Mas des Figues

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.

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.