Mas d'Artigny ★★★★

This village is located in a stunning region nestled between the Col de Vence and the Mediterranean.Saint-Paul-de-Vence is the perfect setting for calm and tranquil holidays in the sunshine in the south of France. Of course, we’re not the only ones to enjoy this part of the world! Before us, many of the most important painters of the 19th and 20th centuries came here themselves. Among them were Degas, Sisley, Pissarro, Matisse and Renoir. The beauty of the French region of Provence is so great that it has inspired the best artists in modern history, who made it their favourite holiday destination too.

This is how Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a charming village on the Côte d’Azur, carved out its reputation and its place in history. The famous Colombe d’Or, a restaurant and guesthouse that was frequented by the masters of the last two centuries, also has something to do with it. On the restaurant walls you can spot a Picasso, nearby there is a Giacometti sculpture, and in the garden there are pieces by Clader, Braque and Chagall.

But the Mas d’Artigny is not to be beaten. Here too, art plays a central and fundamental role in the establishment’s identity. Thanks to the hotel’s partnership with the Art Coeur gallery, you will have the pleasure of discovering the most promising present-day artistic talents right inside your hotel. It is an original concept that has impressed a great number of guests (including us!). There are also pieces of art on display outside. I can confirm that taking a stroll around the hotel’s sculpture garden is a unique and enjoyable experience.

When you have finished exploring your hotel, you can go and lose yourself in the picturesque little streets of the village. There is nothing like it for soaking up its unique boho chic atmosphere! The village is home to about fifty or so art galleries, and in the course of your meanderings it is not unusual to come across truly exceptional pieces and work by accomplished artists. As you can see, art lovers have a lot to busy themselves with around here. But there is also a wealth of things to see and do for their companions, not least of which has to be simply surrendering to the idyllic local way of life. Here, you can enjoy the typical paved streets and the sound of children playing around the fountains in squares lined with shaded terraces – heavenly!

All in all, the Mas d’Artigny is the ideal place to work hard at doing nothing, as well as relaxing by the swimming pool and savouring locally-grown fresh fruit while looking out over the sea. Breakfast here is an exquisite experience, as you start the day admiring stunning views of the shimmering Mediterranean. Of course, a trip to the spa is obligatory (and wonderful!), and it’s also good to know that the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool is heated throughout the year. This hotel is a sanctuary for peaceful holidays, with lazy mornings, afternoons wandering in the village streets and evenings spent looking at the stars by the swimming pool all on your to-do list. It is the stuff of daydreams.