered market at Les Halles d’Avignon or wait for the main Saturday morning Provençal market near the 14th century Basilique Saint-Pierre. Embrace the city’s food scene across its many cafes and restaurants from the tourist haunts of Place de l’Horloge to hidden gems found on the charming side streets and shady squares of the old quarter. Avignon is also known for its Côtes du Rhône wineries and bars waiting to be discovered.

In July the 3-week long Festival d’Avignon takes over the city, a world-renowned event with contemporary performing arts, films and exhibitions taking place across theatres, cinemas and outdoor venues.

Beyond the city centre, hire bikes to cycle along part of the via Rhôna route or enjoy the landscapes of île de la Barthelasse passing farmland, orchards and vistas across the river towards Avignon’s city centre. Meanwhile, antique lovers won’t want to miss the Saturday morning brocante in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, one of Provence’s most famous flea markets, or venture further afield to the wonderful Sunday morning brocante in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.

Embrace the Provençal ambience across villages of the Vaucluse – one of our favourites is charming Pernes-les-Fontaines, loved for its many fountains and delightful market every Saturday morning and Wednesday evening in July and August. Velleron is famed for its early evening farmers’ market open throughout the year (six evenings a week from April to September) whilst Saint-Didier and Venasque are two other picture-perfect Provençal villages to discover.

Driving south instead, visit the art galleries and Wednesday morning market of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a bustling town on the edge of Les Alpilles where Vincent Van Gogh lived towards the end of his life. Enjoy lunch on a pavement terrace in the idyllic hilltop village of Eygalières (you may even spot a discreet A-list celebrity or two) or head south-west of Avignon to embrace the historic ambience of Tarascon and Beaucaire with their impressive castles overlooking the Rhône river.