Le Mas de Peint: An Authentic Escape in the Heart of the Camargue
In the heart of the wild lands of the Camargue, where rice fields meet marshes and horses gallop freely, Le Mas de Peint flourishes. This family estate, steeped in history and tradition, embodies a certain vision of luxury: one rooted in authenticity, heritage, and respect for all living things. For over 70 years, the Bon family has lovingly shaped this unique place, transforming a working farmhouse into a refined guesthouse that remains true to the spirit of the Camargue. Here, every stone, every gesture, every encounter tells a story: of a land, a way of life, and an unbreakable bond with the earth.
A Family Story Rooted in Camargue Soil
Located in the heart of the Camargue, just a stone's throw from Arles, Le Mas de Peint stretches across 550 hectares where wild nature, traditional livestock farming, and refined hospitality come together with elegance. A true haven of peace nestled in a landscape of rice fields, marshes, and meadows, the hotel offers a refuge far from the bustle of the city. This 17th-century farmhouse, draped in ivy and wisteria, welcomes guests in an authentic atmosphere, surrounded by free-roaming horses, Camargue bulls, and centuries-old traditions. A discreet five-star address, it cultivates a sincere and understated sense of luxury, carried by the passion of the Bon family.
The story of Le Mas de Peint begins in 1602, when it was built by Antoine Peint, a wealthy cloth merchant from Arles. Purchased in 1952 by Jacques Bon, the estate became a symbol of Camargue livestock farming. In 1980, Jacques founded his manade here, and in 1989, together with his wife Lucille, decided to turn the family farmhouse into a charming hotel. After five years of renovation, Le Mas de Peint opened its doors as a family home open to travelers. Today, their son Frédéric and his wife Clémence continue this legacy, blending livestock farming, sustainable agriculture, and high-end hospitality.
From Working Farm to Boutique Hotel
The style of Le Mas de Peint perfectly reflects the soul of the Camargue and the family spirit that drives its owners. Designed by Lucille Bon, a trained architect, the hotel was envisioned as a warm family home nestled within a vast, wild estate. Each space was carefully renovated: the old barns, stable, and farm buildings were transformed into a refined living space, where modern comfort blends with the authenticity of natural materials. To enhance the volumes, interior designer Estelle Réale-Garcin sourced antique furniture from the region, restored with expertise and care. Baroque armchairs reupholstered in raw linen, a library made from a gazebo, Burgundy stone floors: every detail tells a story—of a farmhouse transformed into a discreet hotel, where guests are received like family.
Rustic Elegance With Intimate Comfort
The rooms subtly blend Camargue authenticity with contemporary elegance. Every detail reflects a commitment to both aesthetics and comfort, starting with the carefully chosen colors: a soft Roussillon pink for north-facing rooms and a delicate almond green for those facing south. Pine wood, original moldings, and exposed beams add warmth and character, while the furnishings and bathrooms—sometimes perched on mezzanines—highlight Lucille Bon's architectural talent. Unique touches, like bathtubs crowned with linen canopies, enhance the space's intimate and distinctive atmosphere.
During our stay, we stayed in an Elegance Room, located under the eaves with magnificent exposed beams. Spacious and bright, it featured an exceptionally comfortable Maxi-King Size bed and a beautiful mezzanine bathroom accessible via a discreet little staircase. Every element, from the chosen fabrics to the decorative objects, reflected a rare attention to detail. The “B” emblem, representing the family manade, was discreetly present: embroidered on the bedding and printed on the towels.
A Dinner Deeply Rooted in the Terroir
At Le Mas de Peint, gastronomy is lived as an extension of the estate's soul: generous, sincere, and deeply rooted in the local terroir. For the past three years, Colombian chef Juan Ipuz has brought boldness and elegance to Camargue cuisine, drawing from the garden's harvests and the region's exceptional products. In the intimacy of the large open kitchen, dinners are shared around round tables in a warm and friendly atmosphere—or on the terrace in summer.
Our dinner began with an amuse-bouche inspired by the day's market, immediately revealing the chef's creativity. As a starter, a Nikkei-style tuna sashimi masterfully combined ocean freshness with global flavors, subtly evoking Peru and Japan. The main course, a herb-crusted poultry supreme, came with red rice grown on the estate and butter beans, all covered in a refined mushroom sauce. The selection of aged cheeses honored local craftsmanship. Finally, the sweet note came from a delicate, reinvented Pêche Melba—light, fruity, and a refined nod to a classic dessert.
The next morning, we returned to the restaurant for a delicious and warm breakfast in the beautiful open kitchen.
Authentic Activities to Experience the Camargue
At Le Mas de Peint, every activity opens a window onto the soul of the Camargue. Across the estate's 550 hectares, the landscapes shift between salt flats, rice fields, marshes, and pastures, offering an exceptional setting for a full immersion in this unique ecosystem. On horseback, we embarked on a true Camargue odyssey. Guided by an experienced local, our ride passed through stunning scenery where white horses roam alongside bulls, flamingos, and herons. For experienced riders, the adventure goes even further: helping herd the cattle with the guardians—local cowboys—and discovering ancestral skills passed down with passion. A rare experience, deeply connected to the region's living traditions.
For those who prefer motorized exploration, 4x4 excursions dive deep into the estate with a native guide who shares insights about the local wildlife, flora, the manade, and the daily life of the herders. Birdwatching enthusiasts can also enjoy dedicated outings led by a specialized guide to discover the hundreds of bird species that inhabit the marshes and reeds.
Visitors can also explore the manade itself and learn how Camargue bulls are raised for the course à la cocarde—a spectacular, non-lethal sport where humans face animals in a choreographed and respectful dance.
And to round out the experience, the estate also features a swimming pool nestled in nature—ideal for a refreshing break after a day of exploration. For private events, the estate's former sheepfold has been converted into a reception space, offering an authentic and unusual venue for weddings and seminars. Le Mas de Peint does more than just host guests: it invites them to fully live the Camargue, in all its richness and poetry.
My Opinion
Le Mas de Peint offered me a true immersion into the soul of the Camargue, at the heart of an estate where family history, wild nature, and a spirit of hospitality come together. I found discreet elegance, rare authenticity, and heartfelt generosity—in both the place and the people. Every moment here reconnected me to what truly matters, in a setting of striking beauty. I leave with a light heart, touched by the poetry of this land and the memory of a deeply human experience.
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Practical Information
Many thanks to Le Mas de Peint for the invitation to discover their property. Naturally, I remain free in the opinions expressed in this article!
