B&B

Mas Saint Germain

ARLES

Villeneuve–Camargue
13200 Arles04 90 97 00 60
www.massaintgermain.fr
PRICE RANGE – VERY MODERATE

These white Camargue horses in a field opposite the house express more vividly than words the essence of Mas Saint Germain. Dating back to Roman times and in the same family for over 300 years, this old farm is the perfect place to experience traditional camarguais life without the tourist trappings that afflict some establishments dotted across the gloriously unspoilt, watery landscape that stretches between Arles and the coast.

Monique and Pierre Vadon have what they describe as a small ranch with about 200 bulls (some destined to star in the local courses camarguaises, some to be eaten); 40 horses (some to round up the bulls, some to ride for pleasure) and local Mérino d’Arles sheep as well as fields of organic rice and wheat. ‘The Vadon family has always followed an organic approach because it was traditional here – and suddenly we find ourselves in fashion!’ says Monique, explaining how important it is not to pollute the lake water of the serene Étang de Vaccarès which borders their land.

Two guest rooms are on offer in this cosy, ancient, fascinating house with saddles in the hall and bullfighting posters and cuttings on the walls – and there are also three gîtes. For a small supplement, guests can go out to watch the work of the farm in a 4×4 or, better still, on horseback.