La Retraite Estivale | 7-Bedroom Villa in Maussane les Alpilles Parado

Fourteen guests arrive at Maussane les Alpilles and immediately understand why this corner of Provence stops people mid-conversation. La Retraite Estivale sits deep within the Les Alpilles Natural Regional Park, where limestone ridges rise dramatically against impossibly blue skies, and the landscape demands your attention at every turn. This luxury villa rental in Maussane les Alpilles offers the kind of space—seven separate bedrooms, seven full bathrooms, grounds spanning 20,000 square metres—that transforms a group gathering into an actual retreat rather than a logistical puzzle.

Inside La Retraite Estivale

La Retraite Estivale sleeps 14 guests across 7 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms, distributed between a main villa and a neighbouring annexe building. The layout reflects genuine thought about how groups actually live together: everyone gets privacy, yet shared spaces encourage gathering.

The main villa’s ground floor contains Bedroom One—twin beds at 90cm each, pushed together—with its own en suite shower room and WC. The kitchen dominates this level in the best way possible: American refrigerator with ice-maker, two dishwashers, dual ovens, Nespresso and ground coffee machines, juicer, liquidiser, mixer—the kind of culinary command centre where even reluctant cooks volunteer for dinner duty. A back kitchen houses additional refrigeration and laundry facilities. The dining area flows directly onto the terrace through full-width doors. A separate WC and living room with fireplace complete the ground floor social spine.

Ascend to the first floor and find Bedroom Two (twin beds, 90cm each, shower room with WC) and Bedroom Three, which upgrades to a full bathroom with both bath and shower plus WC. Twin beds here are also 90cm each, configurable as a double. A separate WC serves the landing.

The annexed building functions almost as a guest cottage. Ground floor reveals Bedroom Four with a 160cm double bed opening directly to a terrace, shower room, and WC; Bedroom Five offers a 140cm double plus single (90cm, suitable for children), with terrace doors and its own shower room. First floor contains Bedroom Six (twin beds, 90cm, shower room, WC) and Bedroom Seven (identical configuration). Every bedroom features air-conditioning; every bathroom is en suite. No shared facilities, no queuing at sunrise.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The grounds reveal themselves gradually. Twenty thousand square metres of terraced gardens—some orderly, some wild—roll toward the horizon where the Alpilles ridge holds court. The heated pool measures 16 metres long and 6 metres wide, depth 1.6 metres, fitted with an electric safety shutter. Six sun loungers and two parasols frame the water’s edge. An al-fresco lounge area, gas plancha, and a terrace accommodating twenty diners create distinct zones for different moods: the lounging zone, the dining theatre, the cooking station, the gathering point.

Pétanque court markings invite friendly competition on warm afternoons. Pine trees sway overhead during evening hours, their movement almost hypnotic. Wi-Fi extends throughout, along with a Sonos sound system that reaches the pool area—music follows you from kitchen to terrace to water’s edge. Parking is private; the unenclosed grounds mean mountain views unfold without fence lines interrupting sight lines.

Location: Maussane les Alpilles and the Surrounding Area

Maussane les Alpilles functions as a authentic Provençal working town, not a tourist assembly line. Five kilometres away, the village centre features a main square with fountains and centuries-old architecture. Three olive oil mills still operate here—mills whose output ranks among France’s finest. Local restaurants range from casual cafés to refined establishments; gourmet shops stock regional delicacies. The Wednesday morning market in nearby Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (15km north) carries particular charm; this town’s association with Vincent Van Gogh draws art historians and curious travellers year-round.

Les Baux-de-Provence, designated one of France’s “Most Beautiful Villages,” sits 10km away, perched so dramatically on a rocky outcrop that medieval fortifications seem almost inevitable rather than constructed. Eygalières (12km) offers a quieter alternative with genuine village atmosphere. The Luberon region—Ménerbes, Bonnieux, and Lacoste, each representing textbook Provençal architecture—clusters approximately one hour away, ideal for day explorations.

Avignon, with its UNESCO-listed Papal Palace and city walls (35km, roughly 40 minutes by car), anchors major cultural tourism. The Roman architecture of Nîmes (50km, 55 minutes) competes for attention with Provence’s other major centres. Aix-en-Provence (65km, 70 minutes), birthplace of Paul Cézanne, combines art history with vibrant urban energy. Arles (26km, 30 minutes), another Van Gogh destination, serves as gateway to the Camargue’s wild landscapes and bird sanctuaries.

Active pursuits flourish here. Domaine de Manville golf course operates 7km away. Canoeing and kayaking on the Sorgue river near Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (37km) pairs with antique shopping and Sunday markets at L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Rock climbing, cycling trails, and horse-riding through Les Alpilles Natural Regional Park occupy outdoor enthusiasts. Wineries scattered throughout the region welcome visitors; olive oil tastings happen year-round.

For travel planning, explore our luxury villas in Maussane les Alpilles and our full collection of properties in France. For destination inspiration, read our Provence-Alpes travel guide covering seasonal highlights and cultural experiences across the region.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended families spanning three generations find La Retraite Estivale’s space transformative. Parents, grandparents, adult children, and young grandchildren each secure private sleeping quarters while gathering easily in shared zones. The annexe building suits teenagers or adult children seeking semi-independence without isolation.

Groups of friends—whether reuniting for milestone celebrations or coordinating a walking holiday—appreciate the seven distinct bathrooms eliminating morning logistics. Corporate retreats requiring both social bonding and workspace utilise the Wi-Fi infrastructure and open terraces effectively.

Families with children benefit from the heated pool (operational year-round with safety shutter), ground-floor bedroom options suitable for young children, pétanque activities requiring minimal coordination, and proximity to family-friendly villages and markets. Teenagers engage with cycling routes, hiking trails, and water activities without excessive infrastructure investment.

Practical Information

La Retraite Estivale accommodates 14 guests across 7 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms. Nearest airport is Marseille Provence Airport, approximately 80km south (90 minutes by car). Avignon airport, 35km away (40 minutes), offers an alternative. The nearest supermarket in Maussane les Alpilles village centre operates 5km away, with larger shopping centres in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (15km).

Included in rental: Wi-Fi throughout, heated pool operation and electric safety shutter, air-conditioning in all bedrooms, Sonos sound system, television, DVD player, record player, hairdryers, washing machine and dryer. Linen and towels are provided. Gas plancha fuel and pool heating operate throughout the year. Private parking accommodates multiple vehicles. Check-in and check-out times follow standard protocols; flexible arrangements may be negotiated for specific travel dates.

Frequently Asked Questions about La Retraite Estivale

How many guests does La Retraite Estivale sleep?

La Retraite Estivale accommodates 14 guests across 7 bedrooms distributed between the main villa and annexe building. The main villa contains three bedrooms (Bedrooms One, Two, and Three), while the annexe houses four additional bedrooms (Bedrooms Four through Seven). Bedroom configuration varies: some feature 90cm twin beds that can push together, Bedroom Four offers a 160cm double bed, and Bedroom Five combines a 140cm double with a single bed suitable for children. Every bedroom includes en suite bathroom facilities.

What is the nearest airport to La Retraite Estivale in Maussane les Alpilles?

Marseille Provence Airport represents the largest option, situated approximately 80km south of Maussane les Alpilles with roughly 90 minutes transfer time by car. Avignon airport, located 35km away (approximately 40 minutes by vehicle), offers a closer alternative with direct flights to major European cities. Both airports serve the region effectively depending on your origin point and preferred carrier.

What is the best time of year to rent La Retraite Estivale?

May through September represents peak season when temperatures consistently reach 25-30°C with minimal rainfall, the heated pool remains pleasant, and local markets reach maximum vitality. April and October offer shoulder-season advantages: comfortable weather (15-20°C), fewer tourists, and spring or autumn landscapes. July-August sees the highest temperatures and largest crowds throughout Provence. Winter months (November-February) bring occasional rain and temperatures dropping to 5-10°C, suitable only for those seeking solitude and lower pricing. The Wednesday market in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence operates year-round, while the Feria du Melon in Cavaillon peaks in mid-July.

Is La Retraite Estivale suitable for families with children?

Yes, multiple features support family holidays. The heated pool (16m x 6m, depth 1.6m) operates year-round with electric safety shutter, suitable for supervised swimming at any season. Ground-floor Bedroom One accommodates families wanting to keep young children close to parents. Bedroom Five’s single bed suits children aged 4-12 sharing with parents. Pétanque provides entertainment requiring minimal coordination. Nearby villages offer child-friendly markets, ice cream shops, and casual restaurants. The Sorgue river near Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (37km) features calm sections suitable for family kayaking. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence’s Wednesday market and town layout prove navigable for families with young children.

What is included in the rental price at La Retraite Estivale?

Included amenities encompass: Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the villa and grounds, heated pool operation and electric safety shutter functionality, air-conditioning in all bedrooms, Sonos sound system access indoors and at the pool area, television and DVD player, record player, hairdryers in every bathroom, washing machine and dryer, linen and towels, and pool heating throughout the year. The gas plancha and all kitchen appliances (two dishwashers, two ovens, American refrigerator with ice-maker, Nespresso and ground coffee machines, juicer, liquidiser, mixer) are included. Private parking accommodates multiple vehicles without restriction.

What restaurants and shops are near La Retraite Estivale?

Maussane les Alpilles village centre, 5km away, contains a range of dining options from casual bistros to higher-end restaurants, plus gourmet shops and three working olive oil mills offering tastings and sales. The Wednesday morning market in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (15km north) features fresh produce, regional products, and artisan goods. Sunday market in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (37km) combines antique shopping with food stalls and café culture. Supermarkets in Maussane village and larger shopping options in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (15km) handle everyday provisions. Specialized food shops in Avignon (35km) and Aix-en-Provence (65km) offer gourmet options, though local village supplies prove adequate for most needs.