Photos courtesy of Le Mas de Chabran
Welcome to our new series: Destination France!
Each month we will share an in-depth feature on one of our favorite hotels or guesthouses from around France to help you feel right at home the minute you arrive.
There are places that promise an escape, and then there are places that deliver one so fully, so soulfully, that time seems to stand still. Le Mas de Chabran is such a place. Set against the timeless hills of the Alpilles in the sun-drenched south of France, this historic Provençal estate offers a retreat from the busy world and a gentle invitation into another, quieter realm.
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As you approach along a country lane lined with olive trees and soft golden light, the first glimpse of Le Mas feels like a doorway to paradise. The grand limestone façade peeks through the greenery, bathed in the warm glow of the Provençal sun. The air is rich with the floral scents of the south. Leaves on ancient trees rustle overhead, and the delicate murmur of a stone fountain completes the scene. Here, life is slower, softer, measured not by clocks but by shadows moving gently across sunlit walls, and moments shared at long tables beneath the vines.
Le Mas de Chabran weaves itself into the natural beauty, culture, and pace of Provence. Surrounded by lush gardens, historic villages, and olive groves as old as the house itself, the estate invites guests to settle in, breathe deeply, and become part of its story. It’s not an escape from reality, but a return to a more grounded, gracious way of living rooted in authenticity, tranquility, and connection.
A Storied Past – From Olive Mill to Noble Estate
The story of Le Mas de Chabran begins in 1738, when it was first built as an oil mill surrounded by a sea of olive trees. Two magnificent stone presses (one of which is still intact beneath the vaulted living room) served as the heart of the estate, producing the liquid gold that Provence is so beloved for.
Later, the property was transformed by noble notary Pierre Chabran into an elegant family home. He redesigned the surrounding gardens in the formal jardin à la française style and expanded the building with a château-like wing that gave the estate its current structure. His vision of balance and grandeur continues to define the home to this day.
A Passionate Restoration
In 2017, Le Mas de Chabran entered a new chapter when it was acquired by Liliana and Alain Meylan – a creative duo of interior designer and architect. Enchanted by the house’s noble bones and storied history, they embarked on an ambitious two-year restoration. Their goal was to preserve the character of the building while elevating it to the highest standards of comfort, privacy, and beauty.
Today, their passion can be felt in every detail from the natural clay finishes and exposed stone to the curated artworks that rotate with the seasons. The house evolves with its guests, always alive, always surprising.
The Art of Living in Provence
Le Mas de Chabran is deeply rooted in its environment. The beautiful gardens blur the lines between indoors and out. Guests are constantly immersed in nature’s beauty from the leisurely morning breakfast to the afternoon apéro beneath a pergola.
Each space inside the home is bathed in light and thoughtfully designed to feel both elegant and unpretentious. Artifacts and antiques collected from across the region lend authenticity and soul to the décor. Luxurious comforts from the bedroom’s plush linens to the ground’s well-being areas are seamlessly integrated.
At Le Mas de Chabran, luxury is not ostentatious but rather about intention. Sourcing ingredients from local farms, supporting artisans, and choosing sustainable materials are part of the hotel’s identity.
Personalized & Immersive Experiences
Le Mas de Chabran offers bespoke experiences crafted with care including tranquil excursions, cultural immersions, and family adventures. The concierge team can arrange everything from visits to Provençal flea markets and wine tastings to bicycle tours and horseback riding. Children are welcomed with warmth, and special activities ensure the whole family feels at home.
It’s also tempting – and completely reasonable – not to leave the grounds. The heated pool with large, shaded terraces and spa with a sauna offers a peaceful environment for those seeking relaxation. Meanwhile, those looking for more physical activity can take advantage of the outdoor tennis court and fitness areas.
Plan Your Stay
In the summer, Provence is at its most luminous. Lavender fields stretch in vibrant bloom, cicadas hum in the heat, and village markets overflow with summer bounty. However, Le Mas de Chabron is open year-round, offering a warm, candlelit atmosphere even in the off-season. The personalized concierge can help you with everything you need – and suggest some things you may not have known you needed.
For more information or to book your stay, visit www.masdechabran.com