I was born in the Camargue, in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, just a few kilometres from this house. After 20 years in Paris, I felt the desire for a calmer pace of life and this brought me back to my native region, where my family still lives. Taking over this property was a return to my roots and a unique opportunity: by transforming it into a guesthouse, I wanted to preserve an authentic Camargue spirit whilst offering a modern and refined experience, far from the hustle and bustle of Paris.
The farmhouse is a subtle interplay of heritage and openness. The sleeping quarters are in the original layout, whilst the living spaces open out wide through large patio doors, letting in light and views of the landscape. Stone, wood, iron and contemporary technologies complement one another perfectly. Each room extends the exterior: marshes, pine trees, reeds and horses form a living horizon. Life here unfolds both indoors and out, in tune with the seasons. The place, both grounded and soothing, invites both sharing and retreat. Crafted by artisans and enhanced by discreet technical choices, the farmhouse blends tradition and modernity. The architecture complements life, without ever imposing itself. At the heart of the nature reserve, the house interacts with the ever-present wildlife.
The farmhouse, set within two hectares of land and built in the 1970s, bore the marks of time when we acquired it in 2015. Altered by successive additions, it called for a careful restoration. The layout was streamlined and the extensions removed, in order to restore a more coherent space, more faithful to its foundations. The restoration, carried out in collaboration with an architect, had a clear aim: to extend the place’s history without altering its soul. Over five years, the farmhouse was thoughtfully redesigned, reconciling heritage with contemporary uses. Opened to guests upon completion of the work in 2020, it now forms part of a living legacy. The name “Couvin”, is derived from the Provençal dialect and it is reference to the nearby marsh where birds nest, in a preserved landscape of water and land.
Set amidst two hectares of marshland, the Mas du Couvin is revealed along a discreet path, winding its way through reeds and Camargue vegetation. With each season, the landscape is transformed: the soft greens of spring, the deep ochres of winter, beneath the silent flight of flamingos. A raised swimming pool, seemingly levitating above damp ground, extends the view towards the horizon. Further on, a wooden cabin, on the edge of the ponds, welcomes the slow passage of time, between sunsets and conversations. Two terraces offer their own atmospheres: one geared towards relaxation, the other towards shared meals. Designed to be enjoyed as a whole house, the property welcomes families and friends with elegant simplicity, accompanied by the discreet attentiveness of their host.
“La Cabane de Za”, nestled on the banks of the Rhône, invites you to pause time, amidst shifting light and the feeling of being at the end of the world. Further afield, “La Chassagnette”, a Michelin-starred restaurant, celebrates vibrant cuisine, sourced from a biodynamically cultivated vegetable garden, in constant dialogue with the Vaccarès marshes. “Le Domaine de Valériole” reveals another facet of the region, nestled between vineyards and rice fields, where tastings and estate produce extend the experience. In Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, “La Playa” offers a seaside interlude, right by the shore. Finally, “Chez Hélène”, on the edge of the Vaccarès, serves up the catch of the day in a setting as simple as it is unforgettable.
The property can accommodate seminars for up to 14 people. Guests have the entire property at their disposal, including the five bedrooms and living areas; the large lounge can be used as a meeting room. A caterer can provide meals on request. Outside, the grounds, swimming pool and ponds offer opportunities for relaxation between sessions.
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