La Courbe

In the picturesque village of Maussane-les-Alpilles, La Courbe unveils a rare and captivating Provençal abode with its own private swimming pool. Steeped in centuries of history yet exquisitely renovated for contemporary comfort, this remarkable 4-bedroom home centres around a lovingly restored 16th-century chapel, now a striking living space complete with vaulted ceilings and original stone engravings.

Indeed, part of La Courbe dates back to the early 1500s when it was the village chapel, then expanded again in the 18th and 19th centuries. Throughout the years, the building was an important part of the village community until it was sold in the late 1700s. How wonderful that it has now been transformed into a unique and historic holiday home.  

Nowadays, character meets modern charm inside La Courbe. The main house unfolds across two levels, with the ground floor offering a stylish open-plan kitchen flowing onto a patio with shaded terrace and barbecue. Meanwhile, the chapel-turned-lounge invites convivial moments and evening billiards beneath the centuries-old arches.

The four main bedrooms are so pretty with individual features such as exposed stone walls, wood beamed ceilings or handsome furnishings contrasting contemporary comforts including air-conditioning and private or en suite bath/shower rooms.

Comfortably sleeping up to 8 guests, there is one bedroom on the ground floor, another two upstairs (alongside a connecting single bedroom on request) whilst the fourth bedroom is in an annexe with its own entrance.

It feels like such a privilege to be able to enjoy your walled garden where Provençal life moves at a gentler pace. A heated swimming pool promises relaxation on warm afternoons while the pool house with lounge seating creates a pretty spot for aperitifs, surrounded by mature trees and the scent of rosemary. Wander across to the patio to fire up the barbecue and dine al-fresco beneath shade.

La Courbe’s location is as charming and convenient as the house itself. You're within easy reach of boulangeries, restaurants and café terraces on the main village square. Even closer, the Thursday morning market bursting with Provençal flavours is just a few steps away. Meanwhile, Les Alpilles’ dramatic landscapes are yours to explore from tranquil olive groves and idyllic hilltop villages to artistic towns and nearby golf courses.

For those in search of authenticity, character and Provençal heritage, La Courbe invites you to experience village life through a uniquely historic lens in the heart of Les Alpilles.

Surrounded by olive groves and craggy limestone peaks in the heart of Les Alpilles, Maussane-les-Alpilles is a picturesque village that embodies the Provençal charm of southern France. La Courbe enjoys a central location just across from the market square and only 350m from the pretty café terraces and fountain in front of the village church. Look and listen out for the bustling Thursday morning market - pick up good quality olive oil amongst other regional delights.

This location offers a perfect base for exploring one of the country’s most scenic and culturally rich regions. Just moments from Maussane, the pretty neighbouring village of Paradou (1.8km) enchants visitors with its traditional stone architecture and inviting bistros, while the dramatic hilltop citadel of Les Baux-de-Provence (4km) is a must-see, offering panoramic views across the countryside.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find Les Alpilles a paradise for cycling, walking and hiking, with routes weaving through olive groves, pine forests and rocky ridges. Local olive farms and wine estates welcome visitors for tastings, offering a delicious insight into the region’s celebrated produce.

The vibrant town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (10km), just a short drive away, is steeped in Roman history and artistic heritage - Vincent van Gogh spent a prolific year painting its surroundings. Its lively Wednesday market, little boutiques and galleries make it a joy to explore.

Further afield, day trips open the door to some of southern France’s most iconic sites. Discover the Roman treasures of Nîmes (45km) and the awe-inspiring Pont du Gard (39km), or wander the painterly streets of Arles (18km), the gateway to the wild Camargue. The historic cities of Avignon (31km) and Aix-en-Provence (66km) offer architectural splendour, art, and gastronomy in abundance, each the perfect day out.Villa Interiors

Ground Floor

-    Main entrance and hallway
-    Lounge with sofas, TV and small dining table
-    Billiard room
-    Open-plan kitchen-diner, well-equipped including dishwasher, American fridge, freezer, Nespresso machine, coffee maker, microwave. Doors open to courtyard with al-fresco dining terrace
-    Bedroom 1 with queen-size double bed (160x200cm), air-conditioning and shower room with shower, sink and WC

First Floor

-    Bedroom 2 with twin beds (90x200cm each, can be joined as a king-size double), air-conditioning and bathroom with bath, sink and WC
-    Bedroom 3 with queen-size double bed (160x200cm), air-conditioning and connecting small bedroom (suitable for a child) with single bed (90x200cm)
-    Bathroom with shower, sink and WC

Annexe (independent entrance on ground floor)

-    Bedroom 4 (on first floor) with queen-size double bed (160x200cm), small bathroom with shower/sink and separate WC (on ground floor)

Outside Grounds (enclosed)

-    Heated swimming pool (3.5x9m with steps, depth: 1.5m) with electric safety shutter. Open approximately May to mid-October
-    Decked poolside terrace
-    Sun loungers (x8)
-    Parasol  
-    Pool house with outdoor lounge  
-    Garden with trees and herbs  
-    Patio with shaded terrace for al-fresco dining
-    Gas barbecue
-    Front garden with olive trees and table and chairs
-    Parking (three spaces)

Security deposit
€2500 charged to client's credit card by Oliver’s Travels as a pre-authorisation at least 2 weeks prior to arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection.

Arrival time
5.00 p.m.

Departure time
10.00 a.m.

Energy costs included?
Yes.

Linen & towels included?
Yes.

Pets welcome?
Not allowed.

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

Air-conditioning is only featured in the four main bedrooms (not the single bedroom).

Changeover day
Saturday from May to September. Flexible during all other months.

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?
Outside only.

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 from May - September. 3 nights during all other periods.

Heating costs included?
Yes.

Pool heating charge?
Yes, included from 1st May to 15th September.

Tax
French Visitors Tax payable to Oliver's Travels at the time of balance payment (typically costs €1-€10 per adult per night - please enquire if exact amount is required).

Pool towels included?
Yes.