Villa Domitia | 4-Bedroom Villa in SAINT ETIENNE DU GRES Saint-Etienne

Eight guests. Four bedrooms spread across three distinct levels. A swimming pool that catches the afternoon light like liquid silver, ringed by pine forest and the rolling terrain of the Alpilles. Welcome to Villa Domitia in Saint Etienne du Gres, where the rhythm of Provençal village life unfolds just a fifteen-minute stroll away, yet the property itself feels entirely removed from the everyday world.

This luxury villa rental in Saint Etienne du Gres occupies 1,500 square metres of private grounds on the fringes of a traditional village, positioned between Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Tarascon. The architecture rises in elegant stages—each level revealing a different perspective on the surrounding landscape—with mature pine trees creating a natural screen from the outside world while framing views west across the gardens and terraces.

Inside Villa Domitia

Villa Domitia sleeps 8 guests across 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, with accommodation distributed thoughtfully across three levels. The main floor functions as the central hub: an open-plan lounge flows seamlessly into a comprehensively equipped kitchen-diner featuring an induction hob, conventional oven, dishwasher, Thermomix, coffee maker, oversized refrigerator, and microwave. This kitchen is the kind of space where cooking becomes a pleasure rather than a chore. Adjoining this floor are a utility room, a dedicated office nook, and a shower room.

Ascending the open-tread staircase to the first floor, you encounter a mezzanine hallway that overlooks the lounge below—creating an architectural sense of connection while maintaining visual separation. Three bedrooms are positioned here: the first features a 160x200cm queen-size bed with an en-suite Italian shower and independent WC; the second offers a 140x200cm double bed with a desk, ideal for those working remotely; the third provides another 160x200cm queen bed, desk space, and an open-plan bathroom with Italian shower. A shared shower room with Italian shower, double vanity sink, and WC serves the latter two bedrooms.

The garden level—accessed via a separate staircase—contains the dramatic master suite: an open-plan bedroom with a substantial 180x200cm king-size bed, a generously proportioned en-suite bathroom featuring both a double walk-in shower and separate bathtub, double sink, and private WC. This room opens to its own balcony, creating a retreat within a retreat. Also on this level: a cinema room equipped to connect your personal devices, plus a laundry facility with washing machine and tumble dryer.

Interior finishes strike a contemporary tone softened by carefully chosen details. Linear design, clean lines, and clever use of natural light throughout. The mezzanine arrangement and multi-level layout mean no bedroom feels generic or secondary—each has distinct character and purpose.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The grounds reward exploration. An 8.5×4-metre swimming pool with a depth of 1.6 metres serves as the focal point, secured by a protective half-moon shelter. The water holds heat efficiently, extending the swimming season well beyond summer months. Sun loungers, deck chairs, and poolside furnishings are positioned at intervals, allowing guests to claim their preferred vantage point without crowding.

The upper terrace faces west and commands views across the gardens and toward distant Alpilles ridges—this is the ideal vantage for morning coffee or evening apéritifs, with al-fresco dining accommodated by a substantial outdoor table and seating. A gas plancha and barbecue invite experimentation with cooking outdoors, while the dedicated pétanque court accommodates friendly tournaments on warm afternoons. A ping-pong table provides entertainment during the heat of the day, and a trampoline delights younger guests.

The terrain steps and slopes naturally across the property, with different levels connected by carefully placed steps. Mature pines provide dappled shade, and the enclosure (1,500 square metres total) feels spacious without being sprawling. An outdoor carport accommodates vehicles discreetly.

The wine cellar adds a sophisticated touch, while Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Canal+ streaming services keep evening options flexible. This is comfortable, functional luxury rather than ostentatious display.

Location: Saint Etienne du Gres and the Surrounding Area

Saint Etienne du Gres positions you at the intersection of multiple worlds. The village itself—fifteen minutes on foot—contains the essentials: a bakery producing bread daily, a small grocery store, two restaurants, and a seasonal wholesale fruit and vegetable market operating three afternoons weekly. For more substantial shopping, a large supermarket sits just five minutes away by car en route to Tarascon.

This corner of Provence offers extraordinary geographic and cultural density. Tarascon (7.5km away) anchors the Rhône’s eastern bank with its formidable 15th-century château and famous Tuesday morning market. Beaucaire (9km), designated an official “Town of Art and History,” sits opposite Tarascon across the water with a charming marina where restaurants serve moules-frites overlooking the Rhône-Sète canal. If your dates coincide with late July, Beaucaire’s summer festival brings live music and traditional bull runs through the streets.

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (9.5km) deserves a dedicated visit: this bustling market town carries the weight of Van Gogh’s artistic legacy while maintaining authentic Provençal character. Wednesday mornings bring crowds to its celebrated market; any other time, wander cobbled lanes beneath plane tree shadows, pause at café terraces, and visit art galleries. Just south of town, the archaeological site of Glanum offers Roman remains, while the Monastery Saint-Paul de Mausole—where Van Gogh spent the final year of his life—sits nearby with its austere beauty.

Arles (17km), famous for its Roman amphitheatre, historic streets, and annual photography festival, demands at least a day visit. The perched village of Les Baux-de-Provence (12km) commands dramatic views from its cliff-top position, while Maussane-les-Alpilles (15km) sits at the heart of France’s premium olive oil region, with groves producing some of Europe’s finest extra virgin oils. Both villages reward leisurely exploration.

Further afield, Avignon (26km)—the “City of the Popes” with its spectacular bridge and Papal Palace—makes an excellent day trip. The Roman sites of Nîmes (37km) showcase extraordinary preservation, while Pont du Gard (32km), one of several UNESCO World Heritage sites throughout southern France, ranks among Europe’s most impressive engineering achievements. A picnic by the Gard River here is memorable.

Walking trails crisscross the region. An 11th-century chapel sits approximately 1.5km through pine forest from the village—an excellent morning walk. The dense forests surrounding Saint Etienne du Gres attract serious walkers year-round. For broader inspiration on regional highlights and planning, our Provence-Alpes travel guide covers seasonal recommendations, lesser-known villages, and activity suggestions.

Explore additional options in the region by browsing our luxury villas in France, check our full collection in Saint Etienne du Gres, or discover more about villas in nearby areas.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Multigenerational families benefit from the spatial separation: children and teenagers occupy one floor, parents another, grandparents claim the master suite with its dual bathroom setup. The cinema room, trampoline, and ping-pong table occupy younger guests, while the wine cellar, pétanque court, and garden terraces appeal to adults seeking quieter pleasures.

Groups of friends seeking a shared base for regional exploration find Villa Domitia ideally positioned: close enough to significant towns (Avignon, Arles, Saint-Rémy) for day trips, yet far enough removed for genuine relaxation. The kitchen’s scale suits collective cooking projects; the outdoor spaces accommodate evening gatherings.

Working remote professionals find the dedicated office space, reliable Wi-Fi, and village proximity without urban chaos ideal for balancing productivity and leisure. The quiet location supports focus while pool breaks and walks through pine forest provide mental reset.

Couples seeking an immersive Provençal experience rather than typical beach resort fare will appreciate the culture-rich location, sophisticated kitchen facilities, and master suite’s private balcony for sunrise observation or evening reflection.

Practical Information

Villa Domitia accommodates 8 guests maximum across 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The nearest airport is Avignon-Provence (26km away, approximately 25 minutes by car), which connects to major European hubs. Marseille-Provence Airport (75km, approximately 75 minutes) offers more international routing.

Utilities, Wi-Fi internet access, heated pool, televised entertainment (Netflix, Amazon Prime, Canal+), and comprehensive kitchen equipment are included. Linen and towels are provided, with mid-stay laundry facilities available. Air conditioning serves the property for warmer months.

Check-in and check-out times operate on a flexible basis depending on guest preferences and availability—enquire directly for your specific dates.

Frequently Asked Questions about Villa Domitia

How many guests does Villa Domitia sleep?

Villa Domitia accommodates 8 guests across 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Bedroom distribution: three bedrooms on the first floor (two double beds at 160x200cm, one double at 140x200cm) and one master suite on the garden level (king-size 180x200cm bed). No additional sofa beds or annexes are available, so maximum capacity is strictly 8.

What is the nearest airport to Villa Domitia in Saint Etienne du Gres?

Avignon-Provence Airport sits 26 kilometres away with approximately 25 minutes’ driving time under normal conditions. This airport serves major European destinations including London, Paris, Amsterdam, and several other hubs. Alternatively, Marseille-Provence Airport (75km, approximately 75 minutes) offers broader international connectivity, particularly for US and distant routes.

What is the best time of year to rent Villa Domitia?

Late April through early June brings warm days (20-25°C), blooming gardens, and manageable crowds—ideal for those avoiding peak summer heat. September through October mirrors spring conditions with slightly warmer water and fewer visitors. July-August suits sun-seeking and swimming despite higher regional tourism, though daytime temperatures can exceed 35°C. Winter (November-February) remains mild (8-12°C) for walking and cultural visits, with occasional rain but lower accommodation rates. Early spring and autumn offer the optimal balance of weather and atmosphere.

Is Villa Domitia suitable for families with children?

Yes. The heated 8.5×4-metre pool is secured via protective shelter, while the trampoline and ping-pong table provide additional entertainment. The garden level’s open-plan layout and dedicated family bathroom support ease of supervision. The nearby village (15-minute walk) is quiet and pedestrian-friendly, though young children require supervision on village lanes. Several child-friendly museums and excursions exist within 20 minutes: the Musée Arlaten in Arles (17km) showcases Provençal heritage, while Beaucaire’s marina (9km) offers boat trips suitable for families. A local animal farm provides hands-on activities, and the Alpilles Natural Park supports easy walking for varied age groups.

What is included in the rental price at Villa Domitia?

Accommodation for 8 guests, all utilities (electricity, water, heating), Wi-Fi internet access, pool heating and maintenance, linen and towels, air conditioning, washing machine and dryer access, and entertainment (Netflix, Amazon Prime, Canal+ streaming). The kitchen equipment includes all major appliances and tableware for 8 guests. Outdoor furnishings (sun loungers, dining table, chairs) are included. Not included: food shopping, alcohol, mid-stay cleaning (though laundry facilities are available), or activities outside the property.

What restaurants and shops are near Villa Domitia?

The village (15-minute walk) contains a bakery, small grocery store, and two restaurants. Tarascon (7.5km, 10 minutes by car) hosts the famous Tuesday morning market plus numerous restaurants. Beaucaire (9km) specializes in waterfront dining overlooking the canal—moules-frites and traditional French fare dominate. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (9.5km) offers diverse restaurants, galleries, and shops; Wednesday market is the largest regional fresh produce market. A supermarket sits 5 minutes away en route to Tarascon. Arles (17km) contains farm-to-table restaurants, Provençal bistros, and sophisticated dining options. Maussane-les-Alpilles (15km) focuses on olive oil production and tasting experiences with associated restaurants.