LA BASTIDE DU PARADOU

History runs deep at La Bastide du Paradou. Once serving as the town hall and later the local school, the villa’s warm stone façade speaks to its rich past. Set on the edge of the charming, small medieval village of Paradou — with its winding cobbled streets and pastel-shuttered stone houses — the property sits at the foot of the stunning Alpilles, just a short drive from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, one of the most picturesque towns in Provence. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Avignon lies a little further afield, while the rugged terrain of the Alpilles offers excellent opportunities for cycling, horse riding, and hiking.

The villa’s architect-owners have poured genuine passion into its renovation, carefully balancing thoughtful modernisation with respect for its historic character. Rooms have been restored using locally sourced materials and filled with bold contemporary artwork, where original beams and antique doors sit comfortably beside blown-glass light fittings, jute rugs, vintage mirrors, and furniture crafted by local artisans. A generous dining room and kitchen come equipped with professional-standard appliances, while two inviting living rooms, dressed with distinctive design pieces, are warmed by a substantial stone fireplace on cooler evenings. Each of the seven en-suite bedrooms is decorated in calming neutral tones of taupe and cream, complete with its own dressing room and views over either the pool or the surrounding gardens.

Outside, one hectare of Mediterranean garden bursts with soft lavender and gnarled olive and fig trees, centred around a 300-year-old plane tree believed to be among the oldest in France. Guests can spend lazy afternoons with a good book on the south-facing terrace or beneath the shaded pergola, while the villa’s striking infinity pool sits alongside a vegetable garden, offering fresh ingredients for the outdoor kitchen. For those seeking more active pursuits, a pool house with gym and sauna, along with a pétanque area and tennis court, rounds out the property’s offering.