L'Etoile des Baux

18th-Century Provençal Farmhouse: A Designer Darling

Built into Provence’s characteristic blonde cliffs and tucked into the green embrace of stately cypress and fragrant vines, this graciously updated classic farmhouse in Provence gets top marks from Architectural Digest, The New York Times and Milk magazine for its manicured setting and abundant amenities.

The first private property in the exclusive Iconic Homes portfolio created by brothers Thibauld Elzière and Robin Michel, this classic southern French mas takes the lyrical Provençal vacation to the next level. With art-filled interiors revamped by interior designer Josephine Fossey, the part-subterranean, blonde stone estate showcases hundreds of artworks, from signed ceramics to contemporary photography.

This extraordinary villa for rent in France is built right into the native rock, featuring elegant, one-of-kind suites with organic stone outcroppings and intimate, troglodyte bathrooms. Five-star services also set the residence apart, including VIP airport transfers, daily housekeeping and breakfast, a dedicated house manager and luxury appointments such as an in-house gym, pool, stocked wine cellar and bar, high-tech workspace, golf cart or electric utility vehicle, plus an outdoor amphitheater or open-air cinema overlooking the town’s citadel. Those seeking bespoke retreats can opt for cycling tours, yoga workshops, golf tours, private chef services, spa treatments, hiking, cultural visits to unique sites such as the Camargue, or even blacksmithing.

AROUND

This villa for rent in France is located in Les Baux-de-Provence. Designated one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages, the small town occupies a rocky plateau and is home to a fortified chateau plus more than 20 classified monuments including its church, town hall, hospital and ancient residences. This is classic Provence, land that inspired Vincent Van Gogh and film director Claude Berri. Exploring markets is a must, with open-air sales offering an astonishing abundance of fruit, vegetables and flowers. Head to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the small aristocratic city of Aix-en-Provence, or for antiques and curiosities, the riverside village of l’Isle sur la Sorgue. Known for their mineral-y rosé wines, the wineries around Les Baux de Provence and Aix offer tasting rooms and tours. Art lovers should head to nearby Arles to see the Rencontres d’Arles photography show, or to the ancient stone quarries outside Les Baux-de-Provence, where works by artists such as Dalí, Cézanne and Kandinsky illuminate the walls in a digital exhibition.

LOCATION

Les Baux-de-Provence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France. Nearest airport: Marseilles

BEST TIME TO VISIT: April to October