L’Olive Verte | 6-Bedroom Villa in Mouries Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

Fourteen guests arrive at L’Olive Verte in Mouries and immediately understand why this restored 18th-century bastide commands such devotion. The village itself—five minutes on foot from the main square—sits deep within Les Alpilles, surrounded by olive groves that have fed France’s most celebrated oil producers for centuries. This is not a villa that tries to impress; it impresses by simply being authentic.

L’Olive Verte sleeps 12 guests across 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, spread between the main residence and an adjoining summer house. The property originated as a traditional Provençal mas—a working farmstead—and the architects who restored it understood the assignment: preserve the soul of the building while introducing the comforts that modern guests expect.

Inside L’Olive Verte

The main house spans 350 square metres across two floors. On the ground level, an entrance opens into a generously proportioned lounge dominated by a working fireplace and television. Adjacent sits a smaller lounge that holds the villa’s soul: a vintage piano positioned beneath high windows, paired with its own fireplace. This is where guests naturally congregate on cool evenings, though many find themselves drawn here regardless of weather, simply to play.

The farmhouse-style kitchen occupies a commanding position on the ground floor, its original fireplace still intact, its scale designed for feeding the extended family gatherings that Provence demands. A dining table accommodates 12 guests. This kitchen is not merely functional—it is the kind of space where reluctant cooks volunteer for dinner duty and enthusiastic ones request cooking classes with local chefs, who can be arranged through the villa’s concierge service.

On the ground floor stand two bedrooms. The first features a king-size bed (180x200cm) with an ensuite bathroom offering a shower, double sink, and separate toilet. The second bedroom—accessed via external doors—contains twin beds (90x200cm each) with its own ensuite shower room and toilet, making it ideal for children or staff accompanying the party.

The first floor houses three additional bedrooms, each appointed as a principal suite. Bedroom 2 features a king-size bed (180x200cm), shower ensuite, double sink, and toilet. Bedroom 3 mirrors this layout but adds a vintage-style freestanding bath alongside the shower, double sink, and toilet—a luxurious touch for guests seeking long soaks overlooking the grounds. Bedroom 4 continues the theme with a king-size bed (180x200cm) and ensuite comprising shower, double sink, and toilet.

The summer house—a separate 150-square-metre pavilion—functions as both recreation space and bedroom. Its ground floor contains a summer kitchen with dining capacity and French doors that dissolve the boundary between interior and poolside terrace. A billiards table anchors the recreational space. The first floor master bedroom (60 square metres) commands views across the heated salt-water pool below. This suite contains a king-size bed, dressing area, Juliet balcony windows, and an ensuite with open Italian shower, double sink, and toilet. Several of the bathrooms throughout L’Olive Verte feature open-plan designs, merging bedroom and bathroom space in a way that maximizes light and spatial flow.

Throughout both structures, original details persist: exposed stone walls, restored terracotta floor tiles, timber beams dated to the 18th century, and antique furnishings. The property has been outfitted with contemporary conveniences—Sonos audio systems, air conditioning throughout, fitness room with sauna, and high-speed internet—yet these additions remain visually recessive, supporting rather than announcing themselves.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The gardens surrounding L’Olive Verte function as an extension of the villa itself. At the property’s heart sits a heated salt-water swimming pool measuring 10 metres by 6 metres, typically heated from May through September, with heating available on request during April and October for an additional fee.

Ancient plane trees shade portions of the grounds, their thick trunks and broad canopies providing the exact kind of dappled light that transforms breakfast into a meditative ritual. Morning tables are positioned beneath these trees. An alfresco dining area near the summer house receives southwestern exposure, catching the warm hours of the afternoon. A charcoal barbecue and firepit anchor evening entertainment. Pétanque (boules) is available for those inclined toward lawn games—and the level grounds lend themselves perfectly to competitive rounds before sunset.

The poolside terrace features sun loungers positioned among Mediterranean plantings: cypress trees frame the space, a substantial palm tree offers shelter, and summer jasmine and roses release their scent during warm months. The summer kitchen with its large dining table opens directly onto this terrace, creating a natural flow for long Mediterranean lunches that extend into early evening.

Additional amenities include a double garage with electric vehicle charging station and a dedicated fitness room housing equipment plus sauna and shower facilities, allowing guests to maintain wellness routines independently of the main villa.

Location: Mouries and the Surrounding Area

Mouries itself is the foundation of L’Olive Verte’s appeal. This traditional Provençal village, population 1,600, sits within the Les Alpilles protected landscape—a range of limestone hills rising dramatically from the surrounding plains. The village is famous across France for its olive oil production, with several mills still operating and open to visitors during harvest season.

The village centre clusters around Cours Paul Revoli, a tree-lined square where plane trees provide shelter for café tables. A five-minute walk from L’Olive Verte, this is where morning coffee happens, where locals linger before lunch, and where the Wednesday market erupts with colour and produce each week. The boulangerie, pharmacy, multiple cafés and restaurants, and Spar supermarché all sit within easy walking distance. September brings La Fête des Olives Vertes—the Green Olive Festival—which marks the start of the early harvest season with parades, celebrations, and village festivities throughout the month.

Within 10 minutes by car lies Maussane-les-Alpilles (7km), a village renowned for its restaurants and Thursday morning market featuring local products. The village sits on the route between Mouries and other attractions, making it a natural stop for lunch or provisioning. Just 9km away in Paradou, Le Bistrot du Paradou has earned recognition as a gastronomic destination, perfect for celebratory dinners.

Les Baux-de-Provence (11km) ranks among France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’—classified most beautiful villages. Its castle perches on a clifftop with views extending across the Baux valley toward distant mountains. The medieval town itself deserves several hours of exploration. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (16km) draws art enthusiasts following Van Gogh’s footsteps; the artist spent a year in this town and left a profound imprint on its identity. The Eygalières area (12km) has become home to numerous A-list celebrities seeking refuge from the French Riviera, supported by restaurants of genuine merit.

For larger day expeditions, Arles (26km)—a UNESCO World Heritage city famous for its Roman amphitheatre and Van Gogh connections—functions as a gateway to the Camargue, a vast wetland region where wild horses and flamingos roam salt marshes. Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer (61km, approximately one hour) sits on the Mediterranean coast within the Camargue, offering beach access and unique coastal heritage. Avignon (36km) contains the Papal Palace and remains a cultural epicentre of Provence. For those extending to larger cities, Aix-en-Provence (60km) presents Renaissance architecture, markets, and sophistication. Explore our Provence-Alpes travel guide for detailed itinerary suggestions across this region.

The nearest airport is Marseille-Provence Airport (approximately 60km, roughly 75 minutes by car), which offers international connectivity and ground transportation. Smaller airports at Avignon (50km, 60 minutes) and Nîmes (65km, 80 minutes) provide alternatives with shorter drive times.

Seasonally, April through May offers perfect temperatures, spring blooms, and fewer tourists. June marks the transition to peak summer. July and August bring heat and crowds but exceptional weather for pool use. September and October provide harvest season atmosphere with moderate temperatures—September specifically features the olive festival. Winter months are mild by northern standards, with occasional rainfall but plenty of sunny days ideal for exploring villages and countryside without summer’s intensity.

For broader regional exploration, browse our luxury villas in Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur, or discover our villas in Cassis for coastal alternatives. Our full collection in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence offers additional countryside options.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Multi-generational families find L’Olive Verte ideal. The property’s 12-guest capacity and mix of bedroom configurations—king suites for couples, twin rooms for children, independent summer house for privacy—accommodates grandparents, parents, children, and occasionally additional family members without forcing shared spaces. The heated pool suits families with younger children, and babysitting services can be arranged.

Groups of friends celebrating milestone birthdays or anniversaries appreciate the generous entertaining spaces: the billiards room, the music lounge with piano, the multiple lounge areas allowing conversations or solitude as needed. The villa’s location in an actual village—not an isolated property—appeals to groups seeking authentic local culture rather than resort insularity.

Couples seeking extended Provençal stays find the scale appropriate: sufficient space that proximity feels like choice rather than necessity, yet intimate enough that the property retains character. The master bedroom’s pool views and Italian shower create genuine luxury rather than performative grandeur.

Guests with professional interests in food, wine, or culinary traditions benefit from the villa’s location in olive oil country and the availability of private chefs and cooking classes. The proximity to gastronomic destinations and farmers’ markets transforms the kitchen from amenity into the reason for the visit.

Practical Information

L’Olive Verte accommodates a maximum of 12 guests across 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. Daily housekeeping and a continental breakfast are included in the rental rate. Additional services available through the property concierge include chef or cook services (using local produce for Provençal menus), spa treatments and massage, fitness coaching, babysitting, cooking classes with local instructors, private airport transfers, and pre-stocked refrigerators.

The property includes heating for the salt-water pool (May through September as standard; April and October available for a supplement), utilities, Wi-Fi, linen, towels, and full access to all recreational facilities including the sauna, fitness equipment, billiards table, and pétanque grounds.

Check-in and check-out times are flexible, subject to availability and advance arrangement. The nearest supermarket (Spar) is within walking distance. The property has not been positioned as a family resort; rather, it functions as a sophisticated base for guests with intellectual curiosity about regional culture, village life, and the particular terroir of Les Alpilles.

Frequently Asked Questions about L’Olive Verte

How many guests does L’Olive Verte sleep?

L’Olive Verte sleeps 12 guests maximum across 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. The main house contains four bedrooms (two on the ground floor and two on the first floor), while the summer house’s first floor master suite accommodates the remaining sleeping space. All beds are a combination of king-size (180x200cm) and twin configurations (90x200cm each).

What is the nearest airport to L’Olive Verte in Mouries?

Marseille-Provence Airport (Code: MRS) is the primary international gateway, located approximately 60 kilometres from L’Olive Verte, with a drive time of roughly 75 minutes depending on traffic patterns. Avignon Airport (approximately 50km, 60 minutes) and Nîmes Airport (approximately 65km, 80 minutes) offer additional options with shorter drive times, though fewer international flights. Private airport transfers can be arranged through the villa’s concierge service.

What is the best time of year to rent L’Olive Verte?

April through May provides spring conditions with comfortable temperatures (18-24°C), blooming gardens, and substantially fewer tourists than summer months. June begins the transition to warmth. July and August offer the most reliable weather for pool use but bring peak tourist crowds and heat (reaching 28-32°C). September combines harvest season atmosphere, manageable temperatures, and the Green Olive Festival. October offers autumn conditions with continued warmth and dramatically lower tourist numbers. November through March experiences occasional rainfall and cooler days, though sunny periods are common. The pool is heated May through September, with supplemental heating available in April and October.

Is L’Olive Verte suitable for families with children?

Yes, L’Olive Verte accommodates families effectively. The heated salt-water pool provides safe swimming for children during the May-September season. Twin bedrooms on the ground floor allow parents to maintain proximity to younger children. Babysitting services are available through the concierge. The village of Mouries itself poses minimal traffic hazards, and the property’s grounds are secure. The variety of entertainment options—billiards, piano, pétanque—occupies children and adolescents during downtime. Nearby family-friendly activities include the Camargue’s wildlife viewing and family beaches at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer approximately one hour away.

What is included in the rental price at L’Olive Verte?

The rental rate includes daily housekeeping and cleaning, continental breakfast served each morning, all utilities (water, electricity, gas, heating), Wi-Fi internet access, standard linen and towels, pool heating (May-September), use of all recreational facilities (sauna, fitness room, billiards, pétanque equipment), and access to outdoor areas including gardens and terraces. Additional services such as private chefs, spa treatments, cooking classes, babysitting, airport transfers, and pre-stocked groceries are available for supplemental fees arranged through the concierge.

What restaurants and shops are near L’Olive Verte?

Mouries village centre contains multiple restaurants, cafés, a boulangerie, pharmacy, and Spar supermarché all within a 5-10 minute walk. The Wednesday morning market at Cours Paul Revoli stocks fresh produce, local cheeses, and Provençal specialities. Maussane-les-Alpilles (7km, 10 minutes by car) offers additional restaurants and a Thursday morning market. Le Bistrot du Paradou in Paradou (9km, 12 minutes by car) has earned recognition as a gastronomic destination. For fine dining, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (16km) and Eygalières (12km) contain restaurants of genuine merit. Arles (26km) offers urban dining variety alongside its cultural attractions.