L'Olive Verte

L’Olive Verte is a beautiful addition brought to us by the talented architect couple who sensitively restore old Provençal dwellings into prestigious holiday homes, allowing guests to soak up the essence of Provence whilst experiencing a high level of hotel-style services. This 18th century jewel can be found in Mouriès, a traditional village in Les Alpilles known for producing some of the finest olive oil in France.

Once a historic bastide made up of several buildings, this elegant abode now welcomes up to 12 guests across the mas and summer house facing the heated swimming pool. The owners always take great pride in respecting the cultural heritage of the region and for L’Olive Verte no exception has been made. Admire splendid artwork across the house, play music on the vintage piano and read peacefully in the dappled shade of the ancient plane tree, truly appreciating a certain art de vivre in southern France.

As you wander through your home, soak up its rich history with wood beams, restored tiled flooring, exposed stone walls and antique furnishings juxtaposing 21st features such as Sonos sound systems, a fitness room and sauna as well as air-conditioning throughout. We adore the grandeur of the living room and the original fireplace in the farmhouse-style kitchen, not to mention the charm of the little music lounge. Pretty French windows lead out to the carefully tended grounds for tranquil breakfasts, basking in the sun and relaxing games of pétanque.

All six bedrooms have been beautifully styled, most with king-size beds, luxurious linen, limestone showers and high-end toiletries, one with a chic old-fashioned bath tub. The master bedroom is on the first floor of the summer house with arched windows looking out over the pool below. Downstairs there is a billiard table and a summer kitchen for preparing long lunches, opening out to the poolside terrace with its sun loungers, cypresses and majestic palm tree alongside the aromas of summer jasmine and roses.

A continental buffet breakfast is served each morning and daily housekeeping is included. Your concierge can organise an array of other services for a supplement from massages, spa treatments and fitness coaches to cookery classes and private chefs creating Provençal feasts using the finest local produce.  

A few steps from your historic getaway is the heart of this characterful village steeped in heritage. Enjoy an apéritif beneath the plane trees of Cours Paul Revoli before dining out in a village restaurant. The Wednesday morning market is a bustling affair and look out for events throughout the year celebrating the village’s traditions. September’s La Fête des Olives Vertes marks the start of the early olive harvest with all sorts of festivities including a lively parade through the village centre.  

Beyond Mouriès, marvel at the valley views from Les Baux-de-Provence’s castle, have lunch on the village square in Maussane-les-Alpilles or follow Rick Stein’s footsteps at Le Bistrot du Paradou just 10 minutes by car. Cycle, hike or horse-ride through the idyllic landscapes of Les Alpilles passing endless olive groves, vines and hills. The marked walking trails around the ancient ruins of Oppidum des Caisses de Jean-Jean are especially inspiring.  

Saint-Rémy, Arles and Avignon are other wonderful days out or venture to the Camargue for more unforgettable experiences across the captivating landscapes of this fascinating corner of southern France.

L’Olive Verte is a traditional yet beautiful 18th century village house in characterful Mouriès just a few steps away from the heart of the bustling village.

It’s only a 5-minute stroll to Cours Paul Revoli for your morning coffee on a café terrace beneath the dappled light of the plane trees. There is everything you need in this authentic Provençal village including a boulangerie, a pharmacy, plenty of cafes and restaurants as well as a Spar supermarché a short walk away. The weekly market takes place on a Wednesday morning, a must-visit to pick up delicious Provençal produce.

There are several village festivities across the year – this is a fantastic location for guests truly wishing to embrace local life in Provence. Surrounded by olive groves, Mouriès is famous for its olive oil production and in September there is a much-loved village festival, La Fête des Olives Vertes, marking the start of the early olive harvest across the Baux valley. Look out for further events at the village bullring, André Blanc Arena, following traditions of the nearby Camargue.

Picturesque Maussane-les-Alpilles (7km) is only 10 minutes away by car with its lovely restaurants, little food shops and Thursday morning market whilst tiny Paradou (9km) is a must for keen gastronomes thanks to its highly regarded restaurant, Le Bistrot du Paradou.

Les Baux-de-Provence (11km), one of France’s classified ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, is another highlight of the region with its impressive château and glorious views, or head further north to the artistic town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (16km) to follow the footsteps of Van Gogh. Elsewhere in Les Alpilles, enjoy lunch in a gastronomic restaurant in Eygalières (12km) where A-list celebrities have bought houses to escape the French Riviera.

Van Gogh’s Arles (26km) is a fantastic day out for history enthusiasts, artists and photographers, also the gateway to the unique landscapes of the Camargue. You could even spend the day by the Mediterranean at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer (61km), just under an hour away, or instead spend time soaking up the historic ambience of Avignon (36km) or Aix-en-Provence (60km) in this captivating part of southern France.

Main House Interiors (350m2)

Ground Floor

-    Entrance
-    Lounge with fireplace and TV
-    Smaller lounge with fireplace and vintage piano
-    Farm-house style kitchen, well-equipped, with large original fireplace and dining table for 12 guests
-    Guest WC
-    Bedroom with king-size double bed (180x200cm) and en suite bathroom with shower, double sink and WC
-    Bedroom (accessed externally) with twin beds (90x200cm each) and en suite bathroom with shower and WC

First Floor

-    Bedroom 2 with king-size double bed (180x200cm) and en suite bathroom with shower, double sink and WC
-    Bedroom 3 with king-size double bed (180x200cm) and en suite bathroom with bath, shower, double sink and WC
-    Bedroom 4 with king-size double bed (180x200cm) and en suite bathroom with shower, double sink and WC

Summer House Interiors (150m2)

Ground Floor

-    Summer kitchen with dining table and doors opening out to poolside terrace
-    French billards table

First Floor

-    Master bedroom (60m2) with king-size double bed, dressing area, windows with Juliet balcony and pool view and en suite bathroom with open Italian shower, double sink and WC

Some of the en suite bathrooms are open-plan to the bedrooms

Outside Grounds

-    Heated salt-water swimming pool (10x6m). Heated approximately May to September (in April and October pool can be heated on request and subject to a supplement)
-    Summer kitchen (part of poolside summer house, see above)
-    Outdoor Sonos audio system
-    Al-fresco dining area
-    Outdoor breakfast table
-    Charcoal barbecue
-    Firepit
-    Garden
-    Pétanque
-    Fitness room with sauna and shower  
-    Double garage and EV charging station

Facilities

-    Piano
-    French billards table

At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:

- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off

Extras included at this property:

- Continental buffet breakfast
- Daily housekeeping (4 hours per day)

Extras available at this property (payable locally):

- Concierge services
- Extra housekeeping
- Laundry services
- Private chef
- Cookery lessons
- Private butler
- Fridge-stocking before arrival
- Massages and/or spa treatments
- Personal trainer
- Sports coaching
- Car hire and/or transfers
- Local tours

Please note that the use of any external caterers and/or contractors is not permitted. All concierge requests and organisations will be exclusively handled by the properties in-house concierge services. 

Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!

Security deposit
€8000 pre-authorisation by credit card paid to the owner up to one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection.

Arrival time
4.00 p.m.

Departure time
10.00 a.m.

Energy costs included?
Yes.

Linen & towels included?
Yes, changed once for stays over 7 nights.

Pets welcome?
On request only and with prior agreement with the owner.

Other Ts and Cs
Please note that published rates are only valid for the current year. Any bookings for subsequent years will be on request only and correct rates will be confirmed at the time of booking.

Please note that your booking will only be confirmed once we have checked availability with the owner or their property manager.

Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are not allowed.

Cot and high chair can be provided free of charge, on request.

Please note that the use of any external caterers and/or contractors is not permitted. All concierge requests and organisations will be exclusively handled by the properties in-house concierge services.

Changeover day
Saturday between June and September. Flexible during the rest of year.

End of stay cleaning
Standard changeover clean included in the price. Guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit.

Smoking Allowed?
Not allowed.

Insurance
Guests are required to be in possession of a valid insurance policy, which covers them for cancellations, loss of personal belongings, personal liability and any accidental damage caused during their stay.

Minimum stay
7 nights between June and September. 3 nights during the rest of the year.

Pool heating charge?
Included between May and September. For April and October, the pool can be heated on request for a supplement, paid locally. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures.

Tax
French Visitors Tax payable locally in cash (typically costs €1-€10 per adult per night - please enquire if exact amount is required).

Pool towels included?
Yes, changed once for stays over 7 nights.

Pool opening dates?
The swimming pool is open and heated approximately May to September. It can be open at other times of year on request (however see below re. pool heating). Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming.

Other Cleaning
Mid-stay cleaning for stays of 8+ nights included