Maison Sinclair

Nestled at the foot of the Alpilles mountains, Maussane Les Alpilles is an attractive village packed with shops, restaurants and atmospheric streets. With everything you could need within easy reach, plus lots of other towns, villages and breathtaking countryside nearby, this is a fantastic place to stay to experience the wonders of Provence.   

If you would like to take a relaxed approach to your holiday, enjoying lazy afternoons by the pool, walking through nearby woodlands and indulging in long brunches in the village squares, then you could spend your whole trip in the village and in the parkland which envelops it. Whether you prefer walking, cycling, climbing, bird watching or just picnics in the sun, there is plenty of wide-open space here with stunning views so you can spend time making memories with your favourite people in serene natural surroundings.   

The village has a great range of cafés and restaurants, from family-run cafés to fine-dining eateries and wine bars. The area is known for its olive oil production, so make sure you sample some of this delicious local produce at one of the olive oil shops or the Thursday market. As well as brilliant amenities, the village is a lovely place to wander around in the afternoon where you can visit some historic churches such as the 18th century Sainte-Croix church or the centuries-old washhouses which still stand. There is a great sense of community, so lots is going on in the summer months, such as village fetes and saints’ days, where the community come together for meals and festivities in the streets. A highlight is the Le Temps Retrouvé Festival, a historical re-enactment event with parades and fantastic costumes.   

There is another village called Paradou a mere 2km away from the villa which can could be reached on foot if you like to walk. This village is a tranquil place steeped in history and was originally settled over 2000 years ago by the Romans, though much of what can be seen is medieval. Here you can visit the remains of the imposing 12th-century castle, which once protected the area from invading armies or just visit this sleepy village for a meal and to look around the shops.   

4km away, you can explore one of France’s most beautiful villages, Les Baux de Provence. The village sits on a dramatic outcrop 250 metres high and offers amazing views of the valleys and farmland below. One of the must-visit attractions is the Carrieres de Lumieres, an art exhibition held in a disused limestone quarry where you can walk around projections of artworks by artists such as Monet in a gorgeous setting. At the top of the hill, the other must-visit attraction is the staggering castle which was mostly destroyed after a 17th-century revolt. However, visitors can still see the dungeons, towers and incredible weapons as well as exhibitions in the towers. After a busy morning of sightseeing, you will find lots of little cafés in the village square for a tasty lunch.   

As well as these idyllic villages, there are also larger towns and cities that you can reach by car. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is a fabulous place to visit if you are interested in art and is 11km away, while Avignon is packed with UNESCO world heritage sites and is a 38km drive away.

Read more about Provence-Alpes

The Provençal way of life is one that’s deeply tempting for anyone who’s been feeling the need to get away from it all. This is a place where the Mediterranean weather turns fields of corn and lavender into picture-perfect backdrops, where you can sip your locally bought wine and enjoy the landscapes before heading out and tackling them head-on with a range of great activities for families, groups of friends and adventurous foodies. Better yet, our range of villas in Provence and chateaux and holiday homes in the Côte d’Azur make the perfect base to explore this enchanting region!

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