Moulin Pissarro | 6-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Fontvieille

Fourteen guests arriving at Moulin Pissarro in Fontvieille find themselves standing before an 18th-century olive mill that has been meticulously transformed into a sprawling six-bedroom residence. This is not a quaint cottage—it’s a compound designed for large families and groups who refuse to compromise on space, comfort, or the Provençal experience. The luxury villa rental sits within a walled 1600-square-meter garden on the edge of Les Alpilles, ten kilometers from Van Gogh’s Arles and moments on foot from the village’s cafés and restaurants.

Inside Moulin Pissarro

Moulin Pissarro sleeps 14 guests across 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, distributed between the main house and the converted mill structure. The architecture itself tells the story of rural Provence—original limestone walls, vaulted ceilings, and the preserved olive press machinery now anchors the ground-floor entertainment space.

The Main House contains three sleeping quarters. The ground floor holds a twin bedroom (two 90cm beds) with its own shower room and WC. Upstairs, a master suite spans the entire first-floor wing: a 180cm double bed, a separate lounge with television, and a bathroom fitted with a double shower, bath, WC and dressing area. A second master bedroom on this floor offers another 180cm bed, television access, and a full bathroom with both shower and bath.

The Moulin (Mill Building) houses the remaining three bedrooms and delivers the property’s most distinctive entertainment space. The ground floor is an open 150-square-meter hall with original 18th-century press mechanisms still visible—a space that functions equally well for table tennis tournaments, volleyball, pétanque competitions, or candlelit dinners for the entire party. On the first floor, guests find a comfortable lounge with television, a fully-equipped kitchen separate from the main house, an oval games room with a full-size snooker table, and three bedrooms: one master bedroom with a 180cm bed and full bathroom (shower, bath, WC), one bedroom with twin beds (90cm each), and one quad bunk-bed room with a shared shower room.

Both kitchen areas are comprehensively outfitted. The main house kitchen and the mill kitchen each include modern appliances, generous counter space, and substantial storage. A chef or cook can be arranged in advance if preferred. The property features two washing machines and two tumble dryers—essential logistics when accommodating 14 people. Air-conditioning is installed in the first-floor bedrooms of the main house. Central heating and a fireplace in the main-house lounge provide comfort during cooler months. Wi-Fi reaches throughout the property. Foldable baby cribs and high chairs are available for families with infants.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The walled garden is the social heart of Moulin Pissarro. A heated swimming pool (12 meters by 5 meters) operates from approximately May through October, with a hard safety cover when not in use. Adjacent stands a pool house with shower and toilet facilities. The garden itself—1600 square meters of planted space—showcases magnolia trees, cypress, and mature olive trees that provide dappled afternoon shade. Alfresco dining tables accommodate the full group. A barbecue and plancha are ready for evening cooking. A volleyball net and pétanque set invite casual competition. The property accommodates two cars in its garage, essential given the location’s requirement for vehicle exploration.

The garden’s semi-enclosed character—high stone walls, tree canopy, multiple seating zones—means guests can fragment into smaller groups without losing the sense of togetherness. Late afternoon light filters through the olive foliage, creating the kind of setting that explains why artists and writers have been drawn to this region for centuries.

Location: Fontvieille and the Surrounding Area

Fontvieille sits at the threshold of Les Alpilles, that beloved limestone ridge that has captivated landscape painters and photographers for generations. The village itself—built from centuries-old quarry stone with a characterful cinema, café terraces, and family-run restaurants—is a two-minute walk downhill from the villa’s gates. A supermarket larger than typical village shops sits just 500 meters away for groceries; local boulangeries supply fresh bread and pastries daily.

Arles (10km south) is mandatory for anyone drawn to art history. The Roman amphitheatre dominates the cityscape; the annual photography festival draws international audiences; and the Van Gogh trail connects specific street corners where the Dutch master set up his easel. Place du Forum, where he painted “Café Terrace at Night,” remains one of Europe’s most evocative squares at dusk. Saturday mornings bring the town’s celebrated open-air market. The town’s restaurants range from casual bistros to Michelin-starred establishments.

Heading deeper into Les Alpilles, Les Baux-de-Provence (9km) clings dramatically to a rocky outcrop surrounded by endless olive groves. Maussane-les-Alpilles (8km), equally picturesque, is the heart of olive oil production—visit the local cooperatives to taste oils of extraordinary character. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (18km) hosts a Wednesday market and was home to Van Gogh’s asylum stay. The region produces world-class wines from nearby vineyards; local producers offer tastings and sales of cheeses, honey, and charcuterie alongside the olive oil.

Walking trails thread throughout the area. Le Sentier des Moulins is a favorite. To the south, Le Moulin de Daudet—the mill that inspired French author Alphonse Daudet—stands amid olive and oak forests with sweeping views across the Provençal countryside. The Vélorail des Alpilles (when operating) allows visitors to pedal vintage rail vehicles along old railway tracks past Abbaye de Montmajour, a stunning medieval monastery 8km away. Bike hire can be arranged in Fontvieille village for exploring quieter routes.

Historic Avignon (32km)—with its papal palace, bridge, and walled old town—and Nîmes (38km)—home to the exceptionally preserved Roman Temple of Maison Carrée—both make compelling day trips. The Camargue wetlands, famous for wild horses, pink flamingos, and bird-watching safaris, lie within easy reach to the southeast.

Explore our luxury villas in France, or browse our villas in Cassis for alternative Provence escapes. For deeper destination planning, read our Provence-Alpes travel guide.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Large family groups: Moulin Pissarro’s dual-house layout allows different generations to maintain privacy while remaining connected. Grandparents can occupy one master suite, adult siblings another, and children claim their own wings. The ground-floor twin bedroom eliminates stair negotiation for anyone with mobility considerations.

Extended families celebrating milestones: The 150-square-meter mill space accommodates rehearsal dinners, anniversary gatherings, or family reunions with elegance. The fireplace in the main-house lounge becomes a gathering point for evening conversation.

Groups of friends traveling together: The separation between main house and mill building allows couples or small clusters to self-cater independently while sharing the garden, pool, and entertainment facilities. The snooker table, table tennis setup, and games room functionality sustain evening entertainment without external dependency.

Families with young children: The heated pool, volleyball net, pétanque set, and board games occupy children productively. Two kitchens mean dietary preferences can be accommodated in parallel. Baby cribs and high chairs are provided. The walled garden creates secure outdoor play space.

Couples seeking a rural Provence base for exploration: While sized for groups, the property works equally well for two people seeking privacy and access to cultural sites. The snooker room, separate lounge spaces, and large garden feel luxurious rather than oversized.

Practical Information

Capacity: 14 guests (10 adults maximum, 4 children maximum based on bed configurations). 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms across main house and mill building.

Nearest Airports: Nîmes (34km, approximately 40 minutes by car), Avignon Provence (36km, approximately 45 minutes), Marseille (69km, approximately 75 minutes). Fast train service: Gare d’Avignon TGV (28km, approximately 35 minutes by car) connects to Paris and Lille on high-speed rail.

Nearest Supermarket: 500 meters, easily walkable or a three-minute drive.

Included in Rental: Wi-Fi internet, pool heating (May-October), central heating and fireplace, all furnishings and linens, towels, kitchen equipment, entertainment facilities (snooker, table tennis, board games), pétanque and volleyball sets, barbecue and plancha use, pool house access, garage parking for two vehicles. Maid service and chef/cook services are available at additional cost upon advance request.

Check-in/Check-out: Flexible arrangements accommodated subject to property availability and advance notice.

Frequently Asked Questions about Moulin Pissarro

How many guests does Moulin Pissarro sleep?

Moulin Pissarro accommodates 14 guests maximum across 6 bedrooms: the main house contains 3 bedrooms (one twin on the ground floor, two master suites upstairs), and the mill building contains 3 bedrooms (one master, one twin, and one quad bunk-bed room). The property is designed for up to 10 adults and 4 children based on bed types and safety configurations. No sofa beds or additional sleeping arrangements are available beyond the stated bedrooms.

What is the nearest airport to Moulin Pissarro in Fontvieille?

Nîmes-Alès-Camargue Airport is 34 kilometers away and requires approximately 40 minutes by car. Avignon Provence Airport (36km, 45 minutes) offers more flight options and connects to multiple European hubs. Marseille Provence Airport (69km, 75 minutes) is the largest regional hub. Fast train connections from Paris and Lille arrive at Gare d’Avignon TGV (28km away), a viable alternative to flying.

What is the best time of year to rent Moulin Pissarro?

May through September offers warm, dry weather ideal for pool use and garden enjoyment. The swimming pool is heated May-October. July and August are peak season—hot, occasionally crowded in nearby villages, and the most expensive rental period. April and October provide milder temperatures, far fewer tourists in Arles and Les Baux, and still-functional pool heating. March and November can be wet but remain mild. December through February experiences occasional frost and rain. The annual Arles Photography Festival occurs in July; summer markets are most vibrant June-August. Consider April or September-October for an optimal balance of weather and atmosphere without peak crowds.

Is Moulin Pissarro suitable for families with children?

Yes. The property includes a heated pool with hard safety cover, making summer swimming feasible from May onward. Two foldable baby cribs and two high chairs are provided for infants. The walled garden is secure for independent play. Pétanque and volleyball are age-appropriate group activities. Table tennis and board games occupy rainy-day entertainment. The main-house ground-floor twin bedroom serves families with mobility constraints. Nearby Arles has family-friendly attractions including the Roman amphitheatre and market activities. Beach access at the Camargue (approximately 30km away) offers alternative swimming and nature activities. A car is strongly recommended for family logistics, as the village itself has limited immediate amenities for young children.

What is included in the rental price at Moulin Pissarro?

The rental price includes: all utilities (electricity, water, heating), Wi-Fi internet access, pool heating during the May-October season, air-conditioning in first-floor main-house bedrooms, central heating and fireplace, all linens and towels, kitchen equipment and cookware, entertainment facilities (snooker table, table tennis, board games), garden amenities (pétanque set, volleyball net), barbecue and plancha use, pool house facility with shower and toilet, and parking for two vehicles in the garage. Chef/cook services and maid service are available at additional cost and must be requested in advance.

What restaurants and shops are near Moulin Pissarro?

The village of Fontvieille, a two-minute walk from the property, contains multiple cafés with terrace seating, casual family restaurants, and a cinema. A well-stocked supermarket is 500 meters away; a village boulangerie supplies fresh bread and pastries. Arles (10km south) hosts the renowned Saturday open-air market and over 30 restaurants ranging from casual bistros to Michelin-starred establishments; try L’Atelier for contemporary French cuisine or Café de la Nuit (Van Gogh’s “Café Terrace at Night”). Maussane-les-Alpilles (8km away) specializes in olive oil tastings at cooperative mills such as Moulin Castelas. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (18km) holds a Wednesday market and features wine bars and regional-produce restaurants. The Les Alpilles region contains numerous high-end dining establishments scattered across villages and countryside locations, many with Michelin recognition.