MERCI PAPA MERCI MAMAN
This is the third feature of a series of Provençal boutique hotels carefully selected by Italian interior designer Martina, from @evasiondecharme.
To read more about Provençe and discover more charming stays and experiences, click the button below
The provençal villages are animated by traditional weekly markets, there are long roads that run along the coasts and cliffs, towards golden and sunny beaches and among fragrant lavender fields. You will love the constant scent of freshly baked butter baguettes, the sunsets that will take your breath away and the colours of the houses that blend in with the surrounding nature. Just thinking about it makes me want to pack and go back again.
Room: La petite Suite verte
Accommodation & Rooms facilities:
- Pool: Yes
- Private Parking: No
- Breakfast: Not Included
- Dine-in: No
- Wi-fi: Yes
- Air conditioning: Yes
This B&B located in the middle of the “Alpilles Regional Natural Park” has four rooms with private bathrooms, one of which, La petite Suite Verte, very recently renovated. The atmosphere is very warm and friendly, the owners were kind in the welcome and during the stay, they gave us many tips on what to visit and on the restaurants not to be missed.
The common spaces and the pool are quite small, but still well organized. I really liked the room: the new bed is extremely comfortable, there is a work station with a computer to use, large spaces to store clothes and a very cozy living room where you can read a book in the evening.
Breakfast is not included, and since there are many very nice bars within walking distance of the Maison we decided not to take advantage of the service. Unlike previous accommodations, this B&B works a lot with commercial sites (such as Booking) and I usually specifically choose to avoid places found online because I have repeatedly noticed that the care provided by the owners is lesser than those who do not rent their property online. However, I have to say that we had a very good time. The villages in the surrounding are really lovely and are worth to visit.
WHAT TO DO
Visit Maussanne-les-Alpilles.
You can move on foot and the main square is just five minutes from the accommodation. A very charming atmosphere, many small bars, restaurants, street stalls and cheerful people. The Sunday morning breakfast at the “Cafe du Center” was very good and I must say that I found a wide choice of restaurants, all very good. It really exceeded my expectations!
Recommended restaurant in the area: Chez Nico, Maussanne.
It is located a few steps from Merci Papa Merci Maman and it’s a typical French restaurant run by very young guys. Here you can taste many varieties of traditional crêpes, quiches and many other dishes of the French cuisine. I was very pleased to enjoy local cheeses and jams tasting!
Visit Les Baux-de-Provence.
This location is one of the most visited in all of France, it is a beautiful fortified village perched on a limestone spur. It has spectacular views and when the sky is clear you can also see the sea. You walk in the cobbled alleys between restaurants, small pottery shops, local shops and it seems to go back to the tranquillity of ancient times. You can visit Chateau des Baux, the 10th-century ruins that dominate the surrounding landscape, admiring a breathtaking view. It is located just 15 minutes by car from our accommodation. Definitely one of the best place I have been to!
Visit Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
The town of Saint-Rémy has always kept its roots even if today it is a very popular spot for tourism; walking at sunset among the honey-coloured houses, in the central square surrounded by cafes, or in the quiet of the old town was truly fascinating.
Tips:
- Eat a delicious crepe at “La Celitie Creperie Traditionelle”.
- Visit the Monastère Saint-Paul de Mausole, which was the psychiatric hospital where the famous painter Vincent van Gogh was voluntarily hospitalized.
Recommended restaurant in the area: La Cantina, Saint-Remy.
We found this Italian restaurant famous for its pizzas by chance and immediately the desire was for "Pizza Night"! Here you can eat many types of pizzas, some with Italian recipes and others more “Frenchized”; Great place, qualified staff and quick service. Great price.
Visit Arles.
Located at the gateway to the Camargue, Arles is about a 25 minutes drive from Maussann-Les-Alpilles. Here as well, walking through the streets, you can observe the French architectural and historical charm. Among the various monuments and museums, you’ll also find several historical Roman ruins protected by UNESCO, which became a subject of Van Gogh's paintings during his stay in the city.
Don't Miss:
Spend a day in the Camargue’s salt flats enjoying a horse-ride on the beach.
