Le Mas des Figues is a charming guesthouse set in a farm area near the Alpilles Regional Natural Park. Even with a history stretching back around three centuries, the guesthouse was only opened as a public accommodation by its current owner, Philippe Michelot, in 1999. This eco-friendly retreat offers five types of rooms and suites, a heated saltwater pool, farm-to-table dining, and other amenities. Emphasizing responsible agritourism, it features permaculture gardens, olive groves, sculpture gardens, and locally-sourced food and ingredients. The property also offers easy access to other ecotourism attractions located nearby. Ideal for casual getaways, family stays, or even private events as per request, guests can enjoy one of Provence's unique, cozy, and authentic hospitality experiences.
The history of Le Mas des Figues stretches back more than 300 years, when the initial buildings were set up as a largely self-sustaining farm unit, where farmers could live and grow the crops they needed to eat or to sell elsewhere. Over the next centuries, the property largely remained undamaged and unchanged. It was only towards the end of the 20th century that the changes leading to the property's current form took place, when former business manager Philippe Michelot decided to move to the countryside and become a farmer.
Descended from a line of winegrowers and farmers, Philippe sought to learn and experience once again the sights and scents of the rural life he had once experienced during his childhood holidays. To that end, he acquired the property and personally began the work to restore and expand it both as a farm and as a green and agritourism accommodation. Among the new features he would add for this refurbishing project were a thousand olive trees, an orchard, a vegetable garden, pastures, vines, and a botanical garden with around 4,000 rosebushes. These provide the guesthouse with ample ingredients for its various dishes.
Le Mas des Figues features simple and unique architectural features that correspond with the usual mas (guesthouse) designs found all over the western Mediterranean. Among its features are stone walls, terracotta tiles, and wrought-iron furnishings. The building itself is designed with practicality and purpose in mind, with straightforward exterior surfaces made out of sturdy, unadorned stone bricks and tiles.
Its 5 rooms and suites, the Cozy Room, the Cocoon Room, the Glamour Room Terrace, the Tropezian Room, and the Charming Romantic Suite, are all decorated in vibrant Provençal colors, with four-poster beds, tiled floors, and similarly bright internal surfaces with simple decoration. Air conditioning and Internet services are just some of its modern conveniences that give guests familiar comforts. The property also boasts a heated saltwater pool, contemporary sculptures, and various gardens and farms that provide a relaxing countryside ambience.
Parking
Free parking
Parking on site
Parking garage
Accessible parking
Parking
Free parking
Parking on site
Parking garage
Accessible parking
Garden
Garden
Terrace
Outdoor pool
Sun terrace
Outdoor pool (seasonal)
Outdoor furniture
Garden
Picnic area
Terrace
Outdoor pool
Sun terrace
Outdoor pool (seasonal)
Outdoor furniture
Garden
Picnic area
Non-smoking rooms
Facilities for disabled guests
Family rooms
Safety deposit box
Soundproof rooms
Heating
Non-smoking throughout
Air conditioning
Non-smoking rooms
Facilities for disabled guests
Family rooms
Safety deposit box
Soundproof rooms
Heating
Non-smoking throughout
Air conditioning
Internet services
Internet services
Hiking
Cycling
Temporary art galleries
Walking tours
Bike tours
Cooking class
Hiking
Cycling
Temporary art galleries
Walking tours
Bike tours
Cooking class
WiFi
Free WiFi
Internet services
WiFi
Free WiFi
Internet services
Shared lounge/TV area
Shared lounge/TV area
Wheelchair accessible
Toilet with grab rails
Higher level toilet
Wheelchair accessible
Toilet with grab rails
Higher level toilet
Heated pool
Salt-water pool
Sun umbrellas
Fence around pool
Swimming Pool
Heated pool
Salt-water pool
Sun umbrellas
Fence around pool
Swimming Pool
Wine/champagne
Coffee house on site
Wine/champagne
Coffee house on site
Picnic area
Picnic area
Fire extinguishers
Fire extinguishers
First aid kit available
First aid kit available
Contactless check-in/check-out
Cashless payment available
Physical distancing rules followed
Contactless check-in/check-out
Cashless payment available
Physical distancing rules followed
Invoice provided
Invoice provided
The dining experience at Le Mas des Figues focuses on organic, farm-to-table cuisine personally prepared by Philippe or other staff. The Provençal brunch breakfast features estate-grown vegetables, fruits, homemade jams, olive oil, and savory dishes like ratatouille and tapenade, served on the terrace or poolside. Philippe’s homemade dishes highlight seasonal ingredients, with homegrown fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots, olives, eggplants, and many others.
For regular meals throughout the day, the property offers three and four-course meals. Wines offered include Mas de la Dame, and white, rosé, and red wines from the Alpilles Organic Gourmet Club.
Le Mas des Figues offers guests a first-hand experience of observing modern and traditional French farming. Besides savoring its home-cooked meals, the property offers guests a more formal English or French tour where they are able to learn at each stage of the process, starting with coffee and a guided tour of the gardens, followed by a cooking class.
For those eager for outdoor experiences, the property also offers special bike tours that take guests in and around the Alpilles area. Destinations include the Provençal village of Eygalières and Les Baux-de-Provence, Peirou Lake, the Barbegal Aqueduct, Montmajour Abbey, King René's Castle in Tarascon, and more. Alternatively, guests can go on the Gravel Bike Tour. Guests can inquire directly with management about the Week in Provence tours, which feature more areas and have a far wider range of destinations and activities.
A historical monument since 1862, this museum is dedicated to showcasing local culture and history, featuring selections of antique tools and items, various local costumes, and the life and work of various notable local people. (11-minute drive)
This former 18th-century mansion was also once the headquarters for the judiciary of Monaco, and now, it is a museum dedicated to the art and life of renowned painter Vincent van Gogh, while also featuring art of those inspired by him. (11-minute drive)
The site of the ruins of a former city that can trace its heritage to Romans, Celts, and Ligurians, it features the well-preserved remains of various Roman-era buildings and structures that date as far back as the 2nd century BC. (8-minute drive)
The nearest airport is Aéroport Avignon Provence, which is a 30-minute drive away.
The nearest railway station is Tarascon-sur-Rhône, which is an 18-minute drive away.