French Holiday Cottages

Hiking Trails

Hike in the beautiful Alpilles Nature Park to the north of Arles. Hike trails from Saint Remy de Provence, Fontvieille, Mouries, Maussane Les Alpilles and from Paradou. Walk, hike or climb the stunning massif reminiscent of writings by Marcel Pagnol. Discover extraordinary historic cultural heritage, stunning scenery and varied ecosystems. 

Flamenco

Some of the most famous flamenco rumba musicians of all time, the Gypsy Kings, came from Arles and Montpellier. Flamenco performances can be seen in Arles in venues like L'Eminence or La Cour Cachée. FlamencA is a festival offering contemporary trends while respecting pure flamenco, held in July-August each summer. 

Vincent Van Gogh - the artist lived in Arles for over a year in 1888-9. Many museums and galleries in the town feature his work, such as the Van Gogh Foundation and the Espace Van Gogh.

The painting ‘Café Terrace at Night’ was set in Arles, as were many others, inspired by the light and simple life of the country setting. Van Gogh dreamed of creating a studio of artists, and painted here with Gaugin. 

Les Olivettes Le Mazet - Uzes - Gard - Occitanie - France

This restored farmhouse offers a 1-bedroom studio with 1 bathroom ideal for a couple. Enjoy the two terraces, a kitchenette and seasonal swimming pool. Relax in the spacious garden amidst the olive groves. Peace, quiet and privacy. 54 km or 34 miles from Arles.

'Very comfortable garden house set in beautiful and spacious grounds with a very welcoming, helpful and friendly host. The garden house is very comfortable and has two patio areas either side of the house. The property has extensive grounds, and so our dog was able to exercise safely. The property is very easy walking distance to Uzes centre and ideally located for exploring the region and nearby towns such as Nimes, Arles and Avignon. Very peaceful and quiet at night, with the exception of the odd owl. I hope we get the chance to return.'

Mas Volver - Gageron - Arles - Provence - France

Choose from a 1, 4 or 5 bedroom home offering accommodation from 1-10 guests. Private bathrooms, fully-equipped kitchens, terraces for relaxation and a beautiful garden. Use the pool in summer or hire a bicycle. A special, charming, stylish yet rustic Provencal experience. Just 16 km or 10 miles south of Arles. 

'Beautiful, chic country estate in a quiet location in the Camarque. The Mas Volver is a truly beautifully situated former country estate. Our apartment for two people was huge and very comfortably furnished. We were given a very friendly welcome by the host who explained everything to us in the apartment and on the property. We could contact him at any time if we had any questions. The apartment is equipped with a large kitchen and everything is very tastefully furnished.'

Mas De Baubesse - Maussane-les-Alpilles - Alpilles Regional Natural Park - Provence - France

Set above the village of Maussane-les-Alpilles within the regional nature park Alpilles is this stunning home offering expansive views, serenity and a true Provencal experience. With 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms this country house welcomes 4 guests in traditional style and modern interiors. Cook in the full kitchen, relax in summer with air-conditioning and a private pool. Smell the hills with cypress and thyme. Breathe it all in with space and plenty of privacy. 21 km or 13 miles to Arles. 

'August in the Alpilles. We booked the beautiful villa Baubesse near les Baux de Provence for a week's relaxing getaway and the pictures didn't do it justice. The setting is stunning, nestled in the foothills of the Alpilles with a view stretching to the Camargue. The owner couldn't have been more hospitable! So we thoroughly enjoyed our time there. Every day we would walk in the Alpilles on tracks from the villa and relax by the pool in the afternoons. Nearby St Remy is worth a visit and can be reached on foot or by bus. There are lots of good restaurants nearby too but eating while enjoying the view was too good to pass up. All in all it was the highlight of our holiday and one of the nicest villas we have stayed in for some time. We would happily return.'

Mas d’Isnard B&B - Arles - Provence - France

Choose from a double or triple room in this cosy farmhouse. Enjoy the shared lounge, terrace and garden. Set in the country 5 km or 3 miles from Arles town centre. 

'Beautiful house in the countryside with great host. Beautiful old Mas in the countryside . Restored by the owner himself in an authentic style with modern comforts. Gerard the owner greeted us warmly, recommended great place to eat in the evening and served a delicious breakfast.'

Cottage of the Gîte de la Treille of Mas Médaille - Arles - Provence - France

This historic home offers a cottage with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom welcoming 2 guests. Cook in the fully-equipped kitchen, relax in your own living room or enjoy the garden, terrace and views. In summer, cool off in the pool. Plenty of parking. Set in the countryside just 12 km or 7 miles west of Arles. 

'Really nice country house, direct contact with family, buying eggs / jam etc. from the yard, relaxed and very quiet atmosphere away from every street, nice furnishings of the accommodation, maximum equipped kitchen!'

Mas Arnaud - Arles - Provence - France

This home offers 1 bedroom, 2 bathrooms and accommodation for 4 guests. Relax in the hot tub, heated pool and on the terrace. Featuring air-conditioning, a full kitchen and a fitness room. Situated 11 km or 7 miles east of Arles. 

'Ideal stay in this pretty Camargue farmhouse. Cozy accommodation, pretty decor, top-notch equipment, calm and perfect welcome.'

Mas de la Chapelle - Arles - Provence - France

This unique historic small hotel is located in a former priory built by the Knights of Malta on the ancient way of Saint James. Choose a room for 1-4 guests, relax by the pool or in the garden. A charming, authentic haven full of local character and history. Find peace within the 16th Century chapel, rejuvenate in the spa, play tennis or hire a bicycle. Cycle or drive only 7 km or 4 miles to Arles. 

'Amongst the canopy of trees and delightful decor it is so regenerating. The relaxing atmosphere and very friendly staff. The pool is amazing.'

'Wonderful big garden, it seems to come out from a fairy tale. Very good breakfast.'

Villa Nans - Paradou - Provence - France

This 3-bedroom villa welcomes 9 guests with 2 bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, and family rooms. Enjoy the pool, terraces and gardens. Cook at the outdoor BBQ and relax at the outdoor fireplace. Paradou is a small village with a market, bakery and restaurants, located within the Alpilles nature park. Walk out your door onto hiking trails or drive 17 km or 11 miles to Arles. 

'In this wonderful Provençal villa we felt like we were in paradise. A well-equipped kitchen, the large garden and the well-kept pool made our trip a feel-good holiday. The friendly host received us well and we will certainly be back!'

Gîte La Remise & Le Loft - Saint-Bonnet-Du-Gard - Occitanie

Gather all the family or extended family here in La Remise with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom and The Loft with 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and space for 10 guests. Located in a small village just 38 km or 24 miles from Arles. 

'Excellent stay A beautiful, well-equipped place... comfortable and practical. Walks and various activities are available. A warm and professional welcome. Wonderful family memories!'

Gîte La Calade - Montpezat - Gard - Occitanie

This cosy home offers 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom and sleeps 3 in the rustic, charming heart of a historic village. Enjoy your kitchen, air-conditioning and patio. Located within a small village 50 km or 30 miles from Arles, close to Nîmes.

'Beautiful little holiday apartment. We stayed in Montpezat for two nights with our two dogs. The hostess was extremely friendly and attentive. The apartment is beautifully furnished with great attention to detail. Nothing is missing. Everything is new and very clean. There is absolutely nothing negative about this apartment. The surroundings are also unique. We would book this accommodation again at any time and can only recommend it.'

B&B Maison Douce - Old Town - Arles - Provence - France

Enjoy a relaxing stay in the heart of town in this historic B&B offering double rooms, private bathroom and air-conditioning. Enjoy the gardens and balconies. Just 500 metres to the Arena and 50 metres to the Esplanade. 1.4 km or 0.8 miles to Arles train station.

'We loved to stay in a traditional Maison in Arles. Our room was magnificent with balcony and private terrace. The location was perfect , walking distance to everything. The hostess was excellent , helping us with everything.'

'The breakfasts were different each morning and she tempted us with home made custards, cakes and pastries.'

Arles & Camargue Natural Park (including Aigues Mortes)

Explore Arles UNESCO Roman monuments and places that Van Gogh painted. Visit Aigues Mortes, a 13th century rampart city overlooking colourful salt marshes lagoons and wetlands. Visit the Camargue Bird Reserve Park. Pet the horses and see the black Bulls. Visit the seaside village of Saintes Maries of the Sea and its 11th Century church.  9.5 hours.

5 / 5 (2 reviews)

'Very well planned, plenty of free time, interesting and varied. Highly recommended.'

Arles: Express Walk with a Local

See Arles through a local's eyes, uncovering the city's true essence. Discover its Roman roots and artistic soul, showcasing the town's historic charm. Get top local tips on the best bars, cafes, and restaurants to visit. Maximize your time, discovering more of Arles in less time. Enjoy the intimacy of a small group, with a maximum of 8 travellers. 2 hours. 

4.5 / 5 Provider rating

Camargue, Its Secrets and Its Magic: An Exclusive Tour

A tailor-made tour, created specifically for the needs of visitors. Whether you want to visit a herd and drink a rosé with a bull herd, discover the magical world of pink flamingos, stroll the streets of Saintes Maries de la Mer to discover its fascinating thousand-year-old history, it is your choice.

4.3 / 5 (3 reviews)

'A friendly, kind and knowledgeable guide. Without him we probably wouldn't have seen the most interesting part of Saintes-Maries.'

Fauna

Red Fox - Vulpes vulpes

Eurasian Water Shrew - Neomys fodiens

European Badger - Meles meles

Birds - these flamingos are pink because of their diet of algae and shrimp which contain natural rose colours. Some of the birds from the Camargue fly south to North Africa for winter.

Greater Flamingo - Phoenicopterus roseus

Bonelli’s Eagle - Aquila fasciata

Pied Avocet - Recurvirostra avosetta

Flora - find asphodel blooming in late spring to early summer

Branched Asphodel - Asphodelus ramosus

Aleppo Pine - Pinus halepensis

Thyme - Thymus vulgaris

To arrive in Arles in Bouches-du-Rhône in southern France

• Fly into Avignon Airport AVN
• Drive 44 km or 27 miles
• Or fly into Montpellier Airport MPL 
• Drive 80 km or 50 miles
• Fly into Marseilles Airport MRS
• Drive 80 km or 50 miles
• Take the TGV (high speed) train direct from Paris to Arles, the journey is approx. 4 hours and many services run each day
• Trains also run to Arles from Montpellier, Avignon and Marseille

Arrange your hire car for your journey, choose from petrol, electric or hybrid vehicles.

By Katia Luz, sharing my fairytale bush cottage, discovering enchanting, charming, whimsical cottages, cabins and cosy little places to inspire your dreams. Contact Me. About Me.

I trust you have enjoyed the magic of My Fairytale Cottage. Bon Voyage!