MAS LAURENT

The village of Eygalières, set at the foot of the low-lying Alpilles mountains, is quintessential Provence. Pretty, honey-stone village houses with sky-blue shutters and terracotta roofs peek through neat cypress hedging and wrought-iron gates, while the trickling fountain in the main square is often the only sound to be heard during the height of a summer afternoon. Most of the village’s animation is saved for mornings, when locals collect fresh pastries and baguettes from the boulangerie, or for lunchtimes and evenings, when leafy restaurant terraces with chalkboard menus fill with diners.

A short stroll from the village, Mas Laurent is a smart, modern villa offering views towards the peaks of the Alpilles. Outdoor living spaces are perfectly suited to summer, with a large, gated 12m x 6m swimming pool surrounded by neatly clipped lawns and classic Provençal planting, including ancient olive trees, cigar-shaped cypress, fragrant rosemary hedging, and vibrant agapanthus. Apéritif terraces sit beautifully shaded beneath dappled plane trees, while a lovely dining terrace is covered with climbing vines.

A games room, equipped with table tennis, a pool table, a bar, and a large TV screen for movie nights, opens directly onto the surrounding terrace. Guests will also find badminton rackets, a small gym, a boules court, and a few bicycles available for cycling into the village.

Inside, the light, airy interior is simply yet comfortably furnished and fully air-conditioned, with a bright, modern kitchen offering lovely views over the gardens. The villa offers six bedrooms and six bathrooms, comfortably accommodating up to 12 guests.