Driving through the suburbs of pretty Tarascon, you’d be forgiven for wondering where the ancient farmhouse-come-B&B was hidden. And this is the magic of Mas Armelin, it is truly a hidden gem, tucked behind creaking iron gates, boasting a serene and intimate vibe, and an inviting pool glimmering in huge shady gardens. The ancient mas which dates back to the mid-1700s is now a lovingly restored, super-chic guesthouse with just four guest rooms and a ton of Provençal character. We’re talking rustic powder-blue shutters, dreamy rosemary-scented gardens and some seriously swoon-worthy decor that reflects the surrounding region (flamingo-print wallpaper, we’re looking at you). Plus there's a two-bedroom apartment with kitchenette – perfect for families with younger kids.
The guesthouse is run by the friendly French owners Doriane and Cédrick, who moved here in 2024 - their first foray into hospitality, and they are determined to make it work (Doriane was mid-English-lesson when we called by). They can happily advise on the best restaurants, walks, bike rides, stables, golf courses and wineries in the area. You're in the epicentre of Arles, Nimes, Avignon and Saint Remy de Provence; all lie within half an hour's drive. It's like staying with cultured Francophile friends, laced with an extra dose of chic and charm.
Highs
- We loved the sprawling shady, lawned gardens dotted with flowers and sculptures (especially the hidden yoga corner), it feels like a true oasis
- There are two stylish guest salons and plenty of outdoor terraces too – so no shortage of space to relax
- Excellent value for money, even during peak months
- A handy location for Arles, Avignon, Nimes, Camargue & the Alpilles
- Great for foodies; breakfast is a delicious mix of pastries and local products, plus there are lots of good restaurants nearby helmed by acclaimed chefs
Lows
- Tarascon, on whose fringes the mas sits, is not a classic tourist base, but an authentic, Rhone-side town with castle and markets (the entrance to the mas is along a quiet residential street)
- The pool isn’t heated, so can be chilly in shoulder season
- You’ll need a car to get around but there’s plenty of free parking; local cabs can be expensive
- No bathtubs, just (newly installed) showers, and the pool-side Double rooms feel a little dark
- Only one bedroom – in the Apartment – can be set up as a twin. Note that the Apartment is only available in high season, it becomes two separate rooms for the rest of the year
Best time to go
April to May is our favourite time to visit the region, when the flowers start to bloom, the restaurants and cafes reopen and the crowds are yet to arrive. Autumn is stunning and still pleasingly mild. Summers are hot and busy – not a problem if you decide to spend days here by the pool.
Our top tips
Tarascon castle - the seat of the last Provençale king – is well worth a visit. Kids will enjoy the crypt of the legendary Sainte Marthe, who tamed a fearsome dragon to save the town's residents – an event colourfully commemorated in the annual Fete de la Tarasque: this 4-day festival over the last weekend in June sees costumed parades, bull races, concerts and bodegas.
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 5 independent reviews from i-escape guests
The location was lovely, very clean, peaceful and scenic with helpful hosts who gave suggestions for locations to visit and to eat. Hugo (the pet dog) was entertaining! The only slight disappointment was the advertised bar was not available later in the evening. We were expecting a number of restaurant options in Tarascon as we didn’t want to drive in the evenings but there was only one good restaurant there which served lovely French cuisine. There are many local villages and towns to visit and the Camargue is definitely worth seeing. The booking process was simple to use as always, and we will definitely use i-escape again.
We had an excellent stay at Mas Armelin. 10/10 for Rooms, Service and Value. Only thing it would lose points on is its location. Don't get me wrong, it gets full marks for its vicinity to all the great sights, villages, towns etc of Provence – they are all only a short drive away. But the local town of Tarascon lacks good local bars or restaurants, so we had to drive. But that was the only small negative. We had an excellent time overall.
We enjoyed our stay at Mas Armelin. It was ideally placed for our trips to Arles, Nimes, St Remy en Provence and the Camargue. On the downside it was on the outskirts of Tarascon and Ulrich did not recommend that we walked into town to eat. He did however give us two excellent recommendations for places to eat in the evening in local villages but of course we had to then use the car. The property is lovely with interesting history but set behind big steel gates which are quite off-putting. We had the Flamingo Room just off the pool which was dark and a bit damp. However we did not spend any time there during the day so it was not so important. The breakfasts were very good, served in the dining room in the main building and Ulrich and Cordula were genial hosts. Cordula gave us good tips on local markets.
We had a lovely stay at Mas Armelin. Lovely setting, rooms and facilities, beautiful breakfast and very welcoming hospitality. Well positioned to explore a very interesting area of France.
We had an excellent stay. Impeccable rooms and service, delicious breakfast and a warm welcome.
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape